OAR 918-470-0040
Identifying Unsafe Buildings and Structures

Any building damaged by earthquake suffering from any or all of the following conditions or defects shall be determined to be unsafe as defined in ORS 455.010 (Definitions for ORS chapter 455), if life, health, property or safety of the public or its occupants are endangered:

(1)

The stress in any materials, member or portion thereof, due to all dead and live loads, is more than one- and one-half times the working stress or stresses allowed in Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) or One and Two Family Dwelling Specialty Code (Dwelling Code) for new buildings of similar structure, purpose or location.

(2)

Any portion of the building has been damaged to the extent the building’s structural strength or stability is materially less than it was before the earthquake and is less than the minimum requirements of the OSSC or Dwelling Code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose or location.

(3)

Any portion, member or appurtenance of the building is likely to fail, or become detached or dislodged, or collapse and injure persons or damage property.

(4)

Any portion, member, appurtenance of the building or ornamentation on the exterior of the building is damaged to the point that it lacks sufficient strength or stability to resist a wind pressure of one-half of that specified for new buildings of similar structure, purpose or location without exceeding the working stresses permitted in the OSSC or Dwelling Code for such buildings.

(5)

Any portion of the building has racked, warped, buckled or settled so walls or other structural portions have materially less resistance to winds or continued earth movement than is required in the case of similar new construction.

(6)

The building or structure, or any portion of the building is determined by an inspector employed or authorized by the division to be unsafe for the purpose for which it is being used.

(7)

The exterior walls or other vertical structural members list, lean or buckle to the extent a plumb line passing through the center of gravity does not fall inside the middle one-third of the base.

(8)

The building or structure, exclusive of the foundation, shows 33 percent or more damage to its supporting member or members, or 50 percent damage to the non-supporting members, outside walls or coverings.

(9)

The building or structure has been so damaged to become an attractive nuisance to children.

(10)

Damage resulting in faulty electrical wiring, gas connections or heating apparatus, or other cause, is a fire hazard.
[Publications: Publications referenced are available from the agency.]

Source: Rule 918-470-0040 — Identifying Unsafe Buildings and Structures, https://secure.­sos.­state.­or.­us/oard/view.­action?ruleNumber=918-470-0040.

Last Updated

Jun. 8, 2021

Rule 918-470-0040’s source at or​.us