Residential contractors doing commercial projects in Oregon may be wondering if they can legally perform small commercial projects without obtaining a separate commercial contractor license. The answer is yes, but there are some limitations and requirements that must be met.
According to Oregon state law, residential contractors can perform commercial work if the project is less than 10,000 square feet and the cost of the project is less than $350,000. In this case, the residential contractor must use the same trade or business name as the residential license and must comply with all other applicable building codes and regulations for commercial projects.
It’s important to note that these exemptions apply only to the contractor’s licensing requirements and not to the building codes and regulations that must be followed on the job site. The contractor will still be responsible for ensuring that the work complies with all applicable building codes and regulations, regardless of the size or cost of the project. For example, commercial buildings are subject to the International Building Code (IBC) while residential buildings are subject to the International Residential Code (IRC).
In addition, a contractor will be required to have a bond on file with the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) before they can begin work on any commercial project. The bond amount is usually a percentage of the contract price and it is required to protect the consumer in case the contractor does not complete the job or defaults on any of the terms of the contract.
It’s also worth mentioning that if you are building something offsite and delivering it to the customer for them to install, it may or may not require a contractor license depending on the nature of the work. If the project falls within the scope of work that requires a contractor license, and you are providing the labor and materials to construct the project, you would need to be licensed as a contractor. However, if you are simply manufacturing a pre-fabricated product and delivering it to the customer for them to install, you may not need a contractor license.
In conclusion, while residential contractor in Oregon is allowed to perform small commercial projects, they must follow the regulations and guidelines set by the state, including bonding and building codes. It’s always a good idea to check with the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) or a local building official to confirm if a contractor license is required for your specific situation and ensure that the work complies with the different building codes applicable both residential and commercial work.
Does Oregon have its own building codes? What are they?
Oregon adopts and enforces building codes established by national organizations such as the International Code Council (ICC). The state of Oregon has adopted several building codes that are enforced throughout the state, including the International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC), and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) among others.
The International Building Code (IBC) is the primary building code used for commercial and public construction projects in Oregon. It sets minimum standards for the design, construction, alteration, and maintenance of buildings and structures, including fire-resistance ratings, means of egress, and accessibility.
The International Residential Code (IRC) is used for residential construction projects. It sets minimum standards for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade in height.
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) sets the minimum energy efficiency standards for residential and commercial buildings, including requirements for insulation, lighting, and mechanical systems.
It’s worth mentioning that local governments in Oregon may have their own building codes and regulations, which may be more stringent than the state codes. It’s always recommended to check with the local building department to confirm the specific codes and regulations that apply to a particular project
