Current Building Codes in Effect

General Structural Design Criteria for Grants Pass

  • Earthquake Loads - The 2019 Oregon Structural Specialty Code section 1613 is used to design for earthquake loads. For residential construction, the 2021 Oregon Residential Specialty Code lists Grants Pass as being in seismic zone D1.
  • Wind Exposure - The 2019 Oregon Structural Specialty Code section 1609 is used to design wind loads. For residential construction, the 2021 Oregon Residential Code uses Section R301.2.1.
  • Soil Pressure - Soils bearing pressure is 1,500 pounds per square foot unless justified by a soils report. A lesser bearing pressure may be required in specific locations.
  • Snow Load -  2019 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (see section 1608 for snow loads). 2021 Oregon Residential Specialty Code is 25 pounds per square foot roof snow load.
  • Rainfall - Rainfall design is based on 1.3 inches per hour.
  • Frost Depth - The frost depth is 12 inches.

Current Codes in Effect in Grants Pass

The following link will take you to an external website 

The Oregon Residential Specialty Code applies to 1 and 2-family dwellings and townhouses as described in the Oregon Residential Specialty Code.

Copies of the State of Oregon code books in effect in the City of Grants Pass are available for review at the Community Development Office or are available to view online on the State of Oregon, Building Codes Division website.

To purchase code books online, please go to the International Code Council Online Store.

Contact Us

  1. Joelen Wood

    Email Joelen Wood

    101 NW A Street
    Room 202
    Grants Pass, OR 97526
    Ph: 541-450-6060

    Building Plan Submittal Hours

    Monday - Friday
    8 a.m. - 10 a.m., 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

    Building Inspector Consultation Hours

    Monday - Friday
    8 a.m.- 10 a.m.

    Building Inspection Requests

    Call one business day prior to the inspection. Use  Online E-Permitting to manage inspections, permits, invoices, and payments.