New Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC) replaces 2021 edition

The Oregon Building Codes Division recently adopted the 2025 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC). The new OEESC went into effect on Jan. 1 with a six-month phase-in period during which applicants have the option to apply for commercial permits using either the previous(2021) OEESC or the new (2025) OEESC. Beginning July 1, commercial permit requests must follow the 2025 OEESC.

The 2025 OEESC updates the energy efficiency requirements of the 2022 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (Chapter 13) and is based on the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1-2022 standard. Additional resources about compliance and the transition to the ASHRAE 90.1-2022 standard are available from the Oregon Building Codes Division here.

Applicants applying for commercial permits using the 2021 OEESC must complete the following steps, in accordance with Portland Permitting & Development (PP&D) policy:

1. The permit application must be submitted via Development Hub PDX by 11:59 p.m. on June 30. The permit application must meet submittal requirements.
2. Following the submission of the permit application, the applicant must satisfy all requests for information from City of Portland permitting departments before PP&D will assess and bill intake fees. Failure to do so could cause an applicant to miss the deadline that allows them to follow the previous OEESC.
3. The applicant must pay intake fees in full before 5 p.m. on July 31.

For more information, please contact PP&D at 503-823-7300.