Oregon fire code

Which code edition covers your building?

The 2025 edition builds on the 2024 International Fire Code, with amendments from the State Fire Marshal. Every three years Oregon picks up a new fire code, matching the national release schedule.

For new construction, there was a 180-day phase-in from October 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026, when plans could still be reviewed under the 2022 code. During that transition, the local building official directed whether the 2022 or 2025 code applied to a new construction plan review. The 2022 code remains valid until March 31, 2026.

The State Fire Marshal in Oregon

Its stated mission is keeping people, property, and the environment safe from fire and hazardous materials. That office sets the state's minimum fire code standards.

Every local government has to adopt the state code or something at least as strict. A stricter version is allowed when no other law forbids it. Enforcement falls to local fire marshals and fire chiefs, who serve as assistants to the State Fire Marshal. Each person enforcing must carry the state's Fire and Life Safety Competency Recognition credential.

Between national editions, the state may amend the code. The Oregon Fire Code Advisory Board weighs suggested changes, with the State Fire Marshal making the final call.

Getting fire trucks to your building

Crews need room to reach you. Here's what the code requires:

If you have a private fire hydrant, it needs an inspection and flow test every year. Local road standards can replace these road rules once the local fire agency has been consulted. Rural fire protection districts can adopt a fire prevention code of their own too. Key boxes must be UL 1037 listed, though pharmacies are exempt under Oregon rules.

An emergency responder radio system may be required in larger buildings. The code calls for one when a building is over five stories, at least 50,000 square feet, or has basements. You'll submit the checklist, OSSC Form 918, to the building official together with your permit paperwork.

Inspections and reports in Portland

The Fire Marshal's Office in Portland tracks fire and life safety equipment at every business in the city. Having each system inspected once a year is your job. Every system has to carry an official bar code label or tag from Portland Fire & Rescue.

These systems can only be serviced by endorsed fire protection contractors. Findings must reach the city within 30 days, submitted by your contractor via the ITM Hub at itm.portland.gov, the system that took over from the Citizen Portal. Penalties apply to contractors who fail to report.

A state licensed electrician qualified in fire alarms may handle fire alarm work. If not, a City of Portland Contractor Endorsement is required. Non-monitored alarms limited to pull stations and bells don't fall under the endorsement rule. Need a Portland inspection? Call now to discuss the required inspection, system tag, and report filing.

Workplace fire extinguishers

Portable extinguishers need a visual check from the employer each month. When employees must or may use them, Oregon OSHA calls for training no less than once a year. A full exemption depends on a written fire safety policy that calls for everyone to get out right away.

What credentials contractors need

Paid construction work in Oregon must be licensed through the Construction Contractors Board or performed for a licensed contractor. In Portland, technicians sit for an open-book exam by appointment, and passing takes a score of 75 percent. Certificates run $45 per type for the first year, with a $30 yearly renewal. Failing the exam means a 7-day wait before retesting.

Before any work begins, ask contractors for proof of registration and city endorsement. Call us to talk through your inspection, tags, and report filing.