County staff warn state building‑code change could let habitable accessory structures be built without permits

Derek Paine Devson, community development director, told the board that an Oregon building‑code change effective Oct. 1 revised exemptions for detached accessory structures and may allow one‑story structures not intended for sleeping or permanent cooking to be built without a building permit. "I mean, that you could build a habitable space with no permits," Devson said, and he urged caution because local officials would have limited ability to require construction standards absent electrical or plumbing work.