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Tualatin adopts state building codes by reference to reduce repeat ordinance updates
Summary
Ordinance 1453-25 was adopted Oct. 27, 2025 to amend Chapter 4-01 of the Tualatin Municipal Code so the city will adopt State of Oregon building codes by reference (OAR), aligning local code with the state's three-year code cycle and OAR phase-in schedule.
Tualatin, Ore. — The City Council voted Oct. 27 to adopt Ordinance 1453-25, amending Chapter 4-01 of the Tualatin Municipal Code to adopt the State of Oregon building codes by reference rather than by a year-specific citation.
Community Development Director Nacula Herd Ravitch and Building Official Samantha Vandergrift told the council the change would spare staff and the council from returning to update the code year after each three-year state code cycle. Vandergrift explained the state cycles come in three-year intervals, with commercial and residential codes alternating, and that the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) specify a six-month phase-in after an Oct. 1 adoption, with final effectiveness typically on April 1. Pointing the municipal code directly to the OAR keeps the city aligned with those timelines without repeated ordinance updates.
The council opened a public hearing, received no public testimony, and then proceeded with the required first and second readings by title only. A motion for final adoption passed by roll call.
The ordinance replaces the local year-specific citation with a reference to the relevant OAR and is intended to reduce administrative burden and ensure the municipal code reflects the state's phase-in and effective-date rules. The council did not specify implementation details such as code-adoption administrative procedures beyond the language in the ordinance.
