Development Services Newsletter | October 2025
New 2025 Oregon Code Adoption - Oct 1, 2025
The new 2025 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) and 2025 Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code (OMSC) will become effective on Oct. 1, 2025.
Consistent with past code changes, the new OSSC and OMSC will become mandatory after a six-month phase-in period on April 1, 2026. During this phase-in period, the use of 2022 or 2025 codes will be permitted.
Starting April 1, 2026, all new commercial building and mechanical permit applications must adhere to the 2025 codes.
Please visit the following for more information about the code adoption process:
Development Services Drone Inspection Program
The Corvallis Development Services Drone Inspection Program is entering its second year with the addition of a new certified drone pilot. To operate our drone, affectionately nicknamed ARCHIE (Aerial Remote Control Home Inspection Expert), City Inspectors are required to be licensed as pilots by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly under the FAA Part 107 rules. The drone program has allowed Development Services’ inspectors to perform building inspections safely and efficiently, especially on large or tall buildings. Inspections that would traditionally require our inspectors to navigate ladders or scaffolding, or uneven surfaces, can be done by deploying the drone to visually inspect the building or elements required under code. This results in more efficient use of City staff time, as well as reduced safety risks for our inspectors and permit applicants. Some examples of these types of inspections include rooftop mechanical work, solar installations, framing, roofing, and shear wall inspections.
The Division’s drone is only used to assist with inspections associated with active permits, and only after permission has been obtained from the property owner/applicant. If you’d like your project to be considered for inspection(s) by drone, you can consent during the online application process.
The drone will not fly over adjacent properties, people, or the public right-of-way. The drone inspection program follows the Federal Aviation Administration, Part 107 requirements. For more information, go to Drone Inspection Program | Corvallis Oregon.
Permit Technician of the Year
In July, a Permit Technician from the City of Corvallis received the Permit Technician of the Year award from the Oregon Building Officials Association (OBOA). The award is part of the OBOA Awards Program, which recognizes individuals for their contributions to the building safety industry. The Permit Technician of the Year award is presented to honor those who excel in their role as a Permit Technician. Permit Technicians are often the first point of contact for inquiries about construction projects and permits. They have many roles, including screening and processing permit applications, calculating and collecting fees, and providing technical development information to the public.
The recipient of the 2025 award (much to her surprise) was Priscilla Flemings. Priscilla retired earlier this year after eight years with the city. She was known by many local contractors and residents as a friendly face at the front counter, who always went above and beyond for her customers. Priscilla helped customers understand permitting processes and building codes, to ensure their projects were successful. She also took the initiative to obtain plan review certifications and understand the building code and its many complexities. It was an honor to have Priscilla as part of the Development Services team, and we congratulate her on winning this prestigious award.
New Online Service Portal Launches in Corvallis
The City of Corvallis has launched Corvallis Connect, an online service portal that helps community members report problems, find resources, and engage with city services. The new portal is available online at www.corvallisoregon.gov/corvallisconnect.
The new service portal is the next step for the popular Report a Problem service, which has been a fixture on the City website for nearly a decade as a convenient way for community members to report potholes, clogged storm drains, and many other common municipal service requests. Corvallis Connect offers the same reporting features, combined with informational resources and a dashboard that lets community members view the status of their requests.
With the upgrade to Corvallis Connect, community members will be able to submit requests easily and create a free account to view the status on their reports.
The portal invites users to select from a menu of common issues, then enter a location, followed by contact information that staff can use to request more information if needed.
On the backend, City staff can assign the report to specific work groups and send out automated status updates as they work to resolve the issue. Managers can track reports over time to examine trends and help to direct City services more proactively.
Corvallis Connect is available on the City website at www.corvallisoregon.gov/corvallisconnect.
Design Standards Update – Effective January 1, 2026
The City is updating our Engineering Standards, Construction Specifications and Standard Details for public improvements, which were last updated in February 2024. The updates will be posted on the Community Development Publications webpage in October and become effective January 1, 2026.
There are major updates to the Standards in Chapter 2 – Transportation, which include standards for cul-de-sacs, delineation of private streets with a commercial approach, and prioritization of separated ADA ramps for each direction of travel. Chapter 6 – Stormwater Management has been edited for clarity while retaining the same requirements. There are also minor updates to other chapters such as a change from orange to yellow as the standard color for fire hydrants. The Specifications and Details have been updated to be consistent with the Standards. A summary of changes will be posted with the updates. If you have any questions or comments, please email them to City Engineer Jeff McConnell at jeff.mcconnell@corvallisoregon.gov.
South Corvallis Urban Renewal Loan
The South Corvallis Urban Renewal Loan is accepting applications until funds are exhausted. The fund is intended to provide funding for building maintenance, energy efficiency upgrades, and code compliance improvements for businesses and commercial property owners in South Corvallis. Some eligible projects may include:
- New construction
- Window and door repair, restoration, repainting, or replacement
- Awning repair, restoration, or installation
- Exterior lighting fixtures
- Exterior lighted and two-dimensional signage
- Site improvements and infrastructure needed to meet code compliance
- Insulation
- Electrical & Plumbing
Projects may also require a permit through the Development Services Division.
For more information, including the application, please see South Corvallis - Corvallis Economic Development Office.
Community Development Resources
Looking for more information on the development review and/or permitting process? The Community Development Publications page on the city website includes links to many documents, such as the Land Development Code, Comprehensive Plan, and Municipal Code and Ordinances. If you have any questions regarding these resources, don’t hesitate to reach out. Each division’s contact information can be found below.
Development Services Division
(541) 766-6929
development.services@corvallisoregon.gov
Planning Division
(541) 766-6908
planning@corvallisoregon.gov
Housing & Neighborhood Services Division
(541) 766-6944
housing@corvallisoregon.gov
Economic Development Office
(541) 766-6399
christopher.jacobs@corvallisoregon.gov
