Oregon has approved the use of timber in building structures more than six stories tall without requiring special permission.
Mass timber is now classified by buildings over 18 stories (270 feet), buildings with a maximum height of 12 stories (or 180 feet), and buildings that rise nine stories (or 85 feet). In effect, the update to the state's building code recognizes mass timber as "a safe and viable" method of construction, and follows years of scientific and technical study examining timber technologies like cross laminated timber, Curbed reports.
In June 2017, Oregon green lit the country’s tallest wooden tower, though that project has now been put on hold for market reasons, including inflation and rising construction costs. As architects dream up of more timber high rises, Oregon’s new regulation could guide other states flirting with mass timber to embrace the material.
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