(1) Notwithstanding ORS 455.720 (1), the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, by rule, shall adopt criteria for review of the experience and training in building inspection and building plan review acquired by a person outside the State of Oregon. The criteria shall be adopted in a manner that facilitates review of a person’s qualifications by a local building official.
(2)(a) A local building official who wishes to employ a person who is not certified under ORS 455.735 as an inspector shall submit the person’s qualifications to the director. The director shall review the stated qualifications against the criteria adopted under subsection (1) of this section, including verification of experience and training. The director shall respond to the local building official in writing within 10 working days of receiving the applicant’s qualifications, stating whether the person meets the applicable criteria.
(b) Upon application and payment of the required fee, the director shall allow a person whose qualifications meet the criteria adopted under subsection (1) of this section to sit for any examination necessary for the required certification.