Emergency responder radio coverage must be provided in the following buildings. In some cases, a building will have adequate communication coverage, demonstrated through the signal strength testing requirements in OFC Section 510.4.1, without the installation of a system.  (OFC 510.1.1)

• Any building with one or more basement or below grade building levels.
• Any underground building.
• Any building with more than five stories in height.
• Any building 50,000 square feet in size or larger. 

Timing of Signal Strength Testing

The Oregon Fire Code does not identify when signal strength testing must be completed, but since coverage levels must be maintained, it is safest to do testing near full completion of the building after all exterior cladding, roofing, glazing and interior partitions are in place.  If testing is done too early, an owner runs the risk of having a building that passes the early test, but does not comply after it is fully completed.  The fire official shall approve the timing of the testing in conjunction with the WCCCA.  (OFC 510.1)

A building permit through Hillsboro Community Development Department is required for the installation or modification of an emergency responder radio coverage system. Please include State of Oregon Form OSSC 918 with your building permit submittal.  (OFC 510.3, OSSC 918.2)   

Additionally, an agreement for signal booster operation is required between the building owner and Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency (WCCCA). Contact WCCCA at 503-690-4911 for more information. (OFC 510.4.2.4)

Technical Criteria Document

Contact WCCCA at 503-629-4911 for technical criteria, including frequencies required, location of radio sites, effective radiated power of radio sites and maximum propagation delay.  Due to the sensitive nature of this information, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Department will not release this information without the consent of WCCCA.  

Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal - Technical Advisory

A technical advisory was published by the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal November 13, 2017 to help provide consistent and concise application of Oregon Fire Code Section 510. The Technical Advisory clarifies:

• Specific buildings required to provide emergency responder radio coverage
• Application in existing buildings
• Minimum performance levels for each floor
• Minimum signal strength 
• Signal booster and battery system signals

System Survivability

• For buildings submitted for structural permit review prior to November 3, 2016, there are no survivability requirements exceeding those required by OFC Section 510.4.2.4.
• For buildings submitted for structural permit review between November 3, 2016 and May 2, 2017 please refer to OSSC Amendment - Emergency Responder Radio Coverage proposed November 4, 2016.
• For buildings submitted for structural permit review between May 2, 2017 and October 28, 2017 please refer to OSSC Amendment - Emergency Responder Radio Coverage proposed May 2, 2017.
• For buildings submitted for structural permit review between October 29, 2017 and April 26, 2018 please refer to OSSC Amendment: Emergency Responder Radio Coverage proposed October 29, 2017.
• For buildings submitted for structural permit review between April 27, 2018 and October 1, 2018 please refer to OSSC Amendment - Emergency Responder Radio Coverage proposed May 1, 2018.
• For buildings submitted for structural permit review between October 1, 2018 and March 29, 2019 please refer to OSSC Amendment - Emergency Responder Radio Coverage proposed October 1, 2018.
• For buildings submitted for structural permit review between June 7, 2019 and October 1, 2019 please refer to OSSC Amendment - Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Filed June 7, 2019. 
• For buildings submitted for structural permit review after October 1, 2019 please refer to the 2019 Oregon Structural Specialty Code, Section 918.3.

Inspection, testing and maintenance of the emergency responder radio coverage system shall be completed annually in accordance with the Oregon Fire Code and the provisions of the WCCCA agreement for signal booster operation. Inspection and testing reports shall be submitted to the Fire Prevention Division.  (OFC 510.6)

The MERCC Program is an alternative to a fixed in-building emergency responder communication coverage system.  This program gives building owners the opportunity to participate in a cost-effective, no maintenance option to make a one-time contribution to a fund for the purchase, installation and maintenance of mobile emergency radio equipment designed to increase coverage in buildings with poor radio strength in lieu of a fixed in-building radio coverage system.  This opportunity is approved on a case-by-case basis and will not be available for all building uses.  (OFC 104.9, 104.10, 510.1 and Hillsboro Resolution No. 2580)

Fixed in-building systems can be complicated and expensive. Equipment must be maintained annually, and replaced or repaired as needed. The FCC License Holder (WCCCA) must approve these systems, and both the building owner and WCCCA can be held liable under federal penalty for any signal interference caused by the system. Therefore, WCCCA requires a comprehensive legal agreement, specifies certain equipment and requires annual maintenance. In contrast, the purchase, installation and maintenance of a MERCC system is the responsibility of the City of Hillsboro.

MERCC systems are a viable alternative to in-building systems, with some important differences. In most cases, an in-building system offers somewhat increased and better dispersed coverage, and works well even with a single fire apparatus response. However, under fire or collapse conditions, fixed systems can easily be compromised. Also, they only have a 24-hour battery life, which limits functionality in extended power outages and large scale emergencies. While each has its advantages and disadvantages, both are viable methods for providing emergency radio coverage.

The fund contribution is based on the total square footage of the building area. The total savings seen depends on the building design and radio coverage needs, but many scenarios would net a 60% to 80% cost savings.

Building permit applicants will need to request the MERCC alternative prior to final plan review approval using the MERCC Application.  Please upload the application to the ProjectDox Document Folder with the building permit and the request will be processed. If the alternative request is approved, fees shall be paid at the time of permit issuance. Please note - the opportunity to use this alternative is only available prior to issuance of the building permit. 

Contact Hillsboro Fire Department for more information on the MERCC Program at 503-615-6746.