Volume 5: Commercial, Agricultural, and Local Market Posts
Agricultural Steel Buildings in Central Oregon: Best Uses for Ranch and Farm Owners
An agricultural steel building in Oregon is best used for equipment storage, hay and feed storage, shops, barns and riding arenas, because steel gives you wide, open, low-maintenance space.
Best uses
- **Equipment storage.** Tractors, implements and trailers under cover.
- **Hay and feed storage.**
- **Shops.** A working space attached to or near the main operation.
- **Barns and riding arenas.** CC Steel builds both.
A building often starts as equipment storage and later takes on other jobs. Clear-span space makes it easier to move large equipment and rework the interior.
Why ranchers choose steel
Steel does not rot or attract insects, which matters in barns with moisture and animals. It also does not burn, though hay and bedding do, so keep fire planning in mind.
Check the permit rules
In Oregon, a building that qualifies as an agricultural building on a farm can be exempt from the structural building permit under ORS 455.315. You apply to the Building Codes Division or your county for the exemption. Land-use approval is still required, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work still need permits, and buildings used by the public, or for living, are not exempt. A later change of use can require a standard permit. Confirm with your county first.
Design around real use
Door size, eave height and slab decisions matter more than the label "ag building." Before you buy, have the contractor look at the site for access and find out what is in your soil, since both affect cost.
See agricultural steel buildings or read about equipment building sizes.
Planning a steel shop, barn, or commercial building?
The fastest way to get a useful answer is to request a free quote. CC Steel can look at your actual site, building use, and scope instead of forcing you to guess from a blog post.