A pole building (also called a post frame structure) differs from a common "light-frame" building mostly in that the main vertical members (posts) are buried directly in the ground. These posts, in cooperation, with the normal metal skin (roof and walls) carry all of the vertical (weight & snow) and horizontal (wind & seismic) loads on the building. Additionally, no foundation or floor slab is required in these structures. We believe pole buildings provide the least expensive dry volume of any comparable building on the market. Other types of structures are claimed to be equal in size and life and to cost no more. We find these claims cannot be supported by direct comparison.

 Pole buildings constructed in accordance with our plans are expected to last at least thirty five years without maintenance to posts, skin, or framing members. Most of the structure will exceed that length of time by another fifteen years or more. Pole buildings are quick to erect, appealing to the eye, and readily accepted by permitting agencies. If our recommended contractors are used, the construction is also guaranteed. We believe our buildings provide the greatest benefit to cost ratio available.

Agricultural-Use and Engineered Pole Buildings

McMinnville Lumber offers two types of pole buildings: Agricultural and Engineered building. The principle difference between these two building types is the intended purpose of the building. Agricultural buildings are designed for (and restircted to) farm use, while Engineered buildings are intended for general-purpose use.

Agricultural-Use Buildings

Agricultural-Use (or Ag-use) buildings are intended for use on farms for the following:

• Storage, maintenance or repair of farm machinery and equipment
• The raising, harvesting and selling of crops
• The feeding, breeding, management and sale of, or the produce of, livestock, poultry, fur-bearing animals or honeybees
• Dairying and the sale of dairy products
• Any other agricultural or horticultural use or animal husbandry, or any combination thereof, including the preparation and storage of the produce raised on the farm for human use and animal use and disposal by marketing or otherwise

In order for a pole building to qualify as an agricultural-use building under the Oregon Agricultural Exemption, the use of the pole building must be limited strictly to the activities above.

Ag-use pole buildings do not require building plans to be submitted to city or county building departments and, in most cases, a building permit is not required. However, there are strict guidelines governing the use of an agricultural-use pole building and a placement permit may be needed in some counties.

For further information, contact your local city or county building department. Guildlines for Yamhill county may be found here.

Please note that the laws and regulations in your home state and county may vary.

Engineered Buildings

The second type of building are called Engineered (or General-use) buildings. As their name implies, they are designed for a wide variety of uses. Engineered buildings are tailored to withstand the elements-- these buildings meet (and sometimes exceed) state and county requirements for exposure, wind resistence, snow load, and seismic activity. Because each Engineered building is made to withstand the unique conditions of its home, these requirements vary from location to location. For more information, please contact your county (or city) building department. A master index of counties and their websites can be found here.

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