Wildfire Adapted Communities Update
The Department of Land Conservation and Development’s (DLCD) charge under Senate Bill 762 (2021) was to recommend potential changes to the statewide land use planning program that minimize wildfire risk and create more wildfire adapted communities. Legislators asked DLCD to develop recommendations regarding comprehensive plans and zoning codes, summarized in the Wildfire Adapted Communities Recommendation Report submitted to the Oregon Legislature and Wildfire Programs Advisory Council on September 30, 2022.
The Legislature has not taken any formal action regarding DLCD’s land use recommendations during the 2023 legislative session. To support local governments that would like to voluntarily implement land use strategies to reduce their community’s risk to wildfire, DLCD will be developing guidance, model policies, and code.
2023 Legislative Update
Two bills related to wildfire adapted communities have been signed by the Governor:
- Senate Bill 644, relating to accessory dwelling units on lands zoned for rural residential use (overview, SB 644 enrolled) – “Amends requirements relating to wildfire hazard mitigation for development of accessory dwelling units on lands zoned for rural residential use.” Effective date May 8, 2023. In short, this bill amends ORS 215.495 allowing, but not requiring, counties to permit accessory dwelling units (ADU) in rural residential zones if the ADU complies with the construction provisions of section R327 of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (wildfire hazard mitigation, also known as home hardening) regardless of location in the absence of the statewide wildfire map, and when the map is published in high and extreme hazard areas.
- Senate Bill 82, relating to homeowner insurance for wildfire risk (overview, SB 82 Enrolled) – “Establishes certain requirements for insurer that cancels or decides not to renew homeowner insurance policy, or that increases premium, for reason materially related to wildfire risk.” Effective date, January 1, 2024.
Senate Bill 80 (overview) is actively being considered by the Legislature. This bill “makes certain changes related to statewide wildfire hazard map,” along with other updates to programs that implement SB 762 (2021).
Existing State Resources
Several resources are available to support individuals and communities in becoming more resilient and adapted to wildfires.
The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and Oregon State University (OSU) Forestry Extension Fire Program provide information and programs focused on how to better prepare existing homes and neighborhoods to reduce risk from wildfire through education, defensible space, and home hardening. Find more information at OSFM Wildfire in Oregon, OSFM Fire Adapted Oregon, and OSU Extension Fire Program, particularly the fire-adapted communities information. OSFM has provided a variety of grants to reduce community risk from wildfire and increase response capacity, with future funding opportunities to be determined. Learn more at OSFM Grants Programs.
The Oregon Residential Specialty Code, administered by the Building Codes Division (BCD), includes Section R327 Wildfire Hazard Mitigation. Any building owner can voluntarily use the construction provisions to make their dwelling and accessory structures more fire resistant. Some cities have made a local decision to adopt an ordinance specifically recognizing wildfire zoning regulations where the provisions of R327 apply. BCD’s Fire Hardening Grant Program to help people affected by the 2020 wildfires will be closing at the end of June 2023.
Additional state agency resources are included at DLCD Wildfire Adapted Communities.
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If you have questions or feedback about DLCD's project or associated work, please contact to Susan Millhauser, Natural Hazards Planner - Wildfire at susan.millhauser@dlcd.oregon.gov.
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