247-25-000703-TA; Text Amendments for Wildfire Mitigation Building Codes
Proposal Summary
Deschutes County will consider text amendments would establish wildfire mitigation building code standards for newly constructed dwelling units and their accessory structures. The proposed amendments follow the passage of Senate Bill 83 in 2025, which allows local jurisdictions to adopt these building code standards on a discretionary basis.
These new building code standards would apply to newly constructed dwellings and their accessory structures. Major exceptions to these standards include the following:
- Repairs or replacements of existing components and additions to existing dwellings.
- Nonhabitable detached accessory structures with a floor area of not greater than 400 square feet located not less than 50 feet from all structures on the lot that contain habitable space.
- Structures exempted by ORS 455.315 (i.e. – agriculturally exempt structures)
- Detached accessory membrane-covered frame structures
The proposed building codes broadly cover the following structural components of residences to minimize the risk of wildfire ignition:
- Roofing: In accordance with specific building code standards, roofing shall be asphalt shingles, slate shingles, metal roofing, tile, clay or concrete shingles, or other approved roofing that is deemed to be equivalent to a minimum Class B-rated roof assembly. Wood shingle and shake roofs are not permitted on structures.
- Exterior walls: Exterior wall covering or wall assembly shall comply with one of the following requirements:
- Noncombustible material.
- Ignition-resistant material.
- Heavy timber assembly.
- Log wall construction assembly.
- Wall assemblies that have been tested in accordance with the test procedures for a 10-minute direct flame contact exposure test
- Glazing: Exterior windows, windows within exterior doors, and skylights shall be tempered glass, multilayered glazed panels, glass block or have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 20 minutes.
- Ventilation: All ventilation openings shall be covered with noncombustible corrosion-resistant metal wire mesh, vents designed to resist the intrusion of burning embers and flame, or other approved materials or devices. Ventilation mesh and screening shall be a minimum of 1 /16-inch and a maximum of 1 /8-inch in any dimension.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Where provided, gutters and downspouts shall be constructed of noncombustible materials and be provided with an approved means to prevent accumulation of leaves and debris in the gutter.
- Eaves, Soffits, and Cornices: Ventilation openings shall not be installed on the underside of eaves, soffits or cornices.
Proposal Status & Public Hearing Information
A public hearing will be held before the Deschutes County Planning Commission on December 11, 2025. Members of the public may listen, view, and/or participate in this hearing either in person, or by using Zoom at the following link: https://bit.ly/dcpczoom
Additional remote attendance information for all public hearings, including specific start times for agenda items, can also be found at www.deschutes.org/meetings approximately one week prior to each meeting. Videos of past meetings are available at the same link.
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Staff Contact
Kyle Collins, Senior Planner
541-383-4427
