Fire Hardening Requirements (R327)
Deschutes County and the City of Sisters have approved local ordinances adopting the Wildfire Mitigation provisions of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code Section R327 (aka Fire Hardening). These provisions are mandatory on all new dwellings and all new accessory structures beginning April 1, 2026.
Where Required:
The Fire Hardening provisions are required within all areas of unincorporated Deschutes County and within the city limits of the City of Sisters.
What is it & Purpose:
Fire hardening is the use of building materials and practices that can reduce the risk of a home igniting due to embers, heat & flames from wildfires. It does not mean the home is fireproof. Fire hardening makes a property more resistant to the spread of wildfire. Slowing a fire down may create more time and opportunity for safe evacuation as well as time for emergency responders to protect life & property from the fire.
What Buildings does this Apply To:
This is only applicable to structures governed by the ORSC. Does not include structures governed by the Oregon Structural Specialty Code (commercial code) such as mixed-use buildings, some types of apartments, retail stores, etc.
Applicable to:
- All newly constructed dwellings
- All newly constructed accessory structures
Not applicable to:
- Non-habitable detached accessory structures with floor area less than 400sf and not exceeding 15-ft maximum roof height
- Partial repairs
- Remodels or additions
- Manufactured Dwellings: these are built to the federal HUD standard
- Many manufacturers offer a fire hardening or wildfire package as an option.
Resources:
Many of the fire hardening building materials are already commonly used: double-pane windows, cementitious siding (aka Hardie Panel); Class B or better Asphalt Shingles, etc.
In an effort to make product compliance as simple and easy as possible, the Deschutes County Building Safety Division has vetted the CalFire Building Materials Listings & Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Listed Products Handbook. The handbook is a comprehensive list of products including siding, roofing, vents, gutters, decking, and others that Deschutes County Building Safety Division will accept as part of your design to comply with the requirements of ORSC R327. If using these products, they must be specifically list on the drawings and noted where they are to be installed.
CalFire Building Materials Index Tool
Where can I find more information?
BCD Wildfire Hazard Mitigation website
BCD Wildfire Home Hardening Guide
Fire Hardening Requirements More Information
Questions?
In Person: We have Plans Examiners in the office Monday – Friday, 9am to 4pm, available to answer your project specific questions. Stop by the Community Development Office located at 117 NW Lafayette Ave, Bend.
Online: You can also call us at 541-385-1743 or contact us through our Contact Form located here: Community Development Contact Information
