The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) prepared recommendations for consideration by the Oregon Legislature and Wildfire Programs Advisory Council. The recommendations pose potential changes to the statewide land use planning program and local comprehensive plans and zoning codes that minimize wildfire risk and create more wildfire adapted communities.
On the final day of the 2021 legislative session, the legislature passed Oregon's first comprehensive wildfire preparedness and resiliency bill,
Senate Bill 762. The legislation invokes action from multiple agencies, with the aim of providing long-term security for our state by minimizing loss of life and property, protecting the lives of wildland firefighters, protecting and managing Oregon's forest assets, and creating a more predictable and protected future for communities and development at risk to the impacts of wildfire.
Under Section 11 of SB 762, DLCD was responsible for writing a report for the State Wildfire Programs Advisory Council and Oregon Legislature that identifies updates to the statewide land use planning program and local comprehensive plans and zoning codes that are needed to incorporate wildfire risk maps and minimize wildfire risk, including the appropriate levels of state and local resources necessary for effective implementation. DLCD's report was completed by October 1, 2022.
Community Engagement
To help implement SB 762, DLCD staff convened a Wildfire Adapted Communities Stakeholder Group to assist the department in identifying issues and provide input on recommendations. The Stakeholder Group included members from across Oregon representing a broad spectrum of interests and organizations as well as individuals from fire affected communities and underrepresented groups. See the
Wildfire Adapted Communities Stakeholder Group Member List. Community listening sessions, an online open house, surveys, a Latino community focus group, and other methods of engaging Oregonians and federally recognized Tribes also informed the recommendations report. View the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Summary.