Defensible Space Code
The Office of State Fire Marshal is mandated to adopt a statewide minimum defensible space code on lands that meet the definition of the wildland-urban interface (WUI) and establish rules pertaining to enforcement in “high” and “extreme” areas. The code adoption process is projected to meet the legislative deadline of December 2022. The first Oregon Defensible Space Code workgroup meeting was held in February 2022.
Concurrently, OSFM is engaged with the Rule Advisory Committees (RAC), facilitated by the Oregon Department of Forestry. The RAC is working to develop the definition of the WUI, define the criteria associated with the definition, and develop a comprehensive statewide map that identifies the wildland-urban interface and risk levels. Upon completing this work, OSFM’s work can cascade into the development of the defensible space code.
For more information on the code development process, visit the OSFM Defensible Space Code page.