Clackamas County, OR Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- SB 762 (2021), OSFM rules
- Zone 0
- 5-ft noncombustible next to home
- Grass height
- Under 4 inches
- Tree spacing
- Crowns 10 feet apart
- Pruning
- Limbs up 6 feet
Summary
Under Oregon's SB 762 program, properties in the wildland-urban interface must maintain defensible space. Core standards include a noncombustible 5-foot zone next to structures, grass mowed under 4 inches, tree crowns spaced 10 feet apart, and ladder fuels removed.
Keep grass mowed to less than 4 inches. Space tree crowns at least 10 feet apart. Prune trees up 6ft from the ground. Use river rock, gravel, or pavers within 5ft of the structure.
Full Breakdown
Oregon has no single statewide numeric brush ordinance for every lot, but SB 762 (2021) directed the Oregon State Fire Marshal to set minimum defensible-space rules for properties mapped in the WUI at high or extreme risk, which includes much of eastern and Mt. Hood-corridor Clackamas County. The OSFM defensible-space guidance calls for a 5-foot noncombustible zone (river rock, gravel or pavers), grass kept under 4 inches, tree crowns spaced at least 10 feet apart, and trees pruned up 6 feet with ladder fuels (brush under trees) removed. Clackamas County works through its Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CCWPP). Inside cities, city fire code may add rules.
Violations & Fines
Defensible-space non-compliance can trigger corrective orders from the fire authority; failure to reduce fuels can affect insurance and, under the model code, lead to enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does defensible space apply to my property?
What is the 5-foot rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clackamas County
Compare Clackamas County to another location·View the Oregon fire regulations overview
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