Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map (SB 80, 2023) classifies Washington County parcels as low, moderate, or high hazard. Only high-hazard parcels in the Wildland-Urban Interface are subject to defensible space and fire hardening code. Coast Range foothills are most affected.
Oregon SB 762 (2021) as revised by SB 80 (2023) established a three-tier wildfire hazard map administered by Oregon State University in partnership with Oregon Department of Forestry. High-hazard parcels within the WUI trigger: Oregon Defensible Space Code (OAR 629-044) requiring Zone 0-2 treatment within 100 feet of structures, and the R327 fire hardening construction standards in the Oregon Residential Specialty Code for new construction and certain substantial remodels. In Washington County, high-hazard WUI parcels are concentrated in the Coast Range foothills (western Washington County, western Forest Grove area, North Plains outskirts, Chehalem Mountains). Most urban parcels in Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Tigard are low or moderate hazard. Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue conducts defensible space outreach. Insurance carriers may price based on hazard designation. Property owners can look up designations at hazardmap.forestry.oregonstate.edu.
Defensible space non-compliance: ODF notice with correction deadline, civil penalties under OAR 629-044. Non-compliant construction in high-hazard WUI: certificate of occupancy hold. Insurance implications: coverage decline or surcharge possible.
Washington County, OR
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Washington County, OR
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Washington County, OR
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Washington County, OR
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Washington County, OR
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Washington County, OR
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See how Washington County's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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