Benton County, OR Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

405 lays out siting standards that apply to every new structure allowed in the Forest Conservation Zone, tied to BCC Chapter 99, and the section states its purpose is to make new uses compatible with forest operations and agriculture, minimize wildfire hazards and risks, and conserve forest-land values. 405(4) requires all new development approved by the County to carry a site-specific plan addressing emergency water supplies for fire protection, approved by the local fire protection agency; the plan must cover emergency access to the water supply, an all-weather road or driveway coming within 10 feet of a source holding at least 4,000 gallons within 100 feet of the road at a grade of 12% or less, and a Fire District-approved sign marking the route.

405(5) requires every building's roof to use Class A or Class B materials under the Uniform Building Code, such as composite mineral shingles, exposed concrete slab, ferrous or copper sheets, slate shingles, or clay or cement tiles. 405(6) and (7) require the Planning Official to site new structures to minimize impact on forest operations and farming, minimize the forest land used for access roads and service corridors, and minimize wildfire risk, which can mean requiring structures to cluster near existing roads and existing buildings on land least suited to growing trees. 410, including a fire protection district requirement or an approved alternative such as a sprinkler system.