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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Forest zones
chapter always applies, § 19.76.020(C)
Other zones
applies to new dwellings, § 19.76.020(D)
Land divisions
mitigation plan required, § 19.76.020(A)
Modification path
Wildfire Review Committee, § 19.76.090
Fine
up to $500, $1,000 continuing
Citation
JCC § 19.76.010, .020

Summary

Chapter 19.76 of the Rural Land Development Code sets wildfire and emergency safety standards for new, replaced or substantially improved structures. Forest zone development must always comply, and new dwellings in every other rural zone must also meet the chapter's standards before the county approves a permit.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Josephine County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The development of new structures, the substantial improvement of existing structures, the relocation of structures and the replacement of structures in forest zones (Chapter 19.65 JCC) shall meet the requirements of this chapter. ... The development of new dwellings in any zone other than the forest zones shall demonstrate compliance with all of the applicable standards of this chapter.

View official code

Full Breakdown

010 states the chapter's purpose is "to establish minimum wildfire and safety mitigation standards for development, replacement, substantial improvement or relocation of structures," intended to reduce threats to life, structures and wildlands and to improve emergency access. 020 sets out exactly where that mandate applies. 65 JCC) shall meet the requirements of this chapter without exception. 080). Subsection (A) additionally requires land divisions in any zone to develop wildfire mitigation plans assuring the whole development and each resulting lot can comply. 090, can recommend modifications to the access, construction, fire-protection or vegetation standards when a site cannot meet them as written.

19, carrying written notice, a 30-day correction window, and a fine on conviction of up to $500 for a noncontinuing offense or $1,000 for a continuing one.

Violations & Fines

Developing a new dwelling or forest-zone structure without meeting Chapter 19.76's wildfire mitigation, construction, access, fire-protection or vegetation standards is a Rural Land Development Code violation. The Planning Director issues written notice under JCC § 19.19.020, allows up to 30 days to bring the development into compliance, and can refer continued noncompliance to the District Attorney or Board of County Commissioners, with a conviction fine up to $500, or $1,000 if the violation continues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the wildfire safety chapter apply to my property in Josephine County?
If your lot is zoned forest commercial or woodlot resource, yes, always, under JCC § 19.76.020(C). In every other rural zone, it applies whenever you build a new dwelling, and to a lesser degree when you relocate, replace or substantially improve an existing dwelling, under § 19.76.020(D).
Can the wildfire standards be waived if my lot is too small to meet them?
Not waived outright, but JCC § 19.76.090 lets a Wildfire and Emergency Safety Standards Review Committee recommend modifications to the access, construction, fire-protection or vegetation-mitigation standards through the site plan review process when full compliance is not feasible.
What is the goal of the wildfire chapter?
JCC § 19.76.010 states its purpose is to set minimum wildfire and safety mitigation standards for new, replaced, relocated or substantially improved structures, reducing risk to life, structures and wildlands, and improving emergency access for firefighters.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Josephine County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsFireworksSignificant RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningLight Restrictions

All Josephine County rules

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