Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Portland

Portland, OR Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

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

Key Facts

Zone criteria
Cumulative hazard score of 5+
Map adopted
October 11, 2002 (WHZM)
Review cycle
Every 5 years by the Chief
Construction standard
Oregon Structural/Residential Specialty Code applies
Appeal deadline
14 days to Appeal Board

Summary

Portland maps Wildfire Hazard Zones based on topography, vegetation, and fuel density, and any structure inside one must meet the fire-resistive requirements of the Oregon Structural or Residential Specialty Code, including limits on roof materials.

In addition to all other applicable City Code provisions, all structures located in wildfire hazard zones as identified in the Wildfire Hazard Zone map must meet the applicable requirements in the Oregon Structural Specialty Code or the Residential Specialty Code as applicable.

B. The requirements in Chapter 24.75, Uniform Building Address System, supercede the requirements found in OSSC Appendix L, Section L101.7, for premises identification.

Source: Oregon Senate Bill 762 (2021) — Wildfire LegislationView official code

Full Breakdown

Portland Fire & Rescue's Chief classifies areas of the city as Wildfire Hazard Zones using a Department of Forestry scoring system covering topography, vegetative fuel type, and fuel distribution; any site scoring 5 or higher is added to the Wildfire Hazard Zone Map, first adopted October 11, 2002. The Chief reviews the map every five years and property owners can request removal if conditions changed. Structures inside a designated zone must meet the fire-resistive construction standards of the Oregon Structural or Residential Specialty Code, which is where the roof-material restrictions apply. Decisions are appealable to the Portland Permitting & Development Administrative Appeal Board within 14 days.

Violations & Fines

Building without meeting the required fire-resistive construction standards inside a mapped Wildfire Hazard Zone is a code violation subject to Portland Permitting & Development enforcement and can block permit issuance or final inspection approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Portland have a Wildfire Hazard Zone map?
Yes. Portland Fire & Rescue adopted a Wildfire Hazard Zone Map on October 11, 2002 under City Code Chapter 24.51, based on topography, vegetation, and fuel density scoring, and updates it roughly every five years.
What happens if my property is inside a Wildfire Hazard Zone?
Structures within the zone must meet the fire-resistive requirements of the Oregon Structural or Residential Specialty Code, which can limit approved roofing materials; the Chief handles map placement and removal requests.
Can I get my property removed from the zone?
Yes. Property owners may request removal from the Chief at any time by showing that site conditions have changed; the Chief must issue a written decision within 14 days.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Portland

Propane StorageSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsFireworksHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Portland rules

Compare Portland to another location·View the Oregon fire regulations overview

Get notified when Wildfire Zones in Portland, OR changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.