Oregon Statewide Rule

Oregon Defensible Space Brush Clearance Around Structures

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Oregon (2026)

Oregon law requires defensible space around structures in wildfire hazard zones, with the State Fire Marshal adopting uniform statewide standards under SB 762. Landowners must remove flammable vegetation near homes.

Key Facts

Statute: ORS 477.062, 476.392
Code Author: Oregon State Fire Marshal
Zone 0: 0-5 feet noncombustible
Zone 2: 30-100 feet reduced fuel
Cost Recovery: Charged to landowner

Source: Oregon Public Law

Full Breakdown

ORS 477.062 declares forestland lacking adequate fire protection a public nuisance and authorizes the State Forester to direct corrective action. Under SB 762 and ORS 476.392, the Oregon State Fire Marshal adopts statewide defensible space code applicable to properties classified as high or extreme wildfire hazard within the wildland-urban interface. The standard generally requires Zone 0 (0-5 feet) noncombustible, Zone 1 (5-30 feet) lean and clean vegetation, and Zone 2 (30-100 feet) reduced fuel loading. The Forester may perform clearance work at landowner expense if owners fail to comply after written notice.

Violations & Penalties

Noncompliance allows the State Forester to perform clearance and recover costs from the landowner under ORS 477.062, plus potential liability if a wildfire originates from or spreads through the noncompliant parcel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Oregon's defensible space rule apply to every property?

No. The statewide defensible space code applies primarily to properties classified as high or extreme wildfire hazard within the wildland-urban interface under the SB 762 hazard map.

What happens if I don't clear brush after the State Forester sends notice?

Under ORS 477.062 the State Forester may perform the work and bill the landowner, and the cost becomes a lien on the property if unpaid.

Are there fuel-break exemptions for trees?

Defensible space rules typically allow well-spaced, limbed trees and irrigated landscaping. Specific exemptions are detailed in OSFM's adopted defensible space code.

Sources

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Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Oregon's defensible space rule apply to every property?

No. The statewide defensible space code applies primarily to properties classified as high or extreme wildfire hazard within the wildland-urban interface under the SB 762 hazard map.

What happens if I don't clear brush after the State Forester sends notice?

Under ORS 477.062 the State Forester may perform the work and bill the landowner, and the cost becomes a lien on the property if unpaid.

Are there fuel-break exemptions for trees?

Defensible space rules typically allow well-spaced, limbed trees and irrigated landscaping. Specific exemptions are detailed in OSFM's adopted defensible space code.