OAR 629-044-1020
High Density Extreme Classification
(1)
Intentionally left blank —Ed.(a)
The purpose of the High Density Extreme classification is to identify those lands where vegetation modification around structures alone may not be sufficient to help protect lives during a wildfire.(b)
Owners of lands classified High Density Extreme are required to provide fuel breaks adjacent to:(A)
Property lines;(B)
Roads; or(C)
Both property lines and roads.(2)
Lands may be classified by a committee as High Density Extreme when a geographic area meets all of the following criteria:(a)
The lands have been classified by a committee as Extreme based on the hazard factors;(b)
The lands have a current zoning for residential development;(c)
The lands contain fuels which, if not modified or treated, will result in a wildfire having a significant rate of spread and intensity;(d)
The lands have:(A)
An average tax lot size of less than three acres; or(B)
A typical tax lot configuration which prevents the establishment of a 30 feet wide fuel break adjacent to structures;(e)
The lands lack:(A)
Safety zones; or (B) Effective vehicle egress which may hamper the safe evacuation of dwellings during a wildfire.(3)
Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this rule, lands may be classified by a committee as High Density Extreme when all of the following apply to a geographic area which has current zoning for residential development:(a)
The committee receives a written request for such classification from one or more of the following entities in which the lands are located:(A)
The county;(B)
The city;(C)
The structural fire service provider;(D)
The entity responsible for development of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan; or(E)
The homeowner’s association.(b)
The written request contains:(A)
Certification that the request has been approved by the governing body of the entity;(B)
Justification for the requested classification, based upon:(i)
The existence of fuels which, if not modified or treated, will result in a wildfire having a significant rate of spread and intensity; or(ii)
A lack of effective vehicle egress which may hamper the safe evacuation of dwellings during a wildfire.(4)
When lands are classified by a committee as High Density Extreme, the committee shall also specify which of the following options shall apply to the lands:(a)
Option 1, where fuel breaks shall be provided adjacent to property lines pursuant to OAR 629-044-1075 (Additional Standards For Lands Classified As High Density Extreme)(1);(b)
Option 2, where fuel breaks shall be provided adjacent to roads pursuant to ORS 629-044-1075 (Additional Standards For Lands Classified As High Density Extreme)(2); or(c)
Option 3, where fuel breaks shall be provided adjacent to property lines and to roads pursuant to OAR 629-044-1075 (Additional Standards For Lands Classified As High Density Extreme)(1) and (2).(5)
Written requests received by a committee under subsection (3) of this rule automatically terminate after a period of five years.
Source:
Rule 629-044-1020 — High Density Extreme Classification, https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/view.action?ruleNumber=629-044-1020.