OAR 629-044-1065
Optional Standards
(1)
Where structures exist on lands classified by a committee as Moderate, High, Extreme, or High Density Extreme, owners shall provide fuel breaks which comply with the requirements of OAR 629-044-1085 (Fuel Break Requirements) and which are immediately adjacent to structures for a distance of thirty feet or to the property line, whichever is the shortest distance. The distance shall be measured along the slope and from the furthest extension of the structure, including attached carports, decks, or eaves.(2)
Where structures exist on lands classified by a committee as Moderate, owners shall comply with subsection (1) of this rule and with one or more of the options set forth in subsection (6) of this rule.(3)
Where structures exist on lands classified by a committee as High, owners shall comply with subsection (1) of this rule and with two or more of the options set forth in subsection (6) of this rule.(4)
Where structures exist on lands classified by a committee as Extreme, owners shall comply with subsection (1) of this rule and with three or more of the options set forth in subsection (6) of this rule.(5)
Where structures exist on lands classified by a committee as High Density Extreme, owners shall comply with subsection (1) of this rule, with three or more of the options set forth in subsection (6) of this rule, and with subsection (7) of this rule.(6)
Optional standards are:(a)
Option 1, fire resistant structures. This option is intended to reduce the likelihood of a structure being ignited by a wildfire. To comply with this option, owners of structures shall:(A)
Have fire resistant roofing material;(B)
Have all permanent openings into and under the structure completely covered with noncombustible, corrosion-resistant, mesh screening material, which has openings no greater than 1⁄4 inch in size;(C)
Where there are attachments to the structure, such as decks and porches:(i)
Maintain the area under the attachments substantially free of firewood, flammable building material, leaves, needles, and other flammable material; or(ii)
Cover openings to the area under the attachments with noncombustible, corrosion-resistant mesh screening material, which has openings no greater than 1⁄4 inch in size;(D)
Remove any portion of a tree which extends to within 10 feet of the outlet of a structure chimney or a stove pipe;(E)
Maintain the portion of any tree which overhangs a structure substantially free of dead plant material; and(F)
During times of the year when wildfire may be a threat, locate firewood, flammable building material, and other similar flammable material:(i)
At least 20 feet away from the structure; or(ii)
In a fully enclosed space.(b)
Option 2, secondary fuel break. This option is intended to provide additional separation between structures and natural vegetation. To comply with this option, owners of structures shall provide and maintain secondary fuel breaks which comply with the requirements of OAR 629-044-1085 (Fuel Break Requirements) and which are immediately adjacent to primary fuel breaks, for the distance necessary to create a total fuel break of 100 feet, or to the property line, whichever is the shortest distance. The distance shall be measured along the slope and from the furthest extension of the structure, including attached carports, decks, or eaves.(c)
Option 3, wildfire safe access. This option is intended to provide a more safe vehicle access to and from structures during a wildfire. To comply with this option, owners of a driveway shall provide and maintain a primary fuel break which complies with the requirements of OAR 629-044-1085 (Fuel Break Requirements) and which is immediately adjacent to a driveway for a distance of ten feet from the centerline of the driveway, or to the property line, whichever is the shortest distance. The distance shall be measured along the slope. Including the driving surface, a fuel break shall result in an open area which is not less than 13 1⁄2 feet in height and 12 feet in width or to the property line, whichever is the shortest distance.(d)
Option 4, low ignition risk property. This option is intended to reduce the likelihood of a wildfire ignition. To comply with this option, owners shall at all times use the following fire prevention practices:(A)
Open fires shall be:(i)
Built, ignited and maintained in compliance with all applicable permit and fire safety requirements;(ii)
Tended and maintained under the control of a person 16 years of age or older;(iii)
Conducted only when weather conditions permit safe burning;(iv)
Conducted in a location which has had all surrounding material cleared of flammable material sufficient to prevent unintended spread of the fire; and(v)
Conducted only when adequate and appropriate fire tools and/or a water supply are present to assist in preventing unintended spread of the fire.(B)
Grills, incinerators, outdoor fireplaces, permanent barbecues, and similar outdoor devices shall be maintained in good repair, in safe condition, and all openings shall normally be completely covered by a spark arrester, by a screen, or by a device which prevents unintended spread of a fire.(C)
Ashes and coals resulting from the use of grills, incinerators, outdoor fireplaces, permanent barbecues, and similar outdoor devices shall be disposed of in a manner which prevents unintended spread of a fire.(D)
The use of outdoor equipment or devices capable of generating heat, open flame, or sparks shall be conducted in compliance with all applicable permit and fire safety requirements; and(E)
Chimneys and stove pipes shall be used only if their openings are completely covered with a spark arrester which meets or exceeds the following standard: constructed of 12 USA standard gauge wire which has openings no larger than 1⁄2 inch in size.(7)
On all lands classified by a committee as High Density Extreme, owners comply with the standards set forth in OAR 629-044-1075 (Additional Standards For Lands Classified As High Density Extreme).
Source:
Rule 629-044-1065 — Optional Standards, https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/view.action?ruleNumber=629-044-1065.