During its Feb. 25, 2026, work session, the Bend City Council discussed whether to adopt Section R327 of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, which establishes home-hardening requirements to help make new, detached residential structures more wildfire resilient. R327 is a state-adopted section of the residential building code that local jurisdictions can opt into. After reviewing options and timelines, Council directed staff to move forward with local adoption of R327.
The proposed ordinance is scheduled to come back to the City Council for consideration and public comment at its April 1, 2026, business meeting. If adopted, the R327 home-hardening standards would apply to new residential building permit applications submitted on or after the effective date. The code could take effect in spring 2026; Council will discuss and determine implementation timeline during the April 1 meeting.
R327 establishes wildfire-resilient construction practices for newly constructed dwellings and newly constructed accessory structures. It does not apply to apartment buildings, commercial construction or additions or renovations of existing buildings. Under R327, new homes would be required to meet certain requirements, like using non-combustible or ignition-resistant materials for roofing, gutters, windows and other exterior components to help reduce the risk of structure ignition during wildfire events. While R327 does not apply to buildings regulated under the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, such as apartments, mixed-use and commercial buildings, those structures are often already required to be built to a strong baseline of fire resilience.
Council also discussed defensible space, which refers to a buffer zone around a structure that helps slow or prevent fire spread. Because defensible space represents a broader body of work involving multiple City departments and more local discretion, potential updates to local defensible space requirements will be considered separately and brought forward for Council discussion at a future meeting following additional public input. The proposed R327 adoption focuses on home‑hardening measures, not defensible space.
If adopted, Bend’s standards for residential building codes would align with other nearby communities. R327 will take effect on April 1 in the City of Sisters and unincorporated areas of Deschutes County. A consistent regional approach supports overall community wildfire resilience.
More information about the proposed adoption of the R327 code, meeting details, and opportunities for public input will be available at bendoregon.gov/citycouncil.
