What Bend's 2026 wildfire code does (and does not) cover
In April 2026, the Bend City Council adopted the state's residential wildfire mitigation building code, known as R327, citywide. The key facts from the City:
- Effective date: residential building permit applications submitted on or after May 15, 2026.
- Applies to: newly constructed homes and newly constructed accessory structures (for example, a new detached ADU).
- Does not apply to: existing homes, additions, renovations, apartments or commercial buildings.
- Where: the entire city, which Bend already designates as a Wildfire Hazard Zone.
- Defensible space (vegetation) rules are being considered by the City separately from the building code.
Outside city limits, Deschutes County made R327 mandatory for new dwellings and new accessory structures in unincorporated areas starting April 1, 2026, and the county accepts products from the CAL FIRE listed-products handbook when they are specified on the drawings.
Even though existing homes are not required to comply, R327 is a useful checklist for retrofits: it lays out the same ember-entry points this guide covers.
How homes actually catch fire
Research on lost homes consistently points to embers: burning bits carried far ahead of a fire that land in gutters full of needles, blow through attic vents, collect against walls and decks, and ignite whatever is there. Bend's ponderosa pines, juniper, bitterbrush and dry summers create a lot of ember fuel. The goal of hardening is to give embers nowhere to start a fire on or in the house.
Retrofit priorities, from free to major
Tier 1: low cost, do this first
- Clear the 0–5 foot zone around the house and deck: swap bark mulch for gravel or rock, remove juniper and other flammable shrubs next to walls, and move firewood and stored items away.
- Clean roof and gutters of pine needles, especially before and during fire season. Our gutter guide lists local crews.
- Clear under decks and stairs of anything stored or blown in.
- Trim trees back from the roof and chimney. See our tree services guide.
- Replace a wood fence connection: the last few feet of a wood fence where it meets the house can carry fire to the wall. A metal gate or section fixes it.
Tier 2: moderate cost, often a day or two of contractor work
- Ember-resistant vents for attic, soffit, gable and crawl space openings.
- Metal gutter guards and noncombustible gutters.
- Roof edge details: sealing gaps at the ridge and eaves, and metal drip edge.
- A noncombustible strip at the base of walls: siding replaced with a noncombustible material for the bottom several inches, plus gravel at grade.
- Enclosing open eaves with noncombustible soffit material.
- Screening or enclosing under decks with fine metal mesh or solid noncombustible skirting.
Tier 3: major projects, best done when replacing anyway
- Class A roof. If your roof is due, choose a Class A assembly. Wood shake roofs are the biggest single risk. See our roofing guide.
- Noncombustible or ignition-resistant siding, like fiber cement. See our siding guide.
- Dual-pane windows with tempered glass, which hold up much better to heat. See our windows guide.
- Deck rebuilds with fire-rated decking and noncombustible framing near the house. See our deck builders guide.
If you are remodeling or building in 2026 and beyond
- New home or new accessory building: R327 applies. Ask your builder which details and listed products they use and how it affects the budget.
- Addition or remodel: R327 is not required, but adding ember-resistant vents, noncombustible siding and tempered glass to the new work usually costs little extra.
- Landscaping: plan the 0–5 foot zone with rock, hardscape and low, well-watered plants. Our landscaping guide lists local designers.
- Covered patios and pergolas: material choices matter here too. See our patio covers guide.