Deschutes County is accepting applications for its new Wildfire Mitigation Advisory Committee. The committee will provide recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on whether the County should implement new building code standards and land use regulations focused on mitigating wildfire hazards and improving wildfire safety.
The State Building Codes Division in January approved an amendment to Oregon’s Building Code that allows local jurisdictions to implement wildfire mitigation building standards. If adopted, the new regulations could impact new residential construction and remodels in the rural portions of Deschutes County.
The Wildfire Safety Advisory Committee is expected to begin its work by reviewing a 2015 report from the University of Oregon’s Community Service Center that outlines potential changes to natural hazard mitigation standards and wildfire hazards within Deschutes County’s code. After committee members review the recommendations from the 2015 report, they will decide whether to recommend adoption of new regulations.
Community Development Director Nick Lelack said he expects the committee to include 7-12 members, who will be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners.
The County is seeking applicants with a wide variety of backgrounds, including representatives from the building and insurance industries, as well as first responders, HOA board member and homeowners. The committee is expected to meet up to ten times beginning in late September, and meetings are expected to be held in Bend at the Deschutes County Services Center.
To apply, submit an online application or print the form and mail or hand deliver it to the Community Development Department at 710 NW Wall Street in Bend. Both the online and print applications can be accessed at deschutes.org/wildfirecommittee. All applications must be received by 12pm on Monday, August 26.
