home hardening Archives - The Source

Do We Have to Decide Between Fire Safety and Housing?

Home-hardening codes can save homes. But some will say they’re at the expense of building more homes in the first place.

by The Source Editorial Board March 17, 2026March 17, 2026

The City of Sisters got a lot of attention when it became one of the first cities in Oregon to adopt a set of codes around home hardening and defensible space. Now, the City of Bend is set to vote on doing something very similar. The codes may raise the price of new homes slightly […]

Local News

City Council Moves Home Hardening Code to a Vote, Discusses Defensible Space Code

Bend may soon adopt an urban fire prevention code similar to those already in place in Ashland and Sisters

by Jesse Coronado February 27, 2026March 1, 2026

Oregon cities including Ashland and Sisters have recently adopted new home hardening requirements in their development codes, and it appears that Bend may soon follow suit. On Feb. 25, the Bend City Council moved a home hardening code proposal forward for an April 1 vote, with May 15 discussed as the proposed effective date. The proposed requirements, which fall under Oregon Residential Specialty code Section R327, would mean new homes need […]

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