SISTERS, Ore. — The Sisters City Council is set to consider a new ordinance that would impose stricter defensible space standards on new development within city limits. The proposed measures, which will be discussed at the upcoming city council meeting on Tuesday, April 8, are designed to enhance fire safety by requiring specific building and landscaping practices for properties that increase their lot coverage by 200 square feet or more.

Under the new standards, any new fencing installed within 30 feet of a structure would need to be made of non-flammable materials, such as chain-link, where it touches a building or deck. The ordinance also prohibits the planting of highly flammable trees and plants within the same 30-foot radius, in an effort to reduce the risk of fires spreading from vegetation to structures.

Additionally, the ordinance calls for a five-foot buffer zone around buildings and decks that must remain free of combustible materials and highly flammable vegetation. This added protection is part of a broader push to ensure that developments within the city are better equipped to withstand wildfires, which have become an increasing concern for communities in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

The proposed ordinance is in response to growing concerns about wildfire risks and aims to create a safer environment for residents and property owners. It is expected that these new requirements could have a significant impact on both current and future development projects within Sisters.

The city council meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will offer an opportunity for local residents to voice their opinions on the proposed changes. City officials are encouraging community members to attend the meeting to better understand the implications of the ordinance and to participate in the discussion.

As wildfire season approaches, officials in Sisters are taking proactive steps to ensure the city is prepared for potential fire threats, with defensible space being a key part of their strategy.