SISTERS, Ore. – As the city of Sisters continues to expand, local leaders are focused on addressing the growing threat of wildfires by implementing fire-safe construction and landscaping practices for future developments. City officials are considering updates to the city’s development code that would require new buildings and landscapes to adhere to stricter wildfire resilience standards. The proposal aims to mitigate the risk of wildfires spreading through new neighborhoods, especially in areas targeted for expansion.
The proposed changes would introduce a series of fire prevention measures, including spacing requirements around buildings and the creation of a Prohibited Flammable Plant List. These updates are designed to ensure that new construction in and around Sisters is as wildfire-resistant as possible, reducing the potential for devastating fire damage.
“Part of that is looking at what the flammable list is,” said City Manager Jordan Wheeler. “We want to make sure that new development in Sisters is as wildfire resilient as possible.”
The rules would apply only to new developments and would not affect existing properties or ongoing construction. The primary focus is on areas where growth is expected, particularly in regions identified for potential expansion. As part of the proposed regulations, landscaping near buildings would be restricted. According to Wheeler, “Within five feet of a building—no flammable material. So, no shrubbery, wood piles.”
Mayor Jennifer Letz emphasized that many of the plants identified as fire hazards are common throughout Central Oregon. “We have a lot of western juniper, and that is just a highly flammable tree,” Letz said. “Sagebrush can be very volatile as well, and also spruce trees.”
The city has been working toward these fire safety measures for several years. Initially, Sisters had hoped to rely on the state’s wildfire hazard map to guide its decisions. However, with the state’s process stalling amid pushback, city officials decided to take matters into their own hands. “We were waiting on the wildfire map from the state, and the process wasn’t moving at the pace we wanted,” Letz said. “So, we’re writing our own code.”
In addition to enhancing wildfire resilience, city leaders hope these new regulations will also lead to reduced homeowners insurance rates, which have been a major concern for residents in wildfire-prone areas. Insurance companies often adjust rates based on the level of risk in a given area, and by demonstrating a commitment to fire prevention, the city hopes to lower those rates for homeowners.
The proposal has been developed through months of workshops and consultations with fire experts, as well as input from researchers at Oregon State University. The City Council closed the public hearing on the proposed changes Thursday, with further deliberations scheduled for April 23.
As the city moves forward with these plans, the decision could serve as a model for other communities in Central Oregon and beyond, as wildfires continue to pose a growing threat in the region. With careful planning and foresight, Sisters is working to ensure that its future growth is both fire-safe and sustainable.
