Flammable Vegetation

All tenants, property managers, and homeowners need to clear away flammable plants to help keep fires from spreading to nearby properties.

You can do this by cutting or removing vegetation as close to the ground as possible, or by using an EPA-approved herbicide. If there are flammable plants in the nearby right of way, it’s the property owner’s job to remove them.

• If your property is half an acre (21,780 square feet) or less, you must remove all flammable vegetation.
• If your property is larger than half an acre (21,780 square feet):
  • Create and maintain a 20 ft. wide cleared area (fuel break) around the entire property, including any right of way or easements.
  • Fuel breaks should be created along the property boundaries, all structures, trees, power poles, and vehicles.
• For more details, check the City’s Nuisance Ordinance on the Flammable Vegetation Code.
• For violations, the maximum penalty is $750 per day for each lot.

Our community and the surrounding regions have all experienced increased wildfire activity in recent years. As a result, our department is increasing proactive efforts to ensure all properties meet the City’s Flammable Vegetation Code standards. The goal of this code is to eliminate hazardous vegetation conditions that contribute to the spread of wildfire. Performing the tasks below will help make your home and community resilient to wildfire.

• Any tree limbs overhanging a structure (including outbuildings), or hanging within 10ft of structure eaves, should be cut back.
• All trees should be limbed up so branches are hanging no lower than 5-6ft from the ground (or limb up 1/3 of tree height for immature trees).
• All ladder fuels should be removed. Ladder fuels are any type of vegetation located within the drip line of a tree canopy.
• Any trees or shrubs located within the Immediate Zone (which is within 0-5ft of any structure on the property) should be cut back.
• All dead vegetation, including shrubs, trees, grasses or any other plant material, should be removed.
• Dense, dry grass should be cut and removed. Any noxious weeds growing on the property should be treated and removed.
• Accumulated layers of pine needles and cones should be removed.
• Properties over ½ acre in size should have an established 20ft fuel break around the perimeter.
• Additional work may be required for a specific property as directed by city staff.

In the April 2025 episode of the City’s podcast “Let’s Talk Bend”, we talk to a community member about their perspective and questions they have about the letter.

You’ll also hear from our Director of Risk and Emergency Management Carrie Karl, Fire Inspector Melissa Steele and Code Enforcement Officer Julie Craig to explain the purpose of the letter and answer those common questions from the community.

1Step: Prepare Your Details and Supporting Items

Before submitting your complaint, please gather the following information:

• Details of the Complaint: Describe the nature of the complaint and the alleged violation.
• Description of the Area: Provide a description of the area to help the inspector easily find the violations (e.g., front sidewalk).
• Location: Include the address of the violation.
• Supporting Items: Attach any supporting items with descriptions, such as photos or videos.

2Step: Submit Your Flammable Vegetation Complaint

• In the Online Permit Center Portal, start by selecting the Complaint Type
• Complete the rest of the form and submit the complaint

• City Edition-Flammable Vegetation
• City Edition-Reducing Wildfire Fuels
• FireFree
• Fire Resistant Plant Information