What the May 15 R327 Deadline Means for New Sheds, Shops, and Accessory Structures in Bend

Bend has adopted Oregon Residential Specialty Code Section R327 wildfire mitigation requirements, effective May 15, 2026. The updated requirements apply to new detached dwellings and, importantly for many local homeowners, certain new accessory structures such as sheds, shops, detached garages, and similar outbuildings.

Many homeowners assume a shed is too small or too separate from the house to be affected by fire-hardening rules. That assumption can create an unwelcome surprise during permitting. If you are planning a new accessory structure in Bend, you should determine whether R327 applies before ordering materials or finalizing your package.

The City of Bend’s R327 announcement and the Oregon Building Codes Division guidance provide important background. Because application can depend on location, size, use, and permit status, you should also confirm the requirements with the City of Bend Building Division.

What the May 15 R327 Deadline Changes

Section R327 establishes wildfire mitigation standards for certain new residential construction in locally designated wildfire hazard areas. Bend’s adoption means new permit applications submitted on or after May 15, 2026, may need to include wildfire-resistant construction details for both the primary home and covered accessory structures.

The purpose is practical: reduce the chance that wind-blown embers, radiant heat, or nearby combustible materials will ignite a structure. Home hardening does not make a building completely fireproof, but appropriate materials and details can reduce vulnerabilities at the roof, walls, vents, windows, eaves, and other openings.

The requirements are not limited to large homes. Depending on the project, a detached garage, workshop, shop, or shed may fall within the accessory-structure provisions. Consequently, code review should be part of your planning process rather than an issue discovered after construction begins.

New Sheds Are Not Automatically Exempt

A common misconception is that fire-hardening rules apply only to the main house. Under R327, certain accessory structures associated with residential properties can also be covered.

Oregon’s wildfire home-hardening guide identifies accessory structures as buildings such as detached garages, shops, agricultural buildings, pump houses, and sheds. The guide explains that covered accessory structures generally must meet specific conditions, including their relationship to a dwelling, location, size, and other code requirements.

This does not mean every small storage shed is automatically subject to every R327 provision. Some small, detached, non-habitable structures may qualify for a building permit exemption or another local exception. However, a permit exemption should not be assumed. A structure’s size, height, proximity to a dwelling, intended use, electrical work, and location can all affect the review.

Before ordering a package, ask:

• Is the structure within Bend city limits?

• Is the property in a locally designated wildfire hazard area?

• Will the shed or shop require a residential building permit?

• How large and tall will the structure be?

• Will it include electrical, insulation, plumbing, or habitable features?

• Is it within the applicable distance from a building containing habitable space?

• Are there local zoning, setback, easement, or defensible-space requirements?

The safest approach is to verify your specific property with the City of Bend before materials are purchased.

The Main R327 Requirements for Covered Accessory Structures

If R327 applies to your new shed, shop, garage, or other accessory structure, the exterior materials and construction details must be selected carefully.

Class B or Better Roofing

Covered structures generally require a roof assembly rated at least Class B. Class A materials or assemblies may provide an even higher level of protection.

Common compliant roofing options may include approved asphalt shingles, metal roofing, tile, slate, or other systems accepted by the building official. Untreated wood shakes and similar combustible roofing products are not an appropriate choice for a structure subject to R327.

The roof covering is only one part of the roof assembly. Gaps between the roof covering and roof deck may need to be blocked or detailed to reduce ember entry. Correct installation according to the manufacturer’s instructions is essential.

Ignition-Resistant Exterior Wall Coverings

Exterior wall coverings must be noncombustible or ignition-resistant, or they must be part of an approved assembly that meets the applicable standard.

For instance, fiber-cement siding and metal siding are common choices for fire-resilient accessory structures. These materials can also provide a clean, modern appearance that works well with Bend’s high-desert architecture.

The goal is not simply to choose a product labeled “durable.” The siding, trim, underlayment, flashing, joints, and penetrations must work together as a complete exterior wall system.

Ember-Resistant Vents

Embers can enter through small ventilation openings and ignite materials inside a structure. R327 therefore requires protective venting details for covered buildings.

Depending on the vent location, the code may require:

• Ember-resistant vents specifically designed to resist flame and ember intrusion

• Corrosion-resistant, noncombustible metal mesh

• Fine mesh with openings of approximately 1/16 inch or smaller where specified

• Approved vent products that meet the applicable testing and installation requirements

• An unvented attic assembly, where allowed by the project design

Eave, soffit, cornice, crawlspace, wall, and gable vents may be treated differently. For example, vents in vulnerable areas may require listed ember-resistant products rather than ordinary screening.

A standard hardware-store vent is not automatically compliant. Product documentation and installation details matter, so vent selections should be made while the structure is being designed.

Eaves, Soffits, and Projections

Open eaves and exposed projections can create areas where embers collect or flames spread. Where applicable, R327 may require noncombustible or ignition-resistant materials at eaves, soffits, cantilevers, and other projections.

The exact requirement can depend on the size, height, and configuration of the projection. Enclosed soffits, protected roof edges, and carefully sealed transitions can reduce vulnerable openings and simplify inspection.

These details are easy to overlook when a shed is treated as a basic storage product. Planning them at the beginning is more efficient than rebuilding roof edges after a plan correction.

Windows and Exterior Door Glazing

Windows, skylights, and glazing within exterior doors can break under intense heat and allow embers or flames to enter. Covered structures may therefore require tempered glass, multi-layered glazing, glass block, or a tested fire-rated assembly.

Your window selection may also depend on its location, distance from surrounding structures, and the applicable local code provisions. If you want windows for natural light, choose the glazing package during design rather than treating it as a late upgrade.

R327 Does Not Generally Require Existing Shed Retrofits

The May 15 deadline primarily affects new construction and new permit applications within the scope of the adopted code. It does not generally force homeowners to rebuild or retrofit every existing shed simply because the code has changed.

That distinction is important. If you already own an older shed, you may still benefit from voluntary improvements such as replacing damaged roofing, sealing gaps, clearing debris from the roof, upgrading vents, or maintaining vegetation around the structure. However, a repair, remodel, addition, or utility upgrade may trigger separate permit questions.

If you are replacing an existing shed with a new one, the project should be evaluated as new construction. The fact that the old structure was permitted or exempt does not automatically transfer to the replacement.

Defensible Space and Site Placement Still Matter

R327 focuses primarily on construction and material choices. Your site plan also matters.

Defensible space involves managing vegetation, stored materials, dry debris, and other potential fuel around the structure. A fire-resilient roof can still be exposed if dry needles accumulate in gutters or firewood is stacked directly against the wall.

Before construction, consider:

• Setbacks from property lines and existing buildings

• Access for emergency responders

• Vegetation and combustible landscaping

• Roof and gutter maintenance

• Placement of firewood, propane, equipment, and other stored materials

• Drainage and foundation conditions

• Local zoning and Wildland-Urban Interface requirements

Requirements can vary between Bend, Deschutes County, and other Central Oregon jurisdictions. They may also vary by zone within a jurisdiction. Verify the current rules before selecting a design or ordering a package.

Building to R327 from Day One Costs Less

The most practical reason to address R327 early is cost control.

Changing a roof system after framing is complete can involve material changes, labor delays, disposal fees, and permit corrections. Replacing ordinary vents with listed ember-resistant products may require modifying soffits or roof assemblies. Changing siding or window specifications after delivery can also create restocking and scheduling problems.

By comparison, selecting compliant materials before construction allows the roof, wall system, vents, windows, trim, and site plan to work together. It provides a clearer estimate and reduces the risk of change orders.

How Stone Fire’s Shed Packages Can Help

Stone Fire Construction and Maintenance LLC offers six shed package sizes ranging from 8x10 to 24x14, with packages starting at $8,999. Depending on your property and intended use, you can select 2x4 or 2x6 framing and add options such as:

• Electrical service and outlets

• Interior and exterior lighting

• Doors and equipment-access doors

• Windows

• Roofing upgrades

• Insulation

• Shelving and workbench layouts

• Additional framing and structural options

• R327-compliant material selections where required

A basic 8x10 structure may be appropriate for tools and seasonal storage. A larger 12x24 or 24x14 package can provide room for a workshop, equipment storage, hobby space, or small shop. Your final price will depend on the package, options, site conditions, permitting, utilities, and required fire-resistant materials.

Stone Fire brings 20 years of combined industry experience, including 10 years serving Central Oregon. We are licensed, bonded, and insured under CCB# 243975, and we approach each project with transparent pricing, responsive communication, and careful attention to local requirements.

You can also review our shed package options, explore our metal building and shop solutions, or book a consultation online.

Confirm Your Requirements Before Ordering

R327 is an important change for Bend homeowners planning a new shed, shop, garage, or accessory structure. The requirements generally apply to new covered structures, while existing sheds are not automatically required to undergo full retrofits. However, the exact application depends on your property, structure, zone, size, use, and permit status.

We recommend confirming the requirements with the City of Bend before ordering materials. Then, work with your builder to specify the roof, siding, vents, windows, eaves, gutters, and site details from the beginning.

Planning a shed or shop in Bend? Call Scott before you order materials : we'll make sure your package is built to the code that applies to your property, no surprises.

Contact Scott Bender:

• Phone:541-948-3775

• Email:stonefirebuilders@gmail.com

• Website:stonefirebuilders.com