ORS § 477.270 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.270
477.270 Budgeted cost of forester to be lien
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to the forest patrol assessment limitations set forth in ORS 477.230 (Basis for computing cost of protection provided by forester) :

(a) The budgeted cost of the forester, as provided for in ORS 477.205 (Definitions for ORS 477.205 to 477.281) to 477.281 (Limitation on obligation of landowner for fire protection) , in providing protection for privately owned forestland shall be a lien upon such property, shall be reported by the forester to the governing body of the county in which the lands are situated on or after July 1 of each fiscal year, and shall be levied and collected by the governing body with the next taxes on the land in the same manner and with the same interest, penalty and cost charges as apply to ad valorem property taxes in this state. The governing body shall instruct the proper officer to extend the amounts on the assessment roll in a separate account, and the procedure provided by law for the collection of taxes and delinquent taxes shall apply. Upon collection thereof, the governing body shall repay the entire amount collected to the forester.

(b) In lieu of the procedures under paragraph (a) of this subsection, the forester, under the direction of the State Board of Forestry, may make direct billing of the budgeted cost to owners of forestland and receive payment of the cost therefrom. In the event that under such billing procedures any owners fail to make payment, the unpaid budgeted cost shall become a lien against the property so billed and shall be levied and collected with the next taxes on such property as described in paragraph (a) of this subsection.

(c) The budgeted cost of the forester in providing protection for forestland owned by the state or by a political subdivision shall be paid to the forester on or before the first day of January of the fiscal year for which such protection is to be provided.

(2) Except as provided in ORS 477.230 (Basis for computing cost of protection provided by forester) (2), all moneys received by the forester pursuant to this section shall be paid into the State Treasury, credited to the State Forestry Department Account and used exclusively for the purposes of ORS 477.205 (Definitions for ORS 477.205 to 477.281) to 477.281 (Limitation on obligation of landowner for fire protection) . [Formerly 477.033; 1983 c.16 §2; 1999 c.355 §8]

Source: Section 477.270 — Budgeted cost of forester to be lien; collection; deposit of amounts collected , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 478.300 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 478 / Section 478.300
478.300 Contracting with others to provide facilities and services for fire protection or road lighting
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to the authority to enter into intergovernmental agreements under ORS chapter 190, a rural fire protection district or other public body as defined in ORS 174.109 (“Public body” defined) may contract with any person for the purpose of affording fire fighting, protection or prevention facilities or road-lighting facilities and services, or both, to such person.

(2) When any agreement or contract is entered into pursuant to ORS chapter 190 or subsection (1) of this section to provide fire protection service, the rural fire protection district or other public body providing such service shall have authority over open burning and the issuance of fire permits in the area served, and may in accordance with this chapter make reasonable rules and regulations relating thereto. [Amended by 1965 c.602 §27; 1969 c.667 §21; 2003 c.802 §126]

Source: Section 478.300 — Contracting with others to provide facilities and services for fire protection or road lighting; authority over open burning and fire permits; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors478.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.503 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.503
477.503 Reduction of wildfire risk
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The State Forestry Department shall design and implement a program to reduce wildfire risk through the restoration of landscape resiliency and the reduction of hazardous fuel on public or private forestlands and rangelands and in communities near homes and critical infrastructure.

(b) The department shall ensure that the program is consistent with the objectives described in this section and biennially select, administer and evaluate projects consistent with the objectives described in this subsection.

(c) When developing program and project selection criteria, the department shall, to the extent practicable, consult and cooperate with state and federal agencies, counties, cities and other units of local government, federally recognized Indian tribes in this state, public and private forestland and rangeland owners, forest and rangeland collaboratives and other relevant community organizations and ensure consistency with the priorities described in subsection (3) of this section.

(2) The department shall develop a 20-year strategic plan, as described in the Shared Stewardship Agreement signed on August 13, 2019, that prioritizes restoration actions and geographies for wildfire risk reduction. The plan must be able to be used to direct federal, state and private investments in a tangible way.

(3) In selecting and administering projects, the department shall:

(a) In collaboration with the Oregon State University Extension Service and other entities, identify strategic landscapes that are ready for treatment, giving priority to projects within the landscapes that are:

(A) On lands in the four highest eNVC risk classes identified in the United States Forest Service report titled “Pacific Northwest Quantitative Wildfire Risk Assessment: Methods and Results” and dated April 9, 2018;

(B) Inclusive of federal lands with treatment projects currently approved under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);

(C) Focusing on treatments protective of human life, property, critical infrastructure, watershed health and forest or rangeland habitat restoration; and

(D) Part of a collaborative partnership with agreements across diverse forestland or rangeland stakeholders that use an expansive, landscape-scale approach to address underlying causes of poor wildfire resilience and elevated risk of wildfire or that establish innovative approaches to addressing the underlying causes that could be implemented on a larger scale.

(b) To the extent practicable, identify and support projects that are designed to:

(A) Evaluate varying types of fuel treatment methods;

(B) Leverage the collective power of public-private partnerships and federal and state funding, including leverage of the coordination of funding to support collaborative initiatives that address the underlying causes of elevated forestland and rangeland wildfire risk across ownerships; and

(C) Optimize the receipt of federal government investments that equal or exceed department investments.

(c) Design the projects to involve existing forest-based and range-based contracting entities.

(d) Design the projects to complement programs and projects of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board or other state agencies as needed.

(e) Design the projects to involve the Oregon Conservation Corps Program established by ORS 476.694 (Oregon Conservation Corps Program) , to the maximum extent possible, for community protection projects located in the wildland-urban interface, subject to funding available in the Oregon Conservation Corps Fund established by ORS 476.698 (Oregon Conservation Corps Fund) .

(f) Affirmatively seek, and enhance opportunities for, collaboration from stakeholders holding a wide variety of perspectives regarding forest and rangeland management and opportunities for significant involvement by communities in proximity to project sites.

(g) Engage in monitoring of the projects to produce useful information on which to base recommendations to the Legislative Assembly.

(4) A project under this section may not include commercial thinning on:

(a) Inventoried roadless areas;

(b) Riparian reserves identified in the Northwest Forest Plan or in federal Bureau of Land Management resource management plans;

(c) Late successional reserves, except to the extent consistent with the 2011 United States Fish and Wildlife Service Revised Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina);

(d) Areas protected under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (P.L. 90-542), national recreation areas, national monuments or areas protected under ORS 390.805 (Definitions for ORS 390.805 to 390.925) to 390.925 (Enforcement) ;

(e) Designated critical habitat for species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205) or by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission under ORS 496.172 (Commission management authority for threatened or endangered species) , unless commercial thinning is already allowed under an existing environmental review or recognized habitat recovery plan; or

(f) Federally designated areas of critical environmental concern or federally designated wilderness study areas.

(5) The department shall give public notice, and allow reasonable opportunity for public input, when identifying and selecting landscapes under this section. [2021 c.592 §18]

Note: See note under 477.490 (Statewide wildfire hazard map) .

Note: Section 20, chapter 592, Oregon Laws 2021, provides:

Sec. 20. (1) The State Forestry Department shall complete the operation of projects under section 18, chapter 592, Oregon Laws 2021 [ 477.503 (Reduction of wildfire risk) ], no later than June 30, 2025.

(2) The department shall report regarding progress in carrying out projects under section 18, chapter 592, Oregon Laws 2021, to an interim committee of the Legislative Assembly related to natural resources, in the manner provided by ORS 192.245 (Form of report to legislature) , and to the Governor, State Wildfire Programs Director and Wildfire Programs Advisory Council no later than January 15, 2022. The report shall include, but need not be limited to:

(a) An explanation of how landscapes were selected, a summary of the selected projects, a description of initial outcomes from projects selected under the requirements established by section 18, chapter 592, Oregon Laws 2021, anticipated time frames for completion of the projects and any initial recommendations concerning landscape identification and projects selected under the requirements established by section 18, chapter 592, Oregon Laws 2021;

(b) A description of the funding source types and amounts secured by the department as matching funds to implement projects; and

(c) A summary of outreach and coordination with relevant federal and state agencies, counties, cities and other units of local government, federally recognized Indian tribes in this state, public and private forestland and rangeland owners, forestland and rangeland collaboratives and other relevant community organizations to identify and select landscapes for treatment and develop selection criteria for projects.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The department shall report its findings and recommendations regarding wildfire risk reduction on forestland and rangeland and in communities, based on information obtained from the projects described in section 18, chapter 592, Oregon Laws 2021, to an interim committee of the Legislative Assembly related to natural resources, in the manner provided by ORS 192.245 (Form of report to legislature) , and to the Governor, State Wildfire Programs Director and Wildfire Programs Advisory Council no later than July 15, 2023. The report shall include, but need not be limited to:

(A) A qualitative and quantitative summary of the project outcomes that, at a minimum, states the number of acres treated, the treatment actions carried out and any resulting or anticipated changes in landscape conditions related to enhanced resiliency or the mitigation of wildfire risk to public values;

(B) The identification of barriers to more efficient implementation and achievement of goals in future wildfire risk reduction projects;

(C) A qualitative and quantitative summary of the use of prescribed fire activities and invasive annual grass treatments for wildfire risk reduction that, at a minimum, states the number of acres burned or treated and any resulting or anticipated changes in landscape conditions related to enhanced resiliency or the mitigation of wildfire risk to public values;

(D) The identification of existing disincentives to, and recommendation for reducing barriers to, the use of prescribed fire;

(E) Recommendations for creating optimal working relationships with forestland or rangeland collaboratives and other relevant community organizations regarding future wildfire risk reduction projects;

(F) A description of the funding source types and amounts secured by the department as matching funds to carry out projects; and

(G) Recommendations for investment in future wildfire risk reduction projects to be carried out in the 2023-2025 biennium.

(b) In developing the report required under this subsection, the department shall work in coordination with federal land management agencies, institutions of higher education and third parties to develop consistent performance measurements and condition-based metrics for monitoring and communicating the effectiveness of state investments and project actions in reducing wildfire risk on public or private forestlands and rangelands and in communities. [2021 c.592 §20; 2023 c.602 §40]

Source: Section 477.503 — Reduction of wildfire risk , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 478.500 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 478 / Section 478.500
478.500 Determination of tax levy in each tax zone
Status: in_force

If a district is divided into zones under ORS 478.480 (Formation of tax zones) (1), the district board shall determine, make and declare the ad valorem tax levy for each zone when the district board adopts its budget for any fiscal year. The determination of the amount of ad valorem taxes to be levied in each zone shall be in accordance with the proposal approved by the voters under ORS 478.490 (Election on question of dividing district into tax zones) and shall be entered in the proper records of the district board. [1983 c.569 §7]

Source: Section 478.500 — Determination of tax levy in each tax zone , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors478.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.225 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.225
480.225 Eligibility for certificate of possession
Status: in_force

(1) A person is eligible for a certificate of possession under ORS 480.235 (Waiting period for issuance of certificate of possession) if:

(a) The person has not been convicted, or found guilty except for insanity under ORS 161.295 (Effect of qualifying mental disorder) , of a misdemeanor involving violence, as defined in ORS 166.470 (Limitations and conditions for sales of firearms) , within the previous four years. A person who has been so convicted is eligible under this subsection following the expiration of seven years after the date of final and unconditional discharge from all imprisonment, probation and parole resulting from the conviction.

(b) The person has not been convicted, or found guilty except for insanity under ORS 161.295 (Effect of qualifying mental disorder) , of, and is not under indictment for, any felony.

(c) The person is not a fugitive from justice, has no outstanding warrants for arrest and is not free on any form of pretrial release for any offenses listed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection.

(d) The person has not been determined to be a person with mental illness under ORS 426.130 (Court determination of mental illness) or to have an intellectual disability under ORS 427.290 (Determination by court of need for commitment) . A person who previously has been so determined is eligible under this subsection if, at the time of application for such a certificate, the person produces a certified copy of a full discharge from the proper state hospital. The Oregon Health Authority shall provide the State Fire Marshal with direct electronic access to the authority’s database of information identifying persons meeting the criteria of this section who were committed or subject to an order under ORS 426.130 (Court determination of mental illness) . The State Fire Marshal and the authority shall enter into an agreement describing the access to information under this subsection.

(e) The person is at least 21 years of age.

(f) The person does not use a fictitious name or make a material misrepresentation in application for such a certificate.

(g) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) The person has not been convicted of, and is not under indictment for, a criminal offense involving a controlled substance as defined in ORS 475.005 (Definitions for ORS 475.005 to 475.285 and 475.752 to 475.980) , other than the offense of driving under the influence of intoxicants.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, a person who has had a certificate denied or revoked due to conviction of a criminal offense involving a controlled substance is eligible under this section following the expiration of seven years after the date of final and unconditional discharge from all imprisonment, probation and parole resulting from the conviction.

(h) The person has been discharged from the jurisdiction of the juvenile court for more than four years for an act that, if committed by an adult, would constitute a felony or a misdemeanor involving violence, as defined in ORS 166.470 (Limitations and conditions for sales of firearms) .

(i) The person is not the subject of a restraining order that alleges the person’s possession of explosives presents a credible threat to another person.

(j) The person has passed an examination administered by the State Fire Marshal that assesses the person’s knowledge of safety in the transportation and storage of explosives as required under federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to explosives. The State Fire Marshal shall examine each applicant prior to issuance of a certificate of possession to the applicant. The State Fire Marshal may by rule establish and collect an examination fee in an amount necessary to cover the cost of administering the examination.

(k) The person certifies on the application for a certificate of possession that all explosives in the person’s possession will be used, stored and transported in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.

(L) The person certifies that all explosives will be possessed, used, stored and transported in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.

(2) Subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section does not apply to a conviction or indictment that has been expunged from a person’s record under the laws of this state or equivalent laws of another jurisdiction. [1971 c.518 §6; 1981 c.635 §3; 1983 c.100 §4; 1985 c.362 §1; 1999 c.980 §5; 2007 c.70 §275; 2009 c.595 §981; 2011 c.658 §40; 2011 c.720 §206; 2013 c.360 §61]

Source: Section 480.225 — Eligibility for certificate of possession , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.595 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.595
480.595 Permits
Status: in_force

(1) The Department of Consumer and Business Services may adopt rules regarding installation permits and operating permits. The rules may include, but need not be limited to, rules creating standardized forms, establishing operating permit fees, establishing permit cycles and setting terms and conditions for permit validity.

(2) Upon timely receipt of an installation permit fee, the department may issue an installation permit, perform an installation inspection and issue a temporary operating authorization.

(3) Upon timely receipt of an operating permit fee, the department may issue or renew an operating permit and may perform a periodic inspection if required during the operating permit cycle.

(4) Except as provided in ORS 480.525 (Exempt vessels) and 480.600 (Special provisions on permit and inspection fees) , installation permit fees are as follows:

(a) For boilers, $175.

(b) For pressure vessels, $125.

(5) Except as provided in ORS 480.600 (Special provisions on permit and inspection fees) , maximum operating permit fees per year are as follows:

(a) Power boilers of 15 horsepower

or less $110

(b) Other boilers of 15 horsepower

or less $ 55

(c) Power boilers greater than 15

horsepower to 100 horsepower $110

(d) Other boilers greater than 15

horsepower to 100 horsepower $ 55

(e) Power boilers greater than 100

horsepower to 500 horsepower $110

(f) Other boilers greater than 100

horsepower to 500 horsepower $ 55

(g) Power boilers greater

than 500 horsepower $110

(h) Other boilers greater

than 500 horsepower $ 55

(i) Notwithstanding paragraphs

(a) to (h) of this subsection,

all cast iron boilers $ 55

(j) Pressure vessels having

a product volume of

20 cubic feet or less $ 50

(k) Pressure vessels having

a product volume

greater than 20 cubic feet $ 50

(6) For a reinspection, the fee is $75.

(7) For the submission of plans and other pertinent data when required, for each boiler or pressure vessel, the fee is $78. [1961 c.485 §19; 1967 c.447 §3; 1969 c.582 §16; 1973 c.830 §6; 1973 c.832 §18a; 1974 c.36 §17; 1981 c.566 §2; 1983 c.676 §16; 1991 c.201 §3; 2001 c.162 §1; 2007 c.487 §9; 2009 c.696 §17]

Source: Section 480.595 — Permits; rules; fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.027 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.027
477.027 Establishment of classes of wildland-urban interface
Status: in_force

(1) By rule, considering national best practices, the State Board of Forestry shall establish:

(a) A definition of “wildland-urban interface.”

(b) Criteria by which the wildland-urban interface must be identified and classified.

(2) The criteria:

(a) Must recognize differences across the state in fire hazard, fire risk and structural characteristics within the wildland-urban interface.

(b) May not exclude a category of land from inclusion in the wildland-urban interface.

(3) Based on the criteria, the wildland-urban interface must be integrated into the comprehensive statewide map described in ORS 477.490 (Statewide wildfire hazard map) . [1997 c.429 §10; 2007 c.30 §3; 2021 c.592 §33; 2023 c.611 §2]

Source: Section 477.027 — Establishment of classes of wildland-urban interface; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.250 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.250
479.250 Definitions for ORS 479.250 to 479.305
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 479.250 (Definitions for ORS 479.250 to 479.305) to 479.305 (Smoking policy disclosure) , unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) “Door knock alerting device” or “door knock device” means an approved electronic unit that alerts an occupant who is hard of hearing of a knock on the door of the sleeping room that the person who is hard of hearing is occupying.

(2) “Dwelling unit” means a structure or part of a structure providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons including permanent provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.

(3) “Hotel” means any building containing six or more guest rooms that are rented, hired out or made available on a regular basis for sleeping purposes but are not used as a primary residence.

(4) “Landlord” means the owner, lessor or sublessor of the rental dwelling unit or guest room in the building of which it is a part.

(5) “Lodging house” is any building or portion thereof containing not more than five guest rooms that are made available for sleeping purposes in exchange for compensation paid in money, goods, labor or other tender but are not used as a primary residence.

(6) “Smoke alarm” means a self-contained single or multiple station detection device for products of combustion other than heat that conforms to the state building code and rules of the State Fire Marshal and that is listed by Underwriters Laboratories or any other nationally recognized testing laboratory. “Smoke alarm” includes but is not limited to devices listed under UL 217 (1998). “Smoke alarm” may include two or more single station units wired to operate in conjunction with each other.

(7) “Smoke alarm for persons who are hard of hearing” means an approved smoke alarm that, when activated by smoke or products of combustion, produces an audible and a visual warning. The visual warning shall produce a light signal sufficient to warn a person who is hard of hearing of the presence of fire or smoke.

(8) “Smoke detector” means a device that is not self-contained, that detects products of combustion other than heat, that is intended for use in conjunction with a central control panel, that conforms to the state building code and rules of the State Fire Marshal and that is listed by Underwriters Laboratories or any other nationally recognized testing laboratory. “Smoke detector” includes but is not limited to devices listed under UL 268 (1998).

(9) “State building code” shall have the meaning for that term provided under ORS 455.010 (Definitions for ORS chapter 455) .

(10) “Tenant” means a person entitled to occupy a dwelling unit on a rental or lease basis. [1979 c.642 §1; 1989 c.247 §1; 1999 c.307 §1; 2007 c.70 §272; 2007 c.71 §156]

Source: Section 479.250 — Definitions for ORS 479.250 to 479.305 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.370 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.370
480.370 Subpoenas for investigation
Status: in_force

(1) The State Fire Marshal may issue subpoenas to compel the production of records, documents, books, papers, memoranda or other information necessary to determine compliance with any provision of ORS 480.310 (Definitions for ORS 480.310 to 480.385) to 480.385 (Civil penalty for gasoline dispensing law violations) or any rule adopted by the State Fire Marshal.

(2) If a person fails to comply with any subpoena issued under subsection (1) of this section, a judge of the circuit court of any county, on application of the State Fire Marshal, shall compel obedience by proceedings for contempt as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from the circuit court. [1991 c.863 §54]

Source: Section 480.370 — Subpoenas for investigation; effect of failure to comply , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.525 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.525
480.525 Exempt vessels
Status: in_force

(1) ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) do not apply to:

(a) Boilers and pressure vessels under federal safety regulations or control.

(b) Domestic water heaters designed for heating potable water, equipped with an approved pressure-relieving device, containing only water and that do not exceed a:

(A) Capacity of 120 gallons;

(B) Water temperature of 210 degrees Fahrenheit;

(C) Pressure of 150 pounds per square inch gauge pressure; or

(D) Heat input of 200,000 Btu per hour.

(c) Domestic water heaters designed to create hot water instantaneously on demand without the use of a storage tank.

(d) Pressure vessels containing liquefied petroleum gas that are under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal. However, the construction and repair of the vessels must comply with ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) and are under the jurisdiction of the Board of Boiler Rules.

(e) Air tanks used in the operation of brakes on self-propelled vehicles and trailers that are used for transporting freight or passengers.

(f) Medical sterilizers that do not exceed one and one-half cubic feet in volume.

(g) Pressure vessels that do not exceed one and one-half cubic feet in volume and:

(A) Are not operated at gauge pressure of more than 150 pounds per square inch;

(B) Are equipped with a relief valve;

(C) Are approved under the American Society of Mechanical Engineers code adopted by the board;

(D) Are set at a maximum pressure of 150 pounds per square inch or less; and

(E) Are located in a place of public assembly.

(h) Pressure vessels that do not exceed five cubic feet in volume and:

(A) Are not operated at gauge pressure of more than 150 pounds per square inch;

(B) Are equipped with a relief valve;

(C) Are approved under the American Society of Mechanical Engineers code adopted by the board; and

(D) Are set at a maximum pressure of 150 pounds per square inch or less.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, if the board, upon presentation of satisfactory evidence, determines that danger to health or safety is evident in any pressure vessel or class of pressure vessels exempted under subsection (1)(g) of this section, the board may require the inspection or reinspection of the pressure vessel or class of pressure vessels and make the pressure vessel or class of pressure vessels subject to the fee, construction or other requirements of ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) .

(3) The following boilers and pressure vessels are exempt from ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) , except as to all provisions relating to construction, installation, alteration or repair and to installation permits:

(a) Boilers that are not operated at gauge pressures of more than 15 pounds per square inch and that are located on farms and used solely for agricultural purposes except when used in connection with a greenhouse.

(b) Air tanks located on farms and used solely for agricultural purposes.

(c) Boilers and pressure vessels that are located in private residences and may be inspected only by a boiler inspector.

(d) Pressure vessels being operated at gauge pressures of less than 15 pounds per square inch and equipped with a pressure relief device set to open at a pressure that does not exceed the lesser of the pressure vessel’s maximum allowed working pressure or 15 pounds per square inch gauge pressure.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Beverage service tanks that have a product volume of five cubic feet or less are exempt from ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) .

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this subsection, beverage service tanks that have a product volume of more than five cubic feet are exempt from ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) , except as to provisions relating to installation permits and installation inspections. The installation permit fee for a beverage service tank is $50.

(c) All portable beverage tanks are exempt from ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) .

(5) The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services may adopt rules identifying boilers and pressure vessels used in single family dwellings or other structures that may be inspected by an inspector certified under ORS 455.715 (Definitions for ORS 455.715 to 455.740) to 455.740 (Denial of certificate) for a specialty code other than the code adopted under ORS 480.545 (Rules) . The boilers and pressure vessels identified in the rules shall be subject to inspection upon installation, alteration or repair, but be exempt from periodic inspection under ORS 480.560 (Inspections) and from the operating permit requirements of ORS 480.585 (Temporary operation authorization) .

(6) Notwithstanding any requirement of ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) or the state building code, the Department of Consumer and Business Services may adopt rules granting partial or complete exemption from ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) for a boiler or pressure vessel if the board determines that the boiler or pressure vessel does not present a danger to public health or safety within this state. [1961 c.485 §11; 1967 c.447 §1; 1969 c.582 §4; 1973 c.830 §2; 1983 c.676 §5; 1985 c.398 §1; 1987 c.847 §1; 1991 c.518 §6; 1999 c.713 §1; 2007 c.386 §1; 2007 c.487 §5; 2009 c.696 §13]

Source: Section 480.525 — Exempt vessels; rules; fee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.760 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.760
479.760 Certification of electrical products
Status: in_force

(1) An electrical product may not be certified unless the product meets electrical product safety standards established in rule by concurrence of the Electrical and Elevator Board and the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

(2) Any person may apply to have the Department of Consumer and Business Services certify an electrical product. The department shall certify an electrical product if the product is shown to meet electrical product safety standards by one of the following methods:

(a) An equipment safety program approved by the board;

(b) Equipment minimum safety standards established by concurrence of the board and the director;

(c) An evaluation by an approved field evaluation firm;

(d) A listing from a nationally recognized testing laboratory;

(e) An evaluation of a first model of a product by the board; or

(f) Any other method approved by the board.

(3) To have an electrical product certified, a person may submit a specimen, sample or prototype to the department within a reasonable time before the date on which certification will be required, together with a fee set by the department sufficient to defray the cost of shipment and evaluation. The department shall evaluate the electrical product to determine whether the product meets electrical product safety standards. Not later than six months after receipt of a specimen, prototype or sample the department shall complete the required evaluation and give a decision certifying or rejecting the product. The department may appoint a special deputy or enter into an appropriate contract with a testing laboratory approved by the board under this section for the evaluation required under this subsection.

(4) The director with the approval of the board may establish standards and procedures for the approval of testing laboratories to test electrical products in the certification process under this section. [1959 c.406 §§16 (2) and (3),22,23; 1981 c.815 §26; 1999 c.794 §1; 2001 c.573 §17; 2003 c.299 §5]

Source: Section 479.760 — Certification of electrical products; safety indicators , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.696 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.696
476.696 Oregon Conservation Corps Advisory Committee
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Eligible organization” includes Oregon-based nonprofit youth development organizations, federally recognized Indian tribes in this state, nonprofit associations engaged in workforce development and public entities that provide programs of job training, skill development and forest-related or rangeland-related career path training.

(b) “Tribe” means a federally recognized Indian tribe in Oregon.

(2) The Oregon Youth Works Advisory Board created under ORS 660.320 (Oregon Youth Works Advisory Board) shall, in collaboration with a qualified nonprofit foundation, actively seek and source private donations to support the Oregon Conservation Corps Program.

(3) The advisory board may direct the expenditure of moneys from the Oregon Conservation Corps Fund for a promotional website and materials to solicit private funds.

(4) The advisory board shall advise the Higher Education Coordinating Commission on the implementation of a grant process that:

(a) Provides funding to support the work conducted by the Oregon Conservation Corps Program.

(b) Defines and uses an equity lens in awarding grants by identifying and supporting populations with greater vulnerability, including communities of color, indigenous communities, communities with members who have limited proficiency in English and communities with lower-income members.

(c) Awards grants to eligible organizations.

(d) Ensures that grant awards support activities described in ORS 476.694 (Oregon Conservation Corps Program) (1) and subsection (5) of this section.

(e) Establishes guidelines for prioritizing grant-supported projects to reduce community fire risks, promote youth and young adult workforce development and educational experiences and reduce hazardous fuels.

(5) The commission shall consult with the State Forestry Department to ensure that the grant process awards funds to proposals that:

(a) Protect at-risk communities and infrastructure within the wildland-urban interface, as described in ORS 477.503 (Reduction of wildfire risk) .

(b) Meet standards for fuel treatment established by the department.

(6) The advisory board shall biennially submit a report, on the timeline described in ORS 293.640 (Period covered by biennial reports) , to an appropriate committee or interim committee of the Legislative Assembly, as described in ORS 192.245 (Form of report to legislature) , and to the State Wildfire Programs Director and Wildfire Programs Advisory Council, regarding the expenditure of moneys deposited in the Oregon Conservation Corps Fund. [2021 c.592 §22; 2023 c.556 §6; 2023 c.557 §5]

Note: See note under 476.694 (Oregon Conservation Corps Program) .

Source: Section 476.696 — Oregon Conservation Corps Advisory Committee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 478.970 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 478 / Section 478.970
478.970 Purpose of district identification names
Status: in_force

The purpose of ORS 478.970 (Purpose of district identification names) to 478.982 (Reuse of names of dissolved districts) is to establish an identification name for each district to be used for statistical purposes by the State Fire Marshal and in the process of insurance rating. ORS 478.970 (Purpose of district identification names) to 478.982 (Reuse of names of dissolved districts) do not alter or add to the corporate title or identification of a district organized or established by law. [1953 c.164 §1; 1969 c.667 §59; 2001 c.426 §2]

Source: Section 478.970 — Purpose of district identification names , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors478.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.634 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.634
480.634 Exemption of journeyman plumber for certain activities
Status: in_force

(1) A person who has a valid journeyman plumber license does not have to obtain a license under ORS 480.630 (Licensing of boiler contractors and persons installing, altering or repairing boilers or pressure vessels) (2) to work as an employee of a business engaged in installing or replacing by nonwelded means a potable domestic water heater that:

(a) Is not used for space heating;

(b) Has a capacity that does not exceed 180 gallons;

(c) Has a water temperature that does not exceed 210 degrees Fahrenheit;

(d) Has a pressure that does not exceed 150 pounds per square inch gauge pressure; and

(e) Has a heat input that does not exceed 750,000 Btu per hour.

(2) Subsection (1) of this section does not allow construction, repair or alteration of the domestic potable water heater. [1991 c.518 §15; 2005 c.758 §38]

Source: Section 480.634 — Exemption of journeyman plumber for certain activities , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.515 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.515
477.515 Permits required for fires on forestlands
Status: in_force

(1) It is unlawful to set or cause to be set an open fire inside or within one-eighth of one mile of a forest protection district, either on one’s own land or on the land of another, without first securing a written permit for burning from the forester and complying with the conditions of the permit. In granting permits for burning:

(a) The forester may waive the requirement that permits be secured prior to burning, except during a fire season or when required under rules adopted pursuant to subsection (4) of this section.

(b) The forester shall prescribe conditions necessary to be observed in setting a fire and preventing it from spreading out of control.

(c) The forester may prescribe conditions necessary to be observed in maintaining air quality.

(2) Any permit obtained through willful misrepresentation is void.

(3) To avoid confusion or duplication of administration and to promote government efficiency, the forester may enter into a cooperative agreement with a county, a city or a rural fire protection district that:

(a) Allows the forester to administer the requirements of this section, in conjunction with the enforcement authority of ORS 477.980 (Enforcement policy) to 477.993 (Penalties) , on lands not otherwise subject to the requirements of this chapter; or

(b) Allows the cooperating agency to administer the burning permit requirements of ORS chapter 476 or 478, as appropriate, including applicable enforcement authority, on lands otherwise subject to the requirements of this chapter.

(4) All burning allowed under this section shall comply with applicable rules that may be adopted by the State Board of Forestry and the Department of Environmental Quality.

(5) The provisions of this section do not apply to campfires. [1965 c.253 §95; 1969 c.204 §204; 1969 c.680 §1; 1971 c.297 §1; 1997 c.274 §12; 1999 c.355 §14]

Source: Section 477.515 — Permits required for fires on forestlands; waiver; permit conditions; cooperative agreements for permit administration; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.740 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.740
479.740 Factors to be considered in adopting rules
Status: in_force

(1) In adopting rules under ORS 479.730 (Adoption of rules by Director of Department of Consumer and Business Services) the Department of Consumer and Business Services shall consider:

(a) Technological advances in the electrical industry.

(b) The practicability of following the standards under consideration, if adopted.

(c) The probability, extent and gravity of the injury to the public or property which would result from failure to follow the standards under consideration.

(d) Safety standards followed, proposed or approved by responsible members of the electrical industry.

(2) After considering the factors in subsection (1) of this section, the department may incorporate by reference proposed safety standards of the electrical industry or independent organizations. The department may formulate and adopt independent safety standards if standards proposed by the industry and independent organizations are not acceptable to it. [1959 c.406 §§20,21]

Source: Section 479.740 — Factors to be considered in adopting rules; incorporation of standards by reference , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.995 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.995
479.995 Civil penalty for violation of ORS 479.510 to 479.945
Status: in_force

The Electrical and Elevator Board may impose a civil penalty for a violation of ORS 479.510 (Short title) to 479.945 (Restricted energy contractor’s license) or rules adopted for the administration or enforcement of ORS 479.510 (Short title) to 479.945 (Restricted energy contractor’s license) and this section. The board shall impose a civil penalty authorized by this section as provided in ORS 455.895 (Civil penalties) . [2001 c.411 §8; 2003 c.14 §335]

Source: Section 479.995 — Civil penalty for violation of ORS 479.510 to 479.945 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 478.880 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 478 / Section 478.880
478.880 Legislative findings
Status: in_force

The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that:

(1) The best interest of the state is served by providing financial incentives for the installation of fire safety systems in multifamily housing.

(2) The design and nature of multifamily housing creates a higher fire risk than the risk to single family housing and exposes tenants to fire risks that are not within the control of the tenants.

(3) The presence of fire safety systems helps to defray costs for fire district equipment and equipment maintenance.

(4) Although the state building code allows local jurisdictions to require the installation of fire safety systems in new construction on a cost-neutral basis, there is no equivalent program for retrofitting or remodeling existing multifamily structures.

(5) A fire safety incentive program serves the purpose of providing financial incentive for the installation of fire safety systems in existing multifamily housing. [2001 c.614 §1]

Note: 478.880 (Legislative findings) and 478.885 (Payment or repayment for cost of fire safety system installation in multifamily housing) were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 478 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 478.880 — Legislative findings , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors478.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 478.335 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 478 / Section 478.335
478.335 Contracts for medical and hospital services or insurance
Status: in_force

(1) A district board may enter into contracts for medical and hospital services or insurance covering employees of the district for remedial care and hospital benefits. Failure to obtain insurance or service contracts shall not be construed as negligence or lack of diligence on the part of the board or the members thereof.

(2) As used in this section “remedial care” includes services rendered by a person licensed to practice one or more of the healing arts within the scope of the license of the person or any other remedial care recognized under the law of this state. [1963 c.366 §1; 1969 c.667 §24]

Source: Section 478.335 — Contracts for medical and hospital services or insurance , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors478.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.060 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.060
480.060 Transportation of certain explosives prohibited
Status: in_force

No person shall transport, carry or convey, or have transported, carried or conveyed, liquid nitroglycerine, fulminate in bulk in dry condition, or other like explosives, between any places in Oregon, on any car or other vehicle of any description operated by a common carrier in the transportation of passengers.

Source: Section 480.060 — Transportation of certain explosives prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.320 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.320
477.320 Request of rangeland owners for protection
Status: in_force

(1) Owners of rangeland may request the State Board of Forestry to hold a hearing on the subject of providing protection from fire for rangeland. Upon receipt of such request, the board or its authorized representative shall hold one or more public hearings in order to receive from interested persons information relating to the providing of such protection, and shall cause public notice of the time and place of each hearing to be given. The board or its authorized representatives shall keep the records of the proceedings of such hearings as public records.

(2) After the hearing referred to in subsection (1) of this section, the board shall determine whether the rangeland should be included within a protection system. If the board determines that rangeland should be included in a rangeland protection system, the board, in cooperation with interested persons, shall establish the extent and type of protection to be provided and direct the forester or a rangeland protection association to provide the protection. Such protection shall be commensurate with the values and uses of the rangeland to be protected.

(3) After proceedings under subsections (1) and (2) of this section, the forester or a rangeland protection association shall provide the type and extent of protection determined under subsection (2) of this section for rangeland determined to be included within a protection system under subsection (2) of this section. For the purpose of providing such protection, the forester and a rangeland protection association may enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with each other or, jointly or separately, with owners of rangeland, individuals, associations, corporations, road districts, rural fire protection districts or agencies of the federal government. [Formerly 477.144; 1999 c.355 §10; 2007 c.808 §5; 2016 c.69 §4]

Source: Section 477.320 — Request of rangeland owners for protection; hearings; determination; cooperative agreements for protection , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.095 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.095
477.095 Applicability of ORS 477.068, 477.085 and 477.089
Status: in_force

(1) An owner of forestland shall not be subject to the provisions of ORS 477.068 (Liability for cost of abatement) and 477.089 (Recovery for property damage) , where the origin or subsequent spread of a fire was the direct result of training activity by the Oregon National Guard or of any component of the Armed Forces of the United States.

(2) Notwithstanding any other law, the Oregon National Guard shall be subject to the duties, requirements or penalties of ORS 477.068 (Liability for cost of abatement) , 477.085 (Liability for cost of protecting land within a forest protection district) and 477.089 (Recovery for property damage) , where the origin or subsequent spread of a fire was the direct result of training activity by the Oregon National Guard. [1997 c.274 §36; 2013 c.307 §6]

Source: Section 477.095 — Applicability of ORS 477.068, 477.085 and 477.089 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 478.982 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 478 / Section 478.982
478.982 Reuse of names of dissolved districts
Status: in_force

In the event of a dissolution of a district, the name assigned to the district is available for assignment to another district. [1953 c.164 §7; 1969 c.667 §64; 2001 c.426 §5]

Source: Section 478.982 — Reuse of names of dissolved districts , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors478.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.220 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.220
476.220 Report by officer investigating fire
Status: in_force

(1) The officer making an investigation of a fire occurring in a city, village or township shall forthwith notify the State Fire Marshal and, within one week of the occurrence of the fire, shall furnish the State Fire Marshal a written statement of all facts relating to its cause and origin, and such other information as is required by forms provided by the Department of the State Fire Marshal.

(2) This section shall not apply to forestland under the jurisdiction of the State Forester. [Amended by 1967 c.417 §7; 2021 c.539 §128]

Source: Section 476.220 — Report by officer investigating fire; exemption , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.920 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.920
476.920 Rules
Status: in_force

(1) In accordance with any applicable provisions of ORS chapter 183, the State Fire Marshal may adopt rules to carry out the provisions of ORS 476.900 (Application by certain cities and rural fire protection districts to borrow money from loan fund) to 476.925 (Fire Protection Equipment Loan Fund) . Such rules may include, but are not limited to, specifying the importance and priority of fire protection equipment that may be acquired pursuant to ORS 476.900 (Application by certain cities and rural fire protection districts to borrow money from loan fund) to 476.925 (Fire Protection Equipment Loan Fund) and which requires local government matching funds.

(2) The State Fire Marshal may accept gifts, donations and grants from whatever source for the purpose of carrying out ORS 476.900 (Application by certain cities and rural fire protection districts to borrow money from loan fund) to 476.925 (Fire Protection Equipment Loan Fund) . All moneys received shall be paid into the Fire Protection Equipment Loan Fund. [1991 c.587 §5]

Note: See note under 476.900 (Application by certain cities and rural fire protection districts to borrow money from loan fund) .

Source: Section 476.920 — Rules; acceptance of gifts, donations and grants , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.050 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.050
476.050 Payment of salaries and expenses
Status: in_force

The salary of the chief deputy state fire marshals and deputy state fire marshals, compensation of clerks and other assistants and other expenses of the Department of the State Fire Marshal necessary in the performance of the duties imposed upon the State Fire Marshal shall be paid in the same manner as are other state officers and the expenses of other state departments, and shall not exceed the amount paid to the State Treasurer for the maintenance of the Department of the State Fire Marshal. [Amended by 1953 c.93 §1; 1987 c.414 §156; 2021 c.539 §123; 2023 c.347 §7]

Source: Section 476.050 — Payment of salaries and expenses , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.070 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.070
476.070 Entering buildings and premises
Status: in_force

The State Fire Marshal, the deputies or assistants of the State Fire Marshal, or any of them, may:

(1) At all reasonable hours, in performance of the duties imposed by the provisions of ORS 476.030 (Powers and duties of marshal and deputies generally) , enter upon and examine any building or premises wherein fire has occurred, and other buildings or premises adjoining or near the same.

(2) For just cause and for the purpose of examination, enter, at all reasonable hours, in and upon all buildings and premises within their jurisdiction.

Source: Section 476.070 — Entering buildings and premises , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.005 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.005
477.005 Policy
Status: in_force

(1) The preservation of the forests and the conservation of the forest resources through the prevention and suppression of forest fires hereby are declared to be the public policy of the State of Oregon.

(2) In order to accomplish the purposes of the policy stated in this section:

(a) The need for a complete and coordinated forest protection system is acknowledged and the primary mission of the State Forestry Department in such a system is protecting forest resources, second only to saving lives. Structural protection, though indirect, shall not inhibit protection of forest resources; and

(b) This chapter shall include all persons and activities designated in this chapter, irrespective as to whether or not such person or activity is concerned with the harvesting, cutting, removal or marketing of trees, timber or other forest products. [Formerly 477.022; 1965 c.253 §45; 1989 c.615 §5]

Source: Section 477.005 — Policy , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.412 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.412
477.412 Disposition and use of moneys received by forester under contract or agreement
Status: in_force

All money received by the forester pursuant to a contract or agreement described in ORS 477.406 (Cooperative contracts or agreements for forest protection or forest related activities) shall be paid into the State Treasury, credited to the State Forestry Department Account and used pursuant to law for the purposes of the contract or agreement. [1967 c.429 §28]

Source: Section 477.412 — Disposition and use of moneys received by forester under contract or agreement , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.380 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.380
476.380 Fire permits
Status: in_force

(1) No person, outside the boundaries of a rural fire protection district or a forest protection district, shall cause or permit to be initiated or maintained on the property of the person, or cause to be initiated or maintained on the property of another any open burning of commercial waste, demolition material, domestic waste, industrial waste, land clearing debris or field burning without first securing a permit from the county court or board of county commissioners.

(2) The county court or board of county commissioners, or its designated representative, shall prescribe conditions for issuance of any permit and shall refuse, revoke or postpone issuance of permits when necessary to prevent danger to life or property or to protect the air resources of this state. The Environmental Quality Commission shall notify the State Fire Marshal of the type of and time for burning to be allowed on each day under schedules adopted pursuant to ORS 468A.570 (Classification of atmospheric conditions) and 468A.595 (Commission rules to regulate burning pursuant to ORS 468A.550 to 468A.620) . The State Fire Marshal shall cause all county courts and boards of county commissioners or their designated representatives in the affected areas to be notified of the type of and time for burning to be allowed on each day and of any revisions of such conditions during each day. The county court, board or representative shall issue permits only in accordance with schedules of the Environmental Quality Commission adopted pursuant to this section and ORS 468A.555 (Policy to reduce open field burning) to 468A.620 (Experimental field sanitization) and 468A.992 (Civil penalties for open field burning violations) , 476.990 (Penalties) , 478.960 (Burning of certain materials permitted only with permission of fire chief) and 478.990 (Penalties) but may reduce the hours allowed for burning if necessary to prevent danger to life or property from fire. The State Fire Marshal may refuse or postpone permits when necessary in the judgment of the State Fire Marshal to prevent danger to life or property from fire, notwithstanding any determination by the county court or board of county commissioners or its designated officer. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, for a permit for the propane flaming of mint stubble, the county court or board of county commissioners, or its designated representative may only prescribe conditions necessary to prevent the spread of fire or to prevent endangering life or property and may refuse, revoke or postpone permission to conduct the propane flaming only when necessary to prevent danger to life or property from fire.

(3) Nothing in this section:

(a) Requires permission for starting a campfire in a manner otherwise lawful.

(b) Relieves a person starting a fire from responsibility for providing adequate protection to prevent injury or damage to the property of another. If such burning results in the escape of fire and injury or damage to the property of another, such escape and damage or injury constitutes prima facie evidence that the burning was not safe.

(c) Relieves a person who has obtained permission to start a fire, or the agent of the person, from legal liability for property damage resulting from the fire.

(d) Permits an act within a city or regional air quality control authority area that otherwise is unlawful pursuant to an ordinance of the city or rule, regulation or order of the regional authority.

(4) The county court or board of county commissioners shall maintain records of all permits and the conditions thereof, if any, that are issued under this section and shall submit at such times, as the Environmental Quality Commission shall require such records or summaries thereof to the commission. The Environmental Quality Commission shall provide forms for the reports required under this subsection. [1967 c.420 §3; 1969 c.613 §2; 1971 c.563 §8; 1973 c.835 §164; 1975 c.635 §2; 1991 c.920 §21; 1997 c.473 §5]

Source: Section 476.380 — Fire permits; limitations upon burning; records , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.770 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.770
479.770 Approved electric ignition pilot required on certain appliances
Status: in_force

No person shall sell or offer for sale in this state any new gas-fired, forced-air central space heating equipment, clothes dryer, domestic range or new gas-fired swimming pool heaters, unless such equipment, heater, dryer or range is equipped with an electric ignition pilot that complies with the rules of the Department of Consumer and Business Services adopted pursuant to ORS 479.740 (Factors to be considered in adopting rules) . [1977 c.630 §2; 1979 c.197 §1; 1981 c.815 §27]

Source: Section 479.770 — Approved electric ignition pilot required on certain appliances , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.220 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.220
479.220 Institution inspection by State Fire Marshal
Status: in_force

When application is made for the initial issuance or reinstatement of a license or certificate of approval to operate and maintain an institution, or for an enlargement or addition to a licensed or approved institution, the licensing agency shall notify in writing the State Fire Marshal, and the State Fire Marshal or deputy, or the approved authority in the case of an institution located in an area exempted under ORS 476.030 (Powers and duties of marshal and deputies generally) , shall within 30 days inspect the institution as authorized by ORS 476.150 (Entry and inspection of premises) and within that time shall notify the licensing agency in writing when the institution is not substantially in compliance with all applicable laws and rules. [1961 c.316 §3; 1963 c.202 §3; 1965 c.602 §23; 1967 c.89 §9; 1973 c.832 §13; 2009 c.595 §980]

Source: Section 479.220 — Institution inspection by State Fire Marshal; notification to licensing agency of noncompliance , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.111 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.111
480.111 Definitions for ORS 480.111 to 480.165
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 480.111 (Definitions for ORS 480.111 to 480.165) to 480.165 (Civil penalty for fireworks law violations) :

(1) “Cone fountain” means a cardboard or heavy paper cone that:

(a) Contains 50 grams or less of pyrotechnic composition;

(b) If mounted on a common base with other cones having less than one-half inch of separation, results, when measured in combination with all other cones on the base, in a total pyrotechnic composition of not more than 200 grams;

(c) If mounted on a common base with other cones having at least one-half inch of separation, results, when measured in combination with all other cones on the base, in a total pyrotechnic composition of not more than 500 grams; and

(d) Upon ignition has the same effect as a cylindrical fountain.

(2) “Consumer fireworks” means:

(a) A cone fountain, a cylindrical fountain, a flitter sparkler, a ground spinner, an illuminating torch or a wheel, or a combination of two or more of those items; and

(b) Any other items, other than exempt fireworks, containing 500 grams or less of pyrotechnic composition that the State Fire Marshal recognizes by rule to be suitable for retail sale to members of the general public for individual use.

(3) “Cylindrical fountain” means a cylindrical tube that:

(a) Contains 75 grams or less of pyrotechnic composition;

(b) If mounted on a common base with other tubes having less than one-half inch of separation, results, when measured in combination with all other tubes on the base, in a total pyrotechnic composition of not more than 200 grams;

(c) If mounted on a common base with other tubes having at least one-half inch of separation, results, when measured in combination with all other tubes on the base, in a total pyrotechnic composition of not more than 500 grams;

(d) Upon ignition produces a shower of colored sparks and may produce a whistling effect; and

(e) Is provided with a means for restraining the behavior of the item, such as a spike for insertion into the ground, a wood or plastic base for placing on the ground or, if designed to be handheld, a wood or cardboard handle.

(4) “Display fireworks” means pyrotechnic devices that:

(a) Are designed for travel into the air or to project effects from a fixed position; and

(b) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) Are classified by the United States Department of Transportation as Division 1.3 compatibility group G explosives or Division 1.4 compatibility group G explosives; or

(B) Contain more than 500 grams of pyrotechnic composition and are classified by the United States Department of Transportation as Division 1.4 compatibility group E or S explosives.

(5) “Exempt fireworks” means the following:

(a) Paper caps containing 0.25 grains or less of explosive mixture and toy guns, canes or other devices designed for firing those caps.

(b) Snakes or similar smoke-producing items containing 100 grains or less of combustible substances.

(c) Model rockets and model rocket motors that are used to propel recoverable models of rocket.

(d) Novelties and trick noisemakers.

(e) Emergency signaling devices, if used in railroad, boat, motor vehicle or other means of transportation for warning or illumination purposes.

(f) Blank cartridges of a type used:

(A) For theater or other shows;

(B) For signaling or ceremonial purposes in athletics or sports; or

(C) By the militia, an organization of war veterans or other organizations, if parading an armed color guard.

(g) Cartridges, shells or gunpowder for use in legally permitted types of firearms.

(h) Military pyrotechnic and signaling devices classified by the United States Department of Transportation as Division 1.4 compatibility group S explosives that are assigned to and in the possession of the Armed Forces of the United States, or an authorized agent of the armed forces, as inventory for use by the armed forces or agent in training active members of the armed forces in their duties.

(i) Other items that in the judgment of the State Fire Marshal do not require regulation or restrictions on sale.

(6) “Explosive mixture” means a substance arranged in a manner to allow burning in less than one second.

(7) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) “Fireworks” means:

(A) Consumer fireworks;

(B) Display fireworks;

(C) Exempt fireworks;

(D) Pyrotechnic articles;

(E) Special effects; and

(F) Other pyrotechnic devices that:

(i) Are capable of producing audible, visual, mechanical or thermal effects through combustion, deflagration or detonation; and

(ii) Contain chemical elements and compounds that are capable of burning independently of atmospheric oxygen or contain flammable liquid mixtures or flammable gas mixtures.

(b) “Fireworks” does not mean a candle, flaming club, flaming baton or other device that is designed to keep the flame and thermal radiation in close proximity to the device.

(8) “Fireworks display” means an entertainment feature at which the public or a private group is allowed to view a display or discharge that uses or explodes display fireworks or pyrotechnic articles.

(9) “Flitter sparkler” means a narrow paper tube that:

(a) Contains five grams or less of pyrotechnic composition;

(b) Produces colored sparks upon ignition; and

(c) Is activated by igniting paper located at one end of the tube.

(10) “Ground spinner” means a small device similar to a wheel in design and effect that:

(a) Contains 20 grams or less of pyrotechnic composition;

(b) Vents from an orifice located on the side of the tube or elsewhere on the device; and

(c) When placed on the ground and ignited, spins rapidly and produces a shower of colored sparks.

(11) “Illuminating torch” means a cylindrical tube that:

(a) Contains 100 grams or less of pyrotechnic composition; and

(b) Is provided with a means for restraining the behavior of the item, such as a spike for insertion into the ground, a wood or plastic base for placing on the ground or, if designed to be handheld, a wood or cardboard handle.

(12) “Local government” has the meaning given that term in ORS 174.116 (“Local government” and “local service district” defined) .

(13) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) “Manufacture” means to make, construct, fabricate or produce fireworks.

(b) “Manufacture” does not mean:

(A) The assembly or fabrication of sets or mechanical pieces for fireworks displays; or

(B) Actions taken within the scope of a certification for conducting fireworks displays or for a pyrotechnics operator.

(14) “Pyrotechnic articles” means devices that:

(a) Are designed for professional use;

(b) Are similar to consumer fireworks in chemical composition and construction;

(c) Contain 500 grams or less of pyrotechnic composition;

(d) Are not labeled as consumer fireworks; and

(e) Have identification numbers UN0431 or UN0432 in the United States Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Table set forth in 49 C.F.R. 172.101 or an amendment or replacement of that identification standard recognized by the State Fire Marshal.

(15) “Pyrotechnic composition” means a mixture that is:

(a) Composed of a metal powder having a high combustion temperature and an oxidant; and

(b) Capable of an exothermic reaction that produces light, heat, smoke, sound or gas.

(16) “Pyrotechnic device” means consumer fireworks, display fireworks, pyrotechnic articles, special effects and bird and animal control devices, and other combinations or compositions of materials, that produce audible, visual, mechanical or thermal effects.

(17) “Special effects” means articles containing pyrotechnic composition that, subject to authorization from the appropriate jurisdiction, are:

(a) Manufactured, assembled, designed or discharged in connection with television, theater or motion picture productions, concerts or conference centers; or

(b) Used for commercial, industrial, educational, recreational or entertainment purposes.

(18) “Wheel” means a pyrotechnic device that:

(a) Is designed to be attached to a post or tree by means of a nail or string;

(b) Has one or more driver units or tubes, each containing not more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic composition;

(c) Contains a total of not more than 200 grams of pyrotechnic composition; and

(d) Upon ignition revolves and produces a shower of colored sparks and may produce a whistling effect. [2013 c.24 §2]

Source: Section 480.111 — Definitions for ORS 480.111 to 480.165 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.410 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.410
480.410 Definition
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 480.420 (Liquefied petroleum gas rules and regulations) to 480.460 (Disposition of fees) , “LP gas” or “liquefied petroleum gas” means any liquid composed predominantly of any of the following hydrocarbons or mixtures of the same: Propane, propylene, butanes (normal butane or isobutane) and butylenes. [Amended by 1957 c.712 §1; 2009 c.790 §3]

Source: Section 480.410 — Definition , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.300 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.300
477.300 Use of funds in State Forestry Department Account for capital outlay expenditures of district
Status: in_force

(1) Moneys available at any time in the State Forestry Department Account for the purposes of this chapter, particularly ORS 477.205 (Definitions for ORS 477.205 to 477.281) to 477.281 (Limitation on obligation of landowner for fire protection) , which moneys are not specifically obligated for other purposes, may be used by the forester with the approval of the State Board of Forestry for capital outlay expenditures in any forest protection district. Prior to the making of such capital outlay expenditures, the forester and board may specify that the account shall be reimbursed for all or a part of such expenditures, over a period not to exceed 10 years, from any one or a combination of the following sources:

(a) Forest patrol assessments of the district involved.

(b) Moneys derived from an association under ORS 477.406 (Cooperative contracts or agreements for forest protection or forest related activities) .

(c) Moneys derived from municipal, county, state or federal agencies under this chapter, for the protection of their forestland from fire.

(2) Any reimbursement of capital outlay expenditures required by the forester and board under subsection (1) of this section shall be a pro rata amount from the source or sources involved, based upon forestland acreage being protected in the district for which the expenditures are made. [Formerly 477.016]

Source: Section 477.300 — Use of funds in State Forestry Department Account for capital outlay expenditures of district , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.747 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.747
477.747 Policies and plans for restoration of burned forestland
Status: in_force

The State Forestry Department, the State Parks and Recreation Department, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of State Lands and any other state agency with oversight responsibilities for state forestlands shall promote the effective use of state resources by adopting and implementing policies and management plans to begin efforts to restore and recover forestlands burned by fire so that social, economic and environmental values are not lost due to delay. These agencies shall coordinate, to the extent needed, to promote the efficient use of state resources in developing their fire restoration and recovery policies and plans. The Oregon Department of Administrative Services may assist state agencies under this section in developing contract and other procedures to expedite restoration and recovery efforts. The Oregon Department of Administrative Services shall provide appropriate contracting assistance and exceptions as may be necessary to expedite restoration and recovery efforts. [2003 c.456 §1]

Note: 477.747 (Policies and plans for restoration of burned forestland) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 477 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 477.747 — Policies and plans for restoration of burned forestland , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.409 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.409
477.409 Contracts for off-season services for fire prevention and suppression personnel
Status: in_force

(1) The Department of Transportation and the Douglas Forest Protective Association, the Coos Forest Protective Association, the Walker Range Forest Protective Association or any successor association may enter into contracts that provide for seasonal fire prevention and suppression personnel employed by an association to render off-season services to the Department of Transportation. Services provided under a contract described in this section must be off-season services that State Forestry Department personnel were authorized to perform under one or more contracts or agreements between the Department of Transportation and the State Forestry Department entered into on or before January 1, 2012.

(2) A contract under this section shall specify the functions or activities to be performed and by what means the functions or activities are to be performed. The contract shall provide for:

(a) Identifying the responsibilities of the parties in ensuring payment of wages to the personnel for the off-season services.

(b) The term or duration of the contract.

(c) The rights of the parties to terminate the contract.

(3) A contract under this section may exclude any clause or condition required by ORS 279B.220 (Conditions concerning payment, contributions, liens, withholding) , 279B.225 (Condition concerning salvaging, recycling, composting or mulching yard waste material) , 279B.230 (Condition concerning payment for medical care and providing workers’ compensation) , 279B.235 (Condition concerning hours of labor) , 279B.270 (State contracting agencies to use recovered resources and recycled materials) or 279C.500 (“Person” defined) to 279C.530 (Condition concerning payment for medical care and providing workers’ compensation) from the contract.

(4) If the Department of Transportation enters into a contract under this section, the department shall submit a summary of the contract to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services within the 30-day period immediately following the effective date of the contract. The summary must include the following information:

(a) Names of the parties to the contract.

(b) Date of the contract.

(c) Subject matter of the contract.

(d) The location at which a person may obtain a copy of the contract.

(5) The Department of Transportation shall submit a summary under subsection (4) of this section to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services through electronic means. [2012 c.19 §2]

Source: Section 477.409 — Contracts for off-season services for fire prevention and suppression personnel , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.332 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.332
480.332 Fuel dispensing devices
Status: reserved

(1) A filling station, service station, garage or other dispensary where Class 1 flammable liquids are dispensed at retail may not designate more than the same number of fuel dispensing devices for self-service use by customers as are designated for attended service by an owner, operator or employee of the dispensary of Class 1 flammable liquids.

(2) A self-service fuel dispensing device may be equipped with an automated payment device and must be equipped with an automatic nozzle as described in ORS 480.340 (Automatic shut-off devices regulated) .

(3) A filling station, service station, garage or other dispensary offering fuel dispensing devices for self-service must:

(a) Post one or more notification signs that are clearly readable by an operator of a motor vehicle stating which fuel dispensing devices are designated for self-service and which fuel dispensing devices are designated for attended service by an owner, operator or employee of the dispensary of Class 1 flammable liquids; and

(b) Designate at least one person to provide attended service.

(4) Except as provided in ORS 480.341 (Customer operation of gasoline dispensing device in low-population county of eastern Oregon) and subsection (7) of this section, a filling station, service station, garage or other dispensary may allow self-service dispensing of Class 1 flammable liquids at retail only during hours that the dispensary makes an owner, operator or employee of the dispensary available for the dispensing of Class 1 flammable liquids.

(5) The price charged for Class 1 flammable liquids must be identical at a self-service fuel dispensing device and at any fuel dispensing device reserved for use by an owner, operator or employee of a dispensary.

(6) Sales under subsection (4) of this section do not make a filling station, service station, garage or other dispensary where Class 1 flammable liquids are dispensed at retail subject to any provisions of ORS 480.310 (Definitions for ORS 480.310 to 480.385) to 480.385 (Civil penalty for gasoline dispensing law violations) regulating nonretail facilities.

(7) The operator of a motorcycle, as defined in ORS 801.365 (“Motorcycle.”) , may dispense Class 1 flammable liquids into the operator’s motorcycle, regardless of whether an owner, operator or employee of the dispensary offers use of self-service fuel dispensing devices for use by customers.

(8) This section does not prohibit, limit or condition any dispensing of Class 1 flammable liquids or diesel fuel otherwise authorized under ORS 480.310 (Definitions for ORS 480.310 to 480.385) to 480.385 (Civil penalty for gasoline dispensing law violations) . [2023 c.607 §2]

Source: Section 480.332 — Fuel dispensing devices , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 478.927 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 478 / Section 478.927
478.927 Building permit review for fire prevention code
Status: in_force

A district adopting a fire prevention code shall provide plan review at the agency of the city or county responsible for the issuance of building permits for the orderly administration of that portion of the fire prevention code that requires approval prior to the issuance of building permits. [1977 c.292 §4]

Source: Section 478.927 — Building permit review for fire prevention code , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors478.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.765 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.765
476.765 Imposition of civil penalties
Status: in_force

(1) The State Fire Marshal shall impose civil penalties under ORS 476.995 (Penalty for violation of ORS 476.760) in the manner provided by ORS 183.745 (Civil penalty procedures) .

(2) The Attorney General may bring an action at the request of the Department of the State Fire Marshal, in the name of the state, seeking:

(a) Injunctive relief to prevent or end a violation of ORS 476.760 (Prohibition against distributing or offering certain cigarettes) ;

(b) To recover civil penalties imposed under ORS 476.995 (Penalty for violation of ORS 476.760) ; or

(c) To recover attorney fees and other enforcement costs and disbursements. [2007 c.34 §4; 2021 c.539 §134]

Note: See note under 476.755 (Definitions for ORS 476.755 to 476.790 and 476.995) .

Source: Section 476.765 — Imposition of civil penalties; bringing of actions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.610 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.610
480.610 Disposition of fees
Status: in_force

All receipts from fees, charges, costs and expenses under ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) shall be collected by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and paid into the Consumer and Business Services Fund created by ORS 705.145 (Consumer and Business Services Fund) . Such moneys shall be used only for the administration and enforcement of ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) . [1961 c.485 §23; 1973 c.834 §42; 1983 c.676 §18; 1993 c.744 §146]

Source: Section 480.610 — Disposition of fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.430 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.430
480.430 Liquefied petroleum gas containers
Status: in_force

No person other than the owner of the container or receptacle and those authorized by the owner so to do, shall sell, fill, refill, deliver or permit to be delivered or used in any manner any liquefied petroleum gas container or receptacle for any gas or compound or for any other purpose. [Amended by 1965 c.602 §25]

Source: Section 480.430 — Liquefied petroleum gas containers; certain uses prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 478.115 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 478 / Section 478.115
478.115 County governing body to determine territory of district
Status: in_force

Subject to the provisions of ORS 478.010 (Formation) , a county governing body may, under ORS 198.705 (Definitions for ORS 198.705 to 198.955) to 198.955 (Disposition of assets) , include in or exclude from a proposed district, or territory proposed to be annexed to a district, such territory as it determines. [1979 c.473 §2]

Source: Section 478.115 — County governing body to determine territory of district , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors478.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.630 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.630
477.630 Information in permit
Status: in_force

(1) Each permit issued under ORS 477.625 (Permit to use fire or power-driven machinery) shall include:

(a) The legal description of the area upon which any operation is to be conducted, or an alternate description of the area permitted by the forester;

(b) The name and address of the operator and owner; and

(c) Any other information considered by the forester to be necessary for the administration of the rules promulgated under this chapter.

(2) The information required in subsection (1) of this section shall be provided by the operator or owner, prior to issuance of the permit by the forester. [1965 c.253 §108; 1975 c.185 §1; 1997 c.274 §22]

Source: Section 477.630 — Information in permit , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.200 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.200
480.200 Definitions for ORS 480.200 to 480.290
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 480.200 (Definitions for ORS 480.200 to 480.290) to 480.290 (Requirements for person driving vehicle transporting explosives) unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) “Certificate of possession” means a certificate issued under ORS 480.235 (Waiting period for issuance of certificate of possession) by the State Fire Marshal to applicants who have met the requirements of ORS 480.200 (Definitions for ORS 480.200 to 480.290) to 480.290 (Requirements for person driving vehicle transporting explosives) .

(2) “Certificate of registration” means a certificate of registration issued under ORS 480.244 (Storage facility approval) by the State Fire Marshal for an explosives magazine.

(3) “Explosive” means a chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. The term includes, but is not limited to, dynamite, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety fuses, squibs, detonating cord, igniter cord and igniters, but excludes fireworks, as defined in ORS 480.111 (Definitions for ORS 480.111 to 480.165) , black powder, smokeless powder, small arms ammunition, small arms ammunition primers and fertilizer, as defined in ORS 633.311 (Definitions for ORS 633.311 to 633.479) .

(4) “Issuing authority” means the State Fire Marshal or an assistant appointed by the State Fire Marshal under ORS 480.280 (Administration and enforcement by State Fire Marshal) (2).

(5) “Magazine” means an approved facility for the storage of explosives.

(6) “Small arms ammunition” means a shotgun, rifle, pistol or revolver cartridge.

(7) “Small arms ammunition primers” means small percussion-sensitive explosive charges encased in a cup and used to ignite propellant powder. [1971 c.518 §1; 1983 c.100 §3; 1999 c.980 §1; 2001 c.914 §26; 2013 c.24 §10]

Source: Section 480.200 — Definitions for ORS 480.200 to 480.290 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 478.365 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 478 / Section 478.365
478.365 Employee contributions to retirement fund
Status: in_force

The district may collect, as a contribution from any employee, that percentage of the salary received by the employee which is necessary to fund on an actuarial reserve basis the cost of retirement benefits which the employee is required to provide pursuant to the provisions of a retirement plan. [1963 c.366 §5]

Source: Section 478.365 — Employee contributions to retirement fund , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors478.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.009 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.009
477.009 Investigative authority of Attorney General for fire protection administration
Status: in_force

(1) For the purpose of an investigation as to liability for cost of hazard abatement, fire abatement or damages under this chapter, the Attorney General, at the request of the State Forester, may administer oaths and affirmations, take testimony or depositions and by subpoena compel the:

(a) Attendance of witnesses;

(b) Production of documents, including but not limited to writings, drawings, graphs, charts, photographs, and other data compilations from which information can be obtained and translated; and

(c) Production of any other tangible thing that the Attorney General deems relevant or material to the investigation.

(2) Each witness subpoenaed under subsection (1) of this section shall receive the fees and mileage provided in ORS 44.415 (Fees and mileage of witnesses) (2).

(3) If a person fails to comply with a subpoena issued or a party or witness refuses to testify on any matters, the judge of the circuit court of any county, on the application of the State Forester, shall compel obedience by proceedings for contempt as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from such court or a refusal to testify therein. [1993 c.697 §6]

Source: Section 477.009 — Investigative authority of Attorney General for fire protection administration , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.408 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.408
477.408 Provisions of contract or agreement
Status: in_force

Contracts or agreements under ORS 477.406 (Cooperative contracts or agreements for forest protection or forest related activities) may provide, among other things, for any or all of the parties to do any one or more of the following:

(1) Exchange services on a cooperative basis.

(2) Provide services, supplies and equipment in return for cash payment or other compensation.

(3) Loan or lease equipment.

(4) Subcontract obligations. [1967 c.429 §26; 1993 c.415 §2]

Source: Section 477.408 — Provisions of contract or agreement , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.365 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.365
480.365 Suspension, revocation, refusal to issue or renew nonretail facility license
Status: in_force

In accordance with ORS chapter 183, the State Fire Marshal may revoke or suspend or may refuse to issue or renew a nonretail facility license if the State Fire Marshal finds that an applicant or a person to whom the license was issued:

(1) Falsified the application for the license; or

(2) Failed to comply with any provision of ORS 480.310 (Definitions for ORS 480.310 to 480.385) to 480.385 (Civil penalty for gasoline dispensing law violations) or any applicable rule adopted by the State Fire Marshal. [1991 c.863 §52]

Source: Section 480.365 — Suspension, revocation, refusal to issue or renew nonretail facility license; procedure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.085 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.085
477.085 Liability for cost of protecting land within a forest protection district
Status: in_force

Any person who willfully or negligently sets a fire or causes a fire to be set for which efforts to control or extinguish the fire in order to protect forestland within a forest protection district from fire are exerted by the forester or any forest protective association or agency under contract or agreement with the State Board of Forestry is liable for the actual costs incurred by the forester, association or agency in such efforts. The costs shall be recovered from the person liable therefor in the same manner as costs recovered under ORS 477.068 (Liability for cost of abatement) . [1965 c.428 §7; 1967 c.429 §2; 1997 c.274 §3a; 1999 c.355 §4]

Source: Section 477.085 — Liability for cost of protecting land within a forest protection district , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.020 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.020
476.020 State Fire Marshal
Status: in_force

(1) The Department of the State Fire Marshal is established. The department is under the supervision and control of the State Fire Marshal.

(2) The Governor shall appoint the State Fire Marshal, who holds the office at the pleasure of the Governor. The appointment of the State Fire Marshal is subject to confirmation by the Senate in the manner prescribed by ORS 171.562 (Procedures for confirmation) and 171.565 (Vote required for confirmation) .

(3) The State Fire Marshal shall be qualified to direct the technical and executive work of the department as determined by the Governor and shall have education or training related to the programs of the department and significant experience in managing fire protection or related programs.

(4) The State Fire Marshal shall be paid a salary as provided by law or, if not so provided, as prescribed by the Governor.

(5) Subject to the approval of the Governor, the State Fire Marshal may organize and reorganize the administrative structure of the department as the State Fire Marshal considers appropriate to properly conduct the work of the department.

(6) The State Fire Marshal may divide the functions of the department into administrative divisions. Subject to the approval of the Governor, the State Fire Marshal may appoint an individual to administer each division. The administrator of each division serves at the pleasure of the State Fire Marshal and is not subject to the provisions of ORS chapter 240. Each individual appointed under this subsection must be well qualified by technical training and experience in the functions to be performed by the individual. [Amended by 1963 c.523 §1; 1971 c.753 §54; 1987 c.414 §79; 1993 c.186 §1; 2021 c.539 §90]

Source: Section 476.020 — State Fire Marshal; appointment; qualifications , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.410 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.410
476.410 Standard thread hose couplings and hydrant fittings required
Status: in_force

All equipment for fire protection purposes purchased by state and municipal authorities, or any other authorities having charge of public property, shall be equipped with the standard thread for fire hose couplings and hydrant fittings as adopted by the State Fire Marshal under ORS 476.030 (Powers and duties of marshal and deputies generally) . Prior to adopting any such standard, the State Fire Marshal may request from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training consideration of and recommendations regarding the standard. [Amended by 1963 c.523 §8; 1973 c.667 §20; 1993 c.185 §29; 1997 c.13 §2; 1997 c.853 §43]

Source: Section 476.410 — Standard thread hose couplings and hydrant fittings required , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.113 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.113
476.113 Designation of regions
Status: in_force

(1) The State Fire Marshal may by order from time to time designate not more than seven regions within the state and establish regional appeal advisory boards for each of the designated regions.

(2) Each regional appeal advisory board shall consist of three regular members and three alternate members appointed by the State Fire Marshal. A member or alternate member of a regional appeal advisory board shall receive no compensation for services as a member, but, subject to any other applicable law regulating travel and other expenses for state offices, shall receive actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of official duties. All appointed members must be persons qualified by experience and training. At least one member of each board must be a qualified architect who has practiced the profession for at least two years. Appointments shall be made for three-year terms. Any member may be removed by the State Fire Marshal for cause. Upon the death, resignation or removal of any member, a successor shall be appointed by the State Fire Marshal to serve the balance of the unexpired term. No member of a regional appeal advisory board shall sit in a case in which the member is interested and if any such case comes before the board, an alternate shall act in the place of the member. [1965 c.602 §7(1),(2); 2005 c.22 §354]

Source: Section 476.113 — Designation of regions; regional appeal advisory boards; qualifications of members , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.985 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.985
477.985 Enforcement procedure
Status: in_force

In addition to any other persons permitted to enforce violations, the State Forestry Department and the State Forester, or any employee specifically designated by the department or by the State Forester, may issue citations for violations established under ORS 477.993 (Penalties) in the manner provided by ORS chapter 153. [1993 c.697 §3; 1999 c.1051 §102; 2011 c.597 §138]

Source: Section 477.985 — Enforcement procedure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.740 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.740
477.740 Unlawful use of fire
Status: in_force

A person commits the offense of unlawful use of fire if the person:

(1) In the ignition of a fire:

(a) Unlawfully sets on fire, or causes to be set on fire, any grass, grain, stubble or other material being or growing on any lands within the state;

(b) Intentionally or negligently allows fire to escape from the person’s own land, or land of which the person is in possession or control; or

(c) Accidentally sets any fire on the person’s own land or the land of another and allows it to escape from control without extinguishing it, or making a bona fide effort to do so.

(2) Having knowledge of a fire burning on the person’s own land, or land of which the person is in possession or control, fails or neglects to make a bona fide effort to extinguish the same, regardless of whether or not the person is responsible for the starting or existence thereof. [1971 c.743 §307; 1993 c.697 §7; 1997 c.274 §33]

Source: Section 477.740 — Unlawful use of fire , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.990 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.990
479.990 Penalties
Status: in_force

(1) Any owner or occupant of any building or premises who fails to comply with any order provided for in ORS 479.170 (Ordering repair of, or removal of material from, buildings) and not appealed from, or with any such order of the State Fire Marshal upon appeal to the State Fire Marshal, shall be punished by a civil penalty of not more than $500 for each violation. All penalties, fees or forfeitures collected under the provisions of this subsection shall be paid into the State Treasury.

(2) Violation of ORS 479.255 (Smoke alarm or smoke detector required in certain structures) , 479.260 (Transfer of dwelling unit or lodging house without smoke alarm or smoke detector prohibited) , 479.270 (Owner of rental dwelling unit to supply, install and maintain smoke alarm or smoke detector) , 479.280 (Lack of properly operating smoke alarm or smoke detector) , 479.297 (Ionization smoke alarms) or 479.300 (Removing or tampering with smoke alarm or smoke detector prohibited) , or rules adopted under ORS 479.255 (Smoke alarm or smoke detector required in certain structures) , 479.260 (Transfer of dwelling unit or lodging house without smoke alarm or smoke detector prohibited) , 479.270 (Owner of rental dwelling unit to supply, install and maintain smoke alarm or smoke detector) , 479.280 (Lack of properly operating smoke alarm or smoke detector) , 479.297 (Ionization smoke alarms) or 479.300 (Removing or tampering with smoke alarm or smoke detector prohibited) , is punishable by a civil penalty imposed by the State Fire Marshal in an amount not to exceed $250.

(3) Civil penalties under this section shall be imposed as provided in ORS 183.745 (Civil penalty procedures) . [Amended by 1959 c.406 §30; subsection (5) enacted as 1959 c.406 §29; 1977 c.619 §1; subsection (6) enacted as 1979 c.642 §12; 1991 c.863 §58; 1997 c.647 §§6,7; 1999 c.307 §§14,15; 2001 c.411 §§27,28; 2011 c.97 §6]

Source: Section 479.990 — Penalties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.815 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.815
479.815 Inspector conflicts of interest
Status: in_force

The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, with the approval of the Electrical and Elevator Board, may adopt rules regulating or prohibiting conflicts of interest for electrical inspectors in regard to any work performed by an inspector or a related party under a license issued under ORS 479.630 (Requirements for obtaining licenses) . [2003 c.675 §64]

Source: Section 479.815 — Inspector conflicts of interest; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 478.965 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 478 / Section 478.965
478.965 Recovery by district of costs of suppressing unlawful fire
Status: repealed

(1) If the fire-fighting apparatus or personnel, or either of a district, are required to respond and be used actively or on a standby basis in connection with the extinguishment or control of a fire that has been started or allowed to spread in willful violation of ORS 478.960 (Burning of certain materials permitted only with permission of fire chief) (1) to (5), the person responsible therefor shall be liable to the district furnishing such apparatus or personnel, or both, for the actual costs incurred by the district in controlling, extinguishing or patrolling the fire. Such costs may be recovered in an action prosecuted in the name of the district. The court may award reasonable attorney fees to the district if the district prevails in an action under this section. The court may award reasonable attorney fees to a defendant who prevails in an action under this section if the court determines that the district had no objectively reasonable basis for asserting the claim or no reasonable basis for appealing an adverse decision of the trial court.

(2) An itemized statement of the actual costs incurred by the district, certified under oath by the treasurer of the district, shall be accepted as prima facie evidence of such costs in the action authorized by this section. [1967 c.420 §6; 1969 c.667 §58; 1981 c.897 §55; 1995 c.696 §24]

Note: Sections 1 and 2, chapter 310, Oregon Laws 2023, provide:

Sec. 1. (1) The State Fire Marshal shall:

(a) Establish a Rural Structural Fire Protection Review Committee.

(b) Appoint persons to serve on the committee as soon as practicable after the effective date of this 2023 Act [July 18, 2023].

(2) The committee:

(a) Shall conduct a comprehensive review of the provisions of ORS chapter 478 that relate to structural fire protection.

(b) May not review provisions of ORS chapter 478 that relate to forestland assessment, field burning or consultation with the State Forestry Department.

(c) Shall, based on the review described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, develop recommendations to modernize and improve the structural fire protection operations of rural fire protection districts and to make the operations more efficient.

(d) Shall report on the review described in paragraph (a) of this subsection and the recommendations described in paragraph (c) of this subsection, in the manner prescribed in ORS 192.245 (Form of report to legislature) , to one or more relevant committees or interim committees of the Legislative Assembly on or before September 15, 2024. [2023 c.310 §1]

Sec. 2. Section 1 of this 2023 Act is repealed on January 2, 2025. [2023 c.310 §2]

Source: Section 478.965 — Recovery by district of costs of suppressing unlawful fire; attorney fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors478.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.392 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.392
476.392 Minimum defensible space requirements
Status: in_force

(1) The State Fire Marshal shall establish minimum defensible space requirements for wildfire risk reduction on lands in areas identified on the statewide wildfire hazard map described in ORS 477.490 (Statewide wildfire hazard map) as within the wildland-urban interface.

(2) The State Fire Marshal:

(a) Shall consult with the Oregon Fire Code Advisory Board to establish the requirements.

(b) Shall establish requirements that are consistent with and do not exceed the standards pertaining only to defensible space that are set forth in the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code published by the International Code Council, including the standards pertaining only to defensible space that are set forth in sections 603 and 604 of the code.

(c) May consider best practices specific to Oregon in order to establish the requirements.

(d) Shall periodically reexamine the standards set forth in the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code and update the requirements to reflect current best practices, in consultation with the Oregon Fire Code Advisory Board.

(e) Shall enforce the requirements that are applicable to lands within the jurisdiction of a local government.

(f) Shall adopt rules governing administration of the requirements.

(g) May develop and apply a graduated fee structure for use in assessing penalties on property owners for noncompliance with the requirements.

(h) Shall consult on implementation of the requirements.

(i) May adopt rules concerning reports by local governments described in subsection (4)(a) of this section.

(3) Subject to additional local requirements, the requirements shall apply statewide for all lands in the wildland-urban interface that are designated as being in the high wildfire hazard zone, as identified on the map.

(4) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section, a local government may:

(a) Administer, consult on and enforce the requirements established by the State Fire Marshal, within the jurisdiction of the local government. A local government that administers or enforces the requirements established by the State Fire Marshal shall periodically report to the State Fire Marshal regarding compliance with the requirements, including the extent of compliance for each property within the jurisdiction of the local government, any change in the degree of compliance since the last report and any other information required by the State Fire Marshal by rule.

(b) Adopt and enforce local requirements for defensible space that are greater than the requirements established by the State Fire Marshal. Any local requirements that a local government adopts for defensible space must be defensible space standards selected from the framework set forth in the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code or other best practices specific to Oregon.

(c) Designate local fire districts, fire departments or fire agencies to enforce the requirements established by the State Fire Marshal or the local government pursuant to paragraph (b) of this subsection. A local government that designates enforcement must comply with the reporting requirements in paragraph (a) of this subsection.

(5) The State Fire Marshal shall administer a community risk reduction program that emphasizes education and methods of prevention with respect to wildfire risk, enforcement of defensible space requirements, response planning and community preparedness for wildfires.

(6) The State Fire Marshal may provide financial, administrative, technical or other assistance to a local government to facilitate the administration and enforcement of requirements within the jurisdiction of the local government. A local government shall expend financial assistance provided by the State Fire Marshal under this subsection to give priority to the creation of defensible space:

(a) On lands on which members of socially and economically vulnerable communities, persons with limited proficiency in English and persons of lower income, as defined in ORS 456.055 (Definitions for ORS 456.055 to 456.235) , reside.

(b) For critical or emergency infrastructure.

(c) For schools, hospitals and facilities that serve seniors. [2021 c.592 §8a; 2023 c.611 §3]

Note: See note under 476.390 (Definition) .

Source: Section 476.392 — Minimum defensible space requirements; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.530 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.530
480.530 Powers and duties of department
Status: in_force

The Department of Consumer and Business Services may:

(1) Where it appears that a person is engaging in or is about to engage in an act or practice in violation of any provision of ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) , obtain without furnishing a bond, a restraining order and injunction from the circuit court in the county where the act or practice is occurring, or is threatened, enjoining the act or practice. However, before obtaining a restraining order and injunction, unless the act or practice constitutes an immediate threat to health and safety, the department shall first notify the person concerned of the department’s intentions. The notice shall be in writing, shall advise the person concerned of the department’s intentions and shall advise the person concerned of the right to appeal in writing within 10 days and that the appeal will be heard by the Board of Boiler Rules. In case there is a timely request for an appeal, proceedings will be stayed pending the appeal, unless the act or practice constitutes an immediate menace to health or safety or the person concerned fails to prosecute the appeal with diligence.

(2) Keep a complete record of the types, dimensions, maximum allowable working pressures, age, location and date of the last recorded inspection of all boilers and pressure vessels to which ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) apply.

(3) Publish and distribute copies of the rules and codes applicable to boilers and pressure vessels.

(4) Check or cause to be checked the authenticity, appropriateness and expiration dates of licenses and certificates issued under ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) .

(5) Administer written, oral or practical examinations to all applicants for certification as chief boiler inspector, deputy inspector or special inspector under ORS 480.565 (Chief and deputy inspectors) . [1961 c.485 §13; 1969 c.582 §5; 1971 c.753 §59; 1983 c.676 §6; 1991 c.518 §3; 2007 c.71 §162; 2013 c.324 §12]

Source: Section 480.530 — Powers and duties of department , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.440 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.440
480.440 Inspection of certain storage tanks
Status: in_force

The State Fire Marshal shall annually inspect an installation of storage tanks located at dealers’ plants. The State Fire Marshal may annually inspect an installation of tanks used for delivery purposes. The State Fire Marshal shall collect a fee of $100 for each plant inspection and $24 for each delivery unit inspection. [Amended by 1953 c.228 §4; 1957 c.712 §7; 1967 c.417 §30; 1973 c.832 §16; 1999 c.558 §2; 2003 c.652 §4]

Source: Section 480.440 — Inspection of certain storage tanks; fee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.554 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.554
477.554 Program establishment
Status: in_force

(1) With the advice and assistance of the advisory committee established under ORS 477.556 (Advisory committee) , and subject to the review of the State Board of Forestry, the State Forester shall adopt and implement programs for meeting the objectives set forth in ORS 477.013 (Smoke management plan) and 477.552 (Policy) to 477.562 (Registration fee) . The programs shall include:

(a) Collection, analysis and distribution of information regarding prescribed burning and other alternative fuel management techniques;

(b) Assistance to landowners wanting to evaluate alternative burning and nonburning fuel management strategies and the collection of data regarding fuel conditions existing before and after treatment;

(c) Aerial monitoring of prescribed burning activity;

(d) Distribution of information to the Department of Environmental Quality on progress toward meeting federal and state air quality standards;

(e) Establishment of a system to track forest burning on a geographically specific basis; and

(f) Collection, analysis and distribution of information regarding emissions from wildfires for comparison with prescribed burning.

(2) The programs shall be administered by the State Forestry Department. [1989 c.920 §3; 1997 c.274 §50; 2007 c.213 §2]

Source: Section 477.554 — Program establishment; content , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.281 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.281
477.281 Limitation on obligation of landowner for fire protection
Status: in_force

(1) The obligation of an owner of timberland or grazing land for payment of assessments and taxes for fire protection of forestland is limited to:

(a) The payment of moneys pursuant to ORS 321.015 (Levy of privilege taxes upon harvest of timber for certain purposes) (2), 477.277 (Additional assessment to maintain unencumbered balance of Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund) , 477.295 (Minimum assessment under ORS 477.270) , 477.760 (Reserve base of fund fixed) (4) and 477.880 (Acreage assessment) to maintain the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund; and

(b) The payment of forest protection district assessments pursuant to ORS 477.205 (Definitions for ORS 477.205 to 477.281) to 477.281 (Limitation on obligation of landowner for fire protection) .

(2) As used in this section, “obligation of an owner of timberland or grazing land for payment of assessments and taxes for fire protection of forestland” does not include the duties or obligations of the owner under ORS 477.066 (Duty of owner and operator to abate fire) , 477.068 (Liability for cost of abatement) or 477.120 (Liability of owner or operator) or the obligations of an owner of land included in a rural fire protection district pursuant to ORS 478.010 (Formation) . [1989 c.769 §9; 1991 c.639 §3; 1997 c.206 §2; 1999 c.59 §157; 2003 c.685 §§2,7; 2005 c.802 §8; 2009 c.69 §1; 2021 c.592 §43]

Source: Section 477.281 — Limitation on obligation of landowner for fire protection , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.127 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.127
480.127 Permit for retail sale of consumer fireworks
Status: in_force

(1) Any person who desires to sell consumer fireworks at retail to individual members of the general public for personal use shall apply in writing to the State Fire Marshal for a permit at least 15 days in advance of the proposed sale. The State Fire Marshal shall issue the permit only if the State Fire Marshal finds that the applicant is qualified to conduct the proposed sale and that the proposed sale will conform to the provisions of ORS 480.111 (Definitions for ORS 480.111 to 480.165) to 480.165 (Civil penalty for fireworks law violations) and any rules adopted under ORS 480.111 (Definitions for ORS 480.111 to 480.165) to 480.165 (Civil penalty for fireworks law violations) . A fee may be charged for the permit. Subject to prior approval by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, the amount of the fee shall be set by rule and shall be adjusted subsequently by the State Fire Marshal to finance the administrative expenses incurred under this section and shall be within the budget authorized by the Legislative Assembly as that budget may be modified by the Emergency Board.

(2) A retail sales permit issued under this section authorizes the sale of consumer fireworks only in the year for which the permit is issued during the period that begins on June 23 and ends on July 6 of the year for which the permit is issued.

(3) A retail sales permit holder shall store consumer fireworks in accordance with any fire codes that the State Fire Marshal adopts by rule to ensure safe storage of those fireworks. The matters that the State Fire Marshal considers when adopting storage rules for fireworks may include, but are not limited to, any United States Department of Transportation requirements relating to hazardous materials storage. [1983 c.788 §3; 1991 c.703 §14; 2013 c.24 §3; 2023 c.602 §13]

Source: Section 480.127 — Permit for retail sale of consumer fireworks; fee; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.580 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.580
477.580 Determination of additional fire hazards
Status: in_force

(1) Following the issuance of a permit pursuant to ORS 477.625 (Permit to use fire or power-driven machinery) , and after slashing has been created in an operation area inside or within one-eighth of one mile of a forest protection district, the forester may make a determination if such slashing and debris exists on the operation area in sufficient quantity and arrangement as to constitute an additional fire hazard that endangers life, forest resources or property, and if such area is in need of additional work or protection to reduce, abate or offset the additional fire hazard. Whenever practical, the forester shall make the determination referred to in this subsection during the administration and enforcement of the Oregon Forest Practices Act.

(2) If the forester determines that an additional fire hazard exists on the operation area sufficient to endanger life, forest resources or property, and that such area is in need of additional work or protection to reduce, abate or offset the additional fire hazard, the forester shall so notify the landowner and operator or their representatives in writing of such determination. Pursuant to rules promulgated by the State Forester, the notice to the landowner or operator shall contain provisions for offsetting the additional fire hazard by burning, improvements, extra protection or other means. The notice shall also specify a reasonable time for completion of the provisions contained therein.

(3) When the forester finds that the provisions set forth in subsection (2) of this section have been complied with or that the additional hazard has been, in the opinion of the forester, sufficiently reduced by other means to offset the hazard, the forester shall immediately issue to the operator or landowner a release from all obligations imposed by ORS 477.120 (Liability of owner or operator) (2)(c).

(4) If the forester determines that an additional fire hazard exists, the forester shall, at the request of the owner or operator, with the approval of the owner, grant a release upon payment by the owner or operator of such sum of money as the forester finds necessary to provide additional protection or means necessary to reduce or offset the additional hazard created by such slashing and other debris. In no event may this sum exceed the least of:

(a) $6 for each 1,000 board feet of timber harvested in an operation;

(b) The forester’s estimated cost of reducing or providing other means to offset the additional hazard; or

(c) $10 for each acre in a stand improvement operation where no timber is harvested.

(5) Moneys received under subsection (4) of this section shall be placed in the State Treasury, credited to the State Forestry Department Account and used exclusively for the purposes of forest protection within the district.

(6) Any owner of forestland may make written request to the forester to assume all obligations for the disposal or reduction of any additional fire hazard determined to exist thereon. If the forester then determines that the owner can comply with such obligation, the forester shall immediately issue to all other persons involved a written release of such obligations.

(7) Any order or determination made by the forester pursuant to this section is final unless modified or vacated in an appeal to the State Board of Forestry taken within 30 days after issuance of the order. [1965 c.253 §121; 1965 c.428 §16; 1967 c.429 §54; 1973 c.46 §5; 1975 c.74 §1; 1979 c.222 §1; 1997 c.274 §18; 2003 c.14 §317; 2017 c.17 §44]

Source: Section 477.580 — Determination of additional fire hazards; notice to landowner; plan for reducing hazard; release from liability , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.755 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.755
476.755 Definitions for ORS 476.755 to 476.790 and 476.995
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 476.755 (Definitions for ORS 476.755 to 476.790 and 476.995) to 476.790 (Providing copies of cigarette certification and illustration of packaging markings) and 476.995 (Penalty for violation of ORS 476.760) :

(1) “Cigarette” means a roll for smoking:

(a) That is made wholly of tobacco, or of tobacco and any other substance, regardless of size, shape or flavoring or adulteration by or mixing with other ingredients, the wrapper of which is made of paper or other nontobacco materials; and

(b) That, because of its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler or its packaging and labeling, is likely to be offered to or purchased by consumers as a cigarette.

(2) “Distribute” means to do any of the following:

(a) Sell cigarettes or deliver cigarettes for sale by another person to consumers.

(b) Receive or retain more than 199 cigarettes at a place of business where the person receiving or retaining the cigarettes customarily sells cigarettes or offers cigarettes for sale to consumers.

(c) Place cigarettes in vending machines.

(d) Sell or accept orders for cigarettes that are to be transported from a point outside this state to a consumer within this state.

(e) Buy cigarettes directly from a manufacturer or wholesale dealer for resale in this state.

(f) Give cigarettes as a sample, prize, gift or other promotion.

(3) “Manufacturer” means:

(a) An entity that produces, or causes the production of, cigarettes for sale in this state;

(b) An importer or first purchaser of cigarettes that intends to resell within this state cigarettes that were produced for sale outside this state; or

(c) A successor to an entity, importer or first purchaser described in paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection.

(4) “Packaging” includes, but is not limited to, cigarette soft packs, boxes, cartons and cases.

(5) “Quality control and assurance program” means laboratory procedures implemented to ensure that operator bias, systematic and nonsystematic methodological errors and equipment-related problems do not affect the results of testing.

(6) “Reduced ignition propensity” means meeting the fire safety performance standard described in ORS 476.770 (Determination of cigarette variety ignition propensity) (6).

(7) “Repeatability” means the range of values within which the repeat results of ignition propensity testing by a single laboratory will fall 95 percent of the time.

(8) “Retail dealer” means a person, other than a manufacturer or wholesale dealer, that engages in distributing cigarettes.

(9) “Sell” means to transfer, or agree to transfer, title or possession for a monetary or nonmonetary consideration.

(10) “Variety” means a type of cigarette marketed by the manufacturer as being distinct from other types of cigarettes on the basis of brand name, length, filter, wrapping, flavoring or other characteristics as the State Fire Marshal may provide by rule.

(11) “Wholesale dealer” means a person that distributes cigarettes to:

(a) A retail dealer or other person for resale; or

(b) A person that owns, operates or maintains cigarette vending machines on premises owned or operated by another person. [2007 c.34 §1]

Note: 476.755 (Definitions for ORS 476.755 to 476.790 and 476.995) to 476.806 (Cigarette Fire Safety Fund) and 476.995 (Penalty for violation of ORS 476.760) were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 476 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 476.755 — Definitions for ORS 476.755 to 476.790 and 476.995 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.680 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.680
479.680 Adoption of rules by Electrical and Elevator Board
Status: in_force

The Electrical and Elevator Board:

(1) Shall establish, by rule under ORS 455.117 (Adoption of rules governing licensing, certification or registration) , a program of continuing education necessary for renewal of licenses. The board may approve programs for continuing education that meet standards for continuing education established by the board under this subsection.

(2) Shall adopt any rules necessary to carry out the duties of the board under ORS 479.510 (Short title) to 479.945 (Restricted energy contractor’s license) and 479.995 (Civil penalty for violation of ORS 479.510 to 479.945) .

(3) Shall establish rules setting forth equivalent experience necessary to qualify for a journeyman license under ORS 479.630 (Requirements for obtaining licenses) .

(4) Shall establish, by rule, procedures and standards necessary to approve testing laboratories under ORS 479.730 (Adoption of rules by Director of Department of Consumer and Business Services) and 479.760 (Certification of electrical products) .

(5) May establish exemptions by rule according to authority granted under ORS 479.540 (Exemptions) . [1981 c.815 §24; 1993 c.744 §125; 2005 c.758 §32]

Source: Section 479.680 — Adoption of rules by Electrical and Elevator Board; establishment of continuing education program , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.277 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.277
477.277 Additional assessment to maintain unencumbered balance of Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to any other assessment prescribed by ORS 477.205 (Definitions for ORS 477.205 to 477.281) to 477.281 (Limitation on obligation of landowner for fire protection) , in any fiscal year in which the Emergency Fire Cost Committee determines pursuant to ORS 477.760 (Reserve base of fund fixed) that the unencumbered balance of the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund is less than $22.5 million, a surcharge shall be levied and assessed in the amount of $47.50 for each improved lot or parcel, except as provided in ORS 477.760 (Reserve base of fund fixed) , to defray the increased cost of fire suppression on forestland that is caused by the existence of the improvements.

(2) All surcharge moneys collected pursuant to this section shall be paid into the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund.

(3) If an owner of forestland files a forest protection plan with the forester which is approved by the State Board of Forestry under ORS 477.210 (Duty of owner to protect forestland) (2), the owner shall not be required to pay the surcharge levied under subsection (1) of this section.

(4) Contiguous lots included in a combined lot that is described in ORS 477.295 (Minimum assessment under ORS 477.270) (3)(a) and whose owner has made application to the forester under ORS 477.295 (Minimum assessment under ORS 477.270) (4) are considered one lot for purposes of subsection (1) of this section.

(5) As used in this section, a lot or parcel is “improved” if it is indicated as improved in the county assessor’s property classification files or if a manufactured dwelling is sited on the lot or parcel. [1989 c.769 §3; 1991 c.639 §2; 1993 c.430 §1; 2003 c.685 §§1,6; 2005 c.802 §7; 2007 c.779 §2]

Source: Section 477.277 — Additional assessment to maintain unencumbered balance of Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.570 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.570
480.570 Inspections by special inspectors or others
Status: in_force

(1) A special inspector receiving a certificate of competency under ORS 480.565 (Chief and deputy inspectors) (3)(b) may not inspect under ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) any boiler or pressure vessel not used or not to be used by the employer of the special inspector.

(2) If a special inspector holds a certificate of competency issued under ORS 480.565 (Chief and deputy inspectors) (3)(a), the special inspector:

(a) May conduct shop inspections of boilers and pressure vessels manufactured or to be installed in this state whether or not the boilers or pressure vessels are insured or will be insured by the employer of the special inspector; and

(b) Upon being notified that the boilers or pressure vessels are ready for inspection, shall perform all installation and operating inspections required under ORS 480.510 (Short title) to 480.670 (Civil penalty for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Law violations) on boilers and pressure vessels that are operated or insured by the special inspector’s employer.

(3) A boiler contractor licensed under ORS 480.630 (Licensing of boiler contractors and persons installing, altering or repairing boilers or pressure vessels) that performs an alteration or repair on a boiler or pressure vessel shall utilize the services of:

(a) An authorized inspector certified under this chapter with whom the contractor has an agreement for inspection of the alteration or repair;

(b) A special inspector of an insurance company with which the contractor has an inspection contract; or

(c) A designated inspector who is authorized to inspect the alteration or repair.

(4) A special inspector’s certificate of competency remains in force only while the special inspector is continuously employed by one of the persons mentioned in ORS 480.565 (Chief and deputy inspectors) (3).

(5) If a boiler or pressure vessel is inspected by a special inspector as provided in this section, the boiler or pressure vessel is subject to the installation permit and operating permit fees described in ORS 480.600 (Special provisions on permit and inspection fees) (2) instead of the installation permit and operating permit fees established under ORS 480.595 (Permits) .

(6) The Department of Consumer and Business Services may cause a deputy inspector to inspect or reinspect all boilers and pressure vessels that a special inspector is authorized or required to inspect. However, the deputy inspector may not conduct an internal inspection or reinspection unless:

(a) There is a question as to whether or not the boiler or pressure vessel meets the minimum safety standards; and

(b) The special inspector who made the original inspection, or the employer of the special inspector, is given reasonable notice and opportunity to be present during the internal inspection or reinspection.

(7) Subsections (1) to (6) of this section do not apply to boilers or pressure vessels located in a residential structure that contains fewer than six dwelling units. [1961 c.485 §14; 1969 c.582 §12; 1983 c.676 §12; 1991 c.518 §5; 2007 c.487 §7; 2009 c.696 §15]

Source: Section 480.570 — Inspections by special inspectors or others; effect on permit fees; exempt boilers and vessels , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.060 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.060
476.060 Local officers and constables as assistants to State Fire Marshal
Status: in_force

(1) All fire marshals in those governmental subdivisions having such officers, and where no such officer exists, the chief of the fire department of every city or rural fire protection district in which a fire department is established, the marshal or chief of police, officer of any city in which no fire department exists, and constables, if any, shall be, by virtue of the offices held by them, assistants to the State Fire Marshal without additional recompense, subject to the duties and obligations imposed by law, and shall be subject to the direction of the State Fire Marshal in the execution of the provisions of this section and ORS 476.070 (Entering buildings and premises) , 476.090 (Records of fires) , 476.150 (Entry and inspection of premises) , 476.210 (Investigation of fires by municipal officers and constables) and 480.445 (Regulation of liquefied petroleum gas container or receptacle siting and installation) .

(2) In addition to other duties under subsection (1) of this section, an individual designated as an assistant to the State Fire Marshal shall aid in the administration and enforcement of ORS 480.200 (Definitions for ORS 480.200 to 480.290) to 480.290 (Requirements for person driving vehicle transporting explosives) and 480.990 (Penalties) (6) upon the request of the State Fire Marshal. [Amended by 1965 c.602 §3; 1971 c.518 §22; 1983 c.740 §188; 1987 c.158 §103; 2005 c.88 §4]

Source: Section 476.060 — Local officers and constables as assistants to State Fire Marshal , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.297 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.297
479.297 Ionization smoke alarms
Status: in_force

(1) All ionization smoke alarms sold in this state that are solely battery-operated shall be packaged with a 10-year battery.

(2) All ionization smoke alarms sold in this state shall include a “hush” mechanism that allows a person to temporarily disengage the alarm for a period of not more than 15 minutes.

(3) The provisions of this section do not apply to:

(a) Smoke alarms specifically designed for persons who are hard of hearing;

(b) Smoke alarms sold in this state for shipment out of state; or

(c) Smoke alarms sold for installation in recreational vehicles, commercial vehicles, railroad equipment, aircraft, marine vessels or manufactured dwellings.

(4) The sale of a recreational vehicle, commercial vehicle, railroad equipment, aircraft, marine vessel or new manufactured dwelling containing a smoke alarm does not constitute sale of a smoke alarm. [1997 c.647 §2,3; 1999 c.307 §12; 2007 c.70 §274]

Source: Section 479.297 — Ionization smoke alarms; required equipment; exemptions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.630 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.630
479.630 Requirements for obtaining licenses
Status: in_force

If a person pays the applicable application fee required under ORS 479.840 (Fees) and complies with ORS 479.510 (Short title) to 479.945 (Restricted energy contractor’s license) and the rules adopted under ORS 455.117 (Adoption of rules governing licensing, certification or registration) and 479.510 (Short title) to 479.945 (Restricted energy contractor’s license) , the Department of Consumer and Business Services shall issue:

(1) An electrical contractor’s license to a person engaging in or carrying on a business of making electrical installations.

(2) A general supervising electrician’s license to a person who:

(a) Passes a written examination prepared by the Electrical and Elevator Board and administered by the department; and

(b) Submits proof satisfactory to the board that the person has had at least four years of experience as a general journeyman electrician or its equivalent, as determined by the board by rule, in installing, maintaining and repairing electrical wires and equipment.

(3) A limited supervising electrician’s license to a person who qualifies under this subsection. A person licensed under this subsection is authorized to supervise the class of electrical work included in the branch of the electrical trade and for which the person has passed the examination administered by the department. A person qualifies under this subsection if the person:

(a) Passes a written examination prepared by the board and administered by the department; and

(b) Submits proof satisfactory to the board that the person has had at least four years of specialized experience in a recognized branch of the electrical trade on the journeyman level.

(4) A general journeyman electrician’s license to a person who:

(a) Passes a written examination prepared by the board and administered by the department; and

(b) Submits proof satisfactory to the board that:

(A) The person has had at least four years of general experience as an apprentice or its equivalent, as determined by the board by rule, in installing, maintaining and repairing electrical wires and equipment, including not fewer than 1,000 hours in wiring on single or multifamily dwelling units; or

(B) If the person is licensed as a limited residential electrician under subsection (14) of this section, subsequent to receiving that license, the person has worked for at least two years as a limited residential electrician and subsequent to those two years has completed an additional two years’ experience as an apprentice or its equivalent, as determined by the board by rule, for that period of apprenticeship time worked exclusively in installing, maintaining and repairing electrical wires and equipment in the commercial and industrial branches of the electrical trade under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor.

(5) A limited journeyman electrician’s license to a person who qualifies under this subsection. A person licensed under this subsection is authorized to perform the class of electrical work included in the branch of the electrical trade for which the person has passed the examination administered by the department. A person qualifies under this subsection if the person:

(a) Passes a written examination prepared by the board and administered by the department; and

(b) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, submits proof satisfactory to the board that the person has had at least four years of specialized experience as an apprentice or its equivalent, as determined by the board by rule, in a recognized branch of the electrical trade; or

(B) If applying for licensing as a limited journeyman sign electrician or limited journeyman stage electrician, submits proof satisfactory to the board that the person has had at least two years of specialized experience as an apprentice or its equivalent, as determined by the board by rule, in the sign or stage branch of the electrical trade.

(6) A limited elevator journeyman license to a person who qualifies under this subsection. A person licensed under this subsection is authorized to install, maintain and repair elevators, including all electrical and mechanical systems. A person qualifies under this subsection if the person has completed an elevator apprenticeship program, including both electrical and mechanical training components, approved by the board by rule and the person submits an application for licensure to the board in writing. A person issued a license under this subsection is exempt from continuing education requirements established under ORS 455.117 (Adoption of rules governing licensing, certification or registration) and 479.680 (Adoption of rules by Electrical and Elevator Board) .

(7) An electrical apprentice’s license to a person who has complied with ORS 660.002 (Declaration of policy) to 660.210 (Tort liability of committees, officers, employees and agents) as an electrical apprentice.

(8) An electrical apprentice’s license to a trainee toward a limited residential electrician’s license who has complied with ORS 660.002 (Declaration of policy) to 660.210 (Tort liability of committees, officers, employees and agents) as an electrical apprentice.

(9) An electrical apprentice’s license to a trainee toward a limited journeyman’s license in a recognized branch of the electrical trade who is employed by an employer who also:

(a) Employs a holder of either a general journeyman electrician’s license or a limited journeyman electrician’s license; and

(b) Conducts an electrical training program in a recognized branch of the electrical trade approved by the board as being a training program that will adequately prepare the trainee for the limited journeyman’s license.

(10) A limited maintenance electrician’s license to a person who qualifies under this subsection. A person licensed under this subsection is authorized to maintain, repair and replace electrical installations, including electrical components, required on the premises of industrial plants, and maintain, repair and replace electrical installations on systems that are less than 600 volts phase to phase, including electrical components, required on the premises of commercial office buildings, buildings occupied by the state or a local government entity or facilities designated by the board. The following apply to this subsection:

(a) A person qualifies under this subsection if the person:

(A) Passes a written examination prepared by the board and administered by the department on repair, replacement and maintenance of equipment of the type and nature normally used in an industrial plant, commercial office building or government building and on the use of testing equipment; and

(B) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(i) Completes a two-year training program approved by the board that provides for training and supervision of the trainee or apprentice; or

(ii) Submits proof satisfactory to the board that the person has had sufficient experience and related educational training in the repair, replacement and maintenance of electrical wiring and equipment of the type and nature used in an industrial plant, commercial office building or government building, as determined by the board or by an appropriate local apprenticeship committee recognized by the State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

(b) An annual inspection of the premises upon which electrical work is performed by persons licensed under this subsection must be made by the electrical inspector for an annual fee determined by the board by rule, based upon the time required for the inspection, payable to the department.

(c) A person licensed under this subsection may be employed directly by the owner, or owner’s agent, of any government building or commercial office building. A building owner or owner’s agent need not be licensed under this section to supervise a limited maintenance electrician.

(d) The department, in consultation with the board, shall adopt rules defining government buildings and commercial office buildings subject to this subsection.

(11) A limited building maintenance electrician’s license to a person who qualifies under this subsection. The following apply to this subsection:

(a) A person licensed under this subsection is authorized to maintain, repair and replace the following electrical installations required on the premises of commercial office buildings, buildings occupied by the state or a local government entity or facilities designated by the board in electrical systems not exceeding 300 volts to ground:

(A) Electrical appliances;

(B) Light switches;

(C) Light fixtures;

(D) Fans;

(E) Receptacles; and

(F) Fluorescent ballasts.

(b) A person qualifies under this subsection if the person:

(A) Passes a written examination prepared by the board and administered by the department on maintenance, repair and replacement of equipment of the type and nature normally used in a commercial office building or government building and on the use of testing equipment; and

(B) Submits proof satisfactory to the board that the person has:

(i) Had sufficient experience in the maintenance, repair and replacement of electrical wiring and equipment of the type and nature normally used in a commercial office building or government building; or

(ii) Completed a one-year training course, with classroom and on-the-job training components approved by the board, on the maintenance, repair and replacement of electrical wiring and equipment of the type and nature normally used in a commercial office building or government building.

(c) An annual inspection of the premises upon which electrical work is performed by persons licensed under this subsection must be made by the electrical inspector for an annual fee determined by the board by rule, based upon the time required for the inspection, payable to the department, or the inspection must be performed under an electrical master permit program.

(d) Building owners may perform work regulated by this subsection and for which a license is required under this subsection without obtaining a license.

(e) A person who owns more than 50 percent of a corporation that controls a building is a building owner.

(f) A person licensed under this subsection may be employed by the owner of a commercial office building or the owner’s agent. A building owner or owner’s agent need not be licensed under this section to supervise a limited building maintenance electrician.

(12) A limited maintenance specialty contractor license to a person who qualifies under this subsection. A person licensed under this subsection is authorized to engage in the electrical work related to the repair, service, maintenance, installation or replacement of existing, built-in or permanently connected appliances, fluorescent ballasts or similar equipment and to employ individuals to engage in that work. This subsection does not authorize the installation of appliances, ballasts or other equipment if there is no existing installation of similar equipment. A person qualifies under this subsection if the person:

(a) Submits proof satisfactory to the board that the person has had sufficient experience in the type of work permitted under the license issued under this subsection; and

(b) Maintains with the board a current list of all individuals employed by the person to engage in work permitted under this subsection.

(13) A limited pump installation specialty contractor license to a person who qualifies under this subsection. A person licensed under this subsection is authorized to engage in electrical work related to the testing, repair, service, maintenance, installation or replacement of new or existing pump equipment for potable or irrigation water systems, sump pumps, effluent pumps and ground water pumps on residential and agricultural property and to employ individuals to engage in such work. A person qualifies under this subsection if the person:

(a) Submits proof satisfactory to the board that the person has had sufficient experience in the type of work permitted under the license issued under this subsection; and

(b) Maintains with the board a current list of all individuals employed by the person to engage in work permitted under this subsection.

(14) A limited residential electrician’s license to a person who qualifies under this subsection. A person licensed under this subsection is authorized to perform the class of electrical work included in the branch of the electrical trade for which the person has passed the examination administered by the department and approved by the board. However, a person licensed under this subsection shall perform the electrical work allowed by the license only on single and multifamily dwelling units not exceeding three floors above grade. For purposes of this subsection, the first floor of a building is the floor that is designed for human habitation and that has 50 percent or more of its perimeter level with or above finished grade of the exterior wall line. A person qualifies under this subsection if the person:

(a) Has received the same number of hours of electrical safety training as required by rule for an electrical apprentice or its equivalent and has received training in electrical theory;

(b) Submits documented proof to the board of at least two years of apprenticeship or trainee experience in residential wiring of single and multifamily dwelling units or its equivalent, as determined by the board by rule; and

(c) Passes a written examination prepared by the board and administered by the department.

(15) A limited renewable energy contractor license to a person who:

(a) Employs at least one full-time renewable energy technician; and

(b) Does not engage in electrical work other than work that may be performed by a limited renewable energy technician. A limited renewable energy contractor may not make, direct, supervise or control the making of an electrical installation unless the contractor is licensed for that activity.

(16) A limited renewable energy technician license to a person who qualifies under this subsection. A person qualifies for licensing as a limited renewable energy technician if the person completes a two-year apprenticeship program and passes an examination approved by the board. A person licensed under this subsection may, while in the employ of a licensed electrical contractor or a limited renewable energy contractor:

(a) Install, maintain, replace or repair electrical wiring and electrical products that convey energy from or operate on renewable electrical energy generation systems that use wind, solar energy systems, microhydroelectricity, photovoltaic systems or fuel cells that do not exceed 50 kilowatts AC, as measured by the sum of the manufacturer’s rated generating capacity; and

(b) Make the following connections on renewable energy generation systems described in paragraph (a) of this subsection:

(A) All DC wiring and DC connections up to the load side of an inverter;

(B) All AC wiring and AC connections to the termination of the final factory-provided interconnecting cable that are made on the exterior of a structure, extending a maximum distance of 10 feet from the renewable energy system, or a longer distance that the board specifies by rule, and extending not more than three feet within an accessible space of a structure, but not including connection to the structure’s wiring system; and

(C) Connections to generators that are sized to facilitate the inverter in an off-grid system. [1959 c.406 §11; 1961 c.693 §2; 1963 c.151 §1; 1971 c.753 §19; 1981 c.815 §15; 1983 c.733 §3; 1987 c.874 §4; 1993 c.744 §121; 1995 c.715 §1; 1997 c.139 §1; 1997 c.209 §1; 1999 c.609 §1; 1999 c.1031 §2; 2001 c.104 §218; 2001 c.392 §1; 2003 c.14 §326; 2005 c.758 §29; 2007 c.71 §157; 2007 c.271 §4; 2007 c.548 §2; 2021 c.42 §1]

Source: Section 479.630 — Requirements for obtaining licenses; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.390 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.390
476.390 Definition
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 476.392 (Minimum defensible space requirements) and 476.394 (Limitations on use of minimum defensible space requirements) , “defensible space” means a natural or human-made area in which material capable of supporting the spread of fire has been treated, cleared or modified to slow the rate and intensity of advancing wildfire and allow space for fire suppression operations to occur. [2021 c.592 §8]

Note: 476.390 (Definition) to 476.398 (Biannual reports) were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 476 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 476.390 — Definition , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.210 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.210
476.210 Investigation of fires by municipal officers and constables
Status: in_force

(1) The municipal fire marshals, fire department chiefs, constables and other officers referred to in ORS 476.060 (Local officers and constables as assistants to State Fire Marshal) shall investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of each fire occurring in their respective cities, villages or townships, by which property has been destroyed or damaged, and shall make an investigation to determine whether the fire was the result of carelessness or design. The investigation shall be commenced immediately after the occurrence of the fire. The State Fire Marshal may superintend and direct the investigation if the State Fire Marshal deems it necessary.

(2) The fire chief of every city, or rural fire protection district shall provide the State Fire Marshal with a full report of every fire occurring within the jurisdiction of the fire chief on a form provided by the Department of the State Fire Marshal or approved by the State Fire Marshal. Whenever the fire chief of every city under 200,000 population finds any fire is of undetermined or suspicious origin or involves a death or serious injury, the fire chief shall immediately notify the State Fire Marshal or a deputy state fire marshal and shall assemble all known facts and circumstances concerning the fire in an approved report form and shall submit such report to the State Fire Marshal, or the deputy state fire marshal assigned to the territory in which the fire originated. When evidence clearly indicates the cause of fire to be of incendiary origin, the fire chief shall also immediately notify the state, county or municipal police agency.

(3) This section shall not apply to forestlands under the jurisdiction of the State Forester. [Amended by 1965 c.602 §9; 1967 c.417 §6; 2021 c.539 §127]

Source: Section 476.210 — Investigation of fires by municipal officers and constables; reports; exemption , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.845 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.845
479.845 Limitation on use of local government fees
Status: in_force

Fees collected by a city or county for the enforcement or administration of the electrical specialty code and rules adopted under ORS 479.730 (Adoption of rules by Director of Department of Consumer and Business Services) (1) shall be used only for the enforcement and administration of those laws. [1977 c.874 §5; 1981 c.815 §34; 2001 c.573 §18; 2005 c.435 §7]

Source: Section 479.845 — Limitation on use of local government fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.940 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.940
479.940 Activities not subject to licensure under ORS 479.510 to 479.945
Status: in_force

(1) The licensure provisions of ORS 479.510 (Short title) to 479.945 (Restricted energy contractor’s license) do not apply to the following activity on Class II and III systems in one and two family dwellings regulated under the Low-Rise Residential Dwelling Code:

(a) Prewiring of cable television and telephone systems owned by the owner of the residence;

(b) Garage door openers;

(c) Vacuum systems;

(d) Audio and stereo systems;

(e) HVAC;

(f) Landscape sprinkler controls;

(g) Landscape lighting; and

(h) Doorbells.

(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section apply only to residential contractors holding a current license and proper endorsement issued by the Construction Contractors Board.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The licensure provisions of ORS 479.510 (Short title) to 479.945 (Restricted energy contractor’s license) do not apply to a landscape contracting business licensed under ORS 671.510 (Short title) to 671.760 (Business income tax) when making installations of landscape irrigation control wiring and outdoor landscape lighting involving a Class II or Class III system that does not exceed 30 volts and 750 volt-amperes.

(b) A landscape contracting business exempt from licensing under this subsection shall issue an identification card to its landscape irrigation control wiring or outdoor landscape lighting installer. The form for the identification card shall be provided by the State Landscape Contractors Board. The identification card shall include the name of the installer, the name and State Landscape Contractors Board identification number of the landscape contracting business and the date of issue of the identification card. The card shall be carried by the installer at the job site when performing the allowed electric installations.

(4) The licensure provisions of ORS 479.510 (Short title) to 479.945 (Restricted energy contractor’s license) do not apply to limited energy electrical activity involving the installation, maintenance or repair of lottery equipment at retail locations by employees or vendors of the Oregon State Lottery Commission. The exemption provided by this subsection does not authorize work by unlicensed persons on systems of 115 volts or more.

(5) All nonlicensure requirements of ORS 479.510 (Short title) to 479.945 (Restricted energy contractor’s license) , including permits for and compliance with the electrical specialty code, apply to activities conducted under subsections (1) to (4) of this section. If any person or business repeatedly violates the permit or code compliance requirements, in addition to any other remedy, the Electrical and Elevator Board may suspend, condition or revoke a person’s or business’s right to use this provision. [1991 c.529 §7; 1999 c.402 §4; 2001 c.728 §7; 2003 c.14 §333; 2003 c.675 §46; 2007 c.385 §1; 2007 c.541 §5a; 2007 c.836 §46]

Source: Section 479.940 — Activities not subject to licensure under ORS 479.510 to 479.945; identification cards , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.520 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.520
479.520 Purpose
Status: in_force

The purpose of the Electrical Safety Law is to protect the health and safety of the people of Oregon from the danger of electrically caused shocks, fires and explosions and to protect property situated in Oregon from the hazard of electrically caused fires and explosions. To accomplish this purpose the Legislative Assembly intends to provide a procedure:

(1) For determining where and by whom electrical installations are being made and where electrical products are sold in this state.

(2) To assure the public that persons making electrical installations in this state are qualified by experience and training.

(3) To assure the public that electrical installations meet minimum safety standards and that electrical products meet electrical product safety standards.

(4) For the administration and enforcement of the Electrical Safety Law by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and the Electrical and Elevator Board.

(5) By which the cost of administering and enforcing the Electrical Safety Law is defrayed by the collection of fees in connection with the issuing of permits and electrical licenses and the collection of civil penalties. [1959 c.406 §2; 1981 c.815 §3; 1987 c.414 §33; 1993 c.744 §117; 2003 c.299 §1; 2011 c.597 §220]

Source: Section 479.520 — Purpose , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.090 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.090
476.090 Records of fires
Status: in_force

(1) The Department of the State Fire Marshal shall keep a record of all fires occurring in this state and of all facts concerning the same, including statistics as to the extent of such fires and the damage caused, whether such losses were covered by insurance, and if so, in what amount. All such records shall be public, except any testimony, information or other evidence taken in an investigation under ORS 476.010 (Additional definitions) to 476.090 (Records of fires) , 476.155 (When judges authorized to issue inspection warrants) to 476.170 (Execution of warrant) , 476.210 (Investigation of fires by municipal officers and constables) to 476.270 (Insurance company reports of suspicious fires) and 479.180 (Appeal from order to comply with fire prevention statutes) , which shall be considered investigatory information as described in ORS 192.345 (Public records conditionally exempt from disclosure) .

(2) This section shall not apply to forestlands under the jurisdiction of the State Forester. [Amended by 1967 c.417 §3; 1981 c.701 §1; 2021 c.539 §125]

Source: Section 476.090 — Records of fires , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.870 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.870
479.870 Electrical and Elevator Board to prescribe uniform fee calculation and permit format
Status: in_force

(1) The Electrical and Elevator Board shall provide by rule for a statewide uniform method of calculating permit fees and a standardized permit application format.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the board shall provide by rule for a separate limited energy electrical activity permit and the conditions that apply to the permit.

(3) The board shall adopt rules setting standards for timely review, personnel to conduct review and other plan review requirements. [1989 c.591 §2; 1991 c.529 §9; subsection (3) enacted as 1991 c.439 §2; 2001 c.728 §3]

Source: Section 479.870 — Electrical and Elevator Board to prescribe uniform fee calculation and permit format; review; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.305 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.305
477.305 Forester to enforce prohibition against littering on forestland in districts
Status: in_force

The forester is authorized to enforce the provisions of ORS 164.805 (Offensive littering) insofar as such affects forestland within forest protection districts established under this chapter. [1965 c.428 §2; 1971 c.743 §387]

Source: Section 477.305 — Forester to enforce prohibition against littering on forestland in districts , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.635 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.635
477.635 Authority to issue, refuse, suspend or revoke permit
Status: in_force

The forester may issue the permits required in ORS 477.625 (Permit to use fire or power-driven machinery) and suspend or revoke such permits because of violation of the terms thereof or noncompliance with this chapter. The forester shall refuse to issue a permit to any person for the conduct of an operation when, in the judgment of the forester, an excessive amount of forest debris in and around the operation area results in an extreme fire hazard that endangers life, forest resources or property. [Formerly 477.288; 1997 c.274 §23]

Source: Section 477.635 — Authority to issue, refuse, suspend or revoke permit , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.445 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.445
477.445 Distribution of fire emergency funds by committee
Status: in_force

The Emergency Fire Cost Committee shall supervise and control the distribution of funds from the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund established under ORS 477.750 (Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund) . [Formerly 527.282; 1967 c.429 §6; 1981 c.321 §7]

Source: Section 477.445 — Distribution of fire emergency funds by committee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 478.305 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 478 / Section 478.305
478.305 Contracting with others for mutual communication system
Status: in_force

(1) Any district may contract with other rural fire protection districts or cities operating a fire department for the establishment and maintenance of a mutual communication system for fire prevention and protection and may, in cooperation with the other contracting party or parties, provide for a joint board of control composed of representatives of the contracting parties, to control the operations of such communication system.

(2) Any district any portion of whose boundary coincides with the boundary of this state may contract with any public agency of, or person in, an adjoining state for the purpose of receiving or furnishing fire protection or for the purpose of water supply for fire fighting. [1955 c.579 §1; 1969 c.667 §22]

Source: Section 478.305 — Contracting with others for mutual communication system; contracts in other states , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors478.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.015 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.015
479.015 Smoking in public elevator prohibited
Status: in_force

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to smoke cigars, cigarettes or tobacco in any form or to ignite any substance in an elevator used by the public.

(2) A “No Smoking” sign shall be posted and maintained in a conspicuous place on or within any elevator operated in accordance with subsection (1) of this section, pursuant to rules of the State Fire Marshal.

(3) Any person who violates subsection (1) of this section shall incur a penalty of $10 for each such violation.

(4) Any person who violates subsection (2) of this section commits a Class D violation. [1975 c.474 §2; 1999 c.1051 §189]

Source: Section 479.015 — Smoking in public elevator prohibited; penalty , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 479.947 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 479 / Section 479.947
479.947 Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section, “equivalent training program” has the meaning given that term in ORS 283.410 (Conditions for installation of electric vehicle charging systems authorized or funded by state agencies) .

(2) The Electrical and Elevator Board shall approve the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), and review equivalent training programs for consideration, as a continuing education program that meets the continuing education standards established by the board under ORS 479.680 (Adoption of rules by Electrical and Elevator Board) (1).

(3) The board shall, on an annual basis, request from the EVITP provider information on the number of electricians who have signed up for the course, completed the course and passed the certification exam.

(4) The board may audit the EVITP to ensure that the EVITP includes the most current national electrical codes and best practices for the installation of electrical vehicle charging systems. [2023 c.577 §3]

Note: 479.947 (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 479 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 479.947 — Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program; approval and audit by Electrical and Elevator Board , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.030 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.030
476.030 Powers and duties of marshal and deputies generally
Status: in_force

(1) The State Fire Marshal shall enforce all statutes, and make rules relating to:

(a) The prevention of fires.

(b) The storage and use of combustibles and explosives.

(c) The maintenance and regulation of structural fire safety features in occupied structures and overseeing the safety of and directing the means and adequacy of exit in case of fire from factories, asylums, hospitals, churches, schools, halls, theaters, amphitheaters, all buildings, except private residences, which are occupied for sleeping purposes, and all other places where large numbers of persons work, live or congregate from time to time for any purpose except that structural changes shall not be required in buildings built, occupied and maintained in conformity with state building code regulations applicable at the time of construction.

(d) Standards for equipment used for fire protection purposes within this state including standard thread for fire hose couplings and hydrant fittings.

(2) The State Fire Marshal and deputies shall have such powers and perform such other duties as are prescribed by law.

(3) If, in the opinion of the State Fire Marshal, a governmental subdivision of the state has enacted adequate regulations generally conforming to state and national standards concerning fire prevention, fire safety measures and building construction requirements for safety, and if the governmental subdivision provides reasonable enforcement of its regulations, the State Fire Marshal may exempt the area subject to such regulation either partially or fully from the statutes, rules and regulations administered by the State Fire Marshal. Prior to adoption of any such exemption, the State Fire Marshal may request from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training consideration of and recommendations regarding the exemption. The exemption may extend for a two-year period, and may be renewed from time to time, but may be canceled by the State Fire Marshal following 30 days’ written notice if the State Fire Marshal finds that the governmental subdivision’s regulations or enforcement thereof are not reasonably sufficient. The governmental subdivision shall furnish a copy of such regulations to the State Fire Marshal and shall file with the State Fire Marshal any amendment thereto within 30 days before the effective date of such amendment. The State Fire Marshal shall designate a person or division within such governmental subdivision as an approved authority for exercising functions relating to fire prevention, fire safety measures and building construction. Upon request of a local official having enforcement responsibility and a showing of unusual fire hazard or other special circumstances, the State Fire Marshal shall make investigation and appropriate recommendations.

(4) The State Fire Marshal may investigate or cause an investigation to be made to determine the probable cause, origin and circumstances of any fire and shall classify such findings as the State Fire Marshal may find appropriate to promote fire protection and prevention.

(5) The State Fire Marshal shall provide training in fire safety inspection to the Department of Human Services, area agencies, the Oregon Health Authority, community mental health programs, developmental disabilities programs and designees of the Long Term Care Ombudsman and the Residential Facilities Ombudsman. If an adult foster home has been inspected by the Department of Human Services, the Oregon Health Authority, an area agency, a community mental health program or a developmental disabilities program and the agency conducting the inspection reasonably believes that the adult foster home is not in compliance with applicable fire safety rules, the agency conducting the inspection may request the State Fire Marshal to inspect or cause an inspection to be made. If a designee of the Long Term Care Ombudsman or the Residential Facilities Ombudsman, in the course of visiting an adult foster home, believes that the adult foster home is not in compliance with applicable fire safety rules, the designee shall report the problem to the appropriate agency to request a fire safety inspection by the State Fire Marshal or by a designated representative of the State Fire Marshal.

(6) Upon the request of the Department of Human Services, the Oregon Health Authority, an area agency, a community mental health program or a developmental disabilities program, the State Fire Marshal shall inspect or cause an inspection to be made to determine if the adult foster home is in compliance with rules jointly adopted by the Department of Human Services and the State Fire Marshal establishing fire safety standards for adult foster homes.

(7) As used in subsections (5) and (6) of this section:

(a) “Adult foster home” has the meaning given that term in ORS 443.705 (Definitions for ORS 443.705 to 443.825) .

(b) “Area agency” has the meaning given that term in ORS 410.040 (Definitions for ORS 410.040 to 410.300, 410.320 and 410.619) .

(c) “Community mental health program” means a program established under ORS 430.620 (Establishment of community mental health and developmental disabilities programs by one or more counties) (1)(b).

(d) “Developmental disabilities program” means a program established under ORS 430.620 (Establishment of community mental health and developmental disabilities programs by one or more counties) (1)(a). [Amended by 1957 c.265 §1; 1963 c.523 §5; 1965 c.602 §1; part renumbered as part of 476.010 (Additional definitions) ; 1967 c.417 §1; 1973 c.667 §16; 1977 c.821 §3; 1985 c.118 §2; 1985 c.726 §18; 1989 c.696 §1; 1993 c.185 §25; 1997 c.13 §1; 1997 c.853 §40; 2001 c.900 §206; 2009 c.595 §976; 2017 c.441 §29; 2021 c.539 §122]

Source: Section 476.030 — Powers and duties of marshal and deputies generally; rules; exemption of certain governmental subdivisions; inspection of adult foster homes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 476.690 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 476 / Section 476.690
476.690 Wildfire Programs Advisory Council
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section, “defensible space” has the meaning given that term in ORS 476.390 (Definition) .

(2) There is established a Wildfire Programs Advisory Council to advise and assist the State Wildfire Programs Director by:

(a) Closely monitoring implementation of activities related to wildfire prevention and response, including receiving and evaluating agency reports related to wildfire prevention and response.

(b) Providing advice on potential changes to the activities in order to fulfill the goal of dramatically reducing wildfire risk in this state and ensuring that regional defensible space, building codes and land use applications are appropriate.

(c) Strengthening intergovernmental and multiparty collaboration and enhancing collaboration between governments and stakeholders on an ongoing basis.

(d) Developing strategies to enhance collaboration among governmental bodies and the general public.

(e) Assessing ways the statewide wildfire hazard map described in ORS 477.490 (Statewide wildfire hazard map) may inform development of building codes and land use laws, rules and decisions, in a regionally appropriate manner.

(f) Assessing the application of defensible space requirements to vineyards, crops and other cultivated vegetation.

(g) Reviewing Department of Land Conservation and Development findings and recommendations in the report required by section 11, chapter 592, Oregon Laws 2021, and making additional recommendations related to potential updates to the statewide land use planning program, local comprehensive plans and zoning codes to incorporate wildfire hazard maps and minimize wildfire hazards to people, public and private property, businesses, infrastructure and natural resources.

(3) The council is not a decision-making body but instead is established to provide advice, assistance, perspective, ideas and recommendations to the State Wildfire Programs Director.

(4) The President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives shall jointly appoint 19 members to the council as follows:

(a) One member who represents county government.

(b) One member who is a land use planning director of a county that is wholly or partially within the wildland-urban interface.

(c) One member who represents city government.

(d) One member who is a land use planning director of a city that is wholly or partially within the wildland-urban interface.

(e) One member who represents fire chiefs and has experience with managing, fighting or preventing fire within the wildland-urban interface.

(f) One member who represents fire marshals and has experience with managing, fighting or preventing fire within the wildland-urban interface.

(g) One member who represents firefighters and has experience with managing, fighting or preventing fire within the wildland-urban interface.

(h) One member who represents rural residential property owners whose property is wholly or partially within the wildland-urban interface.

(i) One member who represents farming property owners whose property is wholly or partially within the wildland-urban interface.

(j) One member who represents ranching property owners whose property is wholly or partially within the wildland-urban interface.

(k) One member who represents forestland owners whose property is wholly or partially within the wildland-urban interface.

(L) One member who represents federally recognized Indian tribes with land wholly or partially within the wildland-urban interface.

(m) One member who represents a utility company.

(n) One member who represents environmental interests.

(o) One member who represents forest resiliency interests.

(p) One member who represents state or regional land use planning organizations.

(q) One member who represents land and housing development interests or real estate industry interests.

(r) One member who represents public health professionals.

(s) One member who represents the environmental justice community.

(5) The presiding officers shall provide public notice of an opportunity for interested parties to submit names of interest for appointment to the council.

(6) At least seven days before appointing a member, the presiding officers shall consult in good faith with the minority leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives on the appointment.

(7) The term of service for each member is four years.

(8) The members are eligible for reappointment.

(9) The council shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson to serve for one-year terms.

(10) The members shall serve on the council as volunteers and are not entitled to reimbursement for expenses.

(11) The Department of Consumer and Business Services, Department of Land Conservation and Development, Department of the State Fire Marshal and State Forestry Department shall each provide 15 percent of the time of a full-time equivalent employee to:

(a) Cooperatively staff the council.

(b) Attend council meetings as informational resources.

(c) Assist with drafting reports at the request of the council.

(d) Support the work of the State Wildfire Programs Director.

(12) The Oregon State University Extension Service shall designate a person to serve as staff for the council.

(13) Each October the council shall submit a report to the Governor and appropriate committees or interim committees of the Legislative Assembly that describes progress on implementing program activities related to defensible space, building codes, land use and community emergency preparedness and that recommends improvements. [2021 c.592 §36; 2023 c.611 §8]

Note: See first note under 476.687 (State Wildfire Programs Director) .

Note: Section 38, chapter 592, Oregon Laws 2021, provides:

Sec. 38. Notwithstanding section 36 (7) of this 2021 Act [ 476.690 (Wildfire Programs Advisory Council) (7)], the term of service for the members first appointed from each category described in section 36 (4)(a), (c), (e), (g), (i), (k), (m), (o), (q) and (s) of this 2021 Act is three years. [2021 c.592 §38]

Source: Section 476.690 — Wildfire Programs Advisory Council , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors476.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 478.225 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 478 / Section 478.225
478.225 Election subdistricts
Status: in_force

(1) This section establishes the procedure for determining either of the following questions:

(a) Whether subdistricts should be created in a district for the purpose of nominating or electing two or more directors.

(b) Whether the method established in a district for nominating and electing directors should be changed to another method.

(2) A question under this section shall be decided by election. The district board shall order an election when a petition is filed as provided in this section.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the requirements for preparing, circulating and filing a petition under this section shall be as provided for an initiative petition in ORS 255.135 (Prospective petition) to 255.205 (Retention of petition materials) .

(4) If the question proposes creation of subdistricts or a change in the boundaries or the number of existing subdistricts, the following requirements shall apply:

(a) The petition shall contain a map indicating the proposed subdistrict boundaries. The map shall be attached to the cover sheet of the petition and shall not exceed 14 inches by 17 inches in size.

(b) Notwithstanding ORS 250.035 (Form of ballot titles for state and local measures) , the statement summarizing the measure and its major effect in the ballot title shall not exceed 150 words.

(c) The following apply to the statement summarizing the measure and its major effect in the ballot title:

(A) The statement shall specify the method of nomination and election of directors from among the methods described in ORS 478.221 (Nomination and election of directors) .

(B) The statement shall specify whether, in filling each position on the board, an elector of the district may sign a petition of nomination or vote for a candidate from any subdistrict or only for a candidate from the subdistrict in which the elector resides.

(C) If the method for nominating directors combines nomination of candidates from and by subdistricts and nomination of candidates at large, the statement shall specify the number of candidates to be nominated in each manner. The statement shall include a general description of the proposed boundaries of the subdistricts, using streets and other generally recognized features.

(d) The order calling the election shall contain a map of the proposed subdistrict boundaries and a metes and bounds or legal description of the proposed subdistrict boundaries. The map and description shall be prepared by the county surveyor or county assessor and shall reflect any adjustment made in the boundaries under subsection (7) of this section.

(5) The map to be contained in the petition under subsection (4) of this section shall be prepared by the county surveyor or county assessor. The chief petitioners shall pay the county for the cost of preparing the map, as determined by the county surveyor or county assessor. The county clerk shall not accept the prospective petition for filing until the chief petitioners have paid the amount due.

(6) Subsection (4) of this section does not apply if the question proposes abolition of all subdistricts.

(7) If the district board determines or adjusts the boundaries of the subdistricts under ORS 478.228 (Boundaries of subdistricts) before submitting the question under this section, the district board shall amend the ballot title as necessary to reflect its adjustment of the boundaries.

(8) If the electors of the district approve the creation of subdistricts, or a change in the boundaries or the number of existing subdistricts, directors then holding office shall continue to serve until their terms of office expire. As vacancies occur, positions to be filled by nomination or election by subdistrict shall be filled by persons who reside within subdistricts which are not represented on the board. If more than one subdistrict is not represented on the board when a vacancy occurs, the subdistrict entitled to elect a director shall be decided by lot. [1979 c.364 §2; 1983 c.350 §286; 1995 c.79 §290; 1995 c.534 §18]

Source: Section 478.225 — Election subdistricts; petition for formation; election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors478.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 477.064 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 477 / Section 477.064
477.064 Uncontrolled fire declared nuisance
Status: in_force

Any fire on any forestland in Oregon burning uncontrolled or without proper action being taken to prevent its spread, notwithstanding its origin, is declared a public nuisance by reason of its menace to life, forest resources or property. The spread of fire in forestland across an ownership boundary is prima facie evidence of fire burning uncontrolled. [Formerly 477.034; 1997 c.274 §3]

Source: Section 477.064 — Uncontrolled fire declared nuisance , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors477.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 480.345 — OR Code / Title 38 / Chapter 480 / Section 480.345
480.345 Conditions for operation of dispensing device by certain nonretail customers
Status: in_force

The owner, operator or employee of a dispensing facility may permit nonretail customers other than the owner, operator or employee to use or manipulate at the dispensing facility a card activated or key activated device for dispensing Class 1 flammable liquids into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle or other container under the following conditions:

(1) The owner or operator shall hold a current nonretail facility license issued by the State Fire Marshal under ORS 480.350 (License required for operation of nonretail facility) ;

(2) Except as provided in ORS 480.360 (Exemption from gallonage requirements of ORS 480.345) , a nonretail customer shall purchase at least 900 gallons of Class 1 flammable liquids or diesel fuel from any source during a 12-month period or, if the amount of such liquids or fuel purchased is less than 900 gallons annually, file documentation that:

(a) The fuel qualifies as a deductible farming expense on the customer’s federal income tax return;

(b) The fuel was purchased by a governmental agency providing fire, ambulance or police services; or

(c) The fuel was purchased by:

(A) A people’s utility district organized under ORS chapter 261;

(B) A domestic water supply district organized under ORS chapter 264;

(C) A mass transit district organized under ORS 267.010 (Definitions for ORS 267.010 to 267.394) to 267.394 (Investment of certain funds held by TriMet) ;

(D) A metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268;

(E) A special road district organized under ORS 371.305 (Authority to form special road districts) to 371.360 (Deposit of tax proceeds in bank) ;

(F) A 9-1-1 communications district organized under ORS 403.300 (Definitions for ORS 403.300 to 403.380) to 403.380 (Advisory committee) ;

(G) A sanitary district organized under ORS 450.005 (Definitions for ORS 450.005 to 450.245) to 450.245 (Application of ORS 450.005 to 450.245 to districts organized under former laws) ;

(H) A sanitary authority, water authority or joint water and sanitary authority organized under ORS 450.600 (Joint authorities) to 450.989 (Apportionment of cost among serviced property owners) ;

(I) A rural fire protection district organized under ORS chapter 478;

(J) A water improvement district organized under ORS chapter 552;

(K) A water control district organized under ORS chapter 553; or

(L) A port organized under ORS chapter 777.

(3) The nonretail customer shall provide a federal employer identification number or equivalent documentation to indicate participation in a business or employment with a government agency or nonprofit or charitable organization;

(4) The nonretail customer, other than the owner or operator, dispensing Class 1 flammable liquids shall be employed by a business, government agency or nonprofit or charitable organization and shall dispense Class 1 flammable liquids only into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle or other container owned or used by the business, government agency or nonprofit or charitable organization;

(5) The nonretail customer, other than the owner, operator or employee, dispensing Class 1 flammable liquids shall have satisfied safety training requirements in compliance with rules of the State Fire Marshal; and

(6) The owner or operator shall enter into a written agreement with nonretail customers permitted under this section to dispense fuel at the nonretail facility. Except as otherwise provided in ORS 480.355 (Conditional use license) , the agreement shall at a minimum:

(a) Certify that the nonretail customer will purchase at least 900 gallons of Class 1 flammable liquids or diesel fuel from any source during a 12-month period or, if the amount of such liquids or fuel purchased is less than 900 gallons annually, file documentation that:

(A) The fuel qualifies as a deductible farming expense on the customer’s federal income tax return; or

(B) The fuel was purchased by a governmental agency providing fire, ambulance or police services;

(b) Provide a federal employer identification number or equivalent documentation to indicate participation in a business or employment with a government agency or nonprofit or charitable organization;

(c) Certify that the nonretail customer is employed by a business, government agency or nonprofit or charitable organization and that the nonretail customer shall dispense Class 1 flammable liquids only into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle or other container owned or used by the business, government agency or nonprofit or charitable organization;

(d) Certify that the nonretail customer has satisfied safety training requirements in compliance with rules of the State Fire Marshal; and

(e) Require the nonretail customer to submit a sworn statement, as defined in ORS 162.055 (Definitions for ORS 162.055 to 162.425) , that the information supplied in the agreement is true and correct. [1991 c.863 §50; 1993 c.469 §7; 2001 c.328 §§1,2; 2010 c.107 §14; 2015 c.207 §1; 2023 c.607 §6]

Source: Section 480.345 — Conditions for operation of dispensing device by certain nonretail customers , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors480.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).