OREGON FIRE CODE

Here’s a one-page quick reference guide version. This is designed for designers, field support, and installers to quickly check Oregon requirements without reading the full code text.

Oregon Solar Fire Setbacks

Based on:

• Oregon Structural Specialty Code

• International Fire Code

Primary Code Section: OSSC 3111.3.4

Default Fire Pathway Requirements

Unless an exception applies:

Provide:

• 36 in. pathway on three sides of the PV array

Important notes:

• Pathways must be on structurally supported roof areas

• Pathways are measured from the roof edge or ridge to the PV array

• Eaves cannot be used as pathways on roofs steeper than 2:12

Reduced Setback Eligibility

You may reduce setbacks if ALL conditions are met:

• PV array ≤ 1000 sq ft
• Roof slope greater than 2:12
• Intersecting adjacent roof plane exists
• No array dimension exceeds 150 ft

Reduced Setback Rules

If PV covers ≤ 25% of roof area

Provide:

• 12 in. clearance on both sides of ridge

No additional pathways required.

If PV covers > 25% of roof area

Provide:

• 12 in. ridge clearance

• One 36 in. pathway from ridge to eave

Intersecting Adjacent Roof Plane

An adjacent roof qualifies if it:

• Is directly next to the PV roof
• Has no PV installed
• Can support a 36 in. firefighter pathway

Examples:

✔ Roof across ridge
✔ Roof across hip
✔ Roof across valley

Does NOT qualify:

✖ Small dormers
✖ Narrow roof sections

Mechanical Equipment Clearance

Code: 3111.3.4.6

Minimum clearance:

30 inches around mechanical equipment

Examples:

• HVAC units

• Chimneys

• Exhaust vents

Best practice:

Design for 36 inches clearance

Roof Drainage / Valleys

Code: 3111.3.4.7

Restrictions near valley low point:

• No roof penetrations within 12 in.

• Modules may extend up to 6 in. into valley

• Modules must be ≥ 3 in. above roof surface

Valley Pathway Restrictions

Code: 3111.3.4.8.3

Firefighter pathways cannot be placed within 12 inches of the valley low point.

Smoke & Heat Vent Clearance

Code: 3111.3.4.8.4

Provide:

• 36 in. pathway around vent

• 36 in. pathway to vent

Purpose:

• Firefighter access
• Maintenance access
• Vent testing

Detached Accessory Structures

Exception 2

Fire pathways not required if:

• Structure is unoccupied
• Structure is more than 5 ft from main home

If within 5 ft, full pathway rules apply.

Townhouse Exception

Townhomes may qualify for reduced setbacks if fire separation walls exist, such as:

• Sheetrock fire walls

• Cinder block party walls

If present, the building may qualify for Exception 1 reductions.

Designer Tip

Start layouts in this order:

1️⃣ Mechanical equipment clearance
2️⃣ Valleys / drainage restrictions
3️⃣ Determine if Exception 1 applies
4️⃣ Calculate PV roof coverage
5️⃣ Apply reduced setbacks if eligible