News

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Date ArticleType
8/25/2021 Member News

From the Home Building News: HBA and HBF Support Wildfire Rebuild Efforts in Clackamas County, Policy Statewide


As reported in the August Home Building News, HBA and its partner 501(c)3 non-profit Home Builders Foundation (HBF) recently celebrated breaking ground on the Clackamas County Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) first wildfire rebuild, located on the outskirts of Estacada. As a member of the LTGR’s construction committee, HBA and HBF hear survivor cases, help source needed construction items, and apprise the group on statewide rebuilding and wildfire prevention policy. HBA thanks its members Blue Mountain Community Management, Pacific Crest Building Supply, Milgard/MI Windows and Doors, Precision Truss and Lumber, in addition to many other industry suppliers, trade contractors, and organizations who are making this and future rebuilds possible.

Rebuilding right in Clackamas County and the state requires both human resources and effective policy. In April 2021, the county approved a building permit fee waiver for both un-insured and under-insured single-family and accessory structures lost in the September 2020 wildfires.

At the state level, the 2021 Oregon Legislature passed multiple wildfire recovery and prevention bills, and approved over $600 million to support communities impacted by the Labor Day 2020 wildfires—the most destructive recorded in state history. The recovery funding package includes $150 million for housing supply and land acquisition, and $20 million in grant money to incentivize fire hardening and energy efficiency for rebuilds.

HBA-supported House Bill 2289 reduces regulatory barriers to rebuilding wildfire-damaged and destroyed homes. The bill establishes a 2008 building code baseline for rebuilding previously-permitted dwellings, allowing for energy efficiency and fire hardening financial incentives to kick in, thereby lowering survivors’ rebuilding costs. The bill also ensured these rebuilt homes would be eligible for future FEMA reimbursement. To learn more about HBA involvement in Clackamas County, contact Roseann Johnson at roseannj@hbapdx.org. To learn more about wildfire rebuilding legislation, contact OHBA at info@oregonhba.com.