Firewise Landscaping That Meets SROA Rules

Wildfire seasons are getting longer, and you want to protect your Sunriver home without running into SROA violations. It can feel tricky to balance safety, aesthetics, and community rules. This guide shows you how to create Firewise defensible space that aligns with Sunriver Owners Association requirements, so you reduce risk and stay compliant. Let’s dive in.

What SROA requires in Sunriver

SROA has required lot-level ladder fuels work since the mid‑1990s and conducts regular inspections of private property. You are expected to maintain defensible space that meets community standards outlined on the SROA Ladder Fuels Reduction page and in the Design Manual. Review the Ladder Fuels Reduction program details and the Design Committee Manual before you start work.

Permits are required for most vegetation removal or alteration on private lots. Altering vegetation on SROA commons always needs a permit and liability waiver. The Design Manual also outlines inspections, enforcement, and fines for noncompliance.

Firewise made Sunriver-specific

Firewise best practices organize your property into zones with different priorities. For a quick refresher, see the Home Ignition Zone guidance.

Zone 0: 0–5 feet

Focus on ember resistance right next to the house.

• Use noncombustible materials like rock, gravel, or pavers.
• Keep roofs, gutters, vents, eaves, and the 0–5 foot perimeter free of needles and leaves.
• Do not store firewood or place flammable shrubs against siding.

Zone 1: 5–30 feet

Create lean, clean, and green space that slows fire spread.

• Remove ladder fuels under tree canopies and clear flammable shrubs.
• Follow SROA’s specific rules for high-risk plants. SROA directs removal of bitterbrush and manzanita within 15 feet of structures and under tree driplines, plus three feet beyond the dripline. See SROA’s guidance on wildfire property preparedness and flagged species and its explanation of the three feet beyond the dripline rule.
• Prune lower tree branches to reduce vertical fuel, and keep plant islands small and well spaced.

Zone 2: 30–100 feet

Keep surface fires low and manageable.

• Thin small, dense conifers between larger trees and reduce ground litter.
• Break up continuous fuels with paths or rock areas where appropriate.
• Coordinate with SROA if work touches common areas or shared boundaries. Start with the Ladder Fuels Reduction page to understand procedures.

Plants and materials to skip or swap

SROA specifically discourages several high-risk species in Sunriver landscapes.

• Avoid juniper and arborvitae. SROA advises removing these high-risk plants where present.
• Remove bitterbrush and manzanita within 15 feet of structures and under trees, extending three feet beyond the dripline.
• In Zone 0, swap combustible mulches for rock, gravel, or pavers. See SROA’s species guidance under Wildfire: Property Preparedness.

Permits, inspections, and debris disposal

Before you remove trees or shrubs, verify permit needs and wait for written approval. Start with the SROA Ladder Fuels Reduction page for permit forms and seasonal pickup programs. Contractors typically handle debris unless you plan to use SROA chipping or FireFree days. Confirm disposal in writing.

SROA staff conduct inspections, and the Design Manual outlines enforcement, fines, and remediation. Read the Design Committee Manual so you know what to expect.

Hire the right help

If you bring in a contractor for ladder fuels work, confirm they meet SROA’s registration and insurance requirements and that permits are approved before cutting. Clarify whether the contractor will haul debris or if you will rely on SROA’s pickup schedule. The Design Committee Manual explains standards and responsibilities.

Programs and cost help

Local partners sometimes offer assessments, grants, or reimbursements that can offset your costs. Check Upper Deschutes River Communities resources for current reimbursement programs and contractor lists, and look at the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s updates on incentives tied to defensible-space assessments under SB 762. For a statewide view on assessments and eligibility, see the OSFM bulletin on Oregon Defensible Space programs and incentives.

Policy snapshot: what changed at the state level

Oregon’s statewide wildfire hazard map was repealed by the Legislature in 2025. Some responsibilities may shift back to local codes and programs, which is why SROA standards remain your primary guide in Sunriver. For context, see reporting on the wildfire hazard map repeal. Always confirm the latest guidance with SROA and Deschutes County before assuming new statewide rules apply to your lot.

Quick Sunriver checklist

• Walk your Home Ignition Zone and list high-risk plants. Use the HIZ guide to plan Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2.
• Read SROA’s Ladder Fuels Reduction page and the Design Manual. Identify permits you need.
• Prioritize SROA-specific actions: remove bitterbrush and manzanita near structures and under tree driplines, and avoid juniper and arborvitae.
• Submit permit requests and wait for approval before work.
• If hiring, verify contractor requirements and debris disposal in writing.
• Maintain annually. Clean roofs and gutters, keep Zone 0 noncombustible, and document your work for future inspections.

Making your Sunriver property more fire-resilient is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. If you are preparing to sell, defensible space can also help buyers feel confident about your home. For local guidance on preparing, pricing, and marketing your Sunriver property, reach out to Amanda Johnson.

FAQs

Do Sunriver homeowners need a permit to remove trees or shrubs?

• Yes. SROA generally requires permits for removing or altering native vegetation on private property, and always for work on commons. Start with the SROA Ladder Fuels Reduction page and Design Manual.

Which plants are considered high risk under SROA guidance?

• SROA flags bitterbrush and manzanita near structures and under tree driplines for removal and discourages juniper and arborvitae in Sunriver landscapes.

How do I manage the 0–5 foot zone next to my home?

• Keep it noncombustible with rock or pavers, clean out needles and leaves, and avoid storing firewood or placing flammable plants against siding.

Can I do work that touches SROA common areas?

• Not without approval. Altering vegetation on commons requires an SROA permit and a liability waiver, so always coordinate with SROA staff first.

Are there programs that help pay for defensible-space work in Sunriver?

• Yes, funding cycles vary but UDRC and county partners often offer reimbursements, and OSFM has statewide assessment-based incentives. Check current availability before you start.