Fire-resistant rebuilding.

Lane County and the Oregon Building Codes Division have launched a grant program to help owners of homes and businesses rebuild after the 2020 Oregon wildfires.

People who own a home – including manufactured home – or business that was damaged or destroyed by the 2020 wildfires can receive money for using more fire-resistant methods and materials when they rebuild. Those who have already rebuilt also qualify.

To qualify for the program, a person must own a home or business that was damaged or destroyed in the Holiday Farm Fire; and must be making one or more of the improvements listed in the table below.

Applicants who already have an issued building permit (whether it is in process or your rebuild is complete) will fill out the Fire Hardening Grant Application, and submit it to Marianne Nolte during regular office hours. Marianne is available Tuesdays at the McKenzie School Administration Building from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Tuesdays at the Leaburg Fire Station from 1:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Applicants who have not yet applied for their rebuild permits do not need to fill out the application at this time. Instead, submit the grant application to the Builder on Duty as part of the building permit document packet when you are ready to apply for building permits.

For tax accounting reasons, only property owners can apply for funding. Applications filled out by contractors or agents cannot be accepted.

Once all qualifying improvements have been inspected and approved by Lane County building inspectors, an eligible applicant can receive a check for the improvements.