Mechanical exhaust openings are not the R327.3.2 attic and underfloor vent rule

not-an-ember-rated-vent

R327.3.2 covers ventilation openings for enclosed attics, enclosed soffit spaces, enclosed rafter spaces, and underfloor spaces. It names mesh size or vents designed to resist burning embers and flame. It does not name bath fans, fireplaces, or fresh-air intakes. Presenters at the 25 June 2026 Central Oregon Fire Hardening Codes Seminar stated those mechanical openings sit outside that section. Confirm with the building official.

As of 2026-06-25. JSON (CC BY 4.0)

Sources

2023 ORSC Section R327 amendment — Oregon Building Codes Division (official). Accessed 2026-08-23.
R327.3.2 names enclosed attics, soffits, rafter spaces, and underfloor spaces. It does not name mechanical exhaust.
Central Oregon Fire Hardening Codes Seminar — City of Bend Building Safety and Deschutes County Community Development (ahj-interpretation). Accessed 2026-08-23.
Public seminar at Riverhouse Convention Center, Bend, 25 June 2026. FireApproved cites the event and does not host the slide deck.

Mechanical exhaust openings are not the R327.3.2 attic and underfloor vent rule. FireApproved. https://fireapproved.com/findings/mechanical-vents-outside-r327-3-2/. As of 2026-06-25.