Community Development Department

Top Services

Business Registrations Code Enforcement Complaints Development & Permitting Event Permitting Historic Preservation Infrastructure Projects Resources & Guides Right-of-Way Permitting Specialty Licenses System Development Charges Tourism Urban Renewal

Meet the Director

Colin is light skinned and is wearing a light blue button down shirt. My name is Colin Stephens, and I am the Director of the Community Development Department (CDD). I have been a member of the Department’s Management Team since 2006 and have served as the Director since 2022. As the Director, I emphasize CDD’s role as a partner in the development continuum and as a resource on development-related issues for all members of our community. My objective for the Department is to promote City Council goals related to housing and growth and to provide excellent customer service.

Divisions

Looking for the Economic Development Division? This group no longer lives under our department, but all of their helpful information can still be found on this webpage.

Building Safety

Code Enforcement

Development Services

The Development Services Division manages System Development Charges, Agreements, and Residential Land Divisions Early Actions programs to support Bend’s development. They connect the development community with city services to ensure work meets City code, standards, and statutes.

Visit the Development Services Page

Division Manager: Gina Dahl

Contact: development@bendoregon.gov | (541) 388-5580 Ext. 5

Growth Management

The Growth Management Division works with the community to plan for Bend’s future growth, focusing on City Council goals in land use and infrastructure. This mission is shaped by City Council and community values, public involvement, state laws, City policies, coordination with other departments and agencies, and new technical approaches to address Bend’s challenges.

Visit the Growth Management Page

Division Manager: Brian Rankin

Contact: growthmanagement@bendoregon.gov | (541) 323-8509

Licensing

The Licensing Division manages business registrations, specialty licenses, and event permits to ensure compliance with local laws. They help businesses operate legally and oversee permits for public events and specific activities.

For Business Registrations and Specialty Licenses:

Visit Doing Business in Bend

For Event Permitting:

Visit Permitting for Events

Division Manager: Ariel Vee

Contact: licensing@bendoregon.gov | (541) 388-5580 Ext. 8

Planning

The Planning Division guides land use decisions for commercial and residential projects, ensuring compliance with local codes. They support the community and developers by implementing the Bend Development Code, Sign Code, and Historic Preservation Code to foster sustainable growth.

Visit the Planning Page

Division Manager: Renee Brooke

Contact: planning@bendoregon.gov | (541) 388-5580 Ext. 3

Private Development Engineering

The Private Development Engineering Division reviews, permits, and inspects privately funded projects in public areas to ensure they meet all regulations. They oversee permits for street improvements, utility work, grading, erosion control, stormwater management, and traffic control, ensuring all projects comply with approved plans.

Visit the Private Development Engineering Page

Division Manager: Ben Berry

Contact: engineering@bendoregon.gov | (541) 388-5580 Ext. 4

Urban Forestry

Online Permit Center Portal

All permits, applications, registrations, and licenses are applied and paid for through our Online Permit Center Portal.
Ready to start an application?

Visit the Online Permit Center Portal

Online Permit Center Portal Help

Need help with the Online Permit Center Portal or your application? First time visitor to the Portal and need help getting registered? Wondering how to pay for your application? Explore these useful how-to videos and guides.

Visit the Online Permit Center Portal Help Page

Permit Center

The Community Development Department includes the Permit Center located in City Hall in Downtown Bend. Our friendly team is available to assist you in person, by email, or over the phone with your development, permitting, and business needs. We have representatives from most divisions ready to meet with you and answer your questions. Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or business owner, we’re here to guide you through the process.

At the Permit Center, you can:

Get Help and Guidance on Applications: Receive information and assistance with building permits, business registrations, and more.
Pay Fees: Easily pay any required fees.
Inquire About Projects: Ask questions about starting and completing your project.
Meet with Division Representatives: Get answers to specific questions from representatives of various divisions.
Use Customer Kiosks: Access our Online Permit Center Portal via available kiosks.
Pick Up Land Use Signs: Collect completed Land Use and Development signs for your project locations.

Contact the Permit Center

Email: permitcenter@bendoregon.gov
Phone: (541) 388-5580
Address: Bend City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street, Bend, OR 97703
Located on the first floor, look for signs for ‘Permit Center’

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday
Customer Resources: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Permit Inquiries: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed most major holidays.

Community Development Resources & Guides

We have put together a collection of documents, resources, and publications to help you with project questions, submittal items needed for permit applications, quick reference guides, and more. We hope these will benefit you as you start your next project.

Development Resources & Guides Library

Green and blue banner that says Bend Community Development Newsletter

Stay updated on community development news by signing up for The Bend Community Development Newsletter.

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Read the latest edition from December 2025!

City of Bend