State law requires a city to first determine how much land is needed for a UGB expansion. Land for housing and jobs must be considered.
This work will begin in 2026 and continue through 2029. The City Council will then decide how to meet housing and job needs and if a UGB expansion is necessary.
Both the Bend City Council and the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners must agree to the boundary and show it in their plans and maps. The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) must also approve any changes to the UGB.
In 2016, Bend added 2,380 acres to the UGB in expansion areas. Most of these lands are currently used for rural purposes and need roads, water and sewer before they can be developed.
Land use outside the UGB is managed by Deschutes County. Uses include agriculture, forestry, recreation, wildlife habitat, natural areas and rural living.