The City of Bend encourages the development of diverse housing options and sees Accessory Dwelling Units as a key part of the housing landscape. Since 2016, we’ve been working to remove barriers in our codes and permit processes to encourage more Accessory Dwelling Units. Whether you’ve thought about building an Accessory Dwelling Unit before or are just learning about the opportunity, this webpage is your go-to resource for all things Accessory Dwelling Units.

Benefits of Accessory Dwelling Units

  • Increases housing options in established neighborhoods.
  • Utilizes existing, often expensive infrastructure.
  • Offers opportunities for intergenerational living, onsite caretakers, or assistants like childcare or assisted living.
  • Adds financial benefits and property value for homeowners.
  • Boosts local economic development through local builders and contractors.
  • Supports density efforts in a community-friendly way.
  • Enhances neighborhood diversity.

Land Use and Permitting Process Improvements

Graph showing timeline of ADU permitting improvements

Gather Information & Explore My Options

As you begin your accessory dwelling unit project, we suggest you think about your design needs, space limitations and budget. The following resources are to help you streamline the process and answer many questions to help make the permitting process faster and easier.

Bend Chamber ADU Guide

The Bend Chamber fosters a thriving environment for businesses, employees, and the community through collaboration, advocacy, resources, and leadership. With the ongoing housing crisis affecting employers’ ability to hire and keep a strong workforce, the Chamber has focused on housing production goals. As a result, they have put together the Workforce Housing Initiative and completed projects like the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guide website below. The City of Bend also contributed to this project.

Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Units

The City of Bend has developed our own program to speed up the building permit process by offering pre-approved plans for accessory dwelling units.

Learn About Code Requirements

An accessory dwelling unit project must be reviewed by various city departments to ensure code compliance and meet city regulations during the permit application process.

Get Started on the Permitting Process

Ready to start the permitting process for your accessory dwelling unit project? Make sure to review all the information above before applying. Important items to remember as you apply:

  • You only need to apply for one permit to satisfy the permitting requirements for both our Planning and Building Safety Divisions.
  • ADUs must be 800 square feet or less in size and up to two ADUs can be built on a residential lot with a single-unit home, townhome, or manufactured home.

Fees:

Fees can vary considerably for ADU Applications. Both Permit Fees and System Development Charges (SDCs) will be included in the overall cost. You can obtain an estimate on Permit Fees by emailing: building@bendoregon.gov. For SDC amounts or information about the SDC Deferral Program, contact our Development Services Division: development@bendoregon.gov.

Processing Time:

The estimated timeline for processing is 4-8 weeks. Processing time varies considerably as it is highly dependent on the completeness of your application and how quickly you respond to any plan review questions or comments.

1Prepare and complete the required application documents

Prior to submitting your ADU permit application, complete the following items. These will be submitted with your application.

2Submit your ADU Permit application

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  1. Under Choose the application type, select New Construction/Installation.
  2. Complete the rest of the form and submit the application. Note: Be sure to have all previously completed items from Step 1 above ready to upload to your application.

Further Assistance

Permitting Fees and Building Code Questions:

Building Safety Division
(541) 388-5580 ext. 2
building@bendoregon.gov

Land Use/Development Code Questions:

Planning Division
(541) 388-5580 ext. 3 
planning@bendoregon.gov

Development Impact Fee Estimates and SDC Deferral Questions:

System Development Charges 
(541) 388-5580 ext. 5
development@bendoregon.gov

Affordable Housing Developer Incentives:

Housing Department 
(541) 323-5964 
housing@bendoregon.gov

Septic and Franchise Utilities Questions:

Private Development Engineering Division 
(541) 388-5580 ext. 4
engineering@bendoregon.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
What do I need to consider for Land-Use? Can I even build an ADU on my lot?
What should I know about Building Safety for Building Code review?
How can I estimate the city fees for ADU permits?
Does the City have pre-approved ADU plans?
Does the City have an ADU tax exemption program?
Will I need to upgrade my water service line and water meter when building an ADU?
Are prebuilt small buildings I see online allowed in Bend?

Resources