Community Development Department
Building on the past, we are committed to fostering a community that honors its heritage while embracing progress and innovation.
Top Services
Meet the Director
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
The Building Safety Division handles plan reviews, permits, and inspections with care and efficiency. The goal being to create a safe and well-built environment for all.
Division Manager: Joe McClay
Contact: building@bendoregon.gov
(541) 388-5580 Ext. 2
The Code Enforcement Division prioritizes community health and safety by enforcing local codes. They address complaints and proactively search for code violations that pose life and safety concerns.
Division Manager: James Goff
Contact: codeenforcement@bendoregon.gov
(541) 388-5580 Ext. 6
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.
Division Manager: Gina Dahl
Contact: development@bendoregon.gov
(541) 388-5580 Ext. 5
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.
Division Manager: Brian Rankin
Contact: growthmanagement@bendoregon.gov
(541) 323-8509
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:
For Event Permitting:
Division Manager: Ariel Vee
Contact: licensing@bendoregon.gov
(541) 388-5580 Ext. 8
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.
Division Manager: Renee Brooke
Contact: planning@bendoregon.gov
(541) 388-5580 Ext. 3
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.
Division Manager: Ben Berry
Contact: engineering@bendoregon.gov
(541) 388-5580 Ext. 4
Urban Forestry is a new program developed to help balance tree preservation with producing needed housing.
Urban Forester: Ian Gray
Contact: igray@bendoregon.gov
(541) 388-5577
Looking for the Economic Development Division? This group no longer lives under our department, but all of their helpful information can be found here:
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?
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.
Community Development Submittal Items
and Guides for Applications and Permits
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.
Bend Community Development Newsletter
Stay updated on community development news by signing up for The Bend Community Development Newsletter.
Read the latest edition from December 2025!