Fences and Retaining Walls Permitting Guide

Getting a permit for your fence or retaining wall project ensures that construction meets our building codes and standards, which are designed to protect the safety of the community by ensuring clear vision at intersections along streets, alleyways and driveways. They also help ensure that the work is done correctly and to a high standard. This can prevent costly repairs and issues in the future. Properly permitted work can increase the value of your property. If you decide to sell your home, having the necessary permits can make the process smoother and more attractive to buyers.

Do I Need a Permit?

Fences:

• If the fence is over 7 feet in height, you will need a building permit and/or approved engineered plans. Note: fences over 6 feet high are not allowed in Bend’s residential districts.
• If you are building a concrete block fence—i.e. cinderblock or concrete masonry unit (CMU) block—that is over 4 feet in height, you will need a building permit and/or approved engineered plans.
• Outside of residential districts, the maximum height is 8 feet.

Retaining Walls:

• If the retaining wall is greater than 4 feet in height, a building permit is required. Note: the maximum height is 6 feet. Talk to one of our planners if your project requires a higher retaining wall at planning@bendoregon.gov or 541-388-5580 ext. 3.
• If the retaining wall supports an additional load from a building or other structure, you will need a permit.

For more information, see the Bend Development Code, Chapter 3.2.500: Fences and Retaining Walls.

1Understand the Zoning for Your Property

Even if you don’t need a permit, when building in Bend, you must first refer to your property’s zoning requirements to find out what you can build.

To find your zoning designation, use our online zone search tool:

For more information on zoning, see the Bend Development Code, Chapter 2.1: Residential Districts.

If you have any specific questions or need further assistance related to zoning, please contact our Planning Division staff at planning@bendoregon.gov or 541-388-5580 ext. 3. They can provide guidance tailored to your project. Note: we cannot answer questions about your title report.

Depending on your zone, the following are some important points to consider. Note: some zoning requirements differ depending on which zone your property is in.

Property Line and Right-of-Way

Before you begin your project, make sure you know where your property line is. It is typically not at the curb of a street, for example, but set back to allow space for a landscape buffer and/or sidewalk—this is considered the public right-of-way.

Fences and retaining walls may be placed on property lines but are not allowed in the right-of-way.

Clear Vision

Clear vision area standards are designed to ensure that motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists have unobstructed views at intersections, driveways, and alleys.

Within the clear vision area, no objects (fences, walls, signs, etc.) can be between 2 feet and 8 feet in height above the curb level.

Shrubs and foliage must not exceed 2 feet in height, and tree branches must be trimmed to at least 8 feet above the curb.

For more information, see the Bend Development Code, Chapter 3.1.500: Clear Vision Areas.

Height and Setbacks

For properties within residential districts, the maximum height for a fence is:

• Front setback: 3.5 feet max
• Side and rear setbacks: 6 feet max

Outside of residential districts, the maximum height is 8 feet.

The maximum height for a retaining wall is 6 feet, except when permitted as part of a Site Plan Review or land division approval.

Materials

Barbed wire and razor wire fencing are prohibited in residential districts.

For more information, see the Bend Development Code, Chapter 3.2.500: Fences and Retaining Walls.

Utility Easements

Check your title report and subdivision plat to ensure your fence or retaining wall does not go into any public utility easements, which are areas reserved for utility companies to install and maintain services like water, gas, and electricity.

Historical Properties

For designated historic properties and properties in the historic districts here in Bend, there are specific permitting requirements to ensure the preservation of the property’s historical integrity. Use our Community Data Explorer to find out if your property is a designated historic resource.

For more information, visit Historic Preservation Resources.

Waterway Overlay Zone

The Waterway Overlay Zone is designed to protect and enhance the natural resources along the Deschutes River and Tumalo Creek within the City. When planning a project within the Waterway Overlay Zone, you must adhere to additional standards beyond those of the underlying zone. For more information, see the Bend Development Code, Article V. Waterway Overlay Zone (WOZ). 

For detailed guidance and to ensure compliance with all regulations, please contact our Planning Division staff at planning@bendoregon.gov or 541-388-5580 ext. 3. They can provide guidance tailored to your project.

For more detailed information, see the Bend Development Code.

2Determine Permit Requirements

Fences:

• If the fence is over 7 feet in height, you will need a building permit and/or approved engineered plans. Note: fences over 6 feet high are not allowed in Bend’s residential districts.
• If you are building a concrete block fence—i.e. cinderblock or concrete masonry unit (CMU) block—that is over 4 feet in height, you will need a building permit and/or approved engineered plans.

Retaining Walls:

• If the retaining wall is greater than 4 feet in height, a building permit is required. Note: the maximum height is 6 feet. Talk to one of our planners if your project requires a higher retaining wall at planning@bendoregon.gov or 541-388-5580 ext. 3.
• If the retaining wall supports an additional load from a building or other structure, you will need a permit.

Note: This is only a guide. If you are unsure whether your project requires any permits, please check with our helpful staff. We’re available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Contact Us: building@bendoregon.gov | 541-388-5580 ext. 2
Visit us: City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street

3Prepare Your Plans

Before you begin your permit application, put together the following to submit with your application:

• Residential Submittal Checklist, which outlines the necessary items and steps required when submitting a building permit application.
• Detailed plans of your fence or retaining wall, including dimensions, materials, and framing details, drawn to standard industry scale. If your retaining wall requires a permit, then a licensed design professional is required to prepare your plans.
• A site plan showing the fence or retaining wall’s location on your property.

Note: there is no “Save for Later” feature when working on your application, so it’s important that you have everything ready ahead of time.

4Submit Your Application

Apply for all your project’s required permits through our Online Permit Center Portal.

Note: you’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one.

Don’t have a Portal account? Sign up

1. Under Choose the application type, select Deck, Fence, Porch Cover, or Similar.
2. Fill in additional details for the project and click Next Step: Permit Type.
3. Select all the appropriate Permit Types for your project—typically only Building Permit is required.
4. Complete the remaining steps, review information and submit application.
5. Visit your shopping cart to pay the applicable fees.

5Plan Review

After your application has been submitted and fees paid, we will review your application and plans to ensure they meet all building codes and regulations.

6Permit Issuance

Once your plans are approved and you have paid your fees, you’ll receive your permit issuance notification. Make sure to keep these on-site during construction.

7Inspections

Once permits are issued, you can begin the work. Schedule inspections at various stages of construction to ensure that the project meets all building codes and safety standards.

To schedule an inspection, use our Online Permit Center Portal:

1. Under My Items, click to expand My Building Permit, Permanent Sign & SDC Estimate Applications.
2. Select your project.
3. Click Request Inspection.
4. Select the date you would like the inspection.
5. Finish the remaining steps and submit your inspection request.

For more information, visit Inspection Requests.

8Final Approval

After passing all inspections, your permit will be closed, and you can be assured you are in full compliance with all regulations.

We have staff available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help answer your questions via email, phone, or in person. Appointments are not necessary, and walk-ins are always welcome. 

Contact Us: permitcenter@bendoregon.gov | 541-388-5580
Visit us: City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street