Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Units
The Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit Program simplifies the process of building accessory dwelling units.
The Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit Program accelerates the permit approval process and reduces pre-construction costs—and helps us reach our community goals by encouraging more housing and diverse options throughout the city.
This program works because it lets property owners use an accessory dwelling unit building plan that has already been approved and meets building codes. Currently, we offer one pre-approved plan, but work is being done to offer more in the near future. The current pre-approved plan was developed by the City of Eugene and offered to the Bend community for approved use at no cost— thank you City of Eugene!

Get Started
1Review Our Pre-Approved Design
Check out our pre-approved accessory dwelling unit design and pick the roof style you prefer—shed or gable.
Note: You can’t make changes to pre-approved plans.
2Finalize the Design
Usually, this means working with an architect, designer, or licensed general contractor to finalize the design to fit your lot’s needs. At the very least, you’ll need to prepare a site plan.
3Apply for a Building Permit
While filling out the permit application, make sure to mention that the plan is part of the Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit Program in the project description section.
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For help understanding the permitting process, visit our Property Owner Permitting Guide. It outlines the process and will help guide you through submitting building permit applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a secondary living space that has its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. It can be within the same building or on the same lot as the main house. An ADU can be a separate, detached unit, an attached unit to the main house, a converted space within the main house, a unit above a garage, or a similar setup.
The plans are free to use.
*Please note the next question in the FAQ for other costs associated with building a Pre-Approved ADU.
Yes, there are several fees to consider, including, but not limited to, building permit and plan review fees, system development charges, planning fees, for example. The fees cover the costs of reviewing your applications, permits and inspections. You can request a Permit Fee estimate, which will also include System Development Charges (SDC) information, by emailing building@bendoregon.gov.
Resources and Guides
Questions? Contact Us
For additional assistance and questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help! You can contact specific divisions anytime from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Our team is ready to answer your questions via email, in person, or over the phone. No need to make an appointment—walk-ins are always welcome.
- In-person: 710 N.W. Wall St., Bend, OR 97703 (Inside City Hall, first floor, look for signs for ‘Permit Center’)
- Building Safety Division: building@bendoregon.gov , (541) 388-5580 ext. 2
- Planning Division: planning@bendoregon.gov , (541) 388-5580 ext. 3
- System Development Charges: development@bendoregon.gov , (541) 388-5580 ext. 5
- Water Services Department: utilitiesonline@bendoregon.gov , (541) 317-3000 ext. 2
- Housing Department: housing@bendoregon.gov , (541) 323-5964
Please Note: These plans are provided as a courtesy by the City of Bend for application and permitting purposes only. These plans were not designed by the City of Bend and the City bears no responsibility for the plans or resulting structure. The plans have been reviewed for minimum Oregon Residential Specialty Code compliance. By using these standard plans, the user agrees to release the City of Bend from any and all claims, liabilities, suits, and demands on account of any injury, damage, or loss to persons or property, including injury or death, or economic losses, arising out of the use of these construction documents. The use of these plans does not eliminate or reduce the user’s responsibility to verify any and all information. These approved plans and any resulting permit issued shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions in the Oregon Residential Specialty Code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. The approval of these plans and issuance of a permit based on construction documents and other data shall not prevent the building official from requiring the correction of errors in the construction documents and data. All applicable review and permitting fees still apply and use of these plans does not exempt applicants from any and all required fees or cost in the permitting process and further documentation requirements.
Customer Resources:
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Permit Inquiries:
Monday through Friday
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed most major holidays.
Location:
710 NW Wall Street
Bend, OR 97703