Private Development Engineering Division

Changes are coming to the infrastructure permit process. Review this presentation for more details. Please refer to this list of FAQs to see the answer to some commonly asked questions.

We also encourage you to attend, in person or virtually, an open house at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 9. Use this link to register for this open house.

We ensure all work meets City of Bend Standards and Specifications and other local, state, and federal regulations. Our team reviews and approves permits for street improvements, public utility installations or abandonments, grading, erosion control, stormwater management, and traffic control. Our inspectors make sure all improvements are constructed according to the approved plans. We’re dedicated to supporting your projects and ensuring they meet all necessary requirements.

In the City of Bend, most projects in the public right-of-way or public easement require an engineering permit. The right-of-way refers to land managed by the public for transportation and utility facilities. This includes work like:

• Sidewalks, curb ramps, and driveways (new and replacement)
• Stormwater drainage and grading
• Infrastructure projects
• Stormwater management
• Water meters
• Public sewer and water
• Franchise utilities

Permits are also required for work proposed in a public easement. An easement is a right given by a property owner that allows the public or specific people, companies, or organizations to use their land. Public utility, storm, or access easements let public facilities or franchise utility companies install, work on, and maintain their services on private property.

Additionally, Traffic Control Plans are necessary for any project that impacts vehicle, bike, or pedestrian traffic. This also applies to Special Events held in the public right-of-way that affect traffic.

Depending on the type of work you’re planning, projects are classified as using Right-of-Way permits Tier 1 (No Street Cut), Tier 2 (Street Cut), or Tier 3 (Infrastructure), each with its own permitting process and dependent on the complexity of the work. Traffic control permits also exist to manage traffic control within the right of way and to avoid conflicts between projects – Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 permits. More details:

Our Private Development Engineering Division is here to help with all engineering permits. We manage everything from processing applications to reviewing plans and issuing permits. If you’re planning a project, a great place to start is our Development & Permitting page. It outlines the process and will guide you through submitting your engineering permit applications.

Our Private Development Engineering Division handles the review of engineering permit applications. Whether it’s a simple sidewalk replacement or a complex commercial project, our engineering team ensures each application is thoroughly examined. Here’s what we focus on during the review process:

• Safety First: We ensure all projects adhere to city standards and specifications and other applicable regulations ensuring to make sure community infrastructure is resilient and safe for the people who use it.
• Compliance: We verify that projects meet all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Quality of Life: By enforcing engineering codes, we help maintain the character and quality of our neighborhoods, considering zoning, environmental impact, and the appearance of public rights-of-way.
• Efficiency: Our detailed review process identifies potential issues early, preventing costly delays and changes during construction.
• Supporting Growth: Safe and compliant public rights-of-way foster economic growth, creating a reliable and attractive environment for businesses and residents.

These reviews are crucial for creating a safe, sustainable, and thriving community in Bend.

At the City of Bend, our engineering inspectors are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. Right-of-way inspectors will inspect the site to verify that the work is being done according to the approved plans and specifications. They check for compliance with City of Bend Standards and Specifications and other local, state, and federal requirements.

Inspection Requests

Inspection requests and inspection status checks are handled through our Online Permit Center Portal.

Full details and instructions:

Agreements and Easements

The City of Bend endeavors to ensure that all necessary agreements and easements for private development projects are properly handled and managed from start to finish. Some examples of these agreements are Easements, Right-of-Way Dedications, SDC Credit Agreements, Performance Agreements, Stormwater Maintenance Agreements, and more.

Qualified Right of Way Contractor License

The City of Bend requires all contractors who want to work in the city right-of-way to get a Qualified Contractor License. Partnering with the City of Bend’s Licensing Division, these licenses ensure that any work done in the City’s right-of-way or on City-owned or controlled property, including areas under a Public Facilities Improvement Agreement (PFIA) or similar pre-dedication agreement, is performed by qualified contractors as required by Bend Code.

Standards and Specifications

The City of Bend Design Standards and Construction Specifications outline the design criteria and construction standards for all public infrastructure in Bend. These standards apply to both City Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs), private development projects where the infrastructure will eventually be owned by the city and franchise utility improvements.

For complete details: