Code Enforcement

One of our priorities is to maintain the livability of our community by making sure everyone follows our local municipal and development codes Our primary focus is to address community member complaints and proactively search for violations that pose a concern for life and safety. We work on cases involving zoning, building safety, unsanitary conditions, flammable vegetation, and sign code violations to name a few. Our goal is to seek voluntary compliance and only pursue legal action after all other options have been exhausted.

Code Enforcement Complaints are handled through our Online Permit Center Portal. Before submitting your complaint, please ensure it falls within our authority. We’ve included a comprehensive list of items our team handles, as well as lists of items managed by other divisions within the City of Bend, along with their contact information. For a successful submission, please use the Online Permit Center and follow the provided instructions below.

1Step: Confirm your complaint is handled by the Code Enforcement Division

Items Code Enforcement handles:

Items Non-Emergency Police Department handles:

• Abandoned Vehicle
• Parking Complaint
• Animal Control
• Noise Complaint

For the items listed above you can reach the Police Department Non-Emergency line at: 541-693-6911.

Items Bend Works handles:

What is Bend Works? Bend Works is a fast and easy way to report non-emergency issues you see around town. Ask us a question or tell us where to find and fix potholes, flooding issues, damaged street signs, and much more! You can enter service requests or download the Bend Works mobile app to submit them on the go.

2Step: Prepare Your Details and Supporting Items

Before submitting your complaint, please gather the following information:

• Details of the Complaint: Describe the nature of the complaint and the alleged violation.
• Description of the Area: Provide a description of the area to help the inspector easily find the violations (e.g., backyard).
• Location: Include the address of the violation.
• Supporting Items: Attach any supporting items with descriptions, such as photos or videos.

3Step: Submit Your Code Enforcement Complaint

• In the Online Permit Center Portal, start by selecting the Complaint Type.
• Complete the rest of the form and submit the complaint.

Checking the status of your Code Enforcement Complaint is a breeze with our Online Permit Center Portal. Here is a quick guide:

1. Log in to the Online Permit Center Portal.
2. Go to ‘My Items’ in the portal navigation.
3. Hit ‘Expand All’ to view everything.
4. Locate your Code Enforcement Complaint.
5. Check the ‘Status’ column for a snapshot of where your complaint is in the process.
6. Clicking the ‘Reference Number’ will show you the full details of your complaint for a deeper dive.

Have questions? Reach out to us at codeenforcement@bendoregon.gov for assistance. We are here to help!

Nuisances

• Storage Requirements for Household Trash
  To keep our community clean and healthy, it is important to manage household trash properly. All decaying waste, which includes any materials that can decompose, must be removed every seven days. We highly recommend using a trash service, as it is more cost-effective than making weekly trips to the landfill.
• Requirements for Storing Inoperable Vehicles and Vehicle Parts
  Inoperable vehicles and vehicle parts, also referred to as discarded vehicles, can be visible for only 72 hours. After this period, they must be screened by a solid 6-foot barrier. Examples include storing the vehicle or parts in a garage or in a backyard with a solid 6-foot fence.

If you would like to report a Nuisance violation, please file a Code Enforcement Complaint using the instructions found above.

Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal

At the City of Bend, we prioritize the health and safety of our community. To ensure this, we have implemented and enforce codes regarding the removal of snow and ice from Bend’s sidewalks.

More on Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal.

If you would like to report a Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal violation, please file a Code Enforcement Complaint using the instructions found above.

Illegal Short-Term Rentals

For information on using your house as a Short-Term Rental or how to permit and license Short-Term Rentals, please visit our Short-Term Rental page for full details.

If you would like to report a possible illegal Short-Term Rental, please file a Code Enforcement Complaint using the instructions found above.

Sign Violations

Both temporary and permanent signs are required to have a permit in most cases. Full information on permitting for signs can be found on our Signs Page.

If you would like to report a Sign violation, please file a Code Enforcement Complaint using the instructions found above.

Flammable Vegetation

It is essential that all community members within city limits work together to prevent wildfires on their property and adjacent right of ways. All tenants, property managers, and homeowners are responsible for reducing potentially flammable weeds, grass, vines, brush, and other vegetation. By reducing flammable vegetation, we can confine fires to the property and prevent them from spreading to neighboring properties.

More on Flammable Vegetation.

If you would like to report a Flammable Vegetation violation, please file a Code Enforcement Complaint using the instructions found above.

Noxious Weeds

Noxious weeds can increase soil erosion, reduce wildlife habitats, rob native plants of water, nutrients, and light, and even be toxic to humans and animals. No one should allow the growth of noxious vegetation on their property within the Bend city limits. Controlling noxious weeds should be a priority for all property owners.

More on Noxious Weeds.

If you would like to report a Noxious Weeds violation, please file a Code Enforcement Complaint using the instructions found above.