SDC Methodology Update

This page outlines a timeline of the update process that begin in 2023. Visit the System Development Charges webpage for the most up-to-date information.

How We Got Here

In 2023, the City began a project to update the methodologies for its water, sewer, and transportation SDCs.

Stakeholder meetings

The City engaged Galardi Rothstein Group and convened a stakeholder group to provide feedback to staff and consultants in the update and creation of these methodologies. City Council discussed the SDC update process at six meetings from 2022 through 2024. The stakeholder group held six meetings between February and August of 2023.

Public hearings

At the September 6, 2023, Work Session, Council was presented with a summary of the process and outline of proposed changes to the SDC methodologies. Staff and consultants then finalized the proposed documents for public inspection and review.

Notice of the Jan. 17, 2024, public hearing on proposed changes to the methodology and fee schedule was provided to persons who had requested such notification and the general public on October 16, 2023, at least 90 days before the first public hearing on the methodology. The methodology was made available for public review on the City’s website and in person at City Hall beginning on November 17, 2023, at least 60 days prior to the first hearing considering adoption. The Bend City Council heard a staff presentation and discussed the methodology, fee schedules and changes to the Bend Municipal Code at a work session on December 6, 2023.

On Jan. 17, 2024, the Bend City Council held a first reading of code changes related to SDCs, but continued the public hearing on adoption of the methodologies and fee schedule in response to public comment.

A “continued public hearing” means the hearing is not closed, additional information and public testimony can continue to be considered by the Council, and the Council will reconvene at a later date to take additional oral testimony. The changes to Bend Municipal Code Chapter 12.10 were adopted by second reading on Feb. 7, 2024, and went into effect March 7, 2024. The changes to the “credits” section of the code are not effective until July 1, 2024, however.

The Bend City Council held work sessions on Feb. 21, 2024, and Apr. 3, 2024, to review public comments received and recommended adjustments to the methodologies, project lists, and fee schedule. Council provided guidance to phase-in SDC rates over a three-year period for non-residential uses that would experience notable fee increases under the proposed methodology.

Public engagement

On Apr. 25 and 26, 2024, staff held Q&A sessions in City Hall Council Chambers for interested community members to ask staff questions about proposed updates to the SDC methodologies and fee schedule.

Public hearings

On May 1, 2024, Council continued the public hearing that began on Jan. 17, took public comment and considered written comments submitted beforehand. Council then approved four resolutions to adopt the transportation and water SDC methodologies and project lists, amend the sewer SDC methodology, and adopt the associated SDC fee schedule.