Planning Division

In 2019, new rules were set to give Oregonians more housing choices. Cities with over 25,000 people now need to allow infill housing options like duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, cottage clusters, and townhomes in areas where single-unit homes are allowed. In 2021, a faster approval process was introduced to make it easier to divide land for these types of housing (sometimes called “Middle Housing”), promoting more homeownership opportunities.

Additionally, micro-units, which are small living spaces with shared kitchens, and shared courts, which are townhome developments with private access drives for both pedestrians and vehicles, are also part of the new housing options.

Properties located within Bend’s Historic Districts and designated historic properties, structures, areas, and trees are required to go through a review process for various projects. New construction, additions, alterations, fences and more all need to be reviewed for compliance with historic resource codes and approved by the city.

For resources and more info:

A short term rental is a house, apartment, or room rented out for less than 30 days at a time. The City of Bend manages and regulates these rentals to ensure a balance between neighborhood livability, private property rights, and the tourism economy.

For more details and to apply for or renew a short-term rental permit:

Both permanent and temporary signs typically require permits or a registration to be installed and displayed in the City of Bend. For a comprehensive look at our regulations, processes, and permit information:

A planning application, sometimes also known as a land use application, is required for certain development types. The city reviews them to make sure new development complies with development standards. This can include zoning, setbacks, building heights, lighting, landscaping and more. To learn more about what types of development require this application and when the public can be involved, visit this page below.

If you’re planning any development or changes to your property adjacent to the Deschutes River, you’ll need to go through an extra review process.

What Needs Review? Any development in the Waterway Overlay Zone (generally within 100 feet from the edges of the river) needs to be reviewed. This review, also known as a Deschutes River Design Review, includes:

• Building new homes
• Altering or adding on to an existing home
• Adding or changing sheds, docks, or exterior stairs
• Landscaping or grading
• Removing trees
• Installing exterior lighting

How to Find Properties in the Waterway Overlay Zone: To find out if your property is in the Waterway Overlay Zone, use the Community Development Data Explorer. Look for the Special Planned Districts layer, which shows the four sub-zones.

Relevant Code Sections: The following code sections apply:

• Waterway Overlay Zone
• Riparian Corridor Sub-Zone
• River Corridor Areas of Special Interest Sub-Zone
• Floodplain Combining Zone
• Deschutes River Corridor Design Review Combining Zone

In Oregon, public engagement is an essential component of the process for deciding how land is used and in new development projects. Learn how and when community members can get involved on our Development Applications webpage.

• Guide to Public Meetings with Neighborhoods for Developers and Applicants
• Neighborhood District Contact Information for Developers and Applicants
• Preferred Public Meeting Locations by Neighborhood District
• Public Meeting On-site Signage Template

The City of Bend has put in place codes to promote the protection, planting, and proper care of trees on both public rights of way and private property. These codes also establish water-saving landscape and irrigation requirements for street-side planter strips.