State law requires that a city first determine how much land is needed for an urban growth boundary (UGB) expansion. Land for housing and employment must be considered in the decision. 

Some of this work has begun and is expected to continue into 2026.  Direction will then come from City Council on how to meet housing and employment needs.  Council will also decide if a UGB expansion is necessary to meet those needs. 

An urban growth boundary (UGB) is a line on a map around Bend. The line shows where Bend may grow over the next 20 years. Oregon requires every city to have a UGB to provide land for housing, schools, parks and jobs. 

Land outside of the UGB is overseen by the county.  It is left for agriculture, forestry, recreation, wildlife habitat, natural areas and rural living.   

Both the Bend City Council and the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners must agree to the boundary and show it in their plans and on their maps.  The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) must also approve any changes to the UGB.    

In 2016, the City of Bend added 2,380 acres of land to the UGB in what are called expansion areas.  At present, most of these lands are in rural uses. They need roads, water and sewer before they can be developed.

The City of Bend cannot say "no" to folks who want to move here.  In fact, state laws require all cities in Oregon to have enough land for 20 years' worth of housing and job growth.  Access to sewer, water and roads must also be provided. 

In 2016, with the adoption of the urban growth boundary (UGB) expansion, the City identified key areas for future housing and employment growth including nine opportunity areas and ten expansion areas.  

Opportunity Areas  

Opportunity areas are locations within the city that are suitable for new growth such as zoning, amount of vacant or underdeveloped land, existing infrastructure (roads, water and sewer), or nearness to services. 

Expansion Areas  

Expansion areas are lands that were added to the UGB when it was expanded in 2016.  These areas were designated for combinations of housing, schools, jobs and other uses (e.g. parks) in the Comprehensive Plan.  

The City has a Comprehensive Plan that guides the city’s growth, specifically Chapter 11 (Growth Management). The plan uses 20-year forecasts of population, housing, and employment to make sure that Bend will have enough land for housing, jobs, schools and parks.   

The plan includes: 

- Planning for public infrastructure - ways to walk, bike, drive and use transit services, have clean water, and sewer facilities 

- Protection of historic resources, natural areas and wildlife habitat 

- Goals for creating complete neighborhoods - multiple housing types with access to jobs, services, parks and schools 

Visit this page for more information on planning for growth in Bend.

As Bend grows, there are fewer large areas for development within the city. The urban growth boundary (UGB) expansion areas may be planned for complete neighborhoods with housing, jobs, shopping, parks and schools.   

While there is strong interest in expansion areas, development is also encouraged on vacant land within the city. A number of areas inside the city limits that seem right for more building have been identified.  These are called opportunity areas in the Comprehensive Plan.  Encouraging growth within the city helps reduce costs for roads, water, and sewer, and helps people drive less.  

Zoning refers to how the City divides up land by uses. For example, a property may be zoned residential meaning that the uses are largely limited to housing.  Zoning is meant to reduce conflicts between uses.  It also helps makes sure there is enough land for different types of development to meet Bend’s needs.   

There are nearly 20 zones within the city of Bend.  The City offers several ways to learn more about zoning through the following tools and maps: 

• The Zoning Basics interactive learning tool is a great way to learn more about Bend's zoning.  

• The Zoning Lookup Tool can be used to explore current zoning for any tax lot within the city. 

• The Zoning Map is an interactive way to view current zones in Bend. 

You may also learn more about Bend’s zoning by visiting the Planning & Historic Preservation webpage.  

There are many ways community members may take part in land use and transportation planning. Get involved with a City committee or commission: 

• Planning Commission 

• Affordable Housing Advisory Committee 

• Landmarks Commission 

• Bend Economic Development Advisory Board 

• Transportation Bond Oversight Committee 

• Interact with your Neighborhood District 

• Attend a Planning Commission meeting 

• Attend a City Council meeting where the Council is making a land use decision 

• Attend a meeting or event listed on the City's Meetings and Events calendar 

• Subscribe to the City’s enewsletter to stay informed about land use, housing or transportation 

Check out the Get Involved page to find out more.