Signs

In Bend, there are regulations for displaying signs. We aim to ensure that signs are clearly visible and provide good direction to help everyone navigate effectively. Most signs, whether permanent or temporary, must adhere to these regulations and typically require a permit. See list of regulations below. To start, signs are classified as either temporary or permanent based on their features, and the permit process is different for each type. In addition, you can apply for sign plans, variances, and code adjustments. The information below will help you understand the differences and guide you to the right service area in the Online Permit Center Portal to start your application.

Permanent Signs include: Freestanding signs, signs on buildings, signs on awnings and canopies attached to a building, and Illuminated signs.

To apply for and obtain a Permanent Sign Permit, complete the following steps:

1Step: Gather the required application documents

Before you begin your Permanent Sign Permit application, complete the following items. These will be submitted with your application.

Required application documents vary considerably depending on the type and size of sign you are applying for. The most straight-forward way to understand what documents will be required are to adhere to the following guidelines:

2Step: Submit your Permanent Sign Permit Application

• In the Online Permit Center Portal, under ‘Choose the application type:’ select “Sign Application for Permanent Sign(s).”
• Complete the rest of application and submit.
  • Be sure to complete the items from Step 1 to upload to your application.

Temporary signs include: banners, portable signs like A-frames and sandwich boards, and construction site signs. Temporary signs are regulated under Chapter 9.50.060 of the Municipal Code. Some smaller temporary signs do not require a permit or registration. However, there are three types of temporary signs that require a Sign Registration:

• Land Development Signs: This type of sign may be located on a site where a development project has received land use approval or a building permit. They may be installed up to two weeks prior to the start of the construction project and must be removed within seven days after the completion of the development project or within one year of issuance of the sign permit, whichever occurs first.
• Banners: Banners may be displayed on a site for a maximum of 60 days per calendar year. Each banner requires a Sign Registration.
• Portable Signs: Portable signs like A-frames and sandwich boards are limited to one per tenant space for non-residentials uses, and require a one-time Sign Registration per sign. They are limited to a maximum height of four feet, a maximum width of two feet, and a maximum area of six square feet per side. They may only be displayed during business hours and must comply with the location and spacing requirements in BC 9.05.060.

Additional information can be found in this FAQ document. To apply for your temporary sign registration, follow these steps:

1Step: Complete and submit the required application documents

Before you begin your Temporary Sign Registration application, complete the following items. These will be submitted with your application.

• Property Owner Authorization form. This form must be filled out and signed by the property owner or authorized property manager for the tenant space.

• Provide a site plan showing where on the property the sign will be located. An aerial photo can be used for your site plan. For portable signs, you will need to show the dimensions of the area where the sign will be displayed including the distance between any other approved portable signs and any other amenities. Portable Signs must be placed in a manner that does not impede a required accessible route, accessible parking, emergency access, or building entrances and exits or fire escapes. In the public right-of-way, they may only be placed within a planter strip, or between tree wells for street trees, and must be a minimum of 2 feet from the curb when adjacent to on-street parking. Signs cannot impede the pedestrian sidewalk, accessible curb ramps, or transit stop areas and must be a minimum of 4 feet from bicycle racks.

• Provide a plan or photo of the proposed sign including the sign dimensions.

2Step: Submit your Temporary Sign Registration Application

• In the Online Permit Center Portal, under “Land Use Applications, Historic Resources Reviews, Pre-Application Meetings” select “Apply.”
• For project type, choose “Sign” and on the following page select which type of sign registration you are applying for.
• Complete the rest of application and submit.
  • Be sure to have all previously completed forms from Step 1 above ready to upload to your application.

Applications are required when you want to request an Adjustment or Variance to sign code standards, or a master sign plan for a site. To submit an application, follow the steps below:

1Step: Complete and submit the required application documents

Before you begin your variance, adjustment to standards or master plan application, complete the following items to submit with your application.

• Detailed information to support the request including:
  • A written narrative addressing applicable code standards and regulations.
  • Images of the proposal.

2Step: Submit your Master Sign Plan, Variance, and/or Adjustment to Standards Application

• In the Online Permit Center Portal, under ‘Choose the Project type:’ select “Sign.”
• On Step 2: Planning Types, under ‘Please choose the appropriate item for your project.’ Select the appropriate item for your Master Sign Plan, Variance, or Adjustment to Standards.
• Complete the rest of application and submit.
  • Be sure to have all previously completed forms from Step 1 above ready to upload to your application.

3Step: Pay the Fees

• Pay any fees related to your application in the Online Permit Center Portal. You can do this by logging in, going to “My items,” and then “My Planning and Historic Applications” to find your submitted applications.

4Step: Completeness Check

• Your application will be assigned to a Planner for a Completeness Check review. This usually takes 2-4 weeks. The Planner will either send a letter indicating your application is complete or send a letter with a list of missing items. You have 180 days from the application submission date to provide the missing information.

5Step: Notice of Proposed Development

• When your application is deemed complete, you’ll get a letter with instructions to pick up a Proposed Development sign from City Hall to post on the site.

6Step: Public Notice

• The Planning Division will send a public notice to neighbors, the Neighborhood District Land Use Chair, and relevant City Divisions and external agencies for review and comments. This public comment period lasts for 14 days.

7Step: Decision Issued

• A decision is usually made within 120 days after your application is deemed complete (typically within 6-8 weeks). Notice of the decision will be mailed or emailed to you and anyone who provided comment on the project, and a copy will be available through the Online Permit Center.
• Appeals of the decision can be made to the Planning Commission.

8Step: Final Decision

• The decision becomes final after 12 days unless you or a party to the record appeals it.

Sign Code

Signs are regulated by the Municipal Code, Bend Code Chapter 9.50. This is where you will find regulations for signs typically used to advertise a business, product, service, and large developments.

 Before applying for applying for a Sign Code Variance, Adjustment to Standards, or a Master Sign Plan, you first need to review the section of Sign Code that applies to you. Refer to Bend Code 9.50.140 for a Variance, Bend Code 9.50.150 for Adjust to Standards, and Bend Code 9.50.170 for Master Sign Plans.

Development Code

The process for reviewing Master Sign Plans, Variances, and Adjustment to Standards is found in the Bend Development Code. Further, the Development Code regulates the Clear Vision Area and Outdoor Lighting Standards which can affect some signs.

Sign District Map

This map provides a comprehensive look at the city’s Sign Districts.

Sign Concerns

If you have a concern and would like to submit a complaint regarding A-frame signs, sandwich board signs, signs blocking sidewalks, etc. please visit our Code Enforcement Page.

If you’d like to make a service or maintenance request for a damaged street sign, traffic signal issues, etc. please submit a service request via Bend Works.

How to pay for a sign violation

If you need to pay a sign violation fee, use this guide as a reference as to how to pay it.

We have put together a collection of documents, resources, and publications to help you with project questions, submittal items needed for permit applications, quick reference guides, and more. We hope these will benefit you as you start your next project.

The Library contains multiple items related to Signs, including Quick Reference Guides, helpful documentation on Sign Permit applications and more.