Accessory Dwelling Unit Resource Hub
The City of Bend provides comprehensive resources for those interested in building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). These resources aim to simplify the process and encourage the development of diverse housing options.
The City of Bend encourages the development of diverse housing options and sees Accessory Dwelling Units as a key part of the housing landscape. Since 2016, we’ve been working to remove barriers in our codes and permit processes to encourage more Accessory Dwelling Units. Whether you’ve thought about building an Accessory Dwelling Unit before or are just learning about the opportunity, this webpage is your go-to resource for all things Accessory Dwelling Units.
Benefits of Accessory Dwelling Units
- Increases housing options in established neighborhoods.
- Utilizes existing, often expensive infrastructure.
- Offers opportunities for intergenerational living, onsite caretakers, or assistants like childcare or assisted living.
- Adds financial benefits and property value for homeowners.
- Boosts local economic development through local builders and contractors.
- Supports density efforts in a community-friendly way.
- Enhances neighborhood diversity.
Land Use and Permitting Process Improvements
Gather Information & Explore My Options
As you begin your accessory dwelling unit project, we suggest you think about your design needs, space limitations and budget. The following resources are to help you streamline the process and answer many questions to help make the permitting process faster and easier.
Bend Chamber ADU Guide
The Bend Chamber fosters a thriving environment for businesses, employees, and the community through collaboration, advocacy, resources, and leadership. With the ongoing housing crisis affecting employers’ ability to hire and keep a strong workforce, the Chamber has focused on housing production goals. As a result, they have put together the Workforce Housing Initiative and completed projects like the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guide website below. The City of Bend also contributed to this project.
Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Units
The City of Bend has developed our own program to speed up the building permit process by offering pre-approved plans for accessory dwelling units.
Learn About Code Requirements
An accessory dwelling unit project must be reviewed by various city departments to ensure code compliance and meet city regulations during the permit application process.
Get Started on the Permitting Process
Ready to start the permitting process for your accessory dwelling unit project? Make sure to review all the information above before applying. Important items to remember as you apply:
- You only need to apply for one permit to satisfy the permitting requirements for both our Planning and Building Safety Divisions.
- ADUs must be 800 square feet or less in size and up to two ADUs can be built on a residential lot with a single-unit home, townhome, or manufactured home.
Fees:
Fees can vary considerably for ADU Applications. Both Permit Fees and System Development Charges (SDCs) will be included in the overall cost. You can obtain an estimate on Permit Fees by emailing: building@bendoregon.gov. For SDC amounts or information about the SDC Deferral Program, contact our Development Services Division: development@bendoregon.gov.
Processing Time:
The estimated timeline for processing is 4-8 weeks. Processing time varies considerably as it is highly dependent on the completeness of your application and how quickly you respond to any plan review questions or comments.
1Prepare and complete the required application documents
Prior to submitting your ADU permit application, complete the following items. These will be submitted with your application.
- Obtain a design for your ADU
- You can use a design provided by a designer or architect, or you can use the pre-approved design from the City of Bend.
- Prepare and complete all the items from our Residential Submittal Checklist.
2Submit your ADU Permit application
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- Under Choose the application type, select New Construction/Installation.
- Complete the rest of the form and submit the application. Note: Be sure to have all previously completed items from Step 1 above ready to upload to your application.
Further Assistance
Permitting Fees and Building Code Questions:
Building Safety Division
(541) 388-5580 ext. 2
building@bendoregon.gov
Land Use/Development Code Questions:
Planning Division
(541) 388-5580 ext. 3
planning@bendoregon.gov
Development Impact Fee Estimates and SDC Deferral Questions:
System Development Charges
(541) 388-5580 ext. 5
development@bendoregon.gov
Affordable Housing Developer Incentives:
Housing Department
(541) 323-5964
housing@bendoregon.gov
Septic and Franchise Utilities Questions:
Private Development Engineering Division
(541) 388-5580 ext. 4
engineering@bendoregon.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is an extra living space that can be either attached to or separate from your main home. You might know them as “granny flats,” “mother-in-law quarters,” “guest houses,” or just “apartments.” These units can be connected to your main house by a shared wall or be part of converted spaces like basements and garages. They can also be small, separate cottages in your yard.
Currently, the City of Bend does not offer an ADU tax exemption. For more information on tax exemptions and other developer incentives, contact (541) 323-8550 or housing@bendoregon.gov.
Usually no. If your current line meets the plumbing code requirements for the extra load of the ADU, you won’t need an upgrade. It’s a good idea to have a licensed plumber check to make sure your service is adequate.
Resources
Customer Resources:
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Permit Inquiries:
Monday through Friday
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed most major holidays.
Location:
710 NW Wall Street
Bend, OR 97703