Qualified Right of Way Contractor License

The Qualified Contractor License ensures that any work done in the City’s right-of-way or on City-owned or controlled property, including areas under a Public Facilities Improvement Agreement or similar pre-dedication agreement, is carried out by qualified contractors as mandated by Bend Code. This qualification process is crucial for protecting the public infrastructure systems that serve Bend’s residents, businesses, and community members.

Contractors must obtain a Qualified Contractor License to be listed as approved to perform work in the right-of-way and must maintain their license every two years to remain on this list. The City may grant a Qualified Contractor License at its discretion, based on a review of the contractor’s qualifications, including their responsibility, experience, knowledge, skill, and resources to properly perform work in the right-of-way.

Contractor Registration allows residents and businesses in Bend to easily select your company when submitting applications or permits. To be listed as the contractor of record on your own permit or a customer’s permit, you must be registered in our system. Without this registration, you won’t be able to perform any work associated with the permit. During the registration process, it is necessary to provide your State Contractor Board License number, which is integral to the submission.

Carefully review the application steps and necessary materials listed below to ensure your application is complete. For a successful submission, please prepare all the required items first and then use the Online Permit Center to submit your application.

Initial Application

1Step: Obtain a valid City of Bend Business Registration

• To obtain your Qualified Contractor License, you first need to apply for a Business Registration. Visit the Business Registration page for more information.

1. Business Registration: You must have an ACTIVE Business Registration with the City of Bend.
2. State of Oregon Business Registration: You need an active business registration with the State of Oregon.
3. If required by the State of Oregon, you must have an active Oregon CCB License number or Oregon LCB number
4. If you are a Franchisee, Utility Owner or Provider then you will need to apply for an additional  Right of Way License.
5. Bonding Capability Letter: Applicants for a Qualified Contractors License must submit a Bonding Capacity Letter with their application. The security must meet the requirements of the Oregon Revised Statutes and be approved by the City of Bend.
   • This bonding requirement may be waived for the following work types:
     • Art Installation & Restoration
     • Concrete Suppliers
     • Landscaping
   • BMC Chapter 3.40.010(C) states the following: “The City may require the applicant to provide a performance bond or equivalent security in an amount sufficient to protect and ensure completion of the work and restoration of the right-of-way.”
     • Bonding may be required for major infrastructure improvements costing more than $100,000, estimated engineering constructions costs.
6. Documentation of Experience Modification Rate – Proof of Safety Record: To demonstrate a satisfactory safety record, you need to provide one of the following:
   • For Contractors with Employees:
     • Submit documentation of your Experience Modification Rate or another industry-standard form of measurement with your license application.
     • If your Experience Modification Rate is greater than 1.0, you must also provide:
       • Details about the claims that increased your Experience Modification Rate.
       • Information on the changes you have implemented to improve your safety record.
   • For Sole Proprietors or Contractors without Employees:
     • Submit a statement confirming that you are the sole proprietor or have no employees. This statement will replace the requirement for Experience Modification Rate documentation.
7. Insurance Certificate & Additional Insured Endorsement: To meet the insurance requirements for the Qualified Contractor License, you need to provide a certificate of insurance and an additional insured endorsement. Failure to provide valid documentation will result in the denial of your application.
   • See the complete Insurance Requirements section below for complete details.
8. Documentation of Work Experience Form: To complete your Qualified Contractor License application, you need to submit a Documentation of Work Experience Form. This form demonstrates your prior experience relevant to the work type(s) you are applying for, as well as provides relevant information about previous employers.
   • Requirements:
     • Form Completion:
       • Fill out the Documentation of Work Experience Form and include it with your Qualified Contractor License application.
     • Project References:
       • Depending on the work type, you may need to provide references for either at least three or at least five projects of a similar nature.
     • Detailed Information:
       • For each project, provide specific details including:
         • Cost
         • Duration
         • Number of years of experience performing such work
         • Your role and responsibilities
         • Contact information for project references
   • Work Experience Requirements Based on Work Types:
     • Work Types Requiring a $100,000 Bonding Capacity Minimum:
       • Submit references for at least five projects of a similar nature.
     • Work Types Not Requiring a Bonding Capacity Minimum:
       • Submit references for at least three projects of a similar nature.
9. Qualified Contractor Acknowledgement Form: Fully initial, date, and sign this form. Note: Please disclose other business names you’ve operated under or any previous code enforcement complaint cases. If you change your classification, note that you will be charged a renewal fee.

3Step: Submit your Qualified Contractor License Application

• Be sure to have all previously completed items from Step 2 above and ready to upload to your application.
• Scroll down and under General Contractor Registrations Qualified Contractor Licenses, click “Apply.”
• Click the “Choose Licensing Type and select Qualified ROW Contractor.” Complete the application and upload the required submittal items.

The City of Bend issues Qualified Contractor Licenses that are valid for two years. We inform all Qualified Contractor Licensees 60 days (about 2 months) before the annual expiration date. Qualified Contractors must renew by the expiration date to avoid any disruption of work within the public right of way. The city processes renewal applications in the order received, and the review by city staff commences once an application is confirmed as complete.

Insurance is also required to remain in compliance. For more details about what is required, read more under Insurance Requirements below.

To renew your Qualified Contractor License, complete the following steps:

1. Business Registration: Be sure you still have an ACTIVE Business Registration with the City of Bend.
2. State of Oregon Business Registration: be sure you still have an ACTIVE business registration with the State of Oregon.
3. If required by the State of Oregon, you must have an active Oregon CCB License number or Oregon LCB number.
4. Bonding Capability Letter: Applicants for a Qualified Contractors License must submit a Bonding Capacity Letter with their application. The security must meet the requirements of the Oregon Revised Statutes and be approved by the City of Bend.
   • This bonding requirement may be waived for the following work types:
     • Art Installation & Restoration
     • Concrete Suppliers
     • Landscaping
   • BMC Chapter 3.40.010(C) states the following: “The City may require the applicant to provide a performance bond or equivalent security in an amount sufficient to protect and ensure completion of the work and restoration of the right-of-way.” 
     • Bonding may be required for major infrastructure improvements costing more than $100,000, estimated engineering constructions costs.
5. Documentation of Experience Modification Rate – Proof of Safety Record: To demonstrate a satisfactory safety record, you need to provide one of the following:
   • For Contractors with Employees:
     • Submit documentation of your Experience Modification Rate or another industry-standard form of measurement with your license application.
     • If your Experience Modification Rate is greater than 1.0, you must also provide:
       • Details about the claims that increased your Experience Modification Rate.
       • Information on the changes you have implemented to improve your safety record.
   • For Sole Proprietors or Contractors without Employees:
     • Submit a statement confirming that you are the sole proprietor or have no employees. This statement will replace the requirement for Experience Modification Rate documentation.
6. Insurance Certificate & Additional Insured Endorsement: To meet the insurance requirements for the Qualified Contractor License, you need to provide a certificate of insurance and an additional insured endorsement. Failure to provide valid documentation will result in the denial of your application.
   • See the complete Insurance Requirements section below for complete details.
7. Documentation of Work Experience Form: To complete your Qualified Contractor License application, you need to submit a Documentation of Work Experience Form. This form demonstrates your prior experience relevant to the work type(s) you are applying for.
   • Requirements:
     • Form Completion:
       • Fill out the Documentation of Work Experience Form and include it with your Qualified Contractor License application.
     • Project References:
       • Depending on the work type, you may need to provide references for either at least three or at least five projects of a similar nature.
     • Detailed Information:
       • For each project, provide specific details including:
         • Cost
         • Duration
         • Number of years of experience performing such work
         • Your role and responsibilities
         • Contact information for project references
   • Work Experience Requirements Based on Work Types:
     • Work Types Requiring a $100,000 Bonding Capacity Minimum:
       • Submit references for at least five projects of a similar nature.
     • Work Types Not Requiring a Bonding Capacity Minimum:
       • Submit references for at least three projects of a similar nature.
8. Qualified Contractor Acknowledgement Form: Fully initial, date, and sign this form. 

2Step: Submit your Qualified Contractor License Renewal Application

• Find your existing license in the Online Permit Center Portal to renew
  • Login to the Online Permit Center Portal
  • Access ‘My Items’ in the portal navigation
  • Click the ‘Expand All’ item
  • Find your Qualified Contractor License and click the ‘Renew This License’ button
  • Complete the application and upload the pertinent items
• Be sure to have all previously completed items from Step 1 above ready to upload to your renewal application  

Checking the status of your Qualified Contractor License application or renewal is a breeze with our Online Permit Center Portal. Here is a quick guide:

1. Log in to the Online Permit Center Portal.
2. Go to ‘My Items’ in the portal navigation.
3. Hit ‘Expand All’ to view everything.
4. Locate your Qualified Contractor License.
5. Check the ‘Status’ column for a snapshot of where your application or renewal is in the process.

Look out for these buttons under the Reference Number of your License:

• ‘Upload Submittals’: You have more items to upload for your application or renewal.
• ‘Add A Revision’: Something you submitted needs a tweak. Fix it up and resubmit.
• ‘Add Fees to My Cart’: It is time to pay any fees associated with your application or renewal.

Clicking the ‘Reference Number’ will show you the full details of your application or renewal for a deeper dive.

Got questions? Reach out to us at licensing@bendoregon.gov or give us a call at 541.388.5580 Ext. 8 for assistance. We are here to help!

To meet the insurance requirements for the Qualified Contractor License, you need to provide a certificate of insurance that provides a summary of your business insurance coverage. The general liability policy must name, by endorsement, “the City of Bend, its officers, agents, and employees” as additional insureds.

The address for the Certificate Holder should be:
City of Bend
710 NW Wall St.
Bend, OR 97703

You must provide proof of the following Liability coverages with your Qualified Contractor License application:

1. Commercial General Liability Insurance:
   • Minimum policy limit coverage of $2,000,000 per incident, claim, or occurrence and $2,000,000 in aggregate.
   • The policy must include coverage for personal injury, bodily injury, property damage, and products completed operations.
   • The policy should be written on an “occurrence” basis. Policies written on a “claims made” basis require written approval from the City of Bend and must extend coverage for two years past the completion of any work performed under the permit.
2. Automobile Liability Insurance:
   • Minimum combined single policy limit of $2,000,000 covering all owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles.
   • This coverage should be written with the Commercial General Liability Insurance, with separate limits for Commercial Automobile Liability and Commercial General Liability.
3. Workers’ Compensation Insurance:
   • As required by Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 656.
   • Sole proprietors or contractors without employees are not required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance but must submit a statement to that effect.
4. Pollution Insurance:
   • Required for the following specific work types: Asphalt Paving ($100,000 Bonding Capacity Min.), Asphalt Patching ($100,000 Bonding Capacity Min.), Asphalt Grinding/Cold Plane, Blasting, Boring ($100,000 Bonding Capacity Min.), Concrete Sewer Taps, Concrete Supplier (Must provide Mix Design), Excavation (Grading, Pipe Laying, Subgrade), Sawcutting, Sewer Laterals, Sewer Main ($100,000 Bonding Capacity Min.), Sewer Taps, Stormwater, Vacuum Sewer.

Other important details include:

• Minimum policy limit coverage of $2,000,000.
• General liability policies usually exclude pollution risks, so this coverage protects against issues like soil contamination, chemical spills, air pollution and groundwater pollution. When speaking with your insurance agent or broker, be as detailed as possible when describing the type of work you do and ask specifically for pollution liability coverage best suited to your business.

Policy Limits

There are two ways to meet the required policy limits:

1. Set the per-occurrence limit at $2,000,000.
2. Set the per-occurrence limit at least $1,000,000 with an additional umbrella policy of at least $1,000,000.

Maintaining Coverage

Contractors and applicants agree to maintain continuous coverage while working in the City right-of-way or on property owned and controlled by the City or subject to a Public Facilities Improvement Agreement or similar pre-dedication agreement. You must update all insurance certificates and endorsements upon annual policy renewal. If your insurance coverage expires, is terminated, or becomes inadequate, you will be notified through the Online Permit Center and must submit updated coverage to keep your license active. Failure to provide renewed insurance coverage within the required time limits will result in the inactivation of your license and removal from the City’s Qualified Contractor List.

*NOTE: Contractors with an existing contract with the City of Bend to work on City property should refer to the insurance requirements in that contract, which will supersede the amounts in this policy.

• Types of Work: when filling out your application or renewal, it is crucial to list only the types of work you or your company perform. Please refrain from including any work types that you subcontract to others. This ensures that your application accurately reflects the services you provide directly.
  • Art Installation & Restoration
  • Asphalt ($100,000 Bonding Capacity Min.) *
  • Asphalt Grinding/Cold Plane*
  • Blasting ($100,000 Bonding Capacity Min.) *
  • Boring ($100,000 Bonding Capacity Min.) *
  • Concrete
  • Concrete Sewer Taps*
  • Concrete Supplier (Must provide Mix Designs) *
  • Curb Sawing
  • Electrical-Signals included
  • Excavation (Grading, Pipe Laying, Subgrade) *
  • Franchise
  • Landscaping (Irrigation included)
  • Saw cutting*
  • Sewer Laterals*
  • Sewer Main ($100,000 Bonding Capacity Min.) *
  • Sewer Taps*
  • Signs
  • Stormwater*
  • Striping
  • Traffic Control (Must provide proof of Oregon Flagger Certification for all staff who will be flagging in Bend city limits and a Traffic Control Supervisor Certification)
  • Tree Cutting / Removal
  • Vacuum Sewer*
  • Water Laterals
  • Water Main ($100,000 Bonding Capacity Min.)
  • Water Taps

*Pollution insurance coverage is required for these work types.

• Incomplete Applications: If your Qualified Contractor License application is not complete because it is missing some required materials, do not worry, we will let you know through the Online Permit Center. You will have 30 days from the notice date to send us what is missing, and then we will get your application reviewed. If we do not hear back from you with the required info, we will consider your application withdrawn and refund your application fee according to our fee schedule.
• Requirements for Continued Eligibility: To keep your license in good standing, make sure you maintain all the necessary licenses, registrations, insurance, and any required bonding. If anything changes in your business that affects your qualifications, you can update your application by submitting a new work history form.
• Qualified Contractor Policy: For all the practical details, be sure to read it. It has everything you need to know about this program.

Work performed in the public right-of-way must be completed by a qualified contractor. View the Approved Qualified Right of Way Contractor Licensee List for up-to-date information about licensed contractors.