Decks, Porches and Patio Covers Permitting Guide

Obtaining a permit for your deck, porch or patio project ensures that construction meets our building codes and standards, which are designed to protect the safety of the community. They help ensure that the work is done correctly and to a high standard. This can prevent costly repairs and issues in the future. Properly permitted work can increase the value of your property. If you decide to sell your home, having the necessary permits can make the process smoother and more attractive to buyers.

Do I Need a Permit?

When You Do Need a Permit:

• If your deck or porch will be more than 30 inches above the ground.
• If your pergola or patio cover will be over 12 feet high or exceeds 200 square feet in area.
• If your deck or porch will include stairs.
• If your deck, porch, pergola or patio cover will include electrical work, such as lighting or outlets.
• If your deck or porch will include plumbing features like an outdoor sink.
• If your deck or porch will have mechanical systems, such as a gas line for a grill.

When You Do Not Need a Permit:

• If your deck or porch is less than 30 inches high.
• If your pergola or patio cover is less than 200 square feet in area or under 12 feet high.

1Understand the Zoning for Your Property

Even if you don’t need a permit, when building in Bend, you must first refer to your property’s zoning requirements to find out what you can build.

To find your zoning designation, use our online zone search tool:

For more information on zoning, see the Bend Development Code, Chapter 2.1: Residential Districts.

If you have any specific questions or need further assistance related to zoning, please contact our Planning Division staff at planning@bendoregon.gov or 541-388-5580 ext. 3. They can provide guidance tailored to your project. Note: we cannot answer questions about your title report.

Depending on your zone, the following are some important points to consider. Note: some zoning requirements differ depending on which zone your property is in.

Setbacks:

Setback standards specify how far away from property lines a structure must be built. Setbacks provide private outdoor living space, building separation for fire protection/security, building maintenance, and sunlight and air circulation.

These standards vary depending on several factors, including a property’s zoning district. For more information, see the Bend Development Code on setbacks.

Height and Area Restrictions:

Decks that are more than 30 inches high will require a building permit and must comply with additional structural requirements.

If your pergola or patio cover is over 12 feet high, or covers more than 200 square feet in area, then you will need a building permit.

Ground-level areas for passive use, such as decks or patios, may cover up to 15 percent of the required landscape area.

Utility Easements:

Check your title report and subdivision plat to ensure your deck does not go into any public utility easements, which are areas reserved for utility companies to install and maintain services like water, gas, and electricity.

Historical Properties

For designated historic properties and properties in the historic districts here in Bend, there are specific permitting requirements to ensure the preservation of the property’s historical integrity. Use our Community Data Explorer to find out if your property is a designated historic resource.

For more information, visit our Historic Preservation Resources.

Waterway Overlay Zone

The Waterway Overlay Zone is designed to protect and enhance the natural resources along the Deschutes River and Tumalo Creek within the City. When planning a project within the Waterway Overlay Zone, you must adhere to additional standards beyond those of the underlying zone. For more information, see the Bend Development Code, Article V. Waterway Overlay Zone (WOZ).

For detailed guidance and to ensure compliance with all regulations, please contact our Planning Division staff at planning@bendoregon.gov or 541-388-5580 ext. 3. They can provide guidance tailored to your project.

For more detailed information, see the Bend Development Code.

2Determine Permit Requirements

Depending on the scope of your project, you may need one or more permits, but you only need to submit one application for the project. If you find you will need an Electrical, Plumbing or Mechanical Permit, simply select the appropriate permit types during the application process. (See Step 4 for more information.)

Exemptions

Apart from the requirements listed above, you typically won’t need a permit to build a deck, porch, or patio cover in the following situations:

• Height: If the deck is less than 30 inches high or the patio cover is under 12 feet high.
• Patio Cover Area: If the patio cover is under 200 square feet.
• Stairs: If your deck or porch doesn’t have stairs.

Note: This is only a guide. If you are unsure whether your project requires any permits, please check with our helpful staff. We’re available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Contact Us: building@bendoregon.gov | 541-388-5580 ext. 2
Visit us: City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street

3Prepare Your Plans

Before you begin your permit application, put together the following to submit with your application:

• Residential Submittal Checklist, which outlines the necessary items and steps required when submitting a building permit application.
• Detailed plans of your deck, including dimensions, materials, and framing details, drawn to standard industry scale.
• A site plan showing the deck’s location on your property.

Note: there is no “Save for Later” feature when working on your application, so it’s important that you have everything ready ahead of time.

4Submit Your Application

Apply for all your project’s required permits through our Online Permit Center Portal.

Note: you’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one.

Don’t have a Portal account? Sign up

1. Under Choose the application type, select Deck, Fence, Porch Cover, or Similar.
2. Fill in additional details for the project and click Next Step: Permit Type.
3. Select all the appropriate Permit Types for your project.
4. Complete the remaining steps, review information and submit application.
5. Visit your shopping cart to pay the applicable fees.

5Plan Review

After your application has been submitted and fees paid, we will review your application and plans to ensure they meet all building codes and regulations.

6Permit Issuance

Once your plans are approved and you have paid your fees, you’ll receive your permit issuance notification. Make sure to keep these on-site during construction.

7Inspections

Once permits are issued, you can begin the work. Schedule inspections at various stages of construction (e.g., footing, framing, final inspection) to ensure that the project meets all building codes and safety standards.

To schedule an inspection, use our Online Permit Center Portal:

1. Under My Items, click to expand My Building Permit, Permanent Sign & SDC Estimate Applications.
2. Select your project.
3. Click Request Inspection.
4. Select the date you would like the inspection.
5. Finish the remaining steps and submit your inspection request.

For more information, visit Inspection Requests.

8Final Approval

After passing all inspections, your permit will be closed, and you can be assured you are in full compliance with all regulations.

We have staff available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help answer your questions via email, phone, or in person. Appointments are not necessary, and walk-ins are always welcome. 

Contact Us: permitcenter@bendoregon.gov | 541-388-5580
Visit us: City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street