Bend Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Bend Zoning Overview
Bend is one of the fastest-growing cities in Oregon, located in central Oregon's high desert east of the Cascade Range. The city's dramatic population growth has been driven by outdoor recreation tourism, remote workers, and quality-of-life migrants. This rapid growth has created significant housing affordability and supply challenges, making land use planning a particularly active area of public policy in Bend.
The city's zoning code is administered by the Community Development Department. Bend's urban growth boundary has been a major point of contention, as the city has worked to expand its boundary to accommodate growth while complying with Oregon's statewide planning goals that prioritize infill development within existing urban areas.
Key Zoning Districts
Bend's development code includes standard-density residential (RS), medium-density residential (RM), high-density residential (RH), mixed-use zones, commercial districts (CG, CL, CC), and industrial areas. The city has adopted middle housing provisions per HB 2001 and has special area plans for key growth areas.
ADU Regulations
Bend allows ADUs in all residential zones under Oregon HB 2001. ADUs have become an important housing strategy in Bend given the city's tight housing market and limited supply of developable land. No parking or owner-occupancy is required.
Development Process
Community Development processes permits and land use applications. Major projects go before the Planning Commission. Bend's growth management is shaped by the interplay between local planning and Oregon's statewide framework.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Bend
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Oregon
- Building Code: Oregon Structural Specialty Code (2021 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (HB 2001 / SB 458 - Cities over 2,500 must allow ADUs; no owner-occupancy or parking mandates)
County — Deschutes County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 4,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Bend
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 24 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- None required (per state law)
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required (per state law)
- Permit Timeline
- 4-8 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Bend are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Bend permit fees →