ADU Rules in Bend, OR (2026)

Bend, OR permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. State and local law actively preempts local restrictions, making ADU approval a streamlined ministerial process. In Bend, the Bend Community Development Department — Building Division handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Bend.

ADU Size Limits

ADU Size Limits in Bend: Detached ADU: up to 800 sq ft (max height: 20 feet). Attached ADU: 75% of primary dwelling up to 800 sqft. Oregon does not use the California JADU concept. Bend Development Code limits detached ADUs to 800 sqft — more restrictive than California's 1,200 sqft maximum but consistent with Oregon's statewide ADU framework. Attached ADUs limited to 75% of primary dwelling, maximum 800 sqft. Garage conversions limited to existing footprint. BDC Chapter 3.4.

Permit Fees

ADU Permit Fees in Bend: Plan check fee: $600–$3,000. Building permit fee: $1,000–$4,000. Impact fees: Bend transportation and parks system development charges (SDCs) — typically $5,000–$15,000 for new ADU. School fees: Bend-La Pine School District SDCs may apply for new residential units. Total estimated permit cost: $3,000–$8,000 in permit fees plus SDCs. Bend System Development Charges (SDCs) for water, sewer, transportation, and parks can be significant — typically $8,000–$20,000 for a new detached ADU. SDC deferrals available in some circumstances. Fee schedule: https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/community-development/building/fee-schedule

Permit Timeline

Bend ADU Permit Timeline: Bend Community Development processes ADU permits through the online CivicPlus permit portal. Standard ADU: 4-8 weeks plan review. Bend's rapid growth has created permit backlogs — processing times may be longer than Oregon's state-mandated 30-day window for Type I decisions. Construction typically 4-10 months. Apply through the Bend Community Development Department — Building Division online permit portal. Phone: (541) 388-5580.

Setback Requirements

ADU Setback Requirements in Bend: Front setback: Same as zone standard. Side setback: 5 feet. Rear setback: 5 feet. Detached ADU setbacks: 5 ft side and rear per Bend Development Code Section 3.4.200.D. Front setback follows zone standard — RS zones typically require 15-20 ft front setbacks. Corner lot ADUs must meet street setback requirements on both frontages.

Parking Requirements

Parking Requirements: No additional parking required for ADUs in Bend. Oregon prohibited local ADU parking requirements in ORS 197A.420. Bend also has limited transit options — most properties are car-dependent but the no-parking rule applies citywide.

Restrictions & Requirements

• •ADU must comply with Bend Development Code Section 3.4 objective standards
• •One ADU per single-family lot (additional units possible via HB 2001 middle housing path)
• •ADU cannot be sold separately from primary dwelling under single-family zoning
• •Short-term rental of ADU requires separate Bend STR license
• •Wildfire Urban Interface (WUI) standards apply in some Bend neighborhoods east of town — fire-resistant construction required
• •ADU must have permanent foundation

How Many ADUs Are Allowed?

Number of ADUs Allowed in Bend: Single-family lots: 1 ADU per single-family lot; middle housing (up to 4 units) by-right under Oregon HB 2001. Multifamily properties: ADUs permitted in RM and RH zones — consult Bend Development Code for zone-specific standards. Under Oregon HB 2001, Bend's single-family lots in RS, RL, RM zones may have up to 4 dwelling units via middle housing types (duplex, triplex, fourplex, cottage cluster). ADU allowances under BDC Section 3.4 are separate from HB 2001 middle housing allowances.

State Law & Preemption

Historic District Considerations

Frequently Asked Questions