ADU Rules in Bend, OR (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Bend, OR. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Bend, OR.
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: size varies by zoning — see official source (max height: varies — see official source). Attached ADU: size varies by zoning — see official source.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | See official source | See official source |
| Attached ADU | See official source | See official source |
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: Varies.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $600–$3,000 |
| Building Permit | $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 Estimate | See official source |
Permit Timeline
Bend ADU Permit Timeline: 4-8 weeks 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: follows zone standard. Side setback: no minimum. Rear setback: no minimum.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: (B) “Reasonable local regulations relating to siting and design” does not include owner-occupancy requirements of either the primary or accessory structure or requirements to construct additional off-street parking.
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.
- 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
Statewide Preemption
ADU Preemption
Oregon state law preempts local ADU rules — local governments cannot impose stricter standards.
View Oregon preemption detailsState Law & Preemption
State Preemption: Oregon House Bill 2001 (2019) eliminates single-family-only zoning in Oregon cities with 10,000+ population. Bend must allow ADUs and middle housing by-right in all residential zones. Oregon SB 458 (2021) also allows lot splits for middle housing. Owner-occupancy requirements are prohibited by Oregon ORS 197A.420. Bend's Development Code Chapter 3.4 implements ADU standards compliant with state law.
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Requirements: Bend has 2 historic districts where additional design review may be required for ADU construction. Design review approval is required before obtaining a building permit for properties in historic overlay zones. Bend has limited formal historic district designations — primarily the Downtown Bend Historic Commercial District along Wall Street and Brooks Street (1920s-1940s commercial buildings) and the Drake Park residential neighborhood near Mirror Pond. Bend's rapid growth as a 20th-century timber and agriculture town means most building stock dates from the 1950s-2000s with limited historic significance compared to Oregon's Willamette Valley cities. Look up historic district boundaries at: https://bendoregon.gov/departments/community-development/planning-division/historic-preservation/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Bend?
Yes. Bend, OR allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 ADU per single-family lot; middle housing (up to 4 units) by-right under Oregon HB 2001.
How big can an ADU be in Bend?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Bend is 800 square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Bend?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Bend is 4-8 weeks. Total estimated permit fees are $3,000–$8,000 in permit fees plus SDCs.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Bend?
Bend parking rules for ADUs: (B) “Reasonable local regulations relating to siting and design” does not include owner-occupancy requirements of either the primary or accessory structure or requirements to construct additional off-street parking.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Bend?
Owner-occupancy requirement in Bend: (B) “Reasonable local regulations relating to siting and design” does not include owner-occupancy requirements of either the primary or accessory structure or requirements to construct additional off-street parking.
Source: Bend Development Code Chapter 3.4 — Accessory Dwelling Units; Oregon Revised Statutes 197A.420 (HB 2001 codification). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source