Building an ADU in Bend, Oregon

What you can build in Bend

Bend's ADU rules are in Bend Development Code 3.6.200(B). "A maximum of two ADUs is allowed per lot or parcel," and ADUs "may only be permitted on a lot or parcel with a single-unit dwelling." The city's ADU Resource Hub describes this as a residential lot with a single-unit home, townhome or manufactured home. An ADU can be attached to your house, part of a converted basement or garage, or a separate cottage in the yard.

Some lots get fewer ADUs. The code doesn't allow ADUs on a lot created by a middle housing land division or in a cottage development, and a small dwelling unit development is limited to one ADU per lot. A second ADU that would push the lot over the zone's maximum density isn't allowed where the sewer main lacks capacity.

Two ADUs per lot became possible with code amendments (Ordinance 2532) that the City Council adopted June 18, 2025, effective July 18, 2025. The city is working on further code updates, so confirm the rules for your lot with the Planning Division. See our Oregon ADU law page for the state rules. [1][2][4]

Size and siting

Size. "A single ADU on a lot or parcel is limited to a maximum floor area of 800 square feet and a second ADU on a lot or parcel is limited to a maximum floor area of 500 square feet." The city's ADU Resource Hub only says ADUs must be 800 square feet or less, but the code sets the 500 square foot limit for a second ADU; confirm with the Planning Division. Floor area is measured inside the exterior walls. Areas with a sloped ceiling lower than 5 feet don't count, and an attached accessory structure that you can't reach from inside the ADU, or that provides a parking space for the ADU, doesn't count either.

Detached ADUs. A detached ADU must be at least 6 feet from other dwelling units on the lot, measured between building footprints, unless each structure was legally built before April 1, 2016. The city's 500 square foot Modern Mill House plan is labeled as qualifying "as a 2nd ADU design."

Setbacks, height and coverage. ADUs must meet the standards of your zoning district in addition to the ADU rules, so setbacks, height and lot coverage depend on your zone. Contact the Planning Division at (541) 388-5580 ext. 3 to confirm the numbers for your lot. [1][2][3]

Parking and owner occupancy

Bend's code says "There are no minimum parking requirements in the City of Bend." Oregon law also says reasonable siting and design rules for ADUs don't include "owner-occupancy requirements of either the primary or accessory structure or requirements to construct additional off-street parking." Cities may still require owner occupancy or parking for ADUs used as vacation rentals. [5][6]

Fees and SDCs

"Fees can vary considerably for ADU Applications." Your cost includes permit fees and system development charges (SDCs), and permit fees depend on the ADU's square footage. Even with a free pre-approved plan, you pay building permit and site-specific plan review fees, SDCs and planning fees.

For a permit fee estimate, which also includes SDC information, email building@bendoregon.gov or call a Building Permit Technician at (541) 388-5580 ext. 2. For SDC amounts or the SDC Deferral Program, contact Development Services at development@bendoregon.gov.

Bend doesn't currently offer an ADU property tax exemption. For other incentives, contact the Housing Department at (541) 323-8550. For budgeting help, see our ADU cost guide and ADU financing guide. [2][3]

Free pre-approved plans

Bend's Pre-Approved Plans Program offers five plans that are free to use for permitting inside city limits:

• Cascade Cottage: 779 square feet, 1 bedroom, single level, Type A accessible
• Modern Mill House: 500 square feet, 1 bedroom, slender footprint, qualifies as a second ADU design
• Deschutes Bungalow: 799 square feet, 2 bedrooms, single level, Type A accessible
• Mt Bachelor Pad: 799 square feet, 2 bedrooms, second-story living over a two-car garage
• The Joel: 576 square foot studio, shared by the City of Eugene

You can't change a pre-approved plan. You still need a site plan, the program's submittal checklist and a signed end user agreement. The Master/Reissue program is limited to sites that don't exceed 2 feet of slope at the footings and don't need design changes. [3]

Garage conversions and existing structures

An ADU can be part of a converted space like a basement or garage. Many backyard sheds and outbuildings were never permitted or inspected as new structures. In Oregon, detached non-habitable accessory structures under 200 square feet don't need structural permits, but an ADU is habitable and does need permits, along with mechanical, electrical and plumbing permits. Email building@bendoregon.gov about converting an existing structure. See our garage conversion guide. [2]

Renting it out

State law lets cities regulate ADUs used as vacation rentals, including requiring owner occupancy or parking for them. Bend's short-term rental rules (BDC 3.6.500) require a permit for each dwelling unit used as a short-term rental. In the RL, RS, RM and RH zones, and in the MR zone outside the Old Mill District, applications submitted after November 4, 2021 for a property with more than one dwelling unit, such as a house and an ADU, "can only have one unit permitted as a short-term rental." Ask the Planning Division at (541) 388-5580 ext. 3 before you plan to list an ADU as a short-term rental. [3][6][7]

Permit steps in Bend

1. Check your lot

   Confirm your zoning, and ask the Planning Division at (541) 388-5580 ext. 3 or planning@bendoregon.gov about setbacks and the number of ADUs your lot allows. [1][3]

2. Get a design

   Use a designer or architect, or choose one of the city's free pre-approved plans. [2][3]

3. Prepare your documents

   Complete the items on the city's Residential Submittal Checklist, linked from the ADU Resource Hub. For a pre-approved plan, add a site plan, the program checklist and the end user agreement. [2][3]

4. Apply in the city's permit portal

   Sign up for a city permit Portal account, choose New Construction/Installation, and upload your documents. One permit covers both Planning and Building Safety review. For a pre-approved plan, mention the Pre-Approved ADU Program in the project description. [2][3]

5. Answer review comments and pay fees

   Processing takes about 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how complete your application is and how fast you respond to plan review questions. Pay permit fees and SDCs, or ask about the SDC Deferral Program. [2]

6. Build and get inspections

   Build to the approved plans and schedule the required inspections. For questions, contact Building Safety at building@bendoregon.gov or (541) 388-5580 ext. 2. [3]

Pre-approved and sample plans

• City of Bend Free Pre-Approved Plans Program

  Five free plans (Cascade Cottage, Modern Mill House, Deschutes Bungalow, Mt Bachelor Pad and The Joel), 500 to 799 sq ft, licensed for permitting inside Bend city limits. [3]

Who to call

• Bend Permit Center, Building Safety Division

  Permit fee estimates, building code and inspections

  (541) 388-5580 ext. 2

  City Hall, first floor, 710 N.W. Wall St., Bend, OR 97703

  [2][3]

• Planning Division

  Zoning, setbacks and ADU standards

  (541) 388-5580 ext. 3

  [3]

• System Development Charges (Development Services)

  SDC amounts and the SDC Deferral Program

  (541) 388-5580 ext. 5

  [2][3]

• Water Services Department

  Water service questions

  (541) 317-3000 ext. 2

  [3]

Questions people ask