How much does a building permit cost in Bend, OR?

The minimum permit fee is $197.46 for building permits; $130.43 for residential plumbing. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; residential valuations are determined using the state-mandated valuation calculation table and commercial applicants state project valuation excluding land cost. Plan check fee: Building plan review is 65% of building permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in Bend, OR?

1. Confirm zoning and land use compliance using Bend's zoning lookup and development code resources. 2. Determine permit type and review applicable submittal checklist and SDC guidance. 3. Submit the permit application and required documents through the Online Permit Center Portal. 4. Pay required fees when invoiced. 5. City staff reviews the application and plans for code and development compliance. 6. After approval, city issues the permit and approved plans must be kept on site. 7. Schedule inspections in the portal at required construction stages. 8. After passing final inspection, the permit is closed.

What work is exempt from building permits in Bend, OR?

The following work is generally exempt: Small detached accessory structures within Oregon residential exemption limits; Fences not over 7 feet high unless a project-specific Bend standard triggers separate review; Retaining walls within Oregon exemption thresholds unless supporting surcharge or regulated structures; Finish work such as painting, papering, cabinets, countertops, and flooring; Certain sidewalks, driveways, and similar flatwork within code exemption thresholds. Note: Other building exemptions listed in ORSC Chapter 1; Bend advises checking with staff if unsure

How do I schedule a building inspection in Bend, OR?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Online Permit Center Portal.

City Building Permits

Bend, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Bend, Oregon. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Oregon Deschutes County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Bend administers permitting within city limits through its Permit Center and Online Permit Center Portal. Zoning, historic review, and project-specific development requirements are handled through city Community Development functions.

Department: City of Bend Community Development Department, Permit Center
Address: 710 NW Wall Street, Bend, OR 97703
Phone: (541) 388-5580
Email: permitcenter@bendoregon.gov
Website: https://bendoregon.gov/services/permits-licenses/

Online Permit Portal

Open Online Permit Center Portal

Platform: CityView • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm zoning and land use compliance using Bend's zoning lookup and development code resources.
Determine permit type and review applicable submittal checklist and SDC guidance.
Submit the permit application and required documents through the Online Permit Center Portal.
Pay required fees when invoiced.
City staff reviews the application and plans for code and development compliance.
After approval, city issues the permit and approved plans must be kept on site.
Schedule inspections in the portal at required construction stages.
After passing final inspection, the permit is closed.

Typical processing time: Review can take from a few days to several weeks depending on project complexity

Source: City of Bend Community Development Department, Permit Center

General Requirements

Structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, and major renovations generally require permits. City provides project-specific guidance for ADUs, decks, fences/retaining walls, reroofing, septic-to-sewer conversion, and water heaters.

Required Documents

Most permit applications require additional documents
Residential submittal checklists
Project-specific guides and documents as applicable

Permit validity: Permits expire if inspections are not requested within 180 days, or if there is a lapse between inspections of 180 days.
Building code: Bend enforces the Oregon State Building Code and related specialty codes, with local permit administration through the city.
Owner-builder: Homeowners can perform work on their own home, but cannot perform work on homes that are rented or leased; those jobs must be done by a licensed contractor.
Contractor requirements: Oregon contractor licensing rules apply; hired contractors generally need CCB licensure and specialty BCD licenses where required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $197.46 for building permits; $130.43 for residential plumbing
Plan check fee: Building plan review is 65% of building permit fee
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based; residential valuations are determined using the state-mandated valuation calculation table and commercial applicants state project valuation excluding land cost
Reinspection fee: Investigation fees for work commenced before permit issuance; additional plan review due to changes is $85.85 minimum half-hour charge
Payment note: Surcharges apply to building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and manufactured home permits. City adds 0.33% affordable housing fee on all building permits and 0.33% commercial and industrial construction tax on qualifying commercial and industrial new square footage.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective FY 2024-25).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Small detached accessory structures within Oregon residential exemption limits
Fences not over 7 feet high unless a project-specific Bend standard triggers separate review
Retaining walls within Oregon exemption thresholds unless supporting surcharge or regulated structures
Finish work such as painting, papering, cabinets, countertops, and flooring
Certain sidewalks, driveways, and similar flatwork within code exemption thresholds

Important: Other building exemptions listed in ORSC Chapter 1; Bend advises checking with staff if unsure

Inspections

How to Schedule

Online Permit Center Portal (online)

Inspection hours: Permit Inquiries: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Customer Resources: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Common stages include footing, framing, electrical, plumbing, and final inspection; exact sequence is permit-specific

Additional Resources

Building code: Bend enforces the Oregon State Building Code and related specialty codes, with local permit administration through the city.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Bend Municipal Code
Property Owners Guide
Developers & Contractors
License lookup guide: Oregon Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Oregon Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Oregon hub: Oregon Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Bend Community Development Department, Permit Center before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bend Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Bend, OR?: Structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, and major renovations generally require permits. City provides project-specific guidance for ADUs, decks, fences/retaining walls, reroofing, septic-to-sewer conversion, and water heaters.
How much does a building permit cost in Bend, OR?: The minimum permit fee is $197.46 for building permits; $130.43 for residential plumbing. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; residential valuations are determined using the state-mandated valuation calculation table and commercial applicants state project valuation excluding land cost. Plan check fee: Building plan review is 65% of building permit fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in Bend, OR?: 1. Confirm zoning and land use compliance using Bend's zoning lookup and development code resources. 2. Determine permit type and review applicable submittal checklist and SDC guidance. 3. Submit the permit application and required documents through the Online Permit Center Portal. 4. Pay required fees when invoiced. 5. City staff reviews the application and plans for code and development compliance. 6. After approval, city issues the permit and approved plans must be kept on site. 7. Schedule inspections in the portal at required construction stages. 8. After passing final inspection, the permit is closed.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Bend, OR?: Typical processing time is Review can take from a few days to several weeks depending on project complexity.
What work is exempt from building permits in Bend, OR?: The following work is generally exempt: Small detached accessory structures within Oregon residential exemption limits; Fences not over 7 feet high unless a project-specific Bend standard triggers separate review; Retaining walls within Oregon exemption thresholds unless supporting surcharge or regulated structures; Finish work such as painting, papering, cabinets, countertops, and flooring; Certain sidewalks, driveways, and similar flatwork within code exemption thresholds. Note: Other building exemptions listed in ORSC Chapter 1; Bend advises checking with staff if unsure
How do I schedule a building inspection in Bend, OR?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Online Permit Center Portal.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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