On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bend
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.
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
- Exempt Small detached accessory structures within Oregon residential exemption limits
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high unless a project-specific Bend standard triggers separate review
- Exempt Retaining walls within Oregon exemption thresholds unless supporting surcharge or regulated structures
- Exempt Finish work such as painting, papering, cabinets, countertops, and flooring
- Exempt 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
Required documents
- Most permit applications require additional documents
- Residential submittal checklists
- Project-specific guides and documents as applicable
- Building code
- Bend enforces the Oregon State Building Code and related specialty codes, with local permit administration through the city.
- Permit validity
- Permits expire if inspections are not requested within 180 days, or if there is a lapse between inspections of 180 days.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Review can take from a few days to several weeks depending on project complexity
- 01 Confirm zoning and land use compliance using Bend's zoning lookup and development code resources.
- 02 Determine permit type and review applicable submittal checklist and SDC guidance.
- 03 Submit the permit application and required documents through the Online Permit Center Portal.
- 04 Pay required fees when invoiced.
- 05 City staff reviews the application and plans for code and development compliance.
- 06 After approval, city issues the permit and approved plans must be kept on site.
- 07 Schedule inspections in the portal at required construction stages.
- 08 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective FY 2024-25
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$197.46 for building permits; $130.43 for residential plumbing
02
Plan check fee
Building plan review is 65% of building permit fee
03
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
04
Reinspection fee
Investigation fees for work commenced before permit issuance; additional plan review due to changes is $85.85 minimum half-hour charge
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective FY 2024-25) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Common stages include footing, framing, electrical, plumbing, and final inspection; exact sequence is permit-specific
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Bend permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Bend, OR? ▸
Building permit fees in Bend, OR are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Bend, OR? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Bend, OR, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Bend, OR? ▸
Building permit processing times in Bend, OR typically run Review can take from a few days to several weeks depending on project complexity. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Bend, OR? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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 When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Bend, OR? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Bend, OR via: Online Permit Center Portal.
last verified April 2026
source City of Bend Community Development Department, Permit Center ↗
entry id permits/oregon/deschutes/bend-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Bend Community Development Department, Permit Center before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.