Planning Division Access & Information

The Planning Division staff rotates to provide a "counter" planner and a "phone" planner to answer questions during office hours. In order to answer most planning questions, we need the tax account number, the address of the property, or the application number in question. The process for contact with the Planning Division is generally as follows:

Telephone Calls
Sometimes it is difficult to reach the Planning Division by phone. During peak periods the Community Development Department received over 200 phone calls per hour. Please be patient. Telephone calls for the Planning Division are accepted through the CDD switchboard at (541) 388-6575. General information calls are normally routed to the "phone planner". With our phone system, you will need to press #1 (for a touch-tone phone) and then #0 to reach the switchboard and to speak with or leave a message for a planner. If you have a rotary phone please stay on the line and the switchboard operator will pick up your call. Our goal is to return calls within 24 hours. If this system does not meet your needs or you encounter problems contacting the Planning Division, leave a message explaining your problem. We will contact you as soon as possible. Suggestions for improvements of this system are always welcome.

Counter and Appointment Planners
A "counter planner" is available at the main office in Bend to answer questions and provide information within a 15 to 20 minute period. Persons needing more time may make an afternoon appointment with a planner for up to one hour. Appointments with a planner may be arranged by phone or in person. Special longer meetings with staff members, including the Planning Director, can be scheduled but need advance arrangements directly with the staff member.

Current Planning Staff
The Current Planning Division handles individual land use applications, zoning reviews, sign-off for building permits and provides information to the public on all land use related issues.
 

Complex Issues
In the case of complex issues relating to applications, the Planning Division may require a pre-application conference and fee. These conferences are designed to provide both the applicant and the Planning Division with necessary information before an application is submitted, and may involve several CDD staff members.

Public Record Review
All files and public records are available for review with staff supervision. Supervision is necessary since files and other information are official county records. In the case of review of specific files, projects or information which by number or complexity requires significant staff time, the Planning Division requires an appointment at least one week in advance so that space may be made available and personnel provided. Copies can be made for you (25¢ per page) or you may use our self-service copy machine (10¢ per page).

Maps, Zoning Ordinances and Reports
The Planning Division has completed a project to update the county zoning maps and enter the zoning for all rural Deschutes County properties into the computer. The zoning for properties within the city limits of Bend, Redmond and Sisters is not in the computer data base or on the county zoning maps.

Fees

Unlike other county departments, the Community Development Department is entirely fee-supported and receives no property tax revenue. The fees set by CDD for copies of documents, staff reports, transcripts, maps, applications and appeals are calculated to cover the county's actual costs of providing those items and services. A fee schedule is available at the CDD office.  You can also view a pdf version of the 2007-2008 CDD Fees.

Mailing Lists
The Planning Division maintains mailing lists for persons interested in receiving meeting agendas, planning application summaries, etc. You may request that your name be placed on a mailing list for particular information. Contact the Planning Secretary at 388-6575.

Main Office Hours

Mon, Tues, Thur , Fri - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Wed - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Satellite Offices

Satellite offices have Permit Technicians on duty during normal hours of operation.  For mail delivery, please direct items to the main office in Bend:

Community Development Department

117 NW Lafayette Ave

Bend, OR  97701

Redmond Office

657 SW Glacier Ave, Redmond, OR, (541) 385-1713

This office is open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Wednesday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

 

La Pine Office

51340 Highway 97, La Pine, OR, (541) 536-5852 - no mail delivery taken here

This office is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm,

Wednesday from 12:30 am to 4:00 pm.

 

Property Records - DIAL

The Deschutes Information Access Line, makes available a collection of Deschutes County public records by using public information computer terminals located within the county offices or from your personal computer. DIAL provides access to property tax, assessment, appraisal, ownership, sales and permit information. Transaction and account history information is also available.