Addressing Program

Updating addresses for the safety of the community

Why do we need address changes?

We are working to improve public safety within Deschutes County. For some time, emergency service agencies, County/City agencies, school districts, delivery services, and other organizations that rely on accurate location information have found:

Roads that do not exist on maps of the area
Some road locations and road names are shown incorrectly on local maps
There are multiple rural homes using a single easement or driveway to access a main road
Some residence addresses are not in the correct number range or on the wrong side of the road

These problems can cause a delay in service; a potentially dangerous situation in an emergency. All of these issues and their possible solutions have been discussed by concerned agencies. It was the consensus of this group that these public safety issues should be addressed immediately.

Who is involved in this project?

This project is a cooperative effort between emergency service agencies:

9-1-1
Fire Department
Sheriff’s Department
Police Department

Other agencies such as the Bend La Pine School District, City of Bend, and Deschutes County will also be involved in compiling information to locate and serve Deschutes County residents.

What can I expect to see in my neighborhood?

You may notice field crews from the Fire, Sheriff, or Police Departments collecting information in your neighborhood. These agencies are interested in obtaining accurate information about your road and house location in order to better serve you in times of emergency. You may already be aware of areas where finding an address has more to do with luck than logic. If you know of any of these areas, you can help by contacting us. In an effort to increase public safety, these high risk areas will be targeted first.

What does this mean to me and my family?

Unfortunately, some people will have to change their addresses. This could happen for any of the previously mentioned reasons. If you have found that your address is one that must be changed, please try to remember that this is necessary for the safety of you and your family. All changes have been considered carefully and individually by concerned agencies and found to be a potential risk to overall public safety in Deschutes County. We regret any inconvenience this change may cause you, but we know you will recognize the importance of these corrections.

Address changes should be reported to:

Department of Motor Vehicles (Bend Office) 388-6322
Voter Registration (County Clerk’s Office) 388-6547
Post Office 800-275-8777
Utility companies
Bank
Creditors
Insurance companies
Physicians and Dentists
Magazine subscriptions
Personal correspondence