If you’re thinking about building an ADU in Bend, you’ve basically got two options: use the City’s pre-approved plan (fast, simple, fixed) or go custom with a designer/builder (flexible, site-tuned, future-proof). The good news: Bend has made both paths easier. The City runs an ADU Resource Hub with a single permit that covers Planning and Building Safety, and they publish an estimated 4–8 week review timeline when your submittal is complete. bendoregon.gov

What the Pre-Approved Plan Really Is (and isn’t)

Bend currently offers one pre-approved ADU plan—adapted from the City of Eugene—available at no cost to use. You choose a shed or gable roof, and you can’t modify the plan set itself. You’ll still prepare a basic site plan and submit for a building permit; the advantage is that the building drawings are already vetted for code, which can streamline your review. bendoregon.gov

If speed, predictability, and a compact, standard layout are your priorities, this is a solid option. If you want to move a wall, stretch a window, or rework the kitchen, that’s outside the pre-approved lane—go custom.

The Rules That Matter in 2025 (and why some pages look “off”)

In June 2025, Bend adopted code changes that let a property with a single-unit detached home build up to two ADUs. When you build two, one is capped at 800 sq ft and the other at 500 sq ft. The same package added a “secondary kitchen” option (an internal kitchen that does not create a separate dwelling, subject to conditions). These updates are now in the Bend Development Code (BDC) and the Council’s adopted materials.

Heads up: parts of the City’s marketing pages still read like the “old rules” (one ADU per lot). Treat the BDC and the adopted ordinance as the source of truth while the web copy gets refreshed.

When the Pre-Approved Plan Makes the Most Sense

Picture a straightforward, flat lot with standard utility runs and no tricky site constraints. You’re okay with a modest footprint and a standard layout, and you want a smoother permit review. That’s exactly the use case the City designed this for. The plan is free to use, you pick your roof, submit once for Planning + Building, and (assuming a clean submittal) you’re targeting that 4–8 week processing window.

When a Custom (Builder/Designer) Route Wins

Bend lots are rarely cookie-cutter. Sun angles, snow, privacy from neighbors, tree protection, grade changes, driveway access, and utility routing all affect how a small home actually lives. A custom plan lets you tune those details—window placement for winter light, entries that don’t ice over, mechanicals that run quiet, storage where you actually need it. If you’re thinking rental income, the little things (acoustics, sleeping separation, kitchen workflow) influence rates and vacancy more than you’d expect.

Custom also matters if you’re playing the two-ADU game. With one unit at 800 sq ft and the second at 500, sequencing and siting matter—where you place the first ADU and how you stub utilities can either make the second easy…or force a future re-do. Designing with the current code in mind saves headaches later.

Even Better: Work with a Builder Who Can Do Both

Here’s the sweet spot—team up with a builder who already has designs ready to go but can also tweak and tailor them to your lot, your budget, and your lifestyle. That’s what we do at BuildADU. We’ve developed plans that start faster than a fully custom process, but they aren’t locked in stone like the City’s one-size-fits-all pre-approved option. Think of it as a head start—you get the efficiency of a proven design, with the freedom to adjust windows, layouts, or finishes so your ADU feels like it truly belongs on your property. It’s the balance between speed, flexibility, and long-term livability.

Costs, Fees, and Expectations

The pre-approved plan can reduce design time and help streamline review, but total cost still comes down to your site work, utilities, finishes, and the local labor market. Either path still involves permit fees and system development charges (SDCs); the City points you to staff who can estimate fees based on your square footage and scope. bendoregon.gov

So…which option should you pick?

If you want the simplest path to a compact backyard home, the pre-approved plan is a great on-ramp. If you’re optimizing for long-term livability or future ROI—and especially if your lot is quirky or you’re eyeing two ADUs—a custom plan pays off. Either way, start by confirming your site, rough budget, and goals, then move forward with the option that best fits your needs.

Next steps

1. Skim the Pre-Approved ADU page and download the plan; note the “no changes” rule and roof options. bendoregon.gov
2. Check the ADU Hub for the single-permit process and the City’s current 4–8 week timeline notes. bendoregon.gov
3. If you’re considering two ADUs or a secondary kitchen, confirm the BDC and the June 18, 2025 ordinance details before you commit to a layout.

Have questions about how these rules apply to your lot? Ping us what you’re scheming and we’ll help you sanity-check it.

At BuildADU, we’re here to make the process less confusing and a lot more doable. Whether you’re eyeing Bend’s pre-approved plan for a fast, straightforward build or leaning toward a custom design that better fits your property and long-term goals, we can help you sort out what actually makes sense for your site. We’ll walk you through the rules (like Bend’s new two-ADU allowance), help you understand the permitting path, and guide you all the way through construction. In short, BuildADU takes the code language, fee schedules, and city timelines and translates them into clear next steps—so you can get moving on an ADU that adds value, income potential, and flexibility to your property.