Bend Chamber hopes to ease housing shortage by offering library of pre-approved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) designs to public
KTVZ
(Update: adding video, adding interview with Bend Chamber, City of Bend, and Bend YIMBY)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As Bend’s population continues to grow, so does the pressure on housing. Now, officials are turning to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as one way to help ease the crunch — starting with a library of pre-approved ADU designs, free for public use.
Thanks to a partnership between Simplicity by Hayden Homes and the Bend Chamber, the library now contains its first additions. The Chamber hopes it’s just the beginning, and that local architects and developers will contribute to the design library.
The goal is to make the process simpler and more affordable for homeowners who want to add housing units to their property — and in-turn, add housing options to a strained market.
KTVZ News spoke with City of Bend housing division manager, Racheal Baker, about the benefit of the library.
“Accessory dwelling units are an excellent way for that gentler density to happen within our community at a pace that the community can develop it on its own and afford,” Baker said.
Compared to building a new home, ADUs have fewer barriers — and with pre-approved designs, the process becomes even more efficient. The city hopes the streamlined process will encourage more homeowners to consider building.
While the Bend Chamber is excited about the role ADUs may play in the housing shortage, they acknowledge hurdles still exist. With cost estimates to add an ADU to your property ranging from $80,000 to $400,000, many feel the option is still unattainable.
Sara Odendahl, interim CEO of the Bend Chamber of Commerce, touched on the issue when speaking with KTVZ.
“The cost of housing remains the biggest downside, I think, to any kind of construction — whether it’s the cost of labor, the cost of supplies, the materials. But hopefully, ADUs utilizing somebody’s existing property can be a way to help address that,” Odendahl said.
Supporters say ADUs aren’t a cure-all, but every new unit helps. Volunteer with Bend YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard — a local group focused on housing), Ian Karasz, appreciates that steps are being taken to address the housing shortage.
“The new ADU library, to me, it feels like a good step in the right direction. I think it’s a creative solution to the problem…every piece that makes it more affordable and cheaper to build homes is going to be another tool and step in the right direction,” Karasz said.
The city’s goal is to see at least 100 ADUs built each year — adding up to hundreds of new homes over time.
Leaders say while challenges like construction costs and interest rates remain, this program offers an innovative path forward. Ultimately, they hope the effort not only adds new housing, but also gives homeowners a way to be part of the solution to Bend’s housing shortage.
Earlier story — BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — September 18th — The Bend Chamber of Commerce, through generous support from Simplicity by Hayden Homes, said Thursday it’s proud to announce the launch of the Pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design Library — an innovative new resource aimed at streamlining ADU development in Bend.
Here’s Thursday’s news release about the ADU Library:
“Solving our housing crisis requires bold, collective action—and ADUs are a powerful, flexible tool in that effort,” said Ryan Jennings, President of Simplicity by Hayden Homes. “As proud members of the Bend Chamber, we’re honored to lead the way on this pre-approved online design library. At Simplicity, we believe that smart design can deliver more than just shelter—it can offer comfort, beauty, and real affordability. ADUs are a modern solution for modern housing needs, and we’re proud to help make them more accessible for our community.”
The Design Library supports the City’s housing production goals by offering a curated online collection of architecturally reviewed and permit-ready ADU plans. Homeowners can browse, choose, and purchase designs that align with local building codes, enabling faster permitting, cost savings, and greater housing diversity. Simplicity, a member of the Bend Chamber, provided financial and technical resources to help make the Pre-approved ADU Design Library a reality.
ADUs—compact homes typically attached to or located behind an existing house—play a vital role in diversifying housing in established neighborhoods. They leverage existing infrastructure, support intergenerational living, and offer homeowners a valuable investment opportunity.
In June 2025, the Bend City Council approved a new ordinance to allow up to two ADUs on the same property: one larger unit (up to 800 sq. ft.) and one smaller unit (up to 500 sq. ft.), which can be attached, detached, or a combination.
“ADUs are an innovative way to strengthen our neighborhoods and expand attainable housing options for Bend residents,” said Sara Odendahl, Interim CEO of the Bend Chamber of Commerce. “We’re proud to partner with the City and Simplicity by Hayden Homes to bring the Pre-approved ADU Design Library to life. By making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to add these units, we’re helping our workforce, and their families, stay rooted in Bend while addressing a critical community need.”
The Chamber’s new Pre-approved ADU Design Library bolsters this effort by providing pre-approved, code-compliant plans developed by qualified architects. Designs hosted in the library have been reviewed and permitted as a Master Re-Issue Permit through the City of Bend’s permitting program. The designer holds the Master Permit; all that remains is for the homeowner to work with the designer on submitting for a re-issued, site-specific permit.
Benefits of the Pre-approved ADU Design Library include:
Saving homeowners time and money by using pre-approved plans that fast-track permitting and reduce design costs.
Providing designers and developers with a platform to list their ADU designs and connect directly with local homeowners seeking streamlined solutions.
Gaining more affordable, diverse housing options, supporting workforce housing and neighborhood vitality.
“With shared advocacy for more housing options, we are excited to see a library of pre-approved plans being added to the Chamber’s ADU resources. It’s great to see the City’s Master Re-Issue Permit program being used to support homeowners in their ADU development process,” shared Kerry Bell, City of Bend Housing Division.
To expand the library’s offerings, architects, designers, and developers are encouraged to submit plans for pre-approval and inclusion. Instructions for how to do this are available at… https://bendchamber.org/pre-approved-adu-design-library/architects-and-builders/
The Pre-approved ADU Design Library can be found on the Bend Chamber’s web site at… https://bendchamber.org/pre-approved-adu-design-library/