Category: ktvz-local-news

Jillian Fortner

(Update: adding video, comments from BestCare, Recover Together Bend)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – BestCare Treatment Services says they’re seeing more people walk through their doors because of kratom, a substance some turn to for pain or anxiety.

Kratom is a Southeast Asian plant containing mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Low doses can stimulate while higher doses can sedate, like opioids.

“The perception is that this is safe and natural,” BestCare’s medical director, Billie Cartwright, said Friday. “That perception isn’t not necessarily true. Kratom actually is a plant. But ‘natural’ doesn’t necessarily mean safe.”

BestCare Addiction Clinic says they’re now seeing a few patients each week coming in for help with kratom use. Some people in recovery have relapsed after trying it.

“It totally reactivates their addiction that may have been stable and in remission,” Cartwright said.

Some have developed a dependency, despite having no prior history of addiction.

“I’ve seen another set of patients, you know, an older population that is using it for pain,” Cartwright added.

BestCare warns 7-OH is far stronger than mitragynine, especially in synthetic or concentrated products. It has already been banned in some states, including Florida.

Back in August, KTVZ spoke with Recover Together Bend about the dangers it poses.

“7-OH can be as potent and at times even more potent than morphine and heroin themselves. The problem lies in the fact that it’s unregulated,” said Dr. David Campbell of Recover Together Bend.

The CDC identified 91 kratom-involved deaths in 2016-2017. Only seven were kratom-only. Most involved fentanyl, opioids or benzodiazepines.

Naloxone may help in mixed overdoses but isn’t always effective for kratom alone, according to BestCare.

Cartwright mentioned adverse effects include nausea, liver injury, seizures and psychiatric symptoms.

This year, the Food and Drug Administration referred 7-OH to the Drug Enforcement Administration for possible scheduling under the Controlled Substances Act. This referral targets synthetic and concentrated 7-OH products, not traditional kratom leaf.

Local Resources & Support:

BestCare Addiction Medicine Clinic: 541-668-9070

BestCare Withdrawal Management Services: 458-218-2027

Recover Together Bend Withdrawal Management Services: 832-398-1138

Call 911 immediately in case of overdose.

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KTVZ

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of Republic Services, will provide the final scheduled free shred event of 2025 on Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Terrebonne Elementary School parking lot.

This residential-only shred event is not intended for business or commercial use. Paper clips and staples may remain attached, but plastic bags and three-ring binders cannot be accepted.

Participants are asked to bring no more than four boxes of documents per household. If you have more than four boxes, please contact Republic Services at 541-352-2263 for disposal options.

The event will also include safe medication disposal. Accepted items include:

Prescriptions

Patches

Ointments

Over-the-counter medications

Vitamins

Samples

Pet medications

Not accepted: Sharps, thermometers, inhalers, aerosols, or pressurized containers.

The event also provides proper disposal of American flags. Community members may bring worn or tattered flags for respectful retirement. In addition, non-perishable food donations will be accepted and donated to a local food bank.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to take advantage of this opportunity to safely and securely dispose of sensitive documents, unwanted medications, and worn flags—all while supporting the local community.

Terrebonne Elementary School is located at 1199 B Ave, Terrebonne, OR 97760. 

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College is staging ‘Jobfest’ events for career-seekers at its Bend and Redmond campuses, with nearly 40 local companies and agencies set to participate.

They will take place October 2nd and 7th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

Additionally, both campuses will hold free resume-building workshops ahead of the ‘Jobfest’ events:

-Bend campus: Tuesday, September 30th in Cascades Hall, room 240a from 11 a.m. to Noon.

-Redmond campus: Monday, October 6th in the Technology Education Center, room 135 from 3-4 p.m.

No registration is required. You can find additional information on COCC’s website.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– A staple of the Redmond coffee community branches out to Bend. Junction Roastery prides itself on coffee and tea with artisan and local ingredients. It also established itself as a social spot in the Redmond community and wants to bring a version of that to Bend. The second Junction Roastery will go in the area where Black Strap, an outdoor clothing company, is located on Southeast 9th Street. Fans of the Redmond coffee company are excited for a new location and Junction thinks it’s going to be a big hit in Bend.

Bo Olson, Owner of Junction Roastery told KTVZ News “We actually really, really care about getting it right and making a connection with our guests every day and creating regulars. Everybody that comes into Junction, it’s kind of in the name. We bring all walks of life in. We hope everybody leaves feeling a little bit cooler and having a little bit of a better time and a higher vibration when they leave the doors.”

The new space also allows more room for roasting on the spot. Junction Roastery will offer its signature coffee, baked goods from Sister’s Bakery, and teas from Metolius Organic Tea. The expected opening is around Thanksgiving.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Alfalfa-area resident Lorinda Maxwell, the owner of “Kameo Poodles,” has been granted conditional release as her animal neglect case moves forward in Deschutes County Circuit Court.

At prosecutors’ request, Deschutes County Circuit Judge Randy Miller added a condition to Maxwell’s release during Thursday’s arraignment that prohibits her from owning or living with domestic animals of any kind as the case proceeds.

It was Maxwell’s first court appearance, facing 49 counts of second-degree animal neglect, all Class C felonies. Another court hearing is scheduled for October 10 to determine whether Maxwell must permanently forfeit the 49 animals seized from her property. 

Maxwell is accused of operating a puppy mill where 49 animals, many of them poodle puppies, were found by deputies. According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the dogs were found crammed into cages, suffering from poor health and in desperate need of grooming. 

Speaking Thursday with KTVZ News, District Attorney Steve Gunnels described the conditions as “unsanitary,” with insufficient food and water. Photographs from investigators show filthy crates littered with old food and feces. 

The poodles are currently being cared for at the Humane Society of Central Oregon, but remain Maxwell’s property and until next month’s forfeiture hearing. Prosecutors are asking the court to permanently transfer ownership of the dogs to the shelter, allowing them to be adopted into new homes. 

Maxwell is scheduled for arraignment October 16th on an expected formal grand jury indictment.

“This is probably one of our bigger animal forfeiture and animal neglect cases,” Gunnels told us, noting the recent sharp rise in abuse cases across Deschutes County. His office has assigned two attorneys with specialized training to prosecute such crimes. 

The DA also credited area law enforcement with stepping up enforcement efforts.

“What we’re seeing right now is pretty aggressive law enforcement to find those instances where people are abusing or neglecting animals,” he said. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend’s biggest little art show returned to the High Desert Museum. Organizers say this year promises to be the most impressive yet.

The 20-Dollar Art Show, presented by Bright Place Gallery, features more than 8,000 miniature masterpieces created by 350-plus artists.

Here’s the full announcement:

Celebrating original artwork created by established and emerging artists, The 20-Dollar Art Show opens Saturday, October 4. For two weeks, visitors, art enthusiasts and fans can explore the exhibition, find their favorites and plan their shopping wish lists. Walls throughout the Museum will showcase rows of creative, colorful miniature art.

Then, an Extravaganza Kickoff event takes place on Friday, October 17 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm with music, food and drinks. For the low, low price of $20, each of the thousands of artworks will be available for sale. It will be the first time visitors can purchase their mini masterpieces, with all proceeds going to the artist. As in previous years, timed ticket entries will be available for 5:30 pm entry, 6:30 pm entry and 7:30 pm entry.

On Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, special Extravaganza events will keep rolling from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm! At least a thousand new works will go out each morning while artists create one-of-a-kind artwork on site. Tickets will be required for the morning sessions for non-Museum members. Those exclusively visiting The 20-Dollar Art Show to browse and buy Saturday and Sunday afternoons may do so without paying admission, as well as on Monday, October 20.

Tickets for the Friday evening, Saturday morning and Sunday morning events go on sale at 12:00 pm Wednesday, September 24 at highdesertmuseum.org/20-art-show-info. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for ages 16 and younger. Timed entry tickets are first come, first served. Last year, all tickets sold within minutes.

“The 20-Dollar Art Show continues to grow every year with an awe-inspiring array of miniature art,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “This is a favorite exhibit, and it is an honor to host this beloved community event that supports local and emerging artists.”

The brainchild of Stuart Breidenstein and Abby Dubief of the former Bright Place Gallery, The 20-Dollar Art Show began in 2013 to help local artists sell their art while also making it affordable and accessible to the public. When the gallery closed in December 2019, the show had already grown beyond its walls. After a break during the pandemic, the show found a new home at the Museum. Since 2021, the Museum’s walls are packed with miniature artworks every fall.

“We are excited that so many artists are participating this year,” said Breidenstein. “We’re not only overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of work, but also by the quality. As the show grows, we’re continually inspired by the one-off gems these mostly unknown artists can create.”

Breidenstein and Dubief produce the show each year, helping to hang the art at the Museum, which can take days to complete. As artists themselves, both contribute pieces to the show. Other popular local artists featured in the 2025 exhibition include Sondra Holtzman, Janet Kilgore, Carrie Erickson, Jessie Zenor and Mike Wise. Participating artists range from age 8 to 80.

Each piece of art is a maximum of 36 square inches, making them truly miniature. The art ranges from watercolors and macrame to oil portraits and acrylic landscapes. Some include a touch of humor while others tell a story or carry a message. When all the art is on the Museum’s walls, the mini artworks do not seem so small anymore, said Dustin Cockerham, Senior Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at the Museum.

“We build temporary walls to help display all of these amazing miniatures,” said Cockerham. “This year, the exhibition will be on view for two weeks before the sale begins. It’s worth visiting and exploring all the art, not just so you can pick your favorites beforehand but to see the scale of the exhibition and the breadth of creativity.”

Window shopping in the days prior to the extravaganza is one of the best ways to view the exhibition and prepare for the sale. Browse the walls of art, experience all the inspiring styles, colors and themes, and find your favorite mini masterpieces. Viewing the exhibition before the October 17 Extravaganza is included with the price of admission.

The 20-Dollar Art Show is open through Monday, October 20 and is made possible by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and The Clabough Foundation.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

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Lynsey Harris

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon’s only dedicated bunny rescue, Embers Wildflower Bunny Rescue, is helping abandoned and surrendered bunnies find loving homes. Founder Lindsey Provost joined KTVZ to share how the community can get involved.

Provost introduced to us two of the sanctuary’s residents, Malachite and Crystal, who have been patiently waiting for their forever homes.

Malachite was found in the wild as a baby, far from where a domestic bunny should be, highlighting the importance of rescue efforts.

Embers Wildflower Bunny Sanctuary was inspired by Provost’s own bunny, Ember.

“He showed me how special bunnies are,” Provost said. “We take in bunnies that need new homes, and our goal is to find homes for as many as possible. Some will live out their lives here in sanctuary.”

The sanctuary is in need of volunteers to provide proper care and attention for the bunnies. Provost emphasized that adopting a bunny is a serious commitment: “They are a 10-year commitment and require more than just a small cage. There’s a lot to learn about taking care of them properly.”

The adoption process begins with a questionnaire on the sanctuary’s website, followed by sharing pictures of a potential home setup. After that, prospective adopters can schedule a visit to meet the bunnies.

Currently, Embers Wildflower Bunny Sanctuary has more than 41 bunnies ready for adoption.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With nearly 40 local companies and agencies set to participate, Central Oregon Community College is staging JobFest events for career-seekers at its Bend and Redmond campuses pm Thursday, Oct. 2 and Tuesday, Oct. 7, respectively, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both dates.

These events are free and open to the public. Visit cocc.edu/departments/cap/career-services/jobfest for details and a list of participating employers.

Additionally, both campuses will hold free resume-building workshops in advance: on the Bend campus in Cascades Hall, room 240A, from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Sept. 30, and on the Redmond campus in the Technology Education Center, room 135, from 3-4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6. No registration is required.

“JobFest is a chance to explore different career fields and learn more about individual organizations,” said Diane Pritchard, COCC’s director of career services, academic advising and placement, or CAP services. 

Attendees can discover employment, internship and volunteer opportunities while determining the types of skills and experiences required for those positions.

For more information, contact COCC’s CAP services at 541-383-7200 or capservices@cocc.edu.

In advance of college events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability should contact campus services at 541-383-7775. For accommodation because of other disability such as hearing impairment, contact student accessibility services at sas@cocc.edu or 541-383-7583.

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KTVZ

UPDATE: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The High Desert Museum announced Thursday it has earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the gold standard for animal care and well-being worldwide.

The Museum went before the AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission for final review on Sunday for accreditation in what has been a years-long process. The Museum wildlife team cares for over 100 animals ranging from mammals to birds of prey to reptiles, amphibians and fish, each with its own needs and requirements.

Here’s the rest of the museum’s announcement:

Of the 32 applicants reviewed by the Commission during the AZA’s September meeting in Tampa, Fla., 31 were granted accreditation. Fewer than 10 percent of 2,800 institutions licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to exhibit wildlife are accredited by the AZA. As of this month, there were 254 AZA-accredited institutions worldwide.

“We are extremely proud to have achieved AZA accreditation through providing the highest standards in both animal care and our educational programs,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “This is a testament to not only the outstanding dedication of our wildlife team, but to the entire staff and Board for supporting and affirming these high standards, day in and day out.”

AZA is the independent accrediting organization for the best zoos and aquariums in North America and the world, assuring the public that when they visit an AZA-accredited facility, it meets the highest standards for animal care and welfare. AZA accreditation standards are considered the gold standard for zoos and aquariums in all aspects of operations, animal care and wellbeing, education and conservation.

“Congratulations to the leadership and staff at the High Desert Museum for attaining the global ‘gold standard’ in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “AZA’s standards continuously evolve to reflect best practices in the zoo and aquarium profession, with a strong emphasis on animal care and wellbeing at their core. The High Desert Museum has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”

The Museum joins the Oregon Zoo in Portland, Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport and Wildlife Safari in Winston as the AZA-accredited organizations in the state. In addition, the Museum is now one of only 15 other organizations in the United States to hold both an AZA and an American Alliance of Museums (AAM) accreditation.

The Museum has cared for wildlife on site since its inception in 1982, from North American river otters to porcupines, owls and turtles, foxes and bobcats. Museum founder Don Kerr believed closeup encounters with wildlife that evoke wonder and awe could lead to learning about and conserving those species in the wild.

To be accredited, the Museum submitted a lengthy application and underwent a thorough onsite inspection and examination by recognized experts in animal wellbeing and zoo operations to ensure it has and will continue to meet the ever-rising standards of animal care, conservation, education and safety.

“AZA accreditation is an intensely thorough process,” said John Lewis, a Museum board member who was director of the Los Angeles Zoo from 2003 to 2009 and once served on AZA’s Accreditation Commission. “It’s deliberately so in order to ensure that the wellbeing of the wildlife in our care as well as the Museum’s conservation, education, research and visitor programs are top quality. The High Desert Museum has done an exceptional job with its care and in achieving this recognition.”

Additionally, the inspecting team observed all aspects of the Museum’s operation in areas such as staff training, visitor experience and learning, safety, financial stability, risk management and guest services. AZA requires organizations to complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.

“AZA accreditation impacts every section of our work because we are all in this together,” said Director of Strategic Projects Christina Cid, Ph.D. “From finances to education and interpretation to conservation efforts and programming, we strive daily to promote and protect the animals in our care while creating a meaningful visitor experience.”

AZA requires that organizations engage in conservation-related efforts, from educating visitors to contributing to species preservation and scientific endeavors. The High Desert Museum does so through a variety of avenues.

“AZA accreditation is important because we want our visitors to understand our commitment to both the wellbeing of the animals in our care at the Museum and to the stewardship of their wild counterparts,” said Museum Curator of Wildlife Jon Nelson. “The accreditation process ensures that we doing both with a rigorous evaluation of our animal management practices and our conservation and education programs. Ambassador animals at the Museum bring awareness and appreciation to species people might not otherwise think about, like Pacific lamprey, North American porcupines and Mazama newts.”

Daily wildlife programs, such as the summer Raptors of the Desert Sky outdoor free flight demonstration, share information about the adaptations, behaviors and habitat of species as well as how we can help them thrive in the wild.

Behind the scenes, the wildlife team supports and takes part in ongoing conservation projects. From a collaborative effort to help Crater Lake’s Mazama newt to a community science project in partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to learn more about the North American porcupine, the High Desert Museum participates in programs that help conserve species and assist in research and studies. More about the Museum’s conservation-related efforts is available at https://highdesertmuseum.org/conservation/. 

“AZA accreditation is an iterative process with new and updated standards coming out every year,” Nelson said. “We are excited to continue the work of elevating animal wellbeing at the Museum, and for the opportunity to collaborate and participate in AZA programs with other accredited institutions across the country.”

The innovative, interdisciplinary experiences at the Museum incorporate similar messaging, instilling a connection to and a respect for the High Desert.

The Forest at Night experience on view at the Museum encourages visitors to explore the nocturnal world through an interactive display while learning how artificial light pollution affects the ecosystem. In 2024, the Museum recognized the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act with a series of exhibitions and events, including an exhibition of Andy Warhol’s Endangered Species art series.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science and recreation. For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, please visit www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate and accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

ABOUT AZA:

Founded in 1924, the ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science and recreation. AZA is setting the global gold standard, accrediting 254 of the top zoos, aquariums and related facilities in 13 countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

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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/ 

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