Bend Bylaws: Report Potholes & Encroachment Permits

Transportation Oregon 3 Minutes Read · published March 08, 2026 Flag of Oregon · By Emily Carter

Bend, Oregon residents and contractors use city rules to report street damage and to request encroachment permits for work in the public right-of-way. This guide explains who enforces these requirements, how to report potholes, when you need an encroachment or right-of-way permit, how to apply, and what to expect for enforcement and appeals.

When to report potholes and right-of-way work

Report potholes that present a hazard to vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians and any proposed or existing work that will occupy a sidewalk, curb, street, or other public right-of-way. For online reporting use the City of Bend problem-reporting page[1].

Report hazards promptly and include photos and the exact location.

Permits: encroachment and right-of-way

Most construction, landscaping, staging, or private structures placed in the public right-of-way require an encroachment or right-of-way permit issued by Bend Public Works or Engineering. Consult the City of Bend permits page for details and application procedures[2].

Obtain permits before starting work in the right-of-way to avoid stop-work orders and fines.

Typical permit types and triggers

  • Temporary construction access and staging permits
  • Driveway and curb cut permits
  • Encroachments for utilities, fencing, landscaping, and signs

Applications & Forms

The City publishes permit applications and instructions on the Public Works permits page; specific form names and fees are listed there[2]. If a specific form or fee is not shown on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by City of Bend Public Works and the city permit/inspection staff; for complex land development or code violations, Development Services may be involved. The official permit pages identify the enforcing departments and complaint pathways[2] and the report-a-problem page explains how to submit hazard reports[1].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, removal orders, and restoration directives are used by the city; specific remedies are described on the permit and enforcement pages[2].
  • Complaint intake and inspections: submit reports via the City of Bend report page or contact Public Works for permit enforcement[1][2].
  • Appeals and review: the cited permit pages do not list appeal deadlines or procedures, therefore appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page.
If the exact penalty or appeal deadline is required, contact Public Works directly for the current enforcement policy.

Common violations

  • Working in the right-of-way without a permit — may trigger stop-work and restoration orders.
  • Failing to repair or report hazardous potholes after notice — enforcement steps not specified on the cited page.
  • Improperly placed signs, fencing, or materials that obstruct the sidewalk or street.

Action steps

  • To report a pothole: submit an online report with location and photos via the City of Bend report page[1].
  • To apply for an encroachment permit: download or complete the permit application on the Public Works permits page and submit as instructed[2].
  • To pay fees: follow the fee instructions on the permit page; if a fee is not listed, it is not specified on the cited page.

FAQ

How do I report a pothole in Bend?
Use the City of Bend report-a-problem online form and include location details and photos for faster response.[1]
Do I need a permit to work in the street or sidewalk?
Yes, most work in the public right-of-way requires an encroachment or right-of-way permit; review the Public Works permits page for specifics.[2]
How long before a reported pothole is repaired?
Repair timelines vary by priority and workload; the report page explains submission but does not guarantee specific repair windows.

How-To

  1. Document the location and take clear photos of the pothole or encroachment area.
  2. For potholes, submit an online report via the City of Bend report-a-problem page with photos and location details.[1]
  3. For encroachments, review permit requirements on the Public Works permits page, complete the application, and submit required attachments and fees as instructed.[2]
  4. Follow up with Public Works or the listed contact if you do not receive confirmation within the timeframe shown on the city page.

Key Takeaways

  • Report hazards quickly and include photos and precise locations.
  • Obtain encroachment permits before starting work in the right-of-way.
  • Contact Bend Public Works for clarification on forms, fees, and enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Bend Public Works - Report a Problem
  2. [2] City of Bend Public Works - Permits and Right-of-Way

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data
Emily Carter

Emily Carter

Municipal Policy Researcher

Emily researches municipal codes and local ordinances across the United States. She verifies every guide against official city and state sources before publication.