Bend Stormwater & Sewer Connection Ordinances

Environmental Protection Oregon 3 Minutes Read ยท published March 08, 2026 Flag of Oregon

Bend, Oregon property owners and contractors must follow city stormwater and sewer connection requirements to comply with local ordinances and manage runoff for public health and infrastructure protection. The City of Bend maintains a municipal stormwater program with technical standards and permit pathways for development, redevelopment, and utility work designed to meet state and federal requirements. [1]

Overview of Requirements

Projects that alter drainage, create new impervious surfaces, or require tying into the public sewer system typically need pre-construction review, stormwater control measures, and an approved sewer connection. Key responsibilities include erosion and sediment control during construction, post-construction stormwater management, and following approved connection details for sanitary sewer tie-ins.

Permits & Approvals

  • Stormwater permits for construction and post-construction controls (grading, E&S plans).
  • Sewer connection permits and construction inspections for new taps or lateral reconnections.
  • Engineered plans and as-builts for public or private stormwater and sewer facilities.
  • Timing requirements: submit permit applications before grading or utility work begins.
Start permit applications early to avoid delays in scheduling inspections.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for stormwater and sewer violations is carried out under city code and by the Public Works or Community Development departments; specific monetary fines and daily penalties are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the enforcing office. [2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures and ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, restoration orders, withholding of permits, and civil enforcement actions are available under city authority.
  • Enforcer: City of Bend Public Works/Community Development (inspections, notices, compliance orders).
  • To report a violation or request inspection, contact the City of Bend Public Works or Permit Center (see Help and Support / Resources below).
  • Appeals: review and appeal routes are established in city code; specific time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the city clerk or permit office.

Applications & Forms

Permit names, forms, fees, and submittal instructions for sewer connections and stormwater controls are managed through the City of Bend permit/utility pages; specific form names and fees are listed on the city utilities and permits pages. [3]

Common Violations

  • Failure to obtain a stormwater permit before grading or land-disturbing activity.
  • Unauthorized sewer taps or work without inspection and approved connection details.
  • Inadequate erosion and sediment control leading to off-site sediment discharge.
Contractors must keep erosion controls in place until sites are stabilized.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether your project triggers stormwater or sewer connection requirements by reviewing the City of Bend development and utilities guidance.
  2. Assemble required documents: engineered plans, E&S plan, permit application, and utility connection details.
  3. Submit permit applications and fees to the City of Bend Permit Center or utilities portal and schedule any required pre-construction meetings.
  4. Obtain approvals, schedule inspections, complete work under inspection, and file as-built plans and final certifications as required.

FAQ

Do small landscaping changes require a stormwater permit?
Minor landscaping that does not alter drainage patterns or exceed local thresholds may not require a stormwater permit; confirm with City of Bend Permit staff.
How do I apply for a sewer connection?
Apply through the City of Bend utilities or permit portal, include plans and fees, and schedule inspection for the connection.
Who inspects stormwater controls during construction?
City of Bend Public Works or an authorized inspector conducts site inspections; ensure controls are maintained between inspections.

Key Takeaways

  • Obtain required stormwater and sewer permits before starting work.
  • Submit complete plans to avoid schedule and compliance delays.
  • Contact City of Bend Public Works or Permit Center with questions or to report violations.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Bend - Stormwater Program
  2. [2] City of Bend - Municipal Code (Municode)
  3. [3] City of Bend - Utilities / Wastewater

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