Fence Installation Permits in Bend

Local Rule

City of Bend Community Development Department; Bend

Bend requires a building permit for a fence based on material: solid lightweight fencing (wood, vinyl) over 7 feet, concrete masonry/block/rock fences over 4 feet, and open wire fencing over 8 feet. The maximum fence height allowed in all districts is 8 feet regardless of material. Retaining walls over 4 feet need a building permit and must meet engineering standards; the maximum retaining wall height is 6 feet unless approved through Site Plan Review or a land division. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential districts, and fences must comply with the city's clear-vision-area standards near intersections and driveways. A fence exempt from a permit that exceeds 20 feet in height requires a Conditional Use Permit.

Source · Verified September 2026

Bend Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Deschutes County

Bend's own rule is shown above (No permit under 7 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Deschutes County Community Development Department (unincorpo

The county's own exempt-work guidance follows the standard statewide 7-foot exemption for fences from a building permit, though the county's FAQ notes that fences are still regulated for height, setback, and line-of-sight considerations specific to each address, with details available only by contacting the Planning Division directly. In the county's Wildlife Area (WA) Combining Zone, a distinct wildlife-friendly fence standard applies instead: fence height is capped at 48 inches with at least 15 inches of clearance between the ground and the lowest strand or board to allow animal passage, though this standard exempts any fence under 10,000 square feet that surrounds or abuts a dwelling or structure.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Bend with a confirmed fence installation rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a fence installation project:

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