Bend, OR Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)

Bend Code 1.40.020(A) states plainly that "all reports or complaints of infractions shall be referred to the appropriate code enforcement officer." Under BC 1.40.005, a code enforcement officer includes police officers, community service officers, the Building Official, the Community Development Director, the City Engineer, the Fire Marshal, and any other person the City designates for the role, so a report about a nuisance property, an animal issue or a construction complaint can be routed to different city staff depending on the subject matter. Once a report comes in, BC 1.40.020(B) requires the code enforcement officer to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the reported infraction before taking further action.

Before issuing a citation, BC 1.40.020(C) gives the officer discretion to contact the responsible party first and offer a reasonable opportunity to cure the violation. If that contact is made, the officer must communicate four things: a description of the activity constituting the alleged infraction and identification of the recipient as the reputed responsible party, a statement that the officer has determined the activity to be an infraction, a statement of the action required to remedy it and the deadline for completing that remedy, and a warning that a citation carrying the maximum civil penalty may follow if the remedy is not completed in time. The City and the responsible party may also enter a written voluntary compliance agreement under BC 1.40.025 to resolve the matter without a citation, and the City will not serve or file a citation while that agreement is in effect and being followed.

If the matter proceeds to a citation, BC 1.40.080 sets the maximum civil penalties on a class scale: Class A infractions carry a maximum civil penalty of $750.00, Class B a maximum of $400.00, and Class C a maximum of $200.00. Cited respondents answer in Bend Municipal Court under the procedures in BC 1.40.045 through 1.40.060.