Bend, OR Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Triggers review
- 5,000+ sq ft impervious area or 1+ acre disturbed
- Design storm
- 25-year, 24-hour NRCS Type I event
- Off-site overflow standard
- 100-year, 24-hour storm safe passage
- Design manual
- Central Oregon Stormwater Manual (COSM)
- Maintenance agreement
- recorded with Deschutes County Clerk
- Penalty
- Class A civil infraction, BC 16.05.050
Summary
In the City of Bend, new development or redevelopment that creates 5,000 square feet or more of new impervious surface, or disturbs one acre or more, must submit a drainage plan under Bend Code § 16.15.010 and design its stormwater facilities to the 25-year, 24-hour design storm event required by BC 16.15.040.
Violation of any provision of this title or of any permit or order issued under this title is a Class A civil infraction. Each day that a violation remains uncured in effect is a separate violation. ... 7. ... All stormwater will be contained within designed facilities as appropriate. Stormwater facilities shall be designed to provide service for the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Type I 24-hour storm event, for a 25-year, 24-hour design storm, with a safe overflow path that: ... 4. ... Stormwater drainage in excess of the predevelopment rates or volumes shall be retained on the lot of origin by meeting the current 25-year, 24-hour design storm event, subject to 100-year safe passage requirements in COSM, and not trespass onto the public right-of-way or private property except as provided below:
Full Breakdown
030), covering projects that create or replace 5,000 square feet or more of impervious area, disturb one acre or more, add a manufactured home park, or involve commercial, institutional or multifamily building permits. 010(B)(7)). 040 requires that runoff above pre-development rates stay on the lot of origin unless the City finds on-site retention would threaten public safety, and it bans directing runoff onto public right-of-way or a neighboring lot without City-approved capacity. 040). 050). 060).
Violations & Fines
Violating Title 16's stormwater design or maintenance-agreement requirements is a Class A civil infraction under BC 16.05.050(B)(2)(a), with each day a violation continues charged as a separate offense. Before pursuing a civil infraction the City may withhold permit inspections or approvals, issue a written notice of violation, enter a voluntary compliance agreement, or issue a cease-and-desist or emergency suspension order, and it can seek injunctive relief and recover attorneys' fees and cleanup costs through the Circuit Court for Deschutes County.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a Bend project need a stormwater drainage submittal?
What design storm must Bend stormwater facilities handle?
Who maintains stormwater facilities after a Bend project is built?
What is the penalty for violating Bend's stormwater rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bend
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