Moving to Bend, OR?

Bend Code Chapter 5.50 sets nighttime (10:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.) and daytime (7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.) noise limits measured at a neighbor's property. In residential zones the limit is 65 dBA day / 60 dBA night. Amplified sound plainly audible at a residence's property line is prohibited at night.

Bend Code 5.50.025 prohibits construction, excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair of a building, street, sidewalk, driveway, sewer, or utility line between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Power lawn and construction tools are likewise exempt only between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Bend treats a barking or noisy animal as an animal nuisance under Bend Code 5.20.040, which lists an animal that 'disturbs any person by frequent or prolonged noises.' The general noise chapter (BC 5.50) also reaches animal noise that is unnecessarily loud or disturbs sleep.

Bend requires every short-term rental to hold a city operating license (Bend Code Ch. 7.16) and, in most zones, a land use permit (Bend Development Code 3.6.500). Whole-house Type II STRs must keep 500 feet of separation from other whole-house STRs; owner-occupied room rentals are exempt from that density buffer.

Bend Code 5.30.000 says fireworks use must conform to Oregon law and bans sale, possession, or use by anyone under 18. Oregon law (ORS 480.110–480.165) bans consumer use of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels far on the ground — so bottle rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers, and most aerials are illegal without a state permit.

Bend Code 5.30.005 prohibits open burning of yard debris (branches, leaves, pine needles), refuse/garbage, construction or demolition waste, and field/ditch/weed burning anywhere inside city limits, year-round. Only specific fires — like small recreational fires and approved cooking pits — are allowed.

Recreational fires are allowed in Bend year-round. Bend Code 5.30.005 caps approved fires at 3 feet in diameter, and Bend Fire & Rescue guidance says fires should be no bigger than 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall, kept at least 25 feet from buildings and tall fences, burning only clean dry firewood.

Under Bend's parking code, trailers, campers, boats, and other non-motorized vehicles may not be parked on a public street or lot for more than 72 hours unless attached to a motor vehicle. RV slide-outs may not block a sidewalk, and commercial vehicles over 26,000 lbs are barred from residential zones 9 p.m.–7 a.m.

Under Bend Development Code 3.2.500, fences in a residential front setback may be no more than 3.5 feet tall, while fences in side and rear setbacks may reach 6 feet. Outside of setbacks, fences may be up to 8 feet. Clear-vision rules also restrict anything between 2 and 8 feet tall near intersections and driveways.

Most residential fences in Bend need no building permit if they stay within standard heights, but a permit is required for any fence over 7 feet, for concrete/CMU block fences over 4 feet, and for retaining walls over 4 feet or carrying a structural load (BDC 3.2.500).

Bend Code 5.20.025 prohibits any animal from running at large. A dog is 'at large' when off its owner's premises and not under complete, tethered control by an adequate leash or bridle. Off-leash is allowed only in areas the Bend City Council has designated, where dogs must remain under control.

Under the Bend Development Code's keeping-of-animals standards, a residential lot of at least 5,000 sq ft may keep up to four chickens (hens only — no roosters). Larger livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, and swine require 5 acres or more, and horses need about 1 acre for the first horse plus a half-acre per additional horse.