Guides for building in Central Oregon
Short answers first, then the detail. Every guide lists the code, county and industry sources it is based on.
Concrete, driveways and foundations
Concrete
How much does a concrete driveway or slab cost in Bend?
It depends on a few drivers, so an honest price starts with a site visit.
Read the answerConcreteCan you pour concrete in winter in Bend?
Yes, with protection. ACI treats it as cold weather concreting when air falls, or is expected to fall, below 40 degrees F.
Read the answerFlat workDo you need a permit for a concrete driveway or slab in Bend?
Usually not a building permit for the slab itself: Oregon's residential code exempts concrete sidewalks, slabs, platforms and driveways.
Read the answerFlat workHow thick should a concrete driveway be, and does it need rebar?
For passenger vehicles, 4 inches is the usual minimum, with 5 to 6 inches for trucks and RVs; ACI 332 sets a 3.5 inch floor.
Read the answerFlat workWho is responsible for fixing a damaged sidewalk in Bend?
The property owner. The City of Bend says property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks and fixing damaged ones, under Bend Municipal Code Chapter 3.30.
Read the answerFoundationsHow deep do footings need to be in Central Oregon?
Deschutes County's building design criteria list a minimum frost depth of 18 inches, so footings go at least that deep to sit below the frost line.
Read the answerConcreteHow do you check an Oregon contractor's license?
Search the Oregon Construction Contractors Board license database at search.ccb.state.or.us by name or CCB number.
Read the answerSteel buildings, site work and snow
Metal building erection
What are the snow load requirements for buildings in Central Oregon?
There is no single number. Deschutes County says snow load is site specific and must be determined with the Oregon Snow Load Map, because it changes with location and elevation.
Read the answerMetal building erectionDo you need a permit for a garage, shop or steel building in Deschutes County?
Usually yes. In Bend, an accessory structure needs a building permit unless it is 200 square feet or less and no more than 15 feet tall.
Read the answerVersaTube steel buildingsVersaTube vs pole barn: which is right for your property?
They are different systems. A VersaTube building is a pre-engineered kit with a galvanized steel tube frame joined by Slip-Fit connections.
Read the answerExcavationDo you have to call 811 before digging in Oregon?
Yes. The Oregon Utility Notification Center asks homeowners and contractors to call 811 at least two and no more than 10 business days before digging.
Read the answerSnow removalWhat are Bend's sidewalk snow removal rules?
Property owners must clear the sidewalks next to their property. In Bend, commercial properties have six daylight hours after snowfall and residential properties have 24 hours.
Read the answerQuestion not covered here?
Call RCC and ask.
