If you’ve been navigating the complex process of building a home or adding an ADU in Bend, you know how critical the city’s permitting and development review process can be. In encouraging news for local homeowners and small-scale developers, the City of Bend has taken a major step to improve this experience.
The city recently announced the hiring of a Development Review Program Manager, a role designed to streamline permitting, improve communication with applicants, and reduce project delays. It’s a move that could directly benefit those pursuing ADU construction, cottage clusters, and other infill housing solutions.
Our CEO, Jesse Russell, was featured in the Bend Bulletin article covering the announcement.
Jesse shared insight on the real-world challenges developers face when working through Bend’s permitting system – and why this new hire could mark a turning point.
“We’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for homeowners to navigate the system,” Jesse said. “Anything that improves clarity and speeds up timelines is a win for Bend and for the future of housing here.”
This move aligns with our mission at Hiatus Homes: to make small-scale, attainable-by-design housing more accessible—and easier to build. For over a decade, we’ve challenged the status quo in Bend’s development landscape, creating high-performance homes and communities that prioritize thoughtful design, livability, and long-term value.
Today, we work with partners across Oregon and throughout the U.S. who are looking to bring smarter, more intentional housing solutions to their own communities.
One of the most common questions we hear from landowners is: “How long will permitting take?” We’re encouraged to see Bend taking meaningful steps to reduce that friction—and we hope other jurisdictions across the country follow suit to make the permitting process more efficient, transparent, and supportive of the housing solutions our communities urgently need.
With this new position in place, we’re hopeful for:
- Shorter approval timelines
- More predictable outcomes
- Better coordination between city staff and local builders
These improvements will be especially impactful for ADU projects, which require close coordination between homeowners, architects, engineers, and city planners.
What This Means for Your ADU or Cottage Cluster Project
Change won’t happen overnight—but the city’s investment in internal improvements is a meaningful step toward reducing barriers to housing. As we enter the summer building season, we’ll be monitoring how these changes play out and what they mean for our clients.
If you’re considering an ADU or cottage cluster in Bend, now is the time to start the conversation. The landscape is shifting in your favor—and we’re here to help you navigate it with clarity, confidence, and a proven design-permit-build process.
Curious about your property’s potential?
Request a free lot review or book a discovery call to find out how we can bring your housing vision to life – faster, smarter and more efficiently.
