Planning commission approves Deschutes River home with conditions after debate over removal of large spruce

BEND, Ore. — The Bend Planning Commission on April 14 approved a proposal for a new single-unit detached dwelling at 1714 Northwest Bridal Road in the Deschutes River Corridor, finding the project meets waterway overlay standards but adding conditions tied to landscaping and tree removal.

The commission voted to approve the application, with a specific condition allowing removal of a 30-inch Colorado blue spruce (referred to in the staff report as tree number 12) only if the applicant submits a revised landscaping plan showing that area revegetated with native riparian plants. The approval also requires additional screening plantings on the southeast property line.

The project proposes a 5,201-square-foot single-family home and a 994-square-foot attached garage on the west side of the Deschutes River. Staff planner Michelle Patrick described the site and the applicable waterway overlay standards, including requirements for tree removal, riparian setbacks and Deschutes River Corridor design review. Patrick said the proposed building footprint lies outside the 40-foot Deschutes River Corridor boundary and the 30-foot riparian setback, but that portions of the…