Bend releases four new pre‑approved ADU plans, including two Type‑A accessible designs

City staff updated the committee on a pilot to put free pre‑approved ADU plans online, a program funded from a prior pro‑housing grant administrative allocation. Carrie (building division/plan program lead) said the pilot adds four designs contracted with a local designer, including two Type‑A accessible plans (one one‑bedroom and one two‑bedroom), a 500‑square‑foot narrow model suitable for second ADU/junior ADU rules, and a two‑story shop/garage with a two‑bedroom unit above intended for cottage‑cluster or middle‑housing use.

Carrie said the program aims to reduce permitting time and costs by reusing previously reviewed plans that meet specific code provisions; the Type‑A accessible plans were specified in contract so staff could be confident the designs meet accessibility code requirements. “When I say accessible...it is an actual building code term. I am not going to go into this code for you, but it's called Type A accessible,” Carrie said.

Staff noted the initial design from another jurisdiction (City of Eugene) did not fit Bend lot sizes and that the new designs were tailored to local lot patterns and to support both ADU and small middle‑housing infill. The plans went live on the city website the week of the meeting, and building staff said they would monitor uptake and report usage back to the committee and council.