Architectural Concept & Feasibility Studies in Bend, Oregon

Every great Central Oregon project starts with one question: Can this actually happen here?
At DOS Designers, we answer it with hard data, not guesses. Before you hire a building designer or file for permits in Bend, our feasibility studies confirm what Deschutes County, the City of Bend, and utility providers will allow.

What a Bend Feasibility Study Actually Covers

Think of this as due-diligence with a tape measure. We dig into public records, utility portals, and on-site realities to build you a detailed report (plus annotated maps) that spells out exactly what you can build.

Zoning & Land-Use Rules
Bend’s zones (RS, RM, CL, etc.) We pull the exact code sections and highlight conflicts.
Setbacks, Height, and Building Envelope
Front, side, rear, and solar setbacks; maximum height planes; lot coverage caps. We overlay it on your survey and 3D-mass the largest possible structure.
Utility Capacity
City of Bend water meters, sewer capacity letters from Public Works, Avion Water, and electrical load from Pacific Power or Central Electric Co-op.
Building & Energy Code Quick-Hits
Current Oregon Structural Specialty Code, Reach Code stretch goals, snow load requirements, and ADU ordinance updates.

Our Process in Bend

Site Visit
We walk the lot, flag protected trees, measure grade changes, and help coordinate with civil engineer to perform survey and measure grade changes.
Research
City of Bend ePlans portal, Deschutes County GIS, utility “will-serve” letters, and recorded easements.
Delivery
PDF report, executive summary, and raw GIS files if your architect is ready to roll.

Who Books a Feasibility Study in Bend?

Homeowners adding a second story or ADU in established neighborhoods (River West, Aubrey Butte, Northwest Crossing)
Developers eyeing infill lots near Midtown or the East Side
Investors repositioning older homes into duplex/triplex under the new Middle Housing code
Custom builders needing client sign-off before schematic design

Every study includes a Go/No-Go review meeting and digital deliverables.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a feasibility study different from a survey? A survey shows property lines and topography. A feasibility study tells you what the city will let you do inside those lines.

Do you talk to the City of Bend on my behalf? Yes, pre-application meetings with planning staff can be included in FullSite and Pro packages.

Will this guarantee my permit? No permit is guaranteed, but clients who follow the report typically move through plan review with minimal surprises.

Can I use the report for bank financing?

Absolutely. Lenders in Bend often request the utility letters and code summary.

Ready to Know What’s Possible on Your Bend Lot?

Call (541) . 241 . 2047: we’re here when you’re ready to talk finishes.

Licensed Oregon architects | Architecture-first design firm