The Bend City Council is set to consider a new supplemental transportation system development charge (SDC) at its public hearing this evening. The proposal, part of the Southeast Area Plan, would add a one‑time fee to future building permits in a defined portion of southeast Bend, helping to finance new roads and other transportation projects that will benefit those developments.
What the charge would look like
The SDC would be collected when a building permit is issued, with the amount varying based on the size, type, and projected traffic of each project. The fee would be layered on top of existing citywide transportation, water, and sewer SDCs, as well as a supplemental sewer fee already in place for the southeast area.
Geographic boundaries
The charge would apply to future projects within a mapped zone generally bounded by SE 15th Street, Ferguson Road, SE 27th Street, and Knott Road. It is not an approval of any specific subdivision or development; rather, it is a mechanism to spread the cost of major shared transportation improvements among developers who will benefit from them.
Exemptions and community considerations
Recognizing the need for essential services, the proposal exempts certain affordable housing projects, homeless shelters, and childcare facilities from the fee. This exemption aligns with the city’s broader commitment to supporting families and vulnerable residents while still ensuring that new growth contributes its fair share to infrastructure costs.
How residents can participate
The council’s business meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. at Bend City Hall. Residents may attend in person or submit testimony remotely, provided they register for the Zoom meeting before the start time. Written comments can also be emailed to [email protected]. The agenda indicates that councilors are expected to consider adopting the fee at the Wednesday hearing.
Why the charge matters
As southeast Bend continues to grow, the city anticipates increased demand on its transportation network. By establishing a supplemental charge now, Bend aims to avoid future funding shortfalls and ensure that new development helps cover the costs of expanding and maintaining roadways. The approach mirrors other SDCs the city uses for water and sewer services, providing a consistent framework for infrastructure financing.
Next steps
Following tonight’s hearing, council members will deliberate on the proposal and may move forward with adoption at the next scheduled meeting. Stakeholders, including developers, neighborhood groups, and local businesses, are encouraged to stay informed and voice their perspectives during the public comment period.
KTVZ’s Claire Elmer will continue to follow the story and provide updates as the council’s decision unfolds.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
