ADU Rules in Redmond, Oregon

Redmond is a rapidly growing city of over 35,000 residents in Deschutes County, Central Oregon, positioned about 15 miles north of Bend on the high desert plateau. Redmond is home to Roberts Field Regional Airport (RDM), the region's commercial airport, and has been experiencing significant growth as the greater Bend metro area expands. Like Bend, Redmond faces real wildfire risk in the surrounding high desert terrain. ADU construction in Redmond follows the Redmond Development Code alongside Oregon's statewide housing reform laws.

Oregon Statewide ADU Law — Critical Context

Two Oregon laws are essential to ADU rights in Redmond:

Oregon HB 2001 (2019) requires cities with populations over 10,000 to allow middle housing — duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and cottage clusters — in all residential zones. Redmond must comply, ending single-family-only zoning and enabling a broader range of residential densities throughout the city.

Oregon's statewide ADU framework is SB 1051 (2017) plus HB 2001 (2019) middle housing. HB 2098 (2021) is a rental-assistance bill, not ADU.

What Redmond Allows

Under the Redmond Development Code and state mandate, the following ADU types are permitted in residential zones:

• Detached ADU: A freestanding structure on the same lot as the primary home, with its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance.
• Attached ADU: An addition connected to the primary residence with a separate entrance and self-contained living facilities.
• Interior Conversion: Converting existing habitable space within the primary structure — basement, attic, or rooms — into a separate dwelling unit.
• Garage Conversion: Repurposing an existing garage as habitable ADU space meeting Oregon building code standards.

One ADU per single-family lot is permitted by right under state law.

Size and Setback Standards

Oregon law prohibits Redmond from requiring ADUs smaller than 900 square feet or 75% of the primary dwelling's floor area, whichever is less. Standard setbacks for detached ADUs in Redmond's residential zones typically include:

• Rear setback: 5 feet minimum
• Side setback: 5 feet minimum
• Height: Generally 15–18 feet maximum for detached ADUs (may be lower near airport)

Legal nonconforming structures being converted to ADUs may maintain existing setbacks.

Wildfire Risk — WUI Construction Requirements

Redmond and surrounding Deschutes County have meaningful wildfire risk from the dry high desert environment. Properties near Redmond's urban fringe or in areas with sagebrush and juniper vegetation may be in designated Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones. New ADU construction in WUI areas must comply with Oregon's WUI building standards:

• Fire-resistant exterior materials: Ignition-resistant siding, roofing, eaves, and decking
• Ember-resistant vents: Protected openings to prevent ember intrusion
• Defensible space: Vegetation management creating fire-safe zones around the structure
• Oregon WUI code compliance: State-mandated fire-resistant construction standards

Confirm your property's WUI designation with the City of Redmond Planning Department or the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal before finalizing your ADU design. WUI requirements add cost but are legally required where applicable.

Roberts Field Airport Overlay

Roberts Field Regional Airport creates airspace protection overlay zones in Redmond's zoning code. Properties near the airport — particularly in approach and departure corridors — may have building height restrictions that limit the height of new structures, including ADUs. The airport overlay is distinct from wildfire considerations and applies to properties regardless of WUI status. Review Redmond's airport overlay map before designing an ADU with a taller footprint.

Urban Growth Boundary

Redmond maintains its own Urban Growth Boundary coordinated with Deschutes County and Oregon DLCD. ADU permits apply only to properties within Redmond city limits and UGB. Properties in Deschutes County outside the UGB are subject to county rural zoning (often Exclusive Farm Use or Rural Residential) that does not permit typical residential ADUs.

Seismic Considerations

Central Oregon has lower seismic hazard than the Cascadia coast but is not seismic-free. New ADU construction in Redmond must meet Oregon's seismic building code standards applicable for the region.

Permit Process

Oregon's statewide ADU framework is SB 1051 (2017) plus HB 2001 (2019) middle housing. HB 2098 (2021) is a rental-assistance bill, not ADU.

Contact: City of Redmond Planning Department — (541) 923-7721 — redmondoregon.gov/planning

Disclaimer

ADU regulations in Redmond — including WUI and airport overlay requirements — are subject to change. Always verify current standards with the City of Redmond Planning Department and Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or planning advice.