Engineering FAQs

Contact Tony Doran at (503) 691-3035. Please be ready to provide your address or map and tax lot number and they will let you know if you are in the floodplain.

If it is determined that your project is within the 100-year floodplain, you will need a Flood Hazard Area Development Permit. Please contact  Tony Doran at (503) 691-3035 for more information.

The Surface Water Management ordinance adopted by the City of Tualatin is intended to implement Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Clean Water Services requirements for surface water management and water quality within the Tualatin River basin by reducing the amount of sediment and other pollutants entering the public storm and surface water system. Each new development is responsible for mitigating the impacts of that development upon the public storm/water quality system. This may be accomplished by on-site detention, enlargement of the downstream conveyance, or a fee. The Engineering Department must review development plans in order to determine whether detention is required and what type of water quality facility is acceptable. Please contact Tony Doran at (503) 691-3035 for further information.

You need to submit a development application for a property line adjustment. Contact Tony Doran at (503) 691-3035 for an application. Engineering staff can also assist you with clarification of the submittal requirements if needed. The submitted plans are reviewed for compliance with the Tualatin Development Code, applicable ordinances, and regulations. If approved, a survey of the new property boundaries must be completed and recorded within one year. The review process may take up to 30 days after the application is deemed complete.

You need to submit a development application for a partition. Contact Tony Doran at (503) 691-3035 for an application. Tony can also assist you with clarification of the submittal requirements if needed. The submitted plans are reviewed for compliance with the Tualatin Development Code, applicable ordinances, and regulations. No partition application shall be recommended for approval unless adequate public facilities are available to serve the proposed partition. The public is notified of the partition decision and interested parties may request the decision be reviewed by the City Council. Once a final decision is issued, a survey of the property partition must be completed and recorded within one year.

The City of Tualatin Engineering Division has made an effort to implement the goals of the Tualatin Development Code and provide quality customer service in all aspects of development. The development of subdivisions is a very detailed process and is outlined in the Tualatin Development Code Chapter 36.

A public works permit is required for any work on a public utility (i.e. water, sewer, storm lines or public street). These public utilities can be in the public right-of-way or in a public utility easement.

The deposit covers the cost for Engineering staff to review plans and inspect the work. The original deposit equals 5% of the cost of the improvement, with a minimum of $500.00.

Clean Water Services is a county services district formed under ORS Chapter 451, which granted authority and responsibility for the planning, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of sewers and sewage treatment facilities. In 1989, Clean Water Services (CWS) obtained permitting authority for storm and surface water management through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. They are responsible for the storm and surface water management within the Tualatin River Basin in Washington County.

Clean Water Services (CWS) is a governing body responsible for the quality of surface water and sewage treatment within urban Washington County and they play a large role in the development process within the City of Tualatin. For a development, you can start the Environmental Review process with CWS by submitting a Pre-Screen Form and you can find more information by visiting their Step-By-Step Process website.

The Engineering Division is responsible for issuing the following permits:

• Floodplain Permits
• Public Works Permits
• Water Quality Permits
• Erosion Control Permits
• Franchise Permits
• Sidewalk and Driveway Approach Permits

The Engineering Division is within the Community Development Department and provides the following services:

• Maintains and provides as-builts of public utilities including street, water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage systems
• Administers permits for activity within the public right-of-way
• Reviews plans and inspects the construction of public improvements on private residential, industrial and commercial development projects
• Planning, design, inspection and project management for city capital projects
• Prepares and maintains water, sanitary sewer, storm drain, and transportation system master plans
• Administers the Private Water Quality Facility Program
• Oversees development within the Floodplain & Wetland Protection District
• Reviews Subdivisions, Partitions & Property Line Adjustments
• Develops and manages the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

Clean Water Services is a public utility committed to protecting water resources in the Tualatin River Watershed. Nearly 500,000 customers enjoy clean water and healthy rivers and streams through innovative wastewater and stormwater services, flood management projects, water quality and stream enhancement projects, fish habitat protection, and more. CWS’ services are crucial to the region’s public health, environmental protection, and economic vitality. Clean Water Services operates four wastewater treatment plants and 39 pump stations.  CWS also works with 12 member cities, including Tualatin, to build and maintain the public sanitary sewer and surface water management system.

Clean Water Services Design and Construction Standards describe the administrative and technical requirements for the design and construction of sanitary and surface water management systems that are built as part of residential or commercial development.

Clean Water Services and its partners completed the Low Impact Development Approaches Handbook to promote sustainable development practices for Tualatin River Watershed in 2009. Low Impact Development Approaches (LIDAs) can maximize a site’s potential by reducing or incorporating the area needed for stormwater management and water quality treatment while protecting natural resources and habitat.

The goal of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Underground Injection Control Program is to protect groundwater resources primarily used for drinking water from contamination by unauthorized use of UIC systems (also referred to as injection systems). A UIC system is a device that places fluids below the ground. Most UIC systems in Oregon are shallow and widely used to dispose of stormwater, including rainfall runoff and snowmelt, from properties, streets and parking lots owned and operated by public or private entities.