Planning Division FAQ

Before submitting a building permit or engineering permit for any commercial or industrial project, you may be required to obtain local land use/zoning approval for any modifications to land or new structural development. Some residential projects may also require local zoning approval. Other types of development may require land use approval even if other permits are not required. 

The City zoning map identifies the zoning designation of each property in Tualatin. You can use the interactive zoning map on our website to find your property’s zoning designation. 

Once you know your zone, you can go to the Tualatin Development Code and find the corresponding Chapter, which each have a table of permitted uses and other applicable development standards. The Tualatin Development Code outlines what activities are allowed for each zoning designation. 

You can operate a business from your home, however, there are guidelines that you must follow. You will need to get a business license from the City of Tualatin. For the rules regarding the type of allowed businesses, please see Chapter 34 of the Development Code. Please visit this link to apply for a business license. 

The Tualatin Development Code regulates the required distance you need to maintain from the property line (referred to as setbacks) and the maximum size and height of the structure, and these regulations vary based on your zone. You may need a building permit depending on the size of the structure you are planning. Contact the Building Division to determine whether a building permit is required at (503) 691-3044.

You do not need a permit if it’s a non-habitable one-story detached accessory structure where the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet and is no higher than 15 feet measured from the grade plane to the highest roof surface.

Please visit the Fences page on our website for specific guidelines on fence construction and modifications.

Please visit the Tree Removal page on our website to learn about the regulations and process for removing trees from your property.

The City has received an application and they are reviewing it to determine if the proposal meets the applicable code sections or could meet the code sections with reasonable conditions. You have received the notice since your property is within 1,000 feet of the proposed development site, or located within a platted subdivision that is within 1,000 feet.

E-mail your comments to the Planning Division. You can also mail or drop off comments attn: Planning Division at 10699 SW Herman Rd., Tualatin OR 97062. It is helpful if you reference the project name or file number. The comments must address land use standards and be submitted prior to the public comment period closing. The public comment period varies by project and is written on the notice. 

Please visit the Projects page for updates on ongoing and completed land use applications. 

Please visit the Forms & Applications page for more information on the application process, fees, and pre-application meetings. 

You may need to file a land use application known as a “property line adjustment.” Please visit the Forms & Applications page, and select the Engineering Department for more information.

You will need to submit a partition application (three or fewer lots in a calendar year) or a subdivision application (four or more lots in a calendar year). Please visit Forms & Applications page, and select the Engineering Department for more information.

Contact Tony Doran of the Engineering Division at (503) 691-3035 for information on floodplain status.