Engineering FAQ's

Does my development require a special Flood Hazard Area Development Permit?
If it is determined that your project is within the 100-year floodplain, you will need a Flood Hazard Area Development Permit. Please contact either Dayna Webb or Tony Doran at (503) 691-3036 or (503) 691-3035 respectively for more information.

Does my development require storm water detention or water quality treatment?
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 either Dayna Webb or Tony Doran at (503) 691-3036 or (503) 691-3035 respectively for further information.

Does my project require a Wetlands Protection Development Permit?
If it determined that your project is within the Wetlands Protection District you will need a Wetlands Protection Permit. Please contact either Dayna Webb or Tony Doran at (503) 691-3036 or (503) 691-3035 respectively for more information. A map showing both the Wetlands Protection District and the Wetlands Protected Area is available for download at Tualatin Maps Online. Be mindful that the map is for informational purposes only and that you will still need to contact either Dayna or Tony for a final determination.

How can my property be inside the City limits but not in the City?
There are several pockets of land that are within the City limits but not yet annexed to the City. Private property owners choose whether to annex to the City or to remain in Washington or Clackamas Counties. This can result in non-annexed "islands" being surrounded by annexed land. It is a common phenomenon and can be found in other cities throughout the region.

How do I adjust my property line?
You need to submit a development application for a property line adjustment. Contact either Dayna Webb or Tony Doran at (503) 691-3036 or (503) 691-3035 respectively for an application. Dayna and Tony can also assist you with clarification of the submittal requirements if need be. 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.

How do I determine if my property is within the floodplain?
Contact Dayna Webb or Tony Doran at (503) 691-3036 or (503) 691-3035 respectively. 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.

How do I partition my property?
You need to submit a development application for a partition. Contact either Dayna Webb or Tony Doran at (503) 691-3036 or (503) 691-3035 respectively for an application. Dayna and Tony can also assist you with clarification of the submittal requirements if need be. 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.

What is the role of Clean Water Services in development in Tualatin?
Clean Water Services is a governing body responsible for the quality of surface water and sewage treatment within urban Washington County and as such, through its various responsibilities, plays a large role in the development process within the City of Tualatin. As development is proposed, Clean Water Services reviews and assesses the proposed development's impact on the subject and adjacent sites. Clean Water Services also makes determinations on erosion control and wetland buffers.

When is a Public Works Permit required?
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.

What is the fee for a Public Works Permit?
The fee consists of the cost for the public work's inspector to review the plans and inspect the work. The original deposit equals 5% of the cost of the improvement with a minimum of $500.00.

What is the process for subdividing my property?
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.

What is the role of Clean Water Services?
Clean Water Services has a primary responsibility for urban surface water management and sewage treatment within urban Washington County. 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 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.

What is the Urban Growth Boundary and where is it?
The Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) is a long-range prediction on the amount and location of urban land needed in the future. The establishment of this boundary provides a framework for the orderly conversion of rural land to urban uses. Most cities within the State of Oregon have their own independent Urban Growth Boundaries. However, the City of Tualatin is within the Metro Regional Governments' District Boundary. Cities under the jurisdiction of Metro do not have their own Urban Growth Boundaries, rather Metro's UGB applies to them all. A map showing jurisdictional boundaries (including the UGB) can be downloaded from Tualatin's maps download page.