Tualatin Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Tualatin Zoning Overview
Tualatin is located in Washington County at the southern edge of the Portland metropolitan area, along the Tualatin River. The city has a strong employment base with a concentration of industrial and commercial businesses in its well-established industrial parks. Tualatin's mixed economy includes manufacturing, technology, and distribution alongside residential neighborhoods.
The development code is managed by the Community Development Department within the Metro regional planning framework. Tualatin's Bridgeport Village mixed-use development is one of the region's major retail destinations. The city is largely built out, making infill and redevelopment the primary growth strategies.
Key Zoning Districts
Tualatin's code includes low-density residential (RL), medium-density (RML, RMH), high-density (RH), commercial districts, and significant industrial areas. The city has adopted mixed-use planning for key areas including the Central Urban Renewal Area.
ADU Regulations
Tualatin allows ADUs in all residential zones per Oregon HB 2001. No parking or owner-occupancy is required. ADUs help add housing in this largely built-out community.
Development Process
Community Development reviews permits and land use applications. Major projects go before the Planning Commission. Tualatin's development must comply with Metro's regional growth framework.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Tualatin
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Oregon
- Building Code: Oregon Structural Specialty Code (2021 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (HB 2001 / SB 458 - Cities over 2,500 must allow ADUs; no owner-occupancy or parking mandates)
County — Washington County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 7,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Tualatin
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 24 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- None required (per state law)
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required (per state law)
- Permit Timeline
- 4-6 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Tualatin are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Tualatin permit fees →