Community Development
Frequently Asked Questions
Permitting
Q: Which Jurisdiction (Tulalip or Snohomish County) is involved in the permitting process?
A: Tulalip Tribes has permitting jurisdiction over lands located within the exterior boundaries of the Tulalip Indian Reservation, regardless of ownership; Snohomish County has concurrent (shared) permitting jurisdiction over fee lands owned by non-tribal members within the Reservation.
Q: What are the development regulations for my property (do I need to get a permit)?
A: Community Development prepares, updates, and implements land use plans and development regulations, including the Tribal Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code (Ordinance 80).
Contact the Community Development Department for additional information.
Q: When is a building permit needed?
A: Community Development processes permits and land use applications including, but not limited to building and grading permits, subdivisions, rezones, variances, lot line adjustments, demolitions, and conditional use permits.
Q: How do I apply for a permit?
Q: How much does a permit cost?
A: Fees vary and are based on the 1997 Uniform Building Code permit fee and plan review schedule. There is no discount for tribal members.
Q: How long does the permit process take?
A: Permits processing takes approximately one (1) to two (2) weeks*. Permits received by 12:00pm Wednesday are scanned and sent to an interdepartmental-interdisciplinary review group (group meets each Thursday), code compliance, and contract building inspector for technical review.
*NOTE: The review and comment period is one week unless additional time is requested in writing. Processing time may vary according to the completeness of application, extension of the review period, and complexity of the permit.
Licensing
Q: Why must I obtain a Tulalip Business License?
A: Tulalip Business License Ordinance #99 Section 5.1 requires that all persons operating any business for profit or conducting any other revenue generating activity within the boundaries of the Tulalip Indian Reservation must first obtain a Tulalip Business License from the Tulalip Tribes Tax & Licensing Division.
Q: How long until I get my business license?
A: The standard processing time is fifteen (15) business days; however annual renewals may take up to thirty (30) days. Applications submitted in person will be provided with a receipt that acts as a temporary business license for ten (10) consecutive days from the date of submittal.
Q: How do I apply for a Business, Liquor, Cigarette, Food, or other type of license with the Tulalip Tribes and what is the fee for each license?
A:
Contact the Tax and Licensing Division or call 360-716-4212 to obtain applications and additional contact information. Applications may be submitted in person or by mail. License fees vary based on the type of license you are applying and whether you are applying for a new license or renewing an existing license.
Q: I am selling my home or property located on the Tulalip Reservation: how do find information about the (Tulalip) Real Estate Excise Tax (REET)?
Q: Do I qualify / how do I apply for a REET exemption?
A: You can apply for exemption on the REET form. Exemptions are granted per Real Estate Excise Tax Ordinance 45A, and corresponding regulations.
Other
Q: How do I file a complaint about construction or business activity on the Tulalip Reservation?
A:
Contact the Community Development Department or phone 360-716-4212. Complaints are handled by the Tribal Code Enforcement Specialist and can be made by a community member, business representative, or staff member via phone, e-mail, or letter. Complaints and the information collected during an investigation, including complainant's name, nature of complaint, inspection results, phone calls, written and electronic correspondence, citations, and photos concerning the case/ investigation is information protected by the Tulalip Tribes and kept confidential.
Q: Where can I get a map of the reservation or specific area/lot on the reservation?
A: Both, Community Development and
Tribal GIS departments can to assist in obtaining copies for requests of detailed maps of the Tulalip Reservation