Personnel:
- Don Terry
- Amy Loudermilk
- Sarra Burnett-Lisle
- Becky Midles
Departments:
- Residential Permitting
- Separate permits are required for building/construction, electrical and septic system installation.
- Commercial Permitting
- Separate permits may be required for building/construction, electrical, grading and/or sanitary sewer construction components.
- Chehalis Safety Ordinance
- Firms actively engaged in construction activities are required to develop Safety Plans for each construction site, consistent with Chehalis Tribe construction safety standards. Safety Plans must be submitted prior to the commencement of construction activities and no later than 10 business days of issuance of a work permit.
- Special Use Permitting
- All persons or firms wishing to conduct residential and commercial construction activities within the following areas must first obtain a special use permit:
- Floodplain
- Within 300 feet of the Chehalis and Black Rivers
- Within 150 feet of Willamette Creek, wetlands or tributaries
Land Use Planning & Permitting
Chehalis Comprehensive Plan & Zoning Ordinance
The Chehalis Tribe adopted the Chehalis Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance in 2004 to protect the environment and lands under the jurisdiction of the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation (Chehalis Tribe) for the enjoyment and use of present and future generations of Chehalis tribal community members and residents of the Reservation.
The Comprehensive Plan and accompanying Zoning Ordinance were prepared to assure the compatibility of land uses on the Reservation; to protect the Reservation's natural resources native to the area; and to protect the cultural interests and welfare of all residents of the Reservation.
Land use categories are divided into six (6) zones: Chehalis Forested Lands, Rural/Agricultural, Commercial, Residential and (Environmental and Cultural) Sensitive Lands. Sensitive Lands may overlay any other zone.
Both fee and trust land owners within the Reservation boundaries are subject to the permitting jurisdiction of the Chehalis Tribe.
Permitting
All persons conducting any of the following construction and related activities within the boundaries of the Chehalis Indian Reservation or on trust lands are required to obtain a permit from the Chehalis Indian Tribe including, but not limited to: Preparation of a site for the construction of a building; design and installation of septic systems; the construction of any new structure or construction that alters the exterior of an existing structure; road construction; construction or repair of culverts and drainage ditches; construction of any water or flood related project; dredging; drilling; dumping; filling; removal of any sand, gravel, or minerals; clearing and grading.
Residential construction, commercial construction and special use permits may be applied for at the Planning Department office in the Chehalis Tribal Center at 420 Howanut Rd, Oakville, WA 98568. Permit applications are approved by Chehalis Business Committee.
Any individual or firm who fails to obtain a permit as required under the ordinance be issued a notice of violation that may include an order to cease and desist (stop work order).
Long Range and Strategic Plans
The Planning Department works closely with Tribal Members and the reservation community in developing and implementing long range & strategic plans on behalf of the Chehalis Tribe. In 2008/09, the Tribe completed its Natural Hazards Management Plan, the Grand Mound 10-Year Development Plan and the Chehalis Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan.
Business Licensing
Businesses wishing to conduct activities within the exterior boundaries of the Chehalis Reservation, or on tribally-owned fee or trust land must apply for a Business License permit. Application can be made in person at the Planning Department located within the Chehalis Tribal Center, 420 Howanut Rd, Oakville, WA 98568.
Business permits are good for the calendar year in which they are issued and cost $25.00. Permits must be renewed annually.
Vender locations and hours of operation are subject to approval by the Chehalis Tribe.
Grantwriting
The Planning Department is responsible for development and submission of grants on behalf of all departments and functions of the Chehalis Tribe. The Chehalis Grants Review and Planning Policy describes our grant development and review process and assures that grants submitted on behalf of the Tribe, whether by tribal staff or by intertribal consortia, are duly authorized and are consistent with tribal goals and objectives.
Transportation Planning
Transportation Planning is performed within the Planning Department including responsibility for the Indian Reservation Roads (IRR) inventory program, the Tribal Transportation Improvement Plan, road construction and maintenance, sidewalk construction, public transportation. In 2006, the Tribe produced the first Chehalis Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). LRTP is scheduled for update during 2009.
Download section:
Land Use Planning & Permitting Ordinances:
Building and Construction Permitting Forms:
Long Range and Strategic Plans:
Business Licensing Forms:
Grantwriting:
Transportation Planning:
