This chapter establishes basic site requirements for all zones of the Tulalip Reservation. These density and dimensional requirements implement the Tulalip Tribes Comprehensive Plan while also protecting the Reservation’s natural environment and preventing public nuisances, incompatible uses, and other hazards. The maximum permitted density of development for each zone shall be as shown in this chapter.
(Res. 2023-382)
Table of Density Requirements by Zoning District
Zone
Maximum Density
AG Agriculture
1 dwelling unit per 10 acres
R-10 Low Density Residential-10
1 dwelling unit per 10 acres*
R-5 Low Density Residential-5
1 dwelling unit per 5 acres*
MR Medium Density Residential
No sewer: 1 dwelling unit per 0.5 acre
With sewer: 1 dwelling unit per 7,260 square feet (6 dwelling units per acre)
NM Neighborhood Mixed Use
Limited to available utilities at the site, not to exceed 6 dwelling units per acre for residential use
CM Community Mixed Use
1 dwelling unit per 1,815 square feet (24 dwelling units per acre)
UM Urban Mixed Use
1 dwelling unit per 1,089 square feet (40 dwelling units per acre)
LI Light Industrial/Manufacturing
N/A
BF Big Flats
N/A, dwelling units prohibited
RS Resource
N/A, dwelling as accessory to resources use only
RS-20 Resource-20
1 dwelling unit per 20 acres*
CS Conservation
N/A, dwelling units prohibited
QCV-C and QCV-I
Subject to Quil Ceda Village approval
*
Additional density may be allowed according to TTC § 7.20.020, Tribal member family subdivisions.
Accessory dwelling units are not subject to density requirements placed on the primary residence by the underlying zone according to TTC § 7.10.050, Accessory dwelling units.
(Res. 2023-382)
Table of Dimensional Standards by Zoning District
Zone
Maximum Lot Coverage by Impervious Surface
Front Setbacks: Arterial Street
Front Setbacks: Other Street
Side/Rear Setbacks
Building Height1
AG Agriculture
15%2
25 ft.
15 ft.
10 ft.
45 ft.
R-10 Low Density Residential-10
15%2
25 ft.
15 ft.
5 ft.
40 ft.
R-5 Low Density Residential-5
20%2
25 ft.
15 ft.
5 ft.
35 ft.
MR Medium Density Residential
60%
25 ft.
10 ft.
5 ft.
35 ft.
NM Neighborhood Mixed Use
75%3
25 ft.
10 ft.
5 ft.
35 ft.
CM Community Mixed Use
75%
25 ft.
10 ft.
5 ft.
35 ft.4
UM Urban Mixed Use
85%
25 ft.
10 ft.
5 ft.
 
LI Light Industrial/Manufacturing
85%
25 ft.
15 ft.
15 ft.
 
BF Big Flats
N/A
25 ft.
20 ft.
10 ft.
 
RC Recreation
 
25 ft.
15 ft.
5 ft.
 
RS Resource
N/A
25 ft.
20 ft.
10 ft.
25 ft.5
RS-20 Resource-20
N/A
25 ft.
20 ft.
10 ft.
25 ft.
CS Conservation
N/A
25 ft.
20 ft.
10 ft.
N/A
QCV-C*
85%
25 ft.
15 ft.
15 ft.
 
QCV-I*
85%
25 ft.
10 ft.
15 ft.
 
*
Applicable only to lease area.
1
Structures located within side or rear setbacks may not exceed seven feet in height. The height of a multifamily building, industrial or commercial building abutting a residential zone may not exceed the distance to the property line.
2
In AG, R-10, and R-5: maximum lot coverage by impervious surfaces shall not exceed 60 percent for lots less than onehalf acre.
3
Maximum impervious surface in NM zone equals one and one-half acres per lot.
4
Institutional uses in CM zone exempt from height restrictions.
5
Institutional uses in RS zone exempt from height restrictions.
(Res. 2023-382)
(1) 
Purpose. The allowed density requirement helps to maintain a consistent and compatible land use pattern in the Tulalip Reservation’s neighborhoods. Other purposes of this requirement are to serve the planned housing needs of the Tulalip Reservation’s residential population and prevent public nuisances that result from a lack of adequate open space and the overutilization of public facilities.
(2) 
Requirements. The allowed density, as shown for each residential zone in TTC § 7.12.010, Table of Density Requirements by Zoning District, represents the maximum number of dwelling units that may occupy an acre of land, exclusive of accessory dwelling units.
(3) 
Calculations. When calculating allowed density for any given site on the Reservation, the gross area of the site is multiplied by the allowed density per acre that applies to the zone where the site is located. The result is the maximum number of units that may occupy that site. For the purposes of this calculation, fractional values shall be rounded to the nearest whole number (one-half and above, round up; below one-half, round down).
(Res. 2023-382)
(1) 
Purpose. The maximum impervious surface requirement maintains open space, prevents adverse impacts from stormwater runoff, replenishes ground water resources, and minimizes flooding.
(2) 
Requirement. The maximum impervious surface percentage for each zone shown in TTC § 7.12.020, Table of Dimensional Standards by Zoning District, establishes the maximum percentage of a lot’s area that may be covered with structures (including outdoor storage), paved areas, and other impervious surfaces.
(Res. 2023-382)
(1) 
Purpose. Front, rear and side setbacks help maintain a consistent and compatible land use pattern in the Tulalip Reservation. Setback requirements also provide for adequate light and air to all properties, minimize incompatibilities such as excessive light and noise, and prevent public nuisances such as the potential for fire damage from buildings constructed too close to each other.
(2) 
Requirements.
(a) 
Lot Orientation. For the purpose of applying setback regulations, the following shall be applied: the front shall be toward the street or access corridor from which the lot is addressed; the rear is opposite to the front or as nearly so as the lot shape permits; and the sides are 90 degrees to the front or as nearly so as the lot shape permits.
(b) 
Measurement. All setbacks shall be measured at right angles, or as near to right angles as possible, to the nearest property line in a plane horizontal to the ground, or in the case of access corridors for single-family residential development, from the nearest edge of the easement to the foundation line of the structure.
(c) 
Corner Lots. Corner lots shall be subject to only one front setback requirement.
(d) 
Rear Setbacks, Alleys. When vehicular access to a lot is by an alley, the rear setback shall be four feet from the nearest alley line.
(e) 
Accessory Structure Setbacks. Side and rear setbacks for accessory structures in all residential zones are five feet.
(f) 
Encroachments – Front, Rear, Side Setbacks. The following features are permitted to encroach up to three feet into front, rear, and side street setback areas: chimneys, porches, bay windows, other building extremities, and decks higher than 30 inches above grade. Roof structures which extend beyond the building line may project up to five feet into front, rear, and side street setback areas. No encroachment into a front, rear, or side street setback area may extend closer than two feet to the nearest property line.
(g) 
Improvements. Improvements less than 30 inches above grade, including decks, patios, walks and driveways, are permitted in setback areas. Fences, landscaping, flagpoles, street furniture, transit shelters and slope stability structures are permitted in setback areas; provided, that all other applicable requirements are met.
(Res. 2023-382)
(1) 
Purpose. The maximum height of structures helps to maintain a consistent land use pattern and visual character across the Reservation. It may also serve to protect important view corridors.
(2) 
Requirements. The maximum height of structures requirement sets the limit above which structures shall not extend, as defined in each zone in TTC § 7.12.020, Table of Dimensional Standards by Zoning District.
(3) 
Exceptions. Totem poles, flagpoles, religious icons and structures (such as steeples, bell towers, or crosses), chimneys, antennas, and smoke and ventilation stacks may exceed the highest point of the existing or proposed structure following review by the Planning Department.
(4) 
Calculation. Building or structure height shall be measured from the average grade of the existing or finished grade, whichever is lower, to the midpoint of the highest gable of a pitched or hipped roof, the vertical distance from finished grade to the top of the highest roof beams on a flat or shed roof; and to deck level on a mansard roof.
(5) 
Fence. Fences up to six feet high may be located in any required setback space. Solid fences over six feet and below eight feet in height require a building permit. Security fences and fences eight feet or higher are limited to utilities, commercial or light industrial uses.
(Res. 2023-382)