Basalt Creek Area Planning

Basalt Creek Comprehensive Plan Update

On April 8, 2019, the Tualatin City Council voted to approve the Basalt Creek Comprehensive Plan update (PTA 19-0001 and PMA 19-0001).

On April 22, 2019, the Tualatin City Council voted to approve Ordinance 1418-19 (available below under Supporting Documents), implementing the Basalt Creek Comprehensive Plan update.

On May 22, 2019, Ordinance 1418-19 and the Basalt Creek Comprehensive Plan update became effective.

Basalt Creek Employment Zone Project

A project that began in 2022, and aims to create greater flexibility for landowners to develop their industrial property in the Basalt Creek area based on employment and market trends. 

This project includes the following tasks:

Code audit to review the existing MP zoning against current economic data, land development trends, and recommendations from the City’s adopted Basalt Creek Concept Plan, Economic Opportunities Analysis, and Southwest and Basalt Creek Development Area plan;

Public engagement opportunities that will afford members of the Council, Planning Commission, public, and stakeholder groups an opportunity to provide feedback on recommended changes; and

Amended zoning code for City Council consideration and adoption.

More information can be found here. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I find out about development in the Basalt Creek Area?

Neighborhood Developer Meetings: Before most development applications can be submitted to the City, the developer is required to hold a meeting to discuss the proposal. The developer mails notice of the time and place of the meeting to nearby property owners, but anyone is welcome to attend. Notices of these meetings are posted as a courtesy here.

City of Tualatin Projects Webpage: Most development applications require mailed notice to nearby property owners. Information about these development applications is also posted to the City's Projects webpage. Anyone is welcome to provide comments.

Public Hearing Information: Some development applications are decided at a public hearing. Information about upcoming public hearing dates and related information can be found here. Anyone is welcome to attend a hearing and/or provide testimony.

Note: Some types of private development and construction do not require notice. If you have a question about a specific activity, please contact the Planning Division at (503) 691-3026 or by email.

Do I have to annex to the City of Tualatin?

No – annexing to Tualatin is strictly voluntary and by property owner petition. However, to receive City services and ultimately urban zoning, a property owner would have to be annexed within the City limits.

How soon can I annex to the City of Tualatin?

The City is now accepting annexation applications. A preapplication meeting is the necessary first step before a property owner submits an application to annex to Tualatin.

When can I develop my property?

Before annexation to the City of Tualatin, development on property in the Basalt Creek area is regulated by Washington County and is subject to their rules. After a property owner annexes to the City of Tualatin they may apply to develop their property subject to the City's rules.

My property is shown on Tualatin’s Basalt Creek zoning map, but I do not plan to annex to the City of Tualatin – what will happen to my property?

Annexing to Tualatin is strictly voluntary and by property owner petition. You may choose to remain in unincorporated Washington County, or annex to Tualatin in order to receive urban zoning and City services.  Washington County zoning will continue to be applied to the property until it is annexed. 

Does Tualatin have voter approved annexation?

No, all annexations to the City of Tualatin are owner initiated.

When will the City adopt new zoning for properties in the Tualatin portion of the Basalt Creek area?

Because the City has a “one-map” (combined Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map) system, new zoning for those properties within the Tualatin portion of the Basalt Creek area was adopted at the same time as adoption of Ordinance 1418-19. Individual property owners will then need to annex to Tualatin to have that zoning applied to their property.

What is the zoning in the Basalt Creek area?

Residential zones include: Low Density Residential (RL) - typically detached single family homes on one lot; Medium Low Density Residential (RML) – typically townhomes, duplexes, triplexes, or detached single family homes on smaller lots; and, High Density Residential (RH) – typically three-story tall “garden-style” apartments. Non-residential zones include Neighborhood Commercial (CN) – typically one- to two-story shops and stores smaller than a Target around the size of a Plaid Pantry; and, Manufacturing Park (MP) – typical development would be similar to the area in Tualatin around 124th and Leveton, where employers are located. Allowed uses and development standards for these zones are found in the Tualatin Development Code.

Where are roads planned?

The Basalt Creek Comprehensive Plan amended the City’s existing TSP to identify the future road network to serve the area. The system of Arterial (typically two travel lanes with a center turn lane), Collector (typically two lanes, one in each direction) and Local (smaller side streets in neighborhoods) roadways has been evaluated against future projected trip generation of the various urban zones. As part of the process, the City will work with Washington County and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

Where are parks and trails planned?

The City has recently adopted a Parks Master Plan for areas of the City outside of the Basalt Creek area, which also identified a need for a future park site in the Basalt Creek area based on future population projections. A specific park site was not identified. In addition, the Basalt Creek Comprehensive Plan amended the City’s pedestrian plan to include two planned off-street trails.

Where are sewer and water facilities planned to be?

As part of the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan update, the public water and sewer plan maps were updated to show planned infrastructure for the Basalt Creek area. At present, public water and sewer lines are generally not available in this area and will need to be extended in order to support future urbanization. Connections are generally located at the current southerly boundary of Tualatin, in or near Norwood Road and Helenius Street.

What schools are planned?

The Basalt Creek area is within the Sherwood School District. At present, the Sherwood School District has no plans for facilities within the area. 

Click here for more information on the Basalt Creek Area

Additional questions?

Please contact the Planning Division at (503) 691-3026 or by email.