Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY: Lands within the Warm Springs Reservation boundaries are subject to tribal jurisdiction and tribal law, not state or county jurisdiction. All building permits, development permits, and construction approvals on Warm Springs Reservation lands are issued by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Land Use Office. The Tribal Housing Department also has authority over construction standards for residential additions, storage buildings, and mobile home improvements. Properties located within Warm Springs Reservation boundaries MUST obtain permits and approvals from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Land Use Office, NOT from Jefferson County, City of Madras, City of Metolius, City of Culver, or State of Oregon Building Codes Division.

Department

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Land Use Office / Tribal Housing Department

Website

https://warmsprings-nsn.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether property is located within Warm Springs Reservation boundaries using tribal maps and the Land Use Office (do not assume location based on general county knowledge)
2. Contact Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Land Use Office to request permit application materials and discuss project requirements
3. Prepare tribal land use permit application per tribal requirements
4. Submit application to Tribal Land Use Office with required supporting documents (site plans, construction plans, etc.)
5. Tribal staff reviews application for compliance with tribal zoning and land use codes
6. Applicant may be asked for additional information or revisions
7. Tribal permit issued after approval
8. Construction proceeds under tribal oversight; inspections conducted per tribal requirements

Source: Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Land Use Office / Tribal Housing Department

General Requirements

Tribal Land Use Chapter applies to all lands within the external boundaries of the Warm Springs Reservation and to lands held in trust for the Confederated Tribes by the United States outside the reservation boundaries. Building permits, development permits, and land use approvals are required per tribal code.

Required Documents

• Tribal land use permit application
• Site plans
• Construction plans
• Supporting documents as required by tribal code

Permit validity

Governed by tribal code; contact Tribal Land Use Office for specific validity periods

Building code

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs adopts and enforces tribal building codes and construction standards; these are distinct from Oregon State Building Code and take precedence on tribal lands

Owner-builder

Residential construction standards: Privately owned homes on the reservation are subject to tribal building permit and tribal code regulations

Contractor requirements

Tribal permitting may have different contractor requirements than Oregon state licensing; contact Tribal Land Use Office for specific requirements

Fees

Payment note

Contact Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Land Use Office for current fee schedule and payment procedures

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Land Use Office / Tribal Housing Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Tribal Land Use Office (in-person)

Typical inspection sequence: Tribal staff conduct inspections to ensure compliance with tribal codes

Additional Resources

• Building code: Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs adopts and enforces tribal building codes and construction standards; these are distinct from Oregon State Building Code and take precedence on tribal lands
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Official Government Website
• Tribal Code Resources
• License lookup guide: Oregon Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Oregon Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Oregon hub: Oregon Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation, OR?

Tribal Land Use Chapter applies to all lands within the external boundaries of the Warm Springs Reservation and to lands held in trust for the Confederated Tribes by the United States outside the reservation boundaries. Building permits, development permits, and land use approvals are required per tribal code.

How do I apply for a building permit in Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation, OR?

1. Determine whether property is located within Warm Springs Reservation boundaries using tribal maps and the Land Use Office (do not assume location based on general county knowledge) 2. Contact Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Land Use Office to request permit application materials and discuss project requirements 3. Prepare tribal land use permit application per tribal requirements 4. Submit application to Tribal Land Use Office with required supporting documents (site plans, construction plans, etc.) 5. Tribal staff reviews application for compliance with tribal zoning and land use codes 6. Applicant may be asked for additional information or revisions 7. Tribal permit issued after approval 8. Construction proceeds under tribal oversight; inspections conducted per tribal requirements

How do I schedule a building inspection in Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation, OR?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Tribal Land Use Office.