Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs:
Q: What is a 99-year lease? Is it like purchasing land?
A: A 99-year lease is associated with specific lot, and allows the lessee the right to build and live on that lot almost as if it were their own land. Lessees can build a home and other accessory structures, landscape, and use their lot the same way a regular homeowner does. 99-year leases can also be sold or purchased similarly to real property, and you are able to build equity with your investment.
Q: How much are 99-year leases going to cost?
A: Residential lots within the Nixyáawii Neighborhood will be available for a Consideration Fee that starts at $2.50 per square foot of lot size. Base pricing for each lot is available here.
Q: Who can purchase a 99-year lease and build a home in the Nixyáawii neighborhood?
A: Anyone who meets eligibility criteria and has financial readiness can purchase a lease and build a home. The most common criteria is that an individual is an enrolled CTUIR Tribal Member and over the age of 18.
Q: What kind of house can I build on my lot in Nixyáawii?
A: Homeowners have the flexibility to choose any type of home they wish to build if its placement is able to meet requirements of the Neighborhood Residential Zone in the CTUIR Land Development Code, and if its construction meets the CTUIR-adopted building codes.
Q: Are there other expenses are associated with living in the Nixyáawii neighborhood?
A: Yes. In order to provide services for the neighborhood such as maintaining the roads and park, each homeowner in the neighborhood will be responsible for the Annual Subdivision Assessment Fee (ASDA fee). This fee will be $0.2320 per square foot of lot size per year. Additionally, residents of the Nixyáawii neighborhood have the right to form a Homeowners’ Association if they choose.
Q: Can I purchase more than one 99-year lease-lot? Can I buy multiple lots next to each other to create a bigger lot?
A: Unfortunately, no. The CTUIR Land Leasing Code limits an eligible owner to only one (1) 99-year lease-lot at a time.
Q: If I purchase a 99-year lease-lot in the Nixyáawii Neighborhood, do I need to build a house right away?
A: No. You have three (3) years from the date of lease signing to apply for permits to begin constructing your home.
Q: What are some other advantages to building in the Nixyáawii neighborhood?
A: In addition to being close to CTUIR Tribal services, as a CTUIR Tribal Member, you would be exempt from county property taxes for your home. If you work on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, you may also be exempt from Oregon State Income Tax.
Q: Is this the only neighborhood planned for development? Will there be other opportunities?
A: CTUIR is exploring other developments for the future that may have different lot sizes, price points, and other amenities.