Homesite & Residential Lease Surveys

Navigating the Process

Completing the Navajo Nation homesite application process can be tricky, Carrizo Archaeological Group aims to take some of the confusion out of the process by providing reliable and honest archaeological services for Navajo Nation tribal members wishing to obtain a homesite or residential lease.

The cultural, or archaeological, clearance is one of three studies that must be completed for the homesite application. The other two documents that must be obtained are the Navajo Nation Biological clearance form and a legal survey also known as a legal plat. For a full description of the overall process, please visit the Navajo Nation Land Department website here: https://nnld.org/home/homesite. 

The archaeological survey portion of the clearance process takes place at the homesite/residential lease location. The archaeologist will conduct a field survey where they walk throughout the location to look for cultural resources. Such resources include archaeological sites, artifacts, and other areas of cultural significance. Once the survey is completed the archaeologist will generate an archaeological report complete with all necessary information. Reporting times can vary depending on what was found during the field survey, if anything. Once the report is completed, a copy is sent to the client and a copy is also sent to the Navajo Nation Heritage & Historic Preservation Department (NNHHPD) for compliance review. Once the NNHHPD review is completed a cultural resources compliance form (CRCF) is sent to the homesite client. The crcf is the final cultural determination letter that must be attached to the homesite application, along with the biological form and the legal plat, and turned into the appropriate Navajo Nation land department.

Carrizo Archaeological Group archaeologists can travel across the Navajo Nation to assist with the archaeological portion. We can assist individual Navajo Nation tribal members, Navajo Nation Chapters, and other organizations that help people with obtaining homesites. While the process is pretty straightforward, we understand that not every situation is the same. Please give us a call if you need additional information.