The project to update Surface Mining laws for Cowlitz County concluded May 14, 2024 with adoption of two ordinances by the Board of County Commissioners. See the adopted ordinances below along with information on the update process. Surface Mining regulations under Cowlitz County Code 18.01 were developed by the Planning Commission in 2014-2015.  Mining activity in the county led the Board of County Commissioners to adopt a moratorium and emergency interim official controls for surface mining on February 26, 2019. The interim controls replaced the 2015 adopted code while updated regulations were drafted. The interim controls were extended 3 times, through June 2024.  A work group of citizens and industry representatives was formed to consider amendments to the 2015 Surface Mining regulations. With input from citizens, the work group, Ports,  state agencies and the Planning Commission, updates to the Surface Mining laws for the County were completed in 2024 and adopted May 14, 2024.

Completed: May 14, 2024 Surface Mining Special Use amendments

Adopted Amendments- CCC 18.01.100(B) This ordinance repeals interim controls, amends several land use districts and makes other minor changes to reorganize the land use code.

Adopted Amendments- CCC 18.15 Surface Mining Special Use new chapter This ordinance places the updated Surface Mining Special Use code and Racing Facilities code as stand alone chapters, removing both from the Special Use chapter 18.01.

Questions, Comments and Staff Contacts: 

Main Phone: 360-577-3052  x 6664 Adam Trimble, Senior Policy Outreach Planner
Email: trimblea@cowlitzwa.gov