Hearing Examiner

The Cowlitz County Hearing Examiner hears permits, reviews and appeals related to land-use, health, public works and other decision-making matters as set forth in Cowlitz County Code (CCC) Chapter 2.05. The hearings examiner will be an attorney with extensive backgrounds in administrative law and policy. His or her role is not to create policy or change rules, but rather to ensure that policy and rules have been applied correctly.

Hearing Examiner Process

Specific rules and procedures in hearings before the Cowlitz County Hearing Examiner can be found in the Rules of Procedure adopted by the Cowlitz County Hearing Examiner.

Hearings Examiner Rules of Procedure (PDF)

Upcoming Hearings

March 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (Continued from February 19th ) Commissioners Hearing Room 3rd Floor, Cowlitz County Administration Building
Shoreline Substantial Development Permit 25-1046; Columbia River Carbonates Modification and Expansion
Project location: 1903 and 1901 Dike Rd, Woodland

To attend these meetings virtually by phone or computer, please use the Zoom link below:
 Topic: Hearing Examiner Open Record Public Meeting 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88429186882?pwd=Duew2gEpvtmXgnkuP4wjORwyma1Pn9.1
Meeting ID: 884 2918 6882
Passcode: 420346
Or call in for audio only: 253-215-8782

Join instructions
https://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/88429186882/invitations?signature=LrzZEmFgqfe0KFF4DFfgKPboyT9GkvrFFbHj8aN2dDc

Recently Heard Cases

Once a project has received all approvals and the appeal period has passed (typically 20 days) - the project will be removed from this site.           However,  application materials are still available for public review in our office.

Shoreline Substantial Development Permit 25-1051; Port of Kalama Rail Yard Expansion Project
Public Hearing: March 5, 2026
Project location: 400 Toteff Rd, Kalama

Shoreline No. 24-1014; Wandering River Retreat, 4311 Kalama River Rd, Kalama
Please click on the links below to review materials related to this project, including the Hearing Examiner's decision dated 12/16/2025:
Wandering River Retreat & Event Center- Campground Binding Site Plan and Level II Shoreline Substantial Development 

December 4, 2025 Hearing Recording
September 15, 2025 Hearing Recording