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Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of work requires a building permit?
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Most new construction, remodeling, and repair work that affect a building or structure will require a permit. The State of Washington under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 19.27 and Cowlitz County have adopted the International Building, and Residential Codes, International Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, and the International Fire Code as minimum construction standards for the state and Cowlitz County. While outlining minimum standards, these codes require permits to be issued, and inspections to be performed in order to verify compliance to the minimum construction standards. Specialists from Building, Planning, and Environmental Health (part of the Health Department) are available to help you determine what permitting will be required for your project or if you may have an exemption.
- Where do I get an electrical permit?
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Electrical Permits can be obtained through Labor & Industries (L&I). Their local office is located at 711 Vine St, Kelso, WA 98626. You can get more information by calling them at (360) 575-6900 or visiting their website at lni.wa.gov, clicking on Licensing & Permits, then locate the permit type you are searching for.
- What design criteria do I need to meet?
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The Washington State Building Code includes the 2015 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) as adopted pursuant to the Cowlitz County Code (CCC) Title 16. Please see our Design Criteria page for more details.
- Where do I get a Mobile Home Alterations Permit?
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Mobile Home Alteration Permits can be obtained through Labor & Industries (L&I). Our local office is located at 711 Vine St, Kelso, WA 98626. You can get more information by calling them at (360) 575-6900 or visiting their website at lni.wa.gov, clicking on Licensing & Permits, then locate the type of permit you are searching for.
- What are the first steps in planning my project?
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- Check out our online mapping tool, EPIC, to learn more about the Comprehensive Plan and zoning classification to of your property, as well as potential environmental constraints.
- Arrange a free staff consultation to get preliminary feedback from County staff that will help you with your project.
- Apply for Planning Clearance, which is the first step in official review of your project (insert link https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/594/Planning-Clearance
- If you don’t own the property yet, but want to start the planning process, you will need a signed letter of authorization from the owner.
- What are my setbacks?
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- There are land use setbacks established by zoning. There may also be setbacks required by the Building Code, Fire Code, and/or to meet environmental regulations. Talk with a Planner and staff from the Building Division to learn more.
- Can I meet with County staff to discuss my project?
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Sure! Please see our staff consultation page for information on arranging a free preliminary meeting with County staff.
- My property has a mapped "Shoreline" - What does this mean?
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- Cowlitz County is required by the State to designate shorelines of statewide significance. Shoreline areas are regulated by the County’s Shoreline Master Program (insert link: https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/1307/Shoreline-Master-Program
- An Environmental Planner can discuss these regulations with you and can be available for a free site visit to discuss specifics of your project. For more information, please contact Peyton Murphy at murphyp@cowlitzwa.gov
- My property has a mapped wetland or stream - What does this mean?
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- If your development plans cannot avoid these environmental features, you may need a professional biologist to assist with the project. A list of qualified professionals interested in working in Cowlitz County is available here. Please contact a county staff Planner for more information and to discuss your project.
- My property has a landslide hazard, steep slopes, or erosive soils mapped - What does this mean?
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- If your development plans are within 50’ of these areas, a geotechnical analysis by a professional may be required. Please contact a Planner to discuss your project.
- What is the process to divide land?
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- There are multiple processes depending on the amount of land you are dividing and the size of the future lots you would like to create.
- The most common land divisions are short subdivisions and large lot subdivisions. Both are processed by Planning staff administratively, and do not require a public hearing.
- Short Subdivisions allow division of up to four lots, any of which is less than 5 acres in size.
- Large Lot Subdivisions allow division of any number of lots, all of which are greater than 5 acres but less than 10 acres.
- The most common land divisions are short subdivisions and large lot subdivisions. Both are processed by Planning staff administratively, and do not require a public hearing.
- If your proposed division will create lots less than 5 acres, and will involve 5 lots or more, you will likely need to go through a Subdivision process. Subdivisions require public hearings for approval.
Planning staff are available to discuss these options. You can also arrange a Staff Consultation to get more specific details.
- There are multiple processes depending on the amount of land you are dividing and the size of the future lots you would like to create.
- I have a Legal Lot of Record, am I able to divide it?
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Divided lots must meet minimum requirements for lot size and lot width established by zoning and/or the Comprehensive Plan, as well as other standards related to health and safety. You can find zoning and comprehensive plan classifications using the EPIC online mapping tool.
- I’d like to harvest several trees on my property – what are my options?
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- If you are planning to sell the timber, there are two options for harvesting trees that depend on your future goals for the property. If you will replant trees after harvest and continue to manage the land as forest for at least 6 years, you can obtain a permit from the Department of Natural Resources.
If you intend to develop some or all of the property with another use after harvest, you can obtain a permit from Cowlitz County. Contact a Planner to discuss the permit process.
- Trees were recently harvested from my property with a permit from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – now I’d like to build a structure or develop the property. What are my options?
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- When DNR issues a harvest permit, the property is subject to a six-year development moratorium. There are two options to remove this moratorium depending on your needs. Talk with a Planner about these options.
- One-Acre Waiver of Moratorium
- If you want to keep most of the land in timber production, but remove one acre or less for development of a single family residence, a one-acre waiver process is available. All conditions of the DNR permit must be met prior to the County approving the Waiver.
- Moratorium Lift
- If you want to remove the entire property from timber production, or more than the one-acre waiver would allow, a process to “lift” the moratorium is available through the County.
- One-Acre Waiver of Moratorium
- When DNR issues a harvest permit, the property is subject to a six-year development moratorium. There are two options to remove this moratorium depending on your needs. Talk with a Planner about these options.
- My land is classified “DFL” or was recently removed from “DFL”. What does that mean?
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- DFL stands for Designated Forest Land. This is a tax classification used by the County Assessor’s Office. More information can be found on the Assessor’s website.
Removing land from DFL status is not a permit to harvest trees. Talk with a Planner about timber harvest options to best achieve your goals.