Critical Areas Ordinance Update RFP

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: 2026 Critical Areas Update

Consultant services sought to update Cowlitz County Critical Areas Ordinance and Best Available Science (BAS)

All submittals must be received by 9:00 am on Monday, October 13, 2025.

Cowlitz County has received $75,000 to review and update the Best Available Science for an update of the Critical Areas Ordinance consistent with GMA amendments and conditions in Cowlitz County.  Work with a steering committee, advisory committees and the Planning Commission is underway to update the 2017 Cowlitz County Comprehensive Plan.  These funds will assist Cowlitz County with the following deliverables:

  • Gap analysis and Update to Critical Area policies and regulations
  • Organic Materials Management Facilities Siting
  • Natural Resource Land Designations

Cowlitz County is required to update its Critical Areas ordinance consistent with state requirements for periodic updates as a county partially-planning under the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA). Consultant will propose a scope of work that includes full or partial work, as budget allows, on an updated ordinance, gap analyses and demonstration and documentation that the best available science has been considered when creating their critical areas ordinance, by documenting scientific sources that support their approach to regulating critical areas, and explaining when policies depart from science-based recommendations.

Request for Proposals CAO update Cowlitz County

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