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1. How do I know when I need a stormwater permit?

If your project is located within the Longview-Kelso Urbanized Area, the flow chart will help you determine if a stormwater permit is required. Building and Planning will also review your application and notify you if you need a stormwater permit. The Department of Public Works will provide you with application materials and any other necessary information.

There are many levels of complexity associated with stormwater permits. A single family home generally must meet "minimum requirements” while a commercial or industrial development, will need to complete a full engineering report or plan.

When you have completed the application, Public Works will review it. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, you will take it back to Building and Planning and the Building and Planning application process will proceed.

2. If I disturb one or more acres do I also need to get a Construction Stormwater Permit through Washington State Department of Ecology?

Yes. Cowlitz County has designed the local Construction Stormwater Permit to dovetail with Department of Ecology's. You should be able to submit the same or very similar materials to satisfy both policy requirements.

3. How many trees can be removed before triggering the stormwater permit process?

If tree removal disturbs 7,000 square feet or more AND converts the land to another purpose than forest, it will require a permit. Tree removal is not regulated - it is the action of disturbing the soil.

4. Would building foundation replacement under an existing building qualify under the stormwater ordinance (16.22) as 'routine maintenance?'

No. That degree of work would be 'maintenance,' or an action to maintain a facility's function.

5. The stormwater manual mentions planting plans. Would the County determine what plants are used (i.e. flowers) for residential development?

No. The Cowlitz County Stormwater Ordinance focuses on stormwater. A planting plan would be needed for development of a swale, LID feature, or a or retention type structure.

6. How do I report an illicit discharge?

You can use the following contacts to report spills and dumping into surface waters or storm drains or Illicit sewer and waste water connections to the stormwater drainage system: 

Cowlitz County Department of Public Works at 360-577-3030 or email 

Water Pollution Hotline at 360-578-0900 

Department of Ecology at 360-407-6300 or email

7. Who do I contact with stormwater questions?

Contact the stormwater program at (360) 577 - 3030. Technical questions may be address to Patrick Harbison at harbisonp@co.cowlitz.wa.us. Sara Kalal is available for general assistance kalals@co.cowlitz.wa.us.

8. What are Minimum Requirements they talk about?

Minimum Requirements are the way the Department of Ecology regulates stormwater development. Site Plan submittal, Erosion Control Plans, LID, water quality treatment, and detention are some of the things that the Minimum Requirements require when development triggers the thresholds.

9. How do I meet the Minimum Requirements?

If the Flow Chart indicates that " Minimum Requirements #1-#5 apply, the 'Small Project Stormwater Site Plan Short Form' needs to be completed and submitted to Cowlitz County Public Works. The short form is a step by step form that allows a homeowner to meet the minimum requirements without the need for a licensed engineer. Cowlitz County Public Works is always available to help complete the form or answer any questions.

If the flow Chart indicated "All Minimum Requirements" apply, a professional engineer is required to design a Stormwater Plan in accordance with the Cowlitz County Stormwater Manual.

10. What do I do if ONLY Minimum Requirement #2 applies?

If the Flow Chart indicates that only Minimum Requirement #2 applies, the project is not large enough to trigger any other stormwater requirements. Minimum Requirement #2 is erosion control and the erosion control required by Building and Planning Department will meet this requirement.

11. What is LID?

LID or Low Impact Development is a term used to describe a land planning, engineering design approach to manage stormwater runoff as part of green infrastructure. LID emphasizes conservation and use of on-site natural features to protect water quality.
For more information on LIDs visit: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/...