Cowlitz County Government, Washington State
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Cowlitz County
Department of Building and Planning
207 4th Avenue North, Kelso, WA 98626
Tel: 360-577-3052
Fax: 360-414-5550

Hours:
8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday-Friday

 

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Permit Process Basics

New

 

Permit Process

 

As of May 1st, 2009 Building and Planning is following a new permit process for all building and septic permits.

 

All permits must have a current Planning Clearance review completed for the property under development.

 

Having the planning clearance done in advance will allow any future development hindrances to be clearly identified before development begins.

 

PLANNING CLEARANCE (EPIC) BROCHURE  - CLICK HERE!

 

New Process Steps for a typical new single family home, outbuildings, or an addition.

 

1. Apply for a Planning Clearance.

Planning Clearance must be applied for and completed in advance of any building or septic permit application submittal.  The planning clearance review will identify any potential planning issues such as legal lot, setbacks, zoning, addressing, etc. as well as identify, if any, critical areas on the property such as wetlands, shorelines, stream setbacks, landslides, etc. You can check your parcel on EPIC, our online mapping program, for any potential issues. Planning staff utilizes EPIC to make the planning clearance determinations.

 

2.Submit building plans, septic design, and water application.

Once your planning clearance has been approved, you may submit for your permits. The water application and septic design (if required for development) must be submitted before or at the same time as the building permit.

 

3. Permit Issuance

The building permit will not be issued unless the septic permit has been issued and the water has been approved.

 

4.Construction

Once the permits are issued construction may begin. Remember that the permits must be kept on-site.

 

5. Inspections

For fire code inspections call (360)575-6290.  For building inspections call (360)577-3031. For septic inspections please contact your designer.

 

For E-mail Help With: (Click Below)

Questions on permit process

Questions on planning clearance

Questions on building permits

Questions on septic and water

 

 

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