About Community Development
The mission of the Lewis County Community Development department is to assist and facilitate land-use planning and development within the county and provide prompt, professional, courteous service to our customers.
Our functions include:
Permitting
The Permit Center processes all development permit applications, including land use and property division, building and construction, and on-site septic system and environmental health permits. The Permit Center is staffed by industry certified specialists who are cross-trained in each phase of development. Our Permit Center staff is ready and willing to work with and assist our customers through each phase of their projects.
Building and Fire Safety
The Building & Fire Safety Division is responsible for implementation of the State Building Act, including application of: the International Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Fire Code, Washington State Historic Building Code, Energy Code including Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, and Rules and Regulations for Barrier-Free Facilities. The division performs required building and construction permit inspections. Community Development Building and Fire Safety staff is available to answer your construction-related questions and assist you in completing your project.
Planning Services
The Planning Division is responsible for implementation of county, state and federal land-use policies and regulations, including zoning, land subdivision, resource use and environmental policies.
The Planning Division is divided into two units:
- the long-range planning section which is responsible for comprehensive planning under the Growth Management Act and other state and federal planning statutes; and
- the permit planning section, responsible for administration of the local development policies associated with construction and development permit applications.
Whether you have questions about the Growth Management Act (GMA), are interested in subdividing property, or want advice on shoreline or critical area issues, this is the place to call. Our planners are knowledgeable and ready to answer your questions. Working together with our customers and the public is our top priority!