1. County Offices Closed for Labor Day


    Commissioners - Aug. 29, 2025, 4:36 p.m.


  2. FAQ

    How is the Code Compliance workload prioritized? Currently, we act on complaint related issues unless we feel there are serious health risks or negligent activity. We are working diligently to respond to each and every complaint. Serious cases and ongoing issues often require a great deal of our time and resources and may carry priority. Why do I have to remove my junk or hulk vehicle if it is on my property? Having a hulk vehicle visible from public right of way or other real property is a violation of Lewis county Code 8.05.070. How much do hulk vehicle inspections …


    Code Compliance - June 8, 2022, 8:43 a.m.


  3. How-To Training & Resources

    If you need additional assistance with applying for a permit, please contact the Permit Center at 360-740-1146. Getting Started with SmartGov Link to SmartGov PortalVideo Tutorials:Creating a SmartGov Portal AccountNotification of Approval or IssuancePDF Tutorial: Creating a SmartGov Portal Account Master Site Review (MSR) / Land Development Review (LDR) The MSR is the first step for development. The planning department will review your proposal and verify that it meets all county zoning and critical areas regulations. This step also identifies what county, state and federal permits are needed for your development. After the MSR has been approved, you can apply …


    Community Development - Oct. 29, 2018, 3:02 p.m.


  4. Forest Patrol Assessments

    If you are a property owner in unincorporated Lewis County you may be assessed a forest patrol fee for each parcel you own. If your parcel is under 50 acres you are billed a flat fee for each parcel you own. This money is collected by the county treasurer and remitted to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. If you have more than one rural parcel under 50 acres in the same legal ownership and have paid more than one flat rate fee, you are entitled to a refund. Your annual assessment must be paid in full to qualify …


    Treasurer - Aug. 26, 2011, 8:53 a.m.


  5. Victim/ Witness Program

    No one chooses to be a victim or witness to a crime. It is our goal to make sure that if you end up in that position, you have an understanding of the legal process and what to expect. It is also important our office gets you in contact with resources available in our community. Our office can help you track court dates and outcomes, prepare for trial, file for restitution, and many other tasks that may seem daunting. If you ever have questions or concerns, please never hesitate to contact our office. Victim Resources Crime Victim Advocacy Network Crime …


    Prosecutor - Nov. 25, 2020, 10:04 a.m.


  6. Real Estate Services

    The Real Estate Services Division is responsible for land management of properties, right-of-way, mapping, and geographic analysis in support of the Public Works Department and for the County overall.The Division manages the Public Works Department's assorted sets of historical maps, surveys, road way files, field notes, engineer tracings/drawings, and aerial photos.These are being indexed and scanned to preserve the integrity of the originals and to increase their availability. Many scanned or original sets are available to research and view from within our offices.The RES Division runs the front counter of the Department -- coordinating permits, answering questions, guiding customers to …


    Public Works - Dec. 30, 2010, 11:41 a.m.


  7. Washington State Boundary Review Board for Lewis County

    2026-03-12 BRB Meeting Agenda Frequently Asked Questions Current Annexations Under Review Chehalis Annexation / MSC26-0002Notice of IntentionExhibit AExhibit BExhibit CExhibit DFire and EMS Plans The Role of the Boundary Review Board The Washington State Boundary Review Board for Lewis County reviews proposals for boundary changes by cities, towns and special-purpose districts (such as fire districts) within Lewis County, including city or district annexations. The actions that most commonly come before the Board are annexations.The Board must base its decisions on specific factors and objectives stated in the Boundary Review Board Act (RCW 36.93). It can approve, modify and approve, or …


    Community Development - Jan. 26, 2024, 10:44 a.m.


  8. About Human Resources

    Thank you for your interest in Lewis County Human Resources!At the County, we believe that our 500 employees are our greatest asset. We are an equal opportunity employer that offers our full time employees competitivebenefits, paid vacation, sick leave, and an attractive retirement plan.Our goal is to be the employer of choice in our community. Mission Statement: To assist, advise, and facilitate management and employees to best align individual talent with the needs and goals of Lewis County. To provide solutions to workplace issues which promote an environment that is characterized by fair treatment of staff, open communication, personal accountability, …


    Human Resources - April 21, 2015, 11:27 a.m.


  9. Real Property

    Real property is land and any improvements (such as dwellings, septic, power, water, driveways, and outbuildings) attached to the land. Land for valuation purposes is bare land only. We do not value trees, landscaping or vegetation on the land. Improvements for assessment purposes is everything that is added to the land (it is not to indicate that you improved the property).The assessor values real property using one or more of three professional appraisal methods using guidelines from the Department of Revenue and International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO):Market or sales comparison method uses sales to provide estimates of value for …


    Assessor - March 28, 2018, 11:52 a.m.


  10. History

    1845-1847 United States Marshall Joe Meek became the first official Law Enforcement Officer in Lewis County. The northern county boundary was reset at the 49th parallel, the present United States/Canadian Border, in 1846. 1847-1848 John R. Jackson became the 1st elected Sheriff of Lewis County, which had a population of 275 in the first census. The first taxes in Lewis County were also collected, including a poll tax of fifty cents on each male under the age of sixty. 1848-1849 Antonio B. Rabbeson became the 2nd elected Sheriff of Lewis County and Block House was built at Cowlitz Landing for …


    Sheriff - Feb. 5, 2016, 3:11 p.m.