The requirements in this chapter shall apply to all requests for establishing new public and private roads and bridges, or expansion or modification of existing public or private roads and bridges which may be necessary for the development, or expansion or modification of use of properties in Cowlitz County. Establishments, or expansions or modifications on use of public or private roads and bridges for parcel segregations or subdivision, or for residential, commercial or industrial land uses must be reviewed for application of Chapters 15, 16, 18 and 19 CCC by the Department of Building and Planning.
(Ord. 22-084 § 1, 9-13-2022)
The current edition and subsequent revised editions of the "Washington State Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Road, Bridge, and Municipal Construction" are approved and formally and officially adopted by Cowlitz County, except insofar as modified by this chapter and the Cowlitz County Road and Street Design Standards, including the Private Roads addenda.
Each and every contract entered into by the Board of County Commissioners for the construction or improvement of highways and bridges in the county, and any other matter, including subdivision and parcel development subject to reviews or approvals by the Department of Public Works and/or the Department of Building and Planning, shall be subject to the provisions of the standards described above. As used in this chapter, "private roads" mean all nonpublic roads that are capable of vehicular travel and serve as access to three or more parcels or dwellings, including those accessways being converted from use for silviculture and timber harvest activities to serve other uses.
(Ord. 22-084 § 1, 9-13-2022)
The County Engineer must approve all plans and profile sheets prior to commencing construction on any road subject to this chapter. All work shall be performed under the supervision of the County Engineer. Other permits necessary for the road construction and access to public roads shall be obtained by the applicant as a condition of approval.
(Ord. 22-084 § 1, 9-13-2022)
The minimum private road standards for subdivisions and development triggering application of this chapter, and including, but not limited to, manufactured home parks, recreational vehicle parks and binding site plans, shall be complied with as contained in the standards described in CCC § 12.10.020.
(Ord. 22-084 § 1, 9-13-2022)
Deviations from standards required by this chapter may be granted by the office of the County Engineer upon evidence that such deviations are in the public interest, and that requirements for safety, function, fire protection, appearance, and maintainability based on sound engineering judgment, with input from the county Fire Marshal, are fully met. Detailed procedures for requesting deviations are contained in Cowlitz County Road and Street Design Standards. All deviations from standards in this chapter shall be approved prior to commencing construction.
(Ord. 22-084 § 1, 9-13-2022)
Appeals under this chapter, unless otherwise provided in county code, shall be to the Hearing Examiner under the applicable processes in CCC § 18.10.370 through § 18.10.395, and Chapter 2.05 CCC, and filed within 14 days of any final action, decision or interpretation subject to review. To be timely, a written notice of appeal must be received by the Department of Building and Planning within the 14-day time limit. Appeals under this chapter shall be joined with any appeal of a land use decision, as defined in Chapter 2.05 CCC, involving the same parcel or parcels, or associated application or review.
(Ord. 22-084 § 1, 9-13-2022)