After April 14, 1975, any use established and any building, structure, or tract of land developed, constructed or used for any permitted or special use shall comply with the applicable performance standards set forth herein.
If any existing use or building or other structure is extended, enlarged, moved, structurally altered, the standards included within this section are to be considered applicable to these activities and they shall be considered minimum standards.
(Ord. 4107 § 6.01, 4-14-1975; Ord. 4508 § 2-6.01, 12-17-1975)
All development shall conform to the development standards of the zone district classifications in which the development is located as indicated in Table 18.10.501. However, Table 18.10.501 contains only minimum standards, and stricter standards may be required by other regulations, including building codes, fire codes, stormwater management or regulations governing sewage disposal or water service. Where Table 18.10.501 lists more than one standard, the stricter standard shall apply.
Table 18.10.501
Minimum Zone District Development Standards
Land Use Zone District
Lot Area (acres or sq. ft.)
Lot Width at Building Line (feet)
Rear Yard Setback (feet)
Side Yard Setback (feet)
Building Height (feet)
Maximum Lot Coverage (percentage)
Minimum District Size (acres)
RR-1
1 acre
120
15
5
(CCC § 18.10.535)
50
—
RR-2
2 acres
180
15
10
(CCC § 18.10.535)
30
—
RR-5
5 acres
300
15
10
(CCC § 18.10.535)
15
—
SR
15,000 sq. ft.
60
15
5
(CCC § 18.10.535)
65
—
UR
6,000 sq. ft.
60
15
5
(CCC § 18.10.535)
65
—
MF
Table 18.10.541
—
15
5
(CCC § 18.10.535)
90
—
C-1
—
—
—
—
(CCC § 18.10.535)
—
1
C-2
—
—
—
—
(CCC § 18.10.535)
—
3
ML
—
—
—
—
(CCC § 18.10.535)
—
—
MH
—
—
—
—
(CCC § 18.10.535)
—
—
AG-I
38 acres (CCC § 18.10.518)
(CCC § 18.10.518)
15 (CCC § 18.10.510)
10 (CCC § 18.10.520)
(CCC § 18.10.535)
—
—
AG
5 acres
—
15
10
(CCC § 18.10.535)
—
5
AG-38
38 acres
—
15
10
(CCC § 18.10.535)
—
76
FR
5 acres
—
15
10
(CCC § 18.10.535)
—
20
U
Mandatory minimums as per Comprehensive Plan guidelines and recommended acreages
Mandatory minimums as per Comprehensive Plan guidelines
15
10
(CCC § 18.10.535)
—
—
(Ord. 16-144 § 1, 11-22-2016)
The following performance standards apply to any commercial or light industrial use in the AG-I zone, and are in addition to other applicable standards.
A. 
Lighting. Lighting, including permitted illuminated signs, shall be designed and arranged to avoid:
1. 
Glare or reflection onto any residential use not on the same property;
2. 
Conflicts with the readability of traffic signs and control signals;
3. 
Interference with motor vehicle or bicycle traffic on roads.
B. 
Storm Drainage. Any light industrial or commercial development shall have effective storm drainage, as follows:
1. 
Stormwater runoff may not cause any measurable increase in peak runoff levels in the receiving drainage way.
2. 
All drainage plans shall be designed by an engineer, licensed in the State of Washington, to handle stormwater runoff for a 25-year storm event.
3. 
All stormwater drainage improvements shall be completed prior to issuance of an occupancy permit for the use. Stormwater runoff shall be treated in oil-water separators, grass-lined biofiltration swales, or by other best management practice methods prior to discharge from the site.
4. 
Any development site that disturbs five or more acres must have a general permit from the Washington State Department of Ecology prior to construction of the stormwater drainage system, unless the Department of Ecology provides otherwise.
C. 
Building and Yard Maintenance.
1. 
All buildings and grounds shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner. Any required landscaping shall be maintained in healthy condition, and any dead or unhealthy landscape plants shall be removed and replaced with healthy specimen during the appropriate planting season.
2. 
Any structure, building, fence or wall shall be kept free of rust, corrosion, peeling paint and other surface deterioration.
3. 
Except as specifically permitted by other applicable laws, development may not emit or cause excessive smoke, dust, glare, odors, vibration, noise, hazards, or air pollution or water pollution that jeopardizes the general public's safety and welfare, or injures any human, animal or plant life, or any property.
D. 
Noise. Every development shall comply with Chapter 173-60 WAC, Maximum Environmental Noise Levels. Procedures for measuring sound levels shall be as described in Chapter 173-58 WAC, Sound Level Measurement Procedures.
The following noise sources are exempt from this subsection:
1. 
Devices which are utilized solely for warning, safety or emergency purposes and whose use is temporary and infrequent;
2. 
Transient noises of moving sources such as automobiles, trucks, airplanes and railroads, except as provided in CCC § 10.25.050(P);
3. 
Aircraft noise that is regulated under federal or state law;
4. 
Sources and activities not under the direct control of the site operator or owner.
E. 
Air Emissions. All emissions to the air shall comply with Chapter 70.94 RCW, the regulations thereunder, and the rules and standards of the Southwest Air Pollution Control Authority.
F. 
Explosive Materials. The storage or manufacture of explosive materials is prohibited.
G. 
Flammable Solids. The storage or manufacture of flammable solids is prohibited.
H. 
Glare. Lighting shall be directed, shielded or screened so that it will not be directly or indirectly cast into adjacent or nearby residential areas, or hinder motorists on public or private roads.
I. 
Monitoring Equipment. The Director or Planning Commission may require the owner or operator of a development to install and operate instruments to monitor or control noise, glare, heat, air pollution, smoke, hazardous substances or vibration.
(Ord. 94-005 § 33, 1-3-1994)
A. 
The front yard setback in all land use districts, including the unzoned district, shall be a minimum of 20 feet from the front property line or 50 feet from the center of the right-of-way or easement of the fronting road, whichever is greater. If the fronting road is classified as an urban arterial or rural arterial, the distance from the center of the right-of-way or easement shall be increased to 55 feet and 60 feet, respectively.
B. 
Exceptions.
1. 
Front yard setback may be reduced to 10 feet if parking area is accessed from the rear of the lot, or if enclosed parking area is recessed or aligned to provide at least 20 feet to edge of property line.
2. 
If commercial use, setback may be reduced to zero feet as required to accommodate half-width right-of-way requirements, so long as garage doors are not located along the facade. To utilize this exception a survey prepared by a licensed surveyor must be submitted at the time of permitting to validate front property line. Building and fire code requirements may supersede this exception.
3. 
Features such as porches, stoops, decks, balconies, fire escapes, and exterior stairways may encroach up to 50 percent into front setback identified in subsection A of this section, provided such features are open sided.
4. 
Projections such as bay windows, masonry clad chimneys, cornices, canopies, eaves, sills, and other architectural features may extend up to three feet into the required setback.
5. 
In an area of prior development where at least 50 percent of existing surrounding front yard setbacks within a 300-foot radius of the site are less than currently required, an exception of up to 50 percent of the standard setback may be allowed, so long as the following criteria are met:
a. 
Enclosed parking area is recessed or aligned to provide at least 20 feet to edge of property line.
b. 
The reduction will not be materially detrimental to public health, or injurious to property in the vicinity or district in which the property is located.
c. 
The reduction will not detract from livability or appearance or a residential area, or character of a nonresidential area.
d. 
The reduction will not adversely affect significant natural, scenic, historical, cultural, open space or energy resources.
e. 
The reduction will not materially compromise the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan, or the spirit of this chapter.
6. 
Public art, flagpoles and signs not subject to front yard setback requirements.
(Ord. 15-039 § 3, 3-24-2015; Ord. 17-077 § 1, 9-12-2017)
The rear yard setback for a lot that abuts an alley shall be five feet from the rear lot line or 15 feet from the centerline of the alley right-of-way, whichever is greater.
(Ord. 94-005 § 28, 1-3-1994)
Every light and heavy industrial development located within 200 feet of a residence on a separate lot must have a minimum 10-foot side yard setback and a minimum 15-foot rear yard setback. The rear and side yard setbacks shall each be increased by one foot for each vertical foot above 35 feet. If a greater setback is required by the building code or fire code, such greater setback is required.
(Ord. 94-005 § 29, 1-3-1994)
A corner lot must have a minimum 15-foot side yard setback between any building and a lot line abutting any road other than the fronting road.
(Ord. 4107 § 6.03.01, 4-14-1975; Ord. 94-005 § 30, 1-3-1994)
A zero lot line shall be permitted between structures in all areas except AG, FR, RR, SR and UR land use districts upon certification from the Building Inspector that the sides in common of each structure are provided with a firewall in conformance to the County Building Code.
(Ord. 4107 § 6.03.02, 4-14-1975)
The minimum lot width for cul-de-sac lots or lots fronting on road curves shall be 40 feet. Said lots shall be provided a minimum building line width of not less than 60 feet and shall be located not less than 25 feet back from the front lot line as measured perpendicular to the front lot line or 55 feet from the centerline of the fronting street, whichever is greater.
(Ord. 4107 § 6.04, 4-14-1975)
Minimum lot size for multiple-family dwellings in all zoned or unzoned areas shall be calculated as indicated in Table 18.10.541. However, larger lot sizes may be required by other regulations, including building codes, fire codes or regulations governing sewage disposal or water service.
Table 18.10.541
Number of Units
Minimum Lot Size
2 – 3
6,000 square feet.
4 – 6
6,000 square feet, plus 1,500 square feet per unit in excess of 3 units.
7 or More
10,500 square feet, plus 1,000 square feet per unit in excess of 6 units.
For example: a four-unit multiple-family dwelling development requires a lot size of 7,500 square feet, a six-unit multiple-family dwelling development requires a lot size of 10,500 square feet, and an eight-unit multiple-family development requires a lot size of 12,500 square feet.
(Ord. 22-078 § 1, 8-16-2022)
A. 
This section applies only to unzoned areas of unincorporated Cowlitz County.
B. 
Subject to the requirements of subsection D of this section, an on-site hazardous waste treatment and storage facility is allowed on property designated under the Cowlitz County Comprehensive Plan as regional commercial, light industrial, heavy industrial, agriculture-industrial, agriculture-38, or forestry-open space.
C. 
Subject to the requirements of subsection D of this section, an off-site hazardous waste treatment and storage facility is allowed on property designated under the Cowlitz County Comprehensive Plan as heavy industrial.
D. 
The hazardous waste treatment and storage facility must: (1) receive special use approval under the procedures of CCC § 18.10.280 through CCC § 18.10.315; (2) comply with the state siting criteria; and (3) be developed and operate in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including but not limited to Chapter 70.105 RCW and the regulations thereunder, as now or hereafter amended.
(Ord. 88-102 § 11, 6-27-1988)
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to facilitate adequate and convenient electric vehicle infrastructure to serve the needs of the travelling public, provide opportunities for Cowlitz County residents to have safe and efficient personal electric charging stations at their place of residence, and to provide the opportunity for commercial and industrial developments to supply electrical vehicle charging station services to their customers and employees.
B. 
Charging Station Siting.
1. 
Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations shall be permitted uses in the commercial (C-1 and C-2) and industrial (ML, MH, and AG-I) zoning districts. Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations shall be accessory uses in all other zoning districts.
2. 
Level 3 charging stations and battery exchange stations shall be permitted uses in the commercial (C-1 and C-2) and industrial (ML, MH and AG-I) zoning districts. Level 3 charging stations and battery exchange stations shall be special uses in all other zoning districts.
3. 
Where a special use permit is required, it shall be processed in accordance with CCC § 18.10.280 through § 18.10.315.
C. 
Installation Process.
1. 
Charging Station Installation. Charging stations do not require a specific installation approval from the county; except, that installations may require approvals under state building codes and provisions of county code, depending upon station design and construction. Electrical installations are subject to Washington State Department of Labor and Industries approval.
2. 
Signage Installation. Signs identifying the location of charging stations placed within or adjacent to a public right-of-way may be subject to approvals by federal, state and local agencies.
D. 
General Requirements.
1. 
Electric vehicle charging stations shall be reserved for charging electric vehicles only.
2. 
Each charging station space should be posted with signage indicating the space is only for electric vehicle charging purposes. Signage should include identifying voltage and amperage levels, time of use, fees or safety information.
3. 
Installation of wayfinding signs should be conveniently located to effectively guide motorists to the charging station space(s).
4. 
Charging station equipment shall not interfere with accessibility requirements of WAC 51-50-005.
(Ord. 14-053 § 1 (Exh. A), 6-10-2014)
A. 
Where property occupied by a commercial or industrial use adjoins an RR-1, RR-2, RR-3, RR-4, RR-5, SR, UR or MF district, a strip of land five feet wide and parallel to the common property boundary shall be planted with a vegetative screen of hardy evergreen shrubs or trees. The screen shall be no less than four feet in height, but shall not be of such height as to interfere with solar access of other properties. The screen shall be maintained in a healthy condition by the owner and/or operator of the commercial or industrial use. The screen shall be designed, placed and maintained in such a manner that it does not impair vehicle visibility at intersections or along lines of ingress or egress.
B. 
Alternative forms of screening may be permitted, providing the owner or operator demonstrates that the proposed alternative effectively screens the commercial or industrial use from view of all adjoining residential properties. A fence proposed as an alternative shall not exceed eight feet in height. Landscaping in addition to the proposed alternative screen may be required. Requests for alternative screening shall be considered as requests for variances under CCC § 18.10.340 through § 18.10.365.
(Ord. 82-194 § 8, 7-19-1982; Ord. 94-005 § 35, 1-3-1994)
A. 
Where a property located in the AG-I zone and occupied by a commercial or industrial use is located within 200 feet of a residence on another lot, a strip of land five feet wide and parallel to the residential use shall be planted with a vegetative screen of hardy evergreen shrubs or trees. The screen shall be no less than four feet in height at the time of planting, but the mature vegetation shall not be of such height as to interfere with solar access of the residence. The vegetative screen shall be maintained in healthy condition by the owner or operator of the commercial or industrial use.
B. 
A fence or wall that is not more than eight feet high may be used as an alternative form of screening. The Director may require vegetation in addition to a fence or wall in order to reduce the impacts of noise, light or glare onto adjacent residential property. Any screening shall meet the following standards.
1. 
Fences and walls shall be uniform in color and material; except for scenic murals. A scenic mural shall not include advertising or business identification;
2. 
No fence or wall shall be used for outdoor advertising or merchandise display purposes;
3. 
Front yard landscaping shall not obscure doors and windows from view from the road;
4. 
Employee and customer parking are allowed in front yards so long as a minimum five-foot strip of land adjacent to the front lot line is landscaped with hardy vegetation that does not reduce sight distance or visibility requirements in violation of CCC § 18.10.569.
(Ord. 94-005 § 34, 1-3-1994)
A. 
In the agriculture-38 district, lots smaller than the 38-acre minimum of CCC § 18.10.510 may be created in the manner and subject to the conditions provided in this section.
B. 
For the purposes of this section the term "combined ownership" shall mean an owner's total ownership, whether or not contiguous, in the agriculture-industrial and agriculture-38 districts.
C. 
For every 38 acres of combined ownership the owner thereof may make a division of land under the short subdivision provisions of Chapter 18.34 CCC to create one new lot. However, no such division of land shall be permitted except to provide a lot for a single-family residence for a person who (1) is a family member of the owner of the parcel to be divided, and (2) is actively engaged in agricultural activities on the parcel to be divided. For the purpose of this subsection, the term "family member" is limited to the spouse and children of the owner of the parcel to be divided; provided, that where the owner of the parcel is a corporation, the term "family member" shall mean the spouse and children of the person(s) holding a controlling interest in the corporation; provided further, that nothing in this section shall limit the right of a person who meets the two above criteria to have his or her family reside together with him or her on a lot created pursuant to this section.
D. 
During a five-year period beginning with the date the first lot is created as allowed under this section (such date being the date that a short plat under Chapter 18.34 CCC is filed), up to three such lots (counting the first lot) may be created. Thereafter, one such lot may be created every five years. Such lots may be adjoining or nonadjoining.
E. 
Any new lot created under this section shall be subject to the following conditions:
1. 
Such lot shall be at least one-half acre and no greater than two acres in area; provided, that the two-acre maximum shall be increased to the extent (a) that the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Health District determines that a larger area is required for the proper installation of approved water and/or sewer systems; or (b) of a variance granted by the Director to allow a division of land to follow topographic features (including but not limited to natural and manmade drainage ways, and ravines) that obstruct normal and necessary agricultural practices.
2. 
Such lot shall have a minimum width of 100 feet (measured from the required front setback).
3. 
The short plat creating such lot shall bear a notation, in a form prescribed by the Director, stating that the lot is situated in an agricultural area and is subject to noise, dust, smoke, odors, and the application of chemicals resulting from usual and normal practices associated with nearby agricultural uses.
(Ord. 84-223 § 2, 10-8-1984)
A. 
In the agriculture-38 district, lots smaller than the 38-acre minimum of CCC § 18.10.510 may be created in the manner and subject to the conditions provided in this section. Divisions of land allowed under this section are in addition to those allowed under CCC § 18.10.547.
B. 
That portion of a parcel that contains an owner-occupied residence may be divided from the remainder of the parcel under the short subdivision provisions in Chapter 18.34 CCC; provided, that no such division shall be allowed if the lot on which the owner-occupied residence is located was created after the effective date of this chapter; provided further, that when the parcel is owned by a corporation, a residence thereon shall be considered as "owner-occupied" when it is occupied by (1) the person(s) who own(s) a controlling interest in the corporation, or (2) the person(s) who within the past five years has/have owned a controlling interest in the corporation.
C. 
Any division of land under this section must meet the standards of CCC § 18.10.547(E).
(Ord. 84-223 § 3, 10-8-1984)
Sewer and water requirements for each land use shall be as specified by the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Health District. The minimum lot size of lots not provided with community sewers shall be as specified by the County Sanitation Ordinance. However, where the application of the provisions of the County Sanitation Ordinance permit a less restrictive lot than is specified in CCC § 18.10.501, the requirements in CCC § 18.10.510 shall apply.
(Ord. 4107 § 6.05, 4-14-1975)
[1]
Codifier's note: The County Sanitation Ordinance [Ord. 1122] has been superseded by state and Health District regulations. See Chapter 248-96 WAC.
A. 
The following occupations, when conducted in compliance with the standards set forth in subsection B of this section, shall be permitted as home occupations in all land use districts and shall not be required to obtain special use permit approval:
1. 
In home workspaces for artists, musicians, craft practitioners, clergy, professional services including classes led by such practitioners and other similar uses that meet the requirements of subsection B of this section;
2. 
Licensed family day care providers as defined in RCW 43.216.010(1)(c), or hereafter amended.
B. 
All home occupations shall comply with the following standards:
1. 
The home occupation shall be clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for dwelling purposes;
2. 
The outward appearance of the structure shall not be altered or the occupation be conducted in a manner that would cause the premises to differ from its residential character either by the use of colors, materials, construction, lighting, or the emission of sounds, exhausts, or vibrations that carry beyond the premises;
3. 
A home occupation shall be conducted entirely within the dwelling, or within an attached or detached accessory building on the same lot as the dwelling. Licensed family day care providers are exempt from this requirement;
4. 
Only the occupant(s) of the dwelling on the lot on which the home occupation is conducted may engage in such home occupation; provided, that such occupant(s) may employ no more than two nonresident employees;
5. 
No more than 25 percent of the floor space of a dwelling may be used primarily for the home occupation. Licensed family day care providers are exempt from this requirement;
6. 
No storage or display of goods and equipment shall be located within a public view, except what is customary for a residence;
7. 
Adequate off-street parking shall be provided;
8. 
One nonanimated, nonilluminated sign, not exceeding three square feet in area, may be mounted on the home occupation structure and one such sign may be installed near the adjacent road frontage.
(Ord. 22-079 § 1, 8-16-2022)
Off-street parking requirements in CCC § 18.10.561 and § 18.10.562 are minimum requirements and shall apply in all unincorporated areas of Cowlitz County. Such requirements must be met whenever:
A. 
A new building is erected;
B. 
An existing building is altered such that the alteration costs exceed 50 percent of the county-assessed market value of the building, or the building's floor space is increased by more than 50 percent; or
C. 
The use of an existing building is changed.
(Ord. 81-678 § 1, 7-27-1981; Ord. 81-796 § 1, 10-12-1981)
The following general provisions shall apply.
All off-street parking areas shall meet the minimum standards for spaces, aisles, and access ways set forth in the Off-Street Parking Diagram and Dimensional Table below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for any parking area of 12 or more spaces, 25 percent of the spaces may be reduced to minimal dimensions 15 feet in length, provided the spaces are marked for use by small automobiles.
OFF-STREET PARKING DIAGRAM
OFF-STREET PARKING DIMENSIONAL TABLE
Less than 90°
90°
Parallel
A. Width of Parking Space
9'
9'
9'
B. Length of Parking Space
18'
18'
22'
C. Width of Driveway Aisle
18'
24'
12'
Access to off-street parking areas shall comply with county and state road approach standards.
A. 
Location. All required off-street parking spaces shall be located within 300 feet from the building or use they are intended to serve.
B. 
Joint Use Facilities. The Director may approve common parking for two or more uses. Owners or operators of the uses must show that their operations and parking needs do not overlap in time. If the uses are under separate ownerships, the right to joint use of the parking spaces must be evidenced by a deed, lease, contract or other appropriate written document satisfactory to the Director.
C. 
Development and Maintenance Standards for Off-Street Parking Areas. Every parcel of land used as a public or private parking area shall meet the following standards:
1. 
All one- and two-family dwellings shall be provided with safe access to and from public streets and roads;
2. 
For all other uses, safe access shall be provided to and from public streets and roads; no parking space shall be so situated as to create a reasonable likelihood that automobiles will proceed from the space to a public street or road while in reverse gear; and no off-street parking shall be permitted within street easements or rights-of-way;
3. 
All parking surfaces shall be constructed with all-weather materials and shall be well-drained. Fugitive dust emission shall be controlled as required by federal, state and local regulations.
(Ord. 81-678 § 1, 7-27-1981)
The number of off-street parking spaces required for particular uses shall be as follows:
Use
Number of Spaces
A. Residential
1. 1-, 2-, and 3-unit family dwellings
2 spaces/dwelling unit
2. Multifamily dwelling containing 4 or more dwelling units
3 spaces/2 dwelling units
3. Apartment, rooming or boarding house
3 spaces/2 units
B. Commercial Residential
1. Hotel
1 space/2 guest rooms plus 1 space/2 employees
2. Motel
1 space/guest room or suite, plus 1 additional space for the owner or manager
C. Institutions
1. Welfare or correctional institution
1 space/3 beds for patients or inmates
2. Hospital, nursing home, sanitarium, rest home, home for the aged
1 space/3 beds for patients or residents
D. Places of Public Assembly
1. Church
The greatest of: 1 space/5 seats; 1 space/10 ft. of bench length in the main auditorium; or 1 space/40 s.f. of assembly area
2. Library, reading room, museum, art gallery
1 space/400 s.f. of floor area, plus 1 space/2 employees
3. Preschool nursery; kindergarten, public, private or parochial
2 spaces/teacher or employee
4. Elementary or junior high school, public, private, or parochial
The greatest of: 1 space/ employee; or 1 space/5 seats in auditorium, gymnasium or assembly room, or 1 space/10 ft. of bench length in auditorium, gymnasium or assembly room
5. High school, public, private or parochial
The greatest of: 1 space/ employee, plus 1 space/6 students; 1 space/4 seats in the main auditorium; or 1 space/8 ft. of bench length in the main auditorium
6. College, commercial school for adults
1 space/3 seats in classrooms
7. Other auditoriums, meeting rooms, lodges, clubs, community halls
The greatest of: 1 space/5 seats; 1 space/10 ft. of bench length; or 1 space/40 s.f. of floor area
E. Commercial Amusements
1. Stadium, arena, theater, gymnasium
The greatest of: 1 space/5 seats; 1 space/10 ft. of bench length; or 1 space/ 40 s.f. of floor area
2. Bowling alley
4 spaces/lane, plus 1 space/2 employees
3. Dance hall, skating rink
1 space/150 s.f. of floor area, plus 1 space/2 employees
F. Commercial
1. Grocery store; supermarket; retail store; except retail store selling bulky merchandise
1 space/200 s.f. of floor area
2. Service or repair shop, retail store selling furniture, automobiles, or other bulky merchandise, where the merchandise display occupies the major area of the building
1 space/600 s.f. of floor area
3. Bank, office (except medical and dental)
1 space/400 s.f. of floor area, plus 1 space/2 employees
4. Medical or dental office or clinic
1 space/150 s.f. of floor area, plus 1 space/2 employees
5. Eating or drinking establishment
1 space/200 s.f. of floor area
6. Mortuary
1 space/4 seats, or 1 space/8 ft. of bench length in chapels, whichever is greater
7. Small animal clinic, veterinary hospital
1 space/1000 s.f. of floor area, plus 1 space/employee
8. Snack bar, souvenir or concession stand
4 space/employee
G. Industrial
1. Manufacturing establishment
1 space/2 employees on the combined total of the 2 largest shifts
2. Storage warehouse, wholesale establishment, rail or trucking freight terminal
1 space/2000 s.f. of floor area
Uses not specifically listed above shall furnish parking as required by the Director. The Director shall use the above list as a guide for determining requirements for other uses.
(Ord. 81-678 § 1, 7-27-1981)
Equipment storage shall not be allowed in any front yard setback area. Equipment storage areas shall be screened if the area is located within 200 feet of a residence on a separate lot.
(Ord. 94-005 § 31, 1-3-1994)
A. 
The following standards shall apply to any sign in the AG-I zone:
1. 
Number.
a. 
Each development shall have no more than one business identification sign. The sign may be single-faced or double-faced and may be a freestanding, window, wall, roof, fence or projecting type of sign. A business located on a corner lot may have one sign facing each intersecting road, or one sign with two faces at up to 90 degrees from one another, and installed in a manner that provides visibility from both roads. One industrial or business park sign is permitted per contiguous park,
b. 
All signs shall be on-premises and refer directly to the business, goods and services provided; off-premises signs advertising a commercial or industrial development shall not be permitted;
2. 
Area.
a. 
Business identification signs of the window, wall, roof, fence or projecting types shall be no larger than 10 percent of the front face of the primary business structure, provided that such signs may be a minimum of 35 square feet per face. Permitted directional signs shall be no larger than six square feet in area per sign,
b. 
An industrial or business park sign shall be no larger than 150 square feet in area per face;
3. 
Height. Wall, projecting or roof signs shall be no higher than 10 feet above the roof or parapet line of the building and in no case greater than 45 feet in height. Exception: Business identification signs may be greater in height if attached flush to auxiliary industrial structures such as water tanks, towers, exhaust stacks and storage elevators. Freestanding signs shall be a maximum of 25 feet in height for any light or heavy industrial use, or the height of the primary structure, whichever is greater. Signs for tourist commercial or regional commercial uses in the unzoned, unincorporated area shall not exceed 45 feet in height;
4. 
Freestanding signs and other signs not attached to a building shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from all property lines, or 15 feet from the road right-of-way or easement line. In calculating the setback, the road right-of-way or easement shall be deemed to be 30 feet from the centerline of the road right-of-way or easement, or the actual half-width of the road right-of-way or easement, whichever is greater. No sign may violate the sight distance requirements of CCC § 18.10.569;
5. 
Sign Illumination.
a. 
The light from any illuminated sign shall be shaded, hooded, shielded or directed so that the light does not cast glare into residential areas, and does not endanger public safety by creating conflicts with traffic or traffic controls,
b. 
No sign shall have rotating, flashing or blinking lights, or other illuminating devices which change in light intensity, brightness or color. Beacon and search lights are not permitted, except at airports, or as provided in subsection D of this section;
6. 
Any existing, nonconforming sign shall become conforming at the time the sign is replaced; provided, any existing signs on trees or utility poles shall be removed by December 31, 1993.
B. 
The following signs are exempt from the standards listed in subsection A of this section:
1. 
Signs required or authorized by law;
2. 
Official public notices;
3. 
The U.S. flag and the flag of any government or noncommercial institution such as a school;
4. 
Plaques, tablets or inscriptions indicating the name of a building, its date of erection, or other commemorative information, which are an integral part of the building structure or are attached flat to the face of the building, which are nonilluminated, and which do not exceed three square feet in surface area;
5. 
"No trespassing," "no dumping," "no parking," "private," and other information or warning signs, which shall not exceed four square feet in surface area;
6. 
One business or private establishment flag per business premises;
7. 
Public service directional signs for public buildings such as public schools, libraries, hospitals and similar public services facilities placed within public rights-of-way;
8. 
Temporary signs, not larger than 32 square feet, for the purpose of endorsing political candidates or ballot propositions, or for advertising fairs, rodeos or similar temporary activities, provided such signs are removed within 15 days following cessation of the activities for which the sign was posted;
9. 
A single sign for the purpose of advertising a particular lot, building or premises for sale or lease. The sign may not exceed six square feet in area. A corner lot may have two such signs;
10. 
A temporary agricultural sign that provides directional information to a business offering for sale seasonal agricultural products on the property where the sale is taking place, provided the sign is removed at the end of the agricultural product's season.
C. 
Signs – Construction – Content – Maintenance. The following requirements apply to all signs:
1. 
All signs shall meet the construction and operations standards of the Uniform Sign Code and the National Electrical Code, latest editions and amendments as appropriate. Where conflicting standards between this section and the codes exist, the more stringent shall apply;
2. 
All signs, including signs installed before the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section, shall be constantly maintained to ensure a state of security, safety and repair. If any sign is found not so maintained or is insecurely fastened or otherwise dangerous, it shall be the duty of the owner or occupant of the premises on which the sign is fastened to repair or remove the sign within five days after receiving notice from the Director or Building Official. The premises surrounding a freestanding sign shall be kept free of rubbish;
3. 
All freestanding signs shall be designed to prevent automobiles from hitting the sign-supporting structure. Landscaping, curbs or other means may be used to accomplish this.
D. 
Prohibited Signs. The following signs are not permitted, except as indicated. Prohibited signs are subject to removal at the owner's expense after appropriate notification by the Director, Building Official or other county official.
1. 
Signs which are animated, rotate, move, are audible, or illuminated by any intermittent, flashing or scintillating source of light or sound. Signs and displays utilizing banners, pennants, streamers, twirlers or propellers, strings of light, beacon or search lights, flares, balloons and similar devices are permitted only for a maximum of 15 days for grand openings or special sales. The movement of the hands of a clock or digital changes indicating time and temperature are permitted;
2. 
Signs affixed to or painted on trees, rocks, or other natural features or on utility poles, bridge abutments and other public structures, unless otherwise permitted as official signs;
3. 
Window signs containing material unrelated to the merchandise for sale or service performed by the person or business on whose property the sign is located; provided, however, on-premises signs may call the attention of the public to public holidays or community events, the time and temperature;
4. 
Unofficial signs that, for advertising purposes, imitate or resemble an official traffic sign or signal, or bear the words, "stop," "caution," "danger," "warning" or similar words;
5. 
Signs which, by reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination may be confused with or construed as a traffic control sign, signal or device, or the light of an emergency or radio equipment vehicle; or which obstruct the visibility of any traffic or road sign or signal device;
6. 
Signs that promote an illegal activity.
(Ord. 94-005 § 36, 1-3-1994)
A. 
The following minimum sight distance requirements apply to roads abutting a commercial or industrial development in the AG-I zone:
1. 
If the abutting road has a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less, the minimum sight distance is 240 feet.
2. 
If the abutting road has a speed limit of 40 miles per hour, the minimum sight distance is 275 feet.
3. 
If the abutting road has a speed limit of 45 miles per hour, the minimum sight distance is 315 feet.
4. 
If the abutting road has a speed limit of 50 miles per hour or more, the minimum sight distance is 350 feet.
The minimum sight distances apply to any intersection of a driveway that serves the development and a road that abuts the development. If the development occupies a corner formed by the intersection of two roads, the minimum sight distances also apply to both such roads; the road for which the minimum sight distance is computed is called the abutting road, and the other road is called the intersecting road. The minimum sight distance along the abutting road is determined from the point of view of a motorist who is on the driveway or intersecting road, who is facing the abutting road, and who is 20 feet from the center of the nearest lane of the abutting road. The minimum sight distance is measured from that point, in both directions along the abutting road. Within the minimum sight distance, clearance for motorists' vision must be maintained between two and one-half feet and 10 feet above the surface of the abutting road. No fence, wall, tree, vegetation or other object may be allowed to obstruct the minimum sight distance. The Director may vary the requirements of this section due to physical conditions of the property that are beyond the reasonable control of the owner or operator of the development.
B. 
Driveways. The Director may require driveway access onto county maintained principal arterials, minor arterials, collectors, major collectors or minor collectors, or any road where the speed limit is 35 m.p.h. or greater, to be shared or combined to avoid the proliferation of multiple access points and turning movements.
(Ord. 94-005 § 38, 1-3-1994)
The maximum height of buildings exceeding 35 feet in height shall be no greater than the capability of the fire abatement equipment of the Fire District in which the building is located. Buildings not located in a Fire District shall not exceed a building height of 35 feet.
(Ord. 4107 § 6.07, 4-14-1975)
A. 
Purpose and Intent. The Cowlitz County manufactured home park overlay district is created with the general intent of promoting flexibility when permitting new and expanding manufactured home parks, while ensuring compatibility within their vicinity.
B. 
Applicability. The manufactured home park overlay district shall apply to all lawfully established manufactured home or mobile home parks within unincorporated Cowlitz County as of the date of adoption of the ordinance codified in this section, as well as those areas approved for future use of the manufactured home park overlay pursuant to CCC § 18.10.410 through § 18.10.490.
C. 
Administration. The Director of the Department of Building and Planning, or their designee, shall be responsible for administering the requirements of the manufactured home park overlay district in unincorporated areas of Cowlitz County. The Director has the responsibility to develop policies, implement and maintain maps and databases, and enforce the standards as defined by this section.
D. 
Performance Standards. Development or redevelopment of property within the manufactured home park overlay district shall comply with Chapter 18.42 CCC, or as hereafter amended.
E. 
Enforcement. Cowlitz County Department of Building and Planning is hereby charged with enforcement of this section.
F. 
Appeals. Affected property owners may appeal to the Cowlitz County Hearing Examiner in the process outlined in Chapter 2.05 CCC within 14 days of the date that written notice is sent to the property owner. To be timely, the written notice of appeal must be received within the 14-day time limit.
G. 
Severability. If any section, subsection, clause, phrase or word in this section is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such section shall be deemed a separate provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this section.
(Ord. 19-084 § 1, 8-13-2019)
A. 
Purpose and Intent. The Cowlitz County airport overlay district is created with the general intent of promoting land use compatibility near airports in Cowlitz County. More specifically:
1. 
To help reduce the potential for airport hazards by establishing a process for review.
2. 
To help protect the viability of the Southwest Washington Regional Airport and Woodland State Airport as significant community resources by encouraging compatible land uses and density standards for the purpose of promoting public health, safety and welfare of Cowlitz County residents and aviation users.
3. 
To recognize the Southwest Washington Regional Airport and Woodland State Airport as essential public facilities, as they are important for Cowlitz County emergency and transportation access, and have continued economic benefits to the region.
4. 
To define a series of imaginary surfaces and safety zones within the influence area of each airport based on federal aviation regulations.
5. 
To associate an overlay with these imaginary surfaces, to be used in conjunction with the land use requirements determined for these areas in the Land Use Ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan.
B. 
Applicability. The regulations contained in this section shall apply to all land, buildings, structures, natural features and uses located within an airport overlay district defined by this chapter.
C. 
Administration. The Director of the Department of Building and Planning, or his or her designee, shall be responsible for administering the requirements of the airport overlay district in unincorporated areas of Cowlitz County. The Director has the responsibility to develop policies, implement and maintain maps and databases, and enforce the standards as defined by this section.
D. 
Exemptions. The following structures, uses, and activities are exempt from the provisions of the airport overlay district when permitted in the underlying zoning district:
1. 
Necessary Aviation Facilities. Any air navigation facility, airport visual approach, or aircraft arresting device, or meteorological device, or a type of device approved by the FAA, the location and height of which is fixed by its functional purpose.
2. 
Temporary Uses. Aviation shows and related events may be exempt when determined by the Director to be minor or incidental in nature and within the intent of this district. A request for a review shall be required for the temporary use.
3. 
Nonconforming Uses. A use, lot, building or structure that does not meet the criteria pursuant to this section, but which exists prior to the effective date of this section, shall be allowed to continue subject to the requirements of Chapter 18.02 CCC.
4. 
Agricultural Operations. Including but not limited to cropping, grazing of livestock, dairying, horticulture and floriculture and all practices common or incidental to agriculture. This shall not include permanent buildings or structures, which are otherwise subject to the requirements of this section. Temporary stands for the sale of agricultural products produced on premises shall be exempt.
5. 
Home Occupations. When otherwise permitted in the underlying zoning district within an existing residence and no exterior improvements are proposed.
E. 
Performance Standards.
1. 
No use, building or structure shall penetrate an imaginary surface defined by this chapter without a conditional determination from the FAA outlining mitigation measures. Such proposed use, building or structure shall be reviewed by Cowlitz County as a special use, pursuant to the provisions of CCC § 18.10.280 through § 18.10.315. Notice of the special use application shall be provided to the Airport Manager, along with opportunity to comment.
2. 
New development determined by the FAA to be a hazard to air navigation, or is otherwise determined by the FAA to be objectionable, shall be prohibited.
3. 
When a division of land occurs within an airport overlay district, the following language shall be placed on the face of the plat or survey prior to recording with the Cowlitz County Auditor:
The subject property is located within an airport overlay district in which a variety of aviation uses and activities occur. Such activities may include, but are not limited to, noise, interference with sleep, vibration, chemicals, odors, dust or other particulate matter, fuel particles, low flying aircraft and other activities associated with the operation of aircraft and operation as well as potential expansion of the airport.
F. 
Enforcement.
1. 
Cowlitz County Department of Building and Planning is hereby charged with enforcement of this section.
2. 
Whenever a use, construction, building alteration or development is proposed within an airport overlay district in Cowlitz County, it shall be the duty of the applicant to provide documentation of compliance with Subpart B of the Federal Aviation Regulations Part 77, "Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace." This shall include submittal to and review by the FAA of Form 7460-1.
G. 
Appeals. Affected property owners may appeal to the Cowlitz County Hearing Examiner in the process outlined in CCC § 18.10.370 through § 18.10.395 within 14 days of the date that written notice is sent to the property owner. To be timely, the written notice of appeal must be received within the 14-day time limit.
(Ord. 16-128 § 2, 10-11-2016; Ord. 16-167 § 2(d), 12-13-2016)
The county promotes development of accessory dwelling units as a means of enhancing and creating opportunities for individual property owners to provide housing options for families and generate rental income.
A. 
Performance Standards. An ADU shall comply with the following standards:
1. 
Where Permitted. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) may be allowed in all Comprehensive Plan designations, and in all zoned areas except for MH, ML, C-1, and C-2, on a lot occupied by an existing single-family dwelling.
2. 
Minimum Lot Size. An ADU shall not be established on any parcel smaller than 6,000 square feet.
3. 
Configuration. ADUs shall be permitted as an additional dwelling unit that may be either within, attached to, or detached from the primary single-family dwelling.
4. 
Density. In areas classified as urban and suburban in the Cowlitz County Comprehensive Plan, one attached ADU and one detached ADU may be established as an accessory to a single-family dwelling per lot. In all other Comprehensive Plan classifications, only one ADU may be established as an accessory to a single-family dwelling per lot.
5. 
Building Permits. ADUs require building permits to ensure compliance with applicable fire, health and safety codes.
6. 
Maximum Unit Size. The gross floor area (square footage), calculated from finished wall to finished wall on all levels of an existing structure, an addition, or new detached structure, converted to or constructed for the purpose of creating an ADU shall not exceed 1,200 square feet. The maximum height shall be no taller than 35 feet or two stories.
7. 
Minimum Unit Size. The gross floor area (square footage) of an ADU shall not be less than that allowed by state law and the requirements of the adopted building code, Chapter 16.05 CCC.
8. 
Setbacks. The applicable setbacks shall be the same as those prescribed for the primary residence.
9. 
Connectivity. Attached ADUs shall have at least one external entry.
10. 
Accessibility. To encourage the development of housing units for people with disabilities, the responsible official may allow reasonable deviation from the stated requirements of this section to install features that facilitate accessibility.
11. 
Parking. Additional on-site parking of one space is required in conjunction with the establishment of each ADU. The off-street parking requirements set forth in CCC § 18.10.562 shall be maintained for the primary residence. No additional curb cuts shall be allowed to accommodate an ADU.
12. 
Repealed by Ord. 20-036.
13. 
Temporary Accessory Dwelling Units. Accessory dwelling units not intended for permanent use may be allowed in temporary medical hardship situations upon recording of a covenant stating that the dwelling will be removed once the medical hardship has ended or prior to sale of the property to a third party, whichever occurs first.
(Ord. 18-093 § 1, 10-16-2018; Ord. 20-036 § 1, 5-5-2020)