Cowlitz County commissioners transfer oversight of private roads to Building and Planning

Cowlitz County commissioners voted to move responsibility for private roads from Public Works under the county engineer to the Building and Planning department.

The change follows a recommendation from the county’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). “I am bringing forth BPAC's recommendation to move private roads from public works under the county engineer to building and planning,” Tracy Jackson, Building and Planning, told the commission. BPAC members voted 5-0 in favor of the transfer at their meeting the night before, Jackson said.

The transfer was put forward on the floor as a motion. Commissioner (unnamed) moved to “put Tracy with private roads in building and planning,” the motion was seconded, and the board called for the vote. Commissioners present responded “Aye,” and the chair declared the motion approved.

BPAC members told the commission they had a mix of expertise at the table, including surveyors and engineers, and that the group felt the transfer could be implemented while managing the additional workload. Tracy Jackson told the board she had discussed the change with stakeholders who had projects on private roads and that some property owners expect help under the new arrangement.

County staff and the prosecutor’s office noted the transfer needs to be recognized in a public meeting and that staff will work through the administrative steps, including any ordinance or procedural changes needed to implement the shift in responsibility.

The board did not set a firm date in this meeting for when Building and Planning would formally assume administrative duties.