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Cowlitz County delays vote on critical areas code update; planners defend record on contested short plat
Summary
Planning staff asked the Cowlitz County Board to open tomorrow's public hearing on a critical areas code update but continue it to Aug. 11 so the board can review the planning commission's final recommendation. A public comment dispute over a Columbia Heights short plat also drew staff's assurance that all comments remain in the environmental record.
The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners on Monday agreed to open an advertised public hearing on updates to the county's critical areas ordinance, then continue that hearing to Aug. 11 to allow the board to receive the planning commission's formal recommendation.
Adam Trimble, the county planning manager, told the board the code revisions reflect recent state-law changes and follow a months-long review with a consultant and two planning-commission hearings. "We would request that you continue your public hearing until August 11," Trimble said, arguing the continuation would give the board time to consider the planning commission's final draft before a formal vote.
The request matters because the update codifies technical changes driven by new state requirements affecting wetlands, streams and other critical areas. Trimble said the county conducted a 60-day agency and public comment period and "we have heard from every agency that has a stake in this, and they have all indicated that while they prefer the county to go further in its regulatory approach, they're accepting of our preferred draft."
The board also fielded a separate public concern about a three-lot short plat on Columbia Heights, where a commenter (via an email from a resident) alleged some comments were not included in the project record and raised slope-stability concerns. Trimble replied that all comments are retained in the environmental-review record even if they were not attached to a courtesy letter sent to the applicant. "Every comment we receive, no matter what, is part of the record and is retained for the period of the environmental review," he said, adding that the county can require additional studies later depending on the developer's chosen plan.
Board members discussed scheduling and noted the importance of having a full board present for the final vote. One commissioner flagged an open seat on the planning commission and urged recruiting a replacement; staff said the volunteer form is posted on the county's boards-and-commissions webpage and recommended applicants apply through the online form.
The hearing will be re-opened and continued on Aug. 11, when the planning commission's recommendation will accompany the board packet for deliberation and possible vote.
