Building Setbacks & Zoning in Cowlitz County, WA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Cowlitz County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
In unincorporated Cowlitz County, every zoning district, including the unzoned (U) area, has a front yard setback of at least 20 feet from the front property line or 50 feet from the centerline of the fronting road's right-of-way, whichever is greater, under Cowlitz County Code § 18.10.505, with wider setbacks on arterial roads.
Front Yard Setback Rules in Cowlitz County
Some RestrictionsCowlitz County Code § 18.10.505
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 incre...
Structure Height Limits
In unincorporated Cowlitz County, buildings over 35 feet tall must not exceed what the local fire district's equipment can reach, under CCC § 18.10.570. Outside any fire district, the flat cap is 35 feet. Certain rooftop features like chimneys and towers are exempt under § 18.10.670.
Cowlitz County Building Height Limits
Some RestrictionsCowlitz County Code §§ 18.10.570, 18.10.670
§ 18.10.570. Building height standards. 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. § ... 18.10.670. ... Exception of building height limitations. The following types...
Lot Coverage Limits
Cowlitz County's Table 18.10.501 caps maximum lot coverage by zoning district for unincorporated land: 50% in the RR-1 district, 30% in RR-2, 15% in the large-lot RR-5 district, 65% in both the SR and UR districts, and 90% in the Multiple-Family (MF) district, under Cowlitz County Code § 18.10.501.
Maximum Lot Coverage Limits in Cowlitz County
Some RestrictionsCowlitz County Code § 18.10.501, Table 18.10.501
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 (C...
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