Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Cowlitz County, WA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Cowlitz County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Cowlitz County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Obstruction Rules

Any structure, device, or object that threatens, endangers, or obstructs the traveling public on a county road or right-of-way in unincorporated Cowlitz County is declared a public nuisance under CCC § 12.55.060, and the county can abate it, with immediately dangerous items removed on the County Engineer's order.

Right-of-Way Obstruction Rule, Cowlitz County

Some Restrictions

Cowlitz County Code § 12.55.060

Whenever there shall exist upon the roadway of the county, or off the roadway in sufficiently close proximity thereto, an encroachment or use, including any structure, device or natural or artificial thing, which threatens or endangers such county roadway or portion thereof, or which tends to endanger persons traveling thereon, or obstructs or tends to obstruct or constitutes a hazard to vehicl...

Encroachment Permits

Anyone encroaching on or using a county right-of-way in unincorporated Cowlitz County, developed or undeveloped, needs a permit, license, or franchise from the Department of Public Works before starting work. Unauthorized encroachment is treated as a public nuisance subject to county abatement action.

Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit, Cowlitz County

Some Restrictions

Cowlitz County Code § 12.55.030

Any party, public or private, encroaching upon or using a developed or undeveloped county right-of-way, not previously authorized by the Department, shall obtain a permit or license or franchise, as applicable, for such activities from the Department.

All Cowlitz County ordinances

See every category we cover for Cowlitz County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Cowlitz County Ordinance Hub →