Cowlitz County, WA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

55 CCC governs use of the county right-of-way in unincorporated Cowlitz County, adopted by Ordinance 16-106. The Board found that unregulated encroachments or uses outside established public access routes and roadways can threaten or endanger the right-of-way, endanger county personnel, and obstruct or hazard vehicles and pedestrians. 030 requires that any party, public or private, encroaching upon or using a developed or undeveloped county right-of-way, not previously authorized by the Department, obtain a permit, license, or franchise, as applicable, from the Department. 020 as the County Department of Public Works, and 'encroachment or use' covers utilizing, opening, altering, excavating, cutting, filling, disturbing, repairing, replacing, grading, or breaking the surface of any county right-of-way, including construction, installation of improvements, appurtenances, and utility or service hardware; routine maintenance of existing, legally sited overhead utility wires and poles is excluded.

130. 050 or the use is deemed a public nuisance. 120. 080 against ongoing violations. These provisions were most recently amended by Ordinance 25-067 in October 2025.