Planning
Temporarily located at 445 Port Avenue (the Port Business Center in St. Helens), our department is open for in-person services, including dropping off applications and picking up permits.
Current Planning Program
- Provides land use consultations about how to develop property and delivers technical planning information to the general public
- Processes land use applications including public notifications and zoning ordinance analysis
- Reviews building permit applications for zoning compliance
- Provides staff support to the County Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners on planning and zoning issues
- Manages special planning and grant-funded projects.
Long Range Planning Program
- Develops, maintains, and implements the Columbia County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning maps
- Administers, maintains, and processes amendments to the Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance
- Coordinates all plans and studies concerning land use activity within the county's planning boundaries
- Conducts major updates to the county Comprehensive Plan
- Coordinates with other public agencies regarding environmental issues such as floodplains, wetlands, and wildlife habitat
Codes, Ordinances, and Other Relevant Land Use Documents
Helpful Information
Site Plan Checklist
Other Resources