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
- Columbia County Zoning Ordinance
- Columbia County Subdivision and Partitioning Ordinance
- Columbia County Stormwater and Erosion Control Ordinance
- Columbia County Comprehensive Plan
- More →
Helpful Information
- FY 2025 Fees
- Planning Applications and Guides
- Permit Process Flow Chart
- Business Guide - Information on the Development Process for Business & Industry
Other Resources
General Information
We are available by phone and email, or by appointment only.
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00