Land Use and Environmental Applications can also be submitted by mail, email, in person at our drop boxes located in our lobby or faxed to the following contacts:
Upon receipt of your application, a notification will be sent with instructions on payment
Please make sure your contact information is on the application materials and includes both daytime phone number and email
Yakima Valley Mountain View
Tieton River Yakima Valley
Yakima Valley Apples
Yakima Valley Views
Yakima Valley Hop Field
Beautiful Yakima Valley River
Purpose
Our purpose is to help our community define and achieve its preferred future. Planning is engaged in a wide range of community development service activities related to subdivision, zoning, environmental, long range comprehensive planning, special projects, intergovernmental coordination, grants, and public involvement.
The Environmental Section of Planning administers the Yakima County Critical Areas Ordinance, Regional Shoreline Master Program and the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
The Long Range Planning Section is responsible for the maintenance of the Yakima County Comprehensive Plan and the formulation and amendment of county land use regulations
The Environmental and Natural Resources Planning Section administers the Yakima County Critical Areas Ordinance, Yakima County Regional Shoreline Master Program, and the Washington State Environmental Policy Act.
Yakima County’s currently adopted Comprehensive Plan is a policy document that guides County decisions related to growth and development in unincorporated Yakima County.
Yakima County Long Range Planning Section is responsible for the maintenance of the Yakima County Comprehensive Plan and the formulation and amendment of county land use regulations to implement Plan 2015.
The Yakima County Planning Commission is a seven member citizen body appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to make recommendations to the board on long-range planning for the unincorporated areas under County land use jurisdiction.
Yakima County is conducting a periodic review of the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) as required by RCW 90.58.080. "The Shoreline Management Act (SMA) is intended to protect shoreline natural resources including land, vegetation, wildlife, and aquatic habitats against adverse environmental effects. All allowed uses are required to offset adverse environmental impacts as much as possible and preserve the natural character and aesthetics of the shoreline." The SMA requires each SMP to be reviewed and revised, if needed, on an eight-year schedule established by the Legislature. The deadline for this review is June 30, 2021.
The Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) is a new approach for counties to participate in a watershed-based, collaborative stewardship planning process. VSP uses incentives to promote agricultural and environmental stewardship. The program passed into Washington law in 2011 (ESHB 1886) as the result of an ongoing effort to advance common goals for environmental protection and agricultural viability using regulation as a last resort.
The Zoning and Subdivision Section works with the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations through the administration of public and private land use proposals to enhance the county’s built environment and quality of life.