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Cowlitz County Streamlines Campground Regulations to Facilitate Expansion

Cowlitz County (Washington) is taking steps to simplify its campground sanitation regulations, allowing campground and RV park owners and operators to expand their businesses with ease. 

According to a report from The Daily News, the county health department currently permits 29 campground facilities, including a mix of tent and RV sites. 

According to Season Long, an environmental health manager, the existing campground code from 1998 combines health and planning standards, making it challenging for campground operators to comply with regulations.

To help facilitate growth, the county commissioners directed staff to begin the code update process in 2021, focusing on making it easier for campgrounds to expand. 

One of the most significant changes to the new health code is that the department will no longer require an annual operating permit, instead focusing on inspections. The department will inspect campgrounds at least annually, along with complaint investigations.

The new planning code allows staff to review an increase of up to five spaces without requiring the campground to go through the full permitting process, which includes consideration by the hearing examiner. 

This change is expected to significantly ease the regulatory burden on private campground owners and operators, enabling them to expand their businesses more streamlined and efficient.

Long said that the existing rules had made it challenging for campgrounds to expand, and the new code would provide clarity and predictability. 

The county has an average of one monthly pre-application meeting with people interested in developing new RV parks. The regulation changes are expected to be a relief for private owners and operators looking to expand their businesses.

The county’s efforts to streamline campground regulations will provide relief for private campground owners and operators who have been struggling with compliance and expansion. With the new planning code in place, more private owners would have a chance to expand their businesses and contribute to the local economy.

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LuNa_1234
LuNa_1234
March 13, 2024 9:55 pm

Isn’t it exciting news about Cowlitz County making things easier for campground and RV park owners? They’re really stepping up by simplifying regulations and supporting these businesses. It’s like a breath of fresh air for everyone involved, don’t you think? Share your thoughts on how this could transform the camping scene in such a positive way! Let’s chat about it!

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: Cowlitz County Streamlines Campground Regulations to Facilitate Expansion! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/usa/washington/cowlitz-county-streamlines-campground-regulations-to-facilitate-expansion/