Boundary Line Adjustment
Description
A boundary line adjustment (BLA) allows for the adjustment of lot lines between two or more existing legal
lots of record, provided the adjusted lots conform to the minimum lot size and dimensional requirements of
the zoning and/or comprehensive plan designation. Adjusted lots must also meet minimum health code
standards when utilizing an on-site septic system.
A non-conforming lot (a lot that does not meet current minimum area and/or dimensional requirements)
cannot be made more non-conforming through a BLA; information about non-conforming lots of record can be
found in CCC 18.10.710. State and county laws do not allow for the creation of new lots through a boundary
line adjustment, and all lots involved in the BLA must be existing legal lots of record.
Review Process
The review of boundary line adjustments is administrative; there is no public notice or comment period,
and staff reviews the application for conformance with the applicable state and county codes. Some of the
items that staff will review for include, but are not limited to, the following:
o
Legal lot status
o Health code standards for lots with septic systems
o
Minimum lot size/dimensions
o Fire code requirements
o Sufficient access
Upon completion, a decision letter is returned, and the applicant records appropriate deeds with the County
Auditor. It is important that the recorded deeds indicate that the property transaction is being done for
boundary line adjustment purposes only. It is the responsibility of the applicant to record the deeds affecting
the change once the county’s review of the BLA is completed.
Review Time
Typically BLAs are processed with 14 - 21 days, although this time frame is subject to change depending on
staff workload, size and complexity of the proposal, and completeness of application materials.
Fees
The following fees are required to be paid when the application is submitted:
Boundary Line Adjustment:
$325
Additional per lot over two lots:
$100
Cowlitz County Building & Planning Department
207 Fourth Avenue North, Kelso, WA 98632
Phone: (360) 577-3052 - FAX: (360) 414-5550
Open Monday - Thursday 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
We accept cash, checks, debit/credit cards, except Amex
No payments received after 5:30 pm
(03/16)
MASTER APPLICATION
Project Address ____________________________________________________ City _____________________________ ZIP ____________
Parcel # ____________________________ Acres ________ Description of Project _______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Area of Existing Structure(s) _________________ Sq. Ft.
Area of New Structure(s) ______________________ Sq. Ft.
Estimated Market Value of Project (Building Materials, Plus Labor) $_____________________________________________
Property Owner _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Full Mailing Address __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Daytime Phone Number _____________________________________ Email __________________________________________________
Applicant (If NOT the property owner) ________________________________________________________________________________
Full Mailing Address __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Daytime Telephone ____________________________________
Email _______________________________________________________
Contractor Name ________________________________________________ License # ___________________________________________
I hereby certify that I am the owner or duly authorized agent of the owner for the purposes of this application. I further certify that I
have read and examined this application and know the same to be true and correct. If any of the information provided on this
application is incorrect, the permit or approval may be revoked.
Print Name _______________________________ Signature _____________________________________________ Date _____________
*Planning Division Authorization (COMPLETE THIS SECTION IF YOU ARE NOT THE PROPERTY OWNER)
I _________________________________________ (property owner) hereby certify that I am the owner of the property located
at ________________________________________________________________________________ (address or parcel number).
I certify that this application for a Planning Permit or Application is true and correct.
I have authorized _______________________________________________ to represent me as the applicant / agent.
Further, I agree to allow free access to the land this application is being submitted for to all public agencies with
jurisdiction. If any of the information provided in this application is incorrect, the approval may be revoked.
Applicant/ Agent Signature __________________________________________________ Date _______________________
Property Owner Signature ____________________________________________________ Date _______________________
Cowlitz County Building & Planning Department - 207 Fourth Avenue North, Room 100, Kelso, WA 98626 - Phone: (360) 577-3052, FAX: (360) 414-5550
Open Monday-Thursday 7:00 am-6:00 pm - We accept cash, checks, credit/debit cards, except Amex - No payments received after 5:30 pm
Initial
Date
Type
Permit #
(03/16)
Boundary Line Adjustment
Submittal Checklist
The following items are required at time of submittal; please use this checklist as a guide. Please note that we
cannot accept incomplete applications.
____ 1. Master Application
o Form completed and signed in ink by the owner or applicant
____ 2. Boundary Line Adjustment Supplement
o Form completed and signed in ink by all owners or applicants involved in the adjustment
____ 3. Site Plan Showing Existing Conditions
o Layout and dimensions of existing parcels, to a measurable scale
o Location of all existing structures, drainfields, and driveways, and their distances to
property lines;
o Location and dimension of all known easements on the property and adjoining the
property, including public and private roads
o Site plan paper sizes accepted: 8.5”x11”, 8.5”x14”, 11”x17”, and 18”x24” (only if
accompanied by a smaller copy)
____ 4. Site Plan Showing Proposed Conditions
o Layout and dimensions of proposed parcels, to a measurable scale
o Location of all existing structures, drainfields, and driveways, and their distances to
property lines;
o Location and size of all known easements on the property, including public and private
roads
o Site plan paper sizes accepted: 8.5x11, 8.5x14, 11x17, 18x24 only if accompanied by a smaller
copy
____ 5. Letter of Authorization (If the applicant is different than owner)
o Form completed and signed in ink by the owner
Cowlitz County Building & Planning Department
207 Fourth Avenue North, Kelso, WA 98632
Phone: (360) 577-3052 - FAX: (360) 414-5550
Open Monday - Thursday 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
We accept cash, checks, debit/credit cards, except Amex
No payments received after 5:30 pm
(03/16)
Boundary Line Adjustment
Boundary Line Adjustment Supplement
Parcel A
Property Owner: ___________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________
Mailing Address:____________________________ City: __________________ State: _____ Zip: _____________
Tax Parcel #: _______________________________ Site Address: _______________________________________
Lot area, prior to adjustment: _________________________ Lot area, after adjustment:______________________
Water source:
Sewage Disposal:
Public water system
Private water system
Public sewer system
Individual or shared well
On-site septic
Will any easement be eliminated, altered, or created?
Yes
Will any structures be involved in the BLA (switching parcels)?
Other
No
Yes
No
Owner Signature: ____________________________________________________________ Date: ______________
Parcel B
Property Owner: ___________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________
Mailing Address:____________________________ City: __________________ State: _____ Zip: _____________
Tax Parcel #: _______________________________ Site Address: _______________________________________
Lot area, prior to adjustment: _________________________ Lot area, after adjustment:______________________
Water source:
Sewage Disposal:
Public water system
Private water system
Public sewer system
Will any easement be eliminated, altered, or created?
Individual or shared well
On-site septic
Yes
Will any structures be involved in the BLA (switching parcels)?
Other
No
Yes
No
Owner Signature: ____________________________________________________________ Date: ______________
Cowlitz County Building & Planning Department
207 Fourth Avenue North, Kelso, WA 98632
Phone: (360) 577-3052 - FAX: (360) 414-5550
Open Monday - Thursday 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
We accept cash, checks, debit/credit cards, except Amex
No payments received after 5:30 pm
(03/16)
Boundary Line Adjustment
Boundary Line Adjustment Supplement
Parcel C
Property Owner: ___________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________
Mailing Address:____________________________ City: __________________ State: _____ Zip: _____________
Tax Parcel #: _______________________________ Site Address: _______________________________________
Lot area, prior to adjustment: _________________________ Lot area, after adjustment:______________________
Water source:
Sewage Disposal:
Public water system
Private water system
Public sewer system
Individual or shared well
On-site septic
Will any easement be eliminated, altered, or created?
Yes
Will any structures be involved in the BLA (switching parcels)?
Other
No
Yes
No
Owner Signature: ____________________________________________________________ Date: ______________
Parcel D
Property Owner: ___________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________
Mailing Address:____________________________ City: __________________ State: _____ Zip: _____________
Tax Parcel #: _______________________________ Site Address: _______________________________________
Lot area, prior to adjustment: _________________________ Lot area, after adjustment:______________________
Water source:
Sewage Disposal:
Public water system
Private water system
Public sewer system
Will any easement be eliminated, altered, or created?
Individual or shared well
On-site septic
Yes
Will any structures be involved in the BLA (switching parcels)?
Other
No
Yes
No
Owner Signature: ____________________________________________________________ Date: ______________
Cowlitz County Building & Planning Department
207 Fourth Avenue North, Kelso, WA 98632
Phone: (360) 577-3052 - FAX: (360) 414-5550
Open Monday - Thursday 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
We accept cash, checks, debit/credit cards, except Amex
No payments received after 5:30 pm
(03/16)