Planning Division
Steven Erickson, Planning Director
Email: Steven.Erickson@co.yakima.wa.us
Jefferson Spencer, Asst. Planning Director
Email: Jefferson.Spencer@co.yakima.wa.us
The Yakima County Planning Division has adjusted its fees for Land Use applications according to the Consumer Price Index. A list of our new fees can be found on our Land Use Fee Schedule. These new fees became effective on February 1, 2012. The current fee schedule will be valid until January 31, 2012. The updated Land Use Fee Schedule is available at the Yakima County Planning Division’s webpage under the “Forms and Applications” tab.
Our Purpose:
“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. Our responsibilities are:
To administer multiple sections of the Yakima County Code (YCC), and to prepare amendments or new codes in order to meet the County’s land development responsibilities under State Law.
To act as the lead agency for conducting environmental review (SEPA) and to coordinate long range comprehensive planning under the Growth Management Act (GMA).
To provide technical support to the Planning Commissions, the Hearing Examiner, Board of Commissioners, task groups and other agencies.
Our Sections
Project Coordination
& Assistance
Responsible for coordinating projects from pre-application assistance to project close-out.
Zoning & Subdivision
Regulates development within Yakima County. Staff reviews plans for new development to ensure those plans comply with the County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances
- Farmland Preservation
- Voluntary Stewardship Program
- Yakima County Standard Plans
- YCC 15A Deliberations Draft
- What We Do & Why it is Important
- Early Assistance
- 2011 Linear Transmission Facilities Proposed Text Amendments and Materials
- Comprehensive Planning
- West Valley Neighborhood Plan
- Adult Facilities Zone Planning
- CAO / SMP / Plan 2015 Appeals
Environmental & Natural Resources
Responsible for environmental permits and regulatory compliance associated with Critical Areas, Shorelines and SEPA.
Long Range Planning
Responsible for the maintenance of the Yakima County Comprehensive Plan and the formulation and amendment of County land use regulations to implement Plan 2015..