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
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
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..