New portal streamlines planning applications

“The biggest benefit, I think, is communication with customers,” said Planning Director Scott Edelman. “Applicants will be able to apply for permits online, to go online to check the status of their permit, or to find out when their permit is expiring ... I think there’s going to be a lot of ways that this will be beneficial, rather than somebody having to call in and say, ‘Hey, what’s going on with my permit?’”

Building Director Lynn Ward returned from a conference with counterparts from other states, and she shared the impression that professionals from elsewhere had about Washington’s energy policy: “They were from like Colorado, Utah,” she said. “They were like, ‘Washington energy code is insane.’ And they said, ‘If we were asked to teach that class, we wouldn’t have gotten on the airplane.’”

She warned of increased problems to come with the latest statewide building code standards set to go into effect in 2027.

“Next year when we adopt the 2024 code, we will have no choice but to fully enforce the energy code portion, because they are going to start auditing, and if there is a jurisdiction is not following it, they may assess fines,” she said.

The new code carries requirements that will increase costs, including mandated use of R-60 installation in attics, which is 17- to 22-inches thick. She said some small attics just don’t have the needed space, and some groups claim that too much insulation can impede air circulation and lead to mold. 

And drivers should be aware that a couple roads in the county will have new lower speed limits, following a public hearing at the meeting. Klickitat County Engineer Seth Scarola said the new lower limits will apply to all of Counts Road and Hill Road from Butts Road to Pine Forest Road. Each is roughly 2.3 miles long. Neither are posted now, but new signs will designate a 35-mile-per-hour limit.