Land Services

comp-plan-facebook-smComprehensive Plan Update

We are in the beginning stages of updating the Douglas County Comprehensive Plan, the 20-year vision for how unincorporated Douglas County will grow through 2046. 

On June 13, 2025, Douglas County submitted the required final deliverables based on the Work Plan to the Department of Commerce and concluded the assigned tasks, updating the Douglas County Comprehensive Plan. The second phase of the Periodic Update is tentatively planned to start in August 2025, after receiving the grant money from Commerce. This phase is expected to run until December 30, 2026.

Housing Grants (GMA)

Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP) - Commerce approves $5 million for pilot program in Chelan, Douglas and Okanagan counties. Click the link to the right, under "Quick Links".

What We Do

The mission of the Department of Transportation and Land Services is to support the community by promoting quality development now and in the future. The primary responsibilities of the Land Services Division are construction permitting and inspection, land use permitting, and advanced planning. To fulfill these responsibilities, Land Services promotes and protects the general health, safety, and welfare of our constituents.

The Land Services Division is also responsible for implementing state and federal mandates affecting lands in the unincorporated Douglas County. It provides professional support to the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners, the Planning Commission, the Douglas County Hearing Examiner, and the Regional Council. Land Services also undertakes special projects assigned by the Board of County Commissioners.

  • Building Services

    The Building Section is an integral part of the Land Services Division. Its goal is to contribute to the creation of a community where people can live safely, comfortably, and economically. The Division administers and enforces the International Building Code, Washington State Building Code, and the fire, life, and safety codes. In addition, it reviews all plans submitted for building permits and performs all required inspections throughout construction.

  • Land Use & Planning

    The Planning Section is an integral part of the Land Services Division. Its goal is to provide premium municipal services for both long-range and current planning.  Planning coordinates the County's land planning and development review activities. This division reviews all rezonings, conditional use permits, subdivisions, and site plans, and a myriad of other plans and projects. The planning section also provides staff support to the Board of County Commissioners, Planning Commission, and many other departments regarding development applications.

  • Long Range Planning

    The Long Range (Comprehensive) Planning Section plays a critical role in the future development of the county by providing vision and guidance for the long-range (20-25 years) development of the County. This Section develops and maintains the County's Comprehensive Plan, evaluating the economic, demographic, scientific, and cultural aspects of the built environment. Conducts special studies, monitors population and housing growth, and provides staff support to the Board of County Commissioners and the Planning Commission on long-range planning studies and development.

Additional Responsibilities

The Land Services Division is also responsible for the implementation of innumerable state and federal mandates at the local level affecting lands in unincorporated Douglas County. The Land Services Division provides professional support to the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners, the Planning Commission, the Douglas County Hearing Examiner, and the Regional Council. Land Services also undertakes special projects assigned by the Board of County Commissioners.