Annexation Information

Annexation FAQ's

 

GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE

Why was this area annexed?

This area was annexed in compliance with the Washington State Growth Management Act, Chapter 36.70A RCW. Annexing into the city will allow your area to receive consistent municipal services. The annexation will improve coordination of land use and development and will ensure efficient delivery of public safety, utility services, and infrastructure.

Can I vote in city elections?

Yes, if you are a registered voter residing within the annexed area, you may vote in city elections beginning with the first election you are eligible.

Can I run for City Office?

Residents who meet the qualifications established by Washington Law and City Code may run for elected City office.

Can I apply to be appointed to city commissions?

Residents who meet the qualifications established by Washington Law and City Code may apply for appointments with city commissions.

TAXES

Will my property taxes increase?

The easy answer is Maybe. 

Property taxes are determined by multiple taxing authorities. City, County, Fire District, Library District, Port District, and other special purpose districts can all impact your tax burden. 

Even though annexation was official on June 30, 2026, property owners will begin paying city property taxes starting January 1, 2027. Annexation may also change other taxing districts. The overall impact will vary by individual property, see the chart at the bottom of this question-and-answer sheet for a reference.  

The city cannot estimate individual tax bills. Please contact the Lewis County Assessor’s Office for information that is specific to your property.

Will my sales tax rate change?

Sales tax will increase for all point-of-sale locations in the newly annexed area. The rate is currently 8.0% and will increase to 8.4%

 

MUNICIPAL COURT

Where do I remit payment for citations and parking infractions?

The City of Chehalis now has jurisdiction over the annexed area. This means that citation and parking infractions will be handled by the Chehalis Police Department and the Chehalis Municipal Court instead of Lewis County District Court.

Any qualified offenses committed in the annexed area before the annexed date will still run their course through Lewis County District Court.

For more detailed answers please contact City of Chehalis Municipal Court at 360-345-1025, or you can email your questions to municourt [at] ci.chehalis.wa.us (municourt[at]ci[dot]chehalis[dot]wa[dot]us). 

What Court has jurisdiction over the newly annexed area?

City of Chehalis Municipal Court now has jurisdiction over the annexed area. This means that citations, parking infractions, and misdemeanor cases like Driving Under the Influence, third-degree theft, and trespassing will now be handled by Chehalis Municipal Court instead of Lewis County District Court.

If you are in the newly annexed area and have an open case being processed through Lewis County District Court, your case will remain with the county until it is resolved.

 

POLICE

Who provides police services?

Beginning on the effective date of annexation, June 30, 2026, police services will be provided by the City of Chehalis Police Department. 

How will I license my dog?

Dog licensing is a required service provided by the Chehalis Police Department. Licensing and fees for the remainder of 2026 will be waived. Full effect of licensing fees and annual renewals will begin January 1, 2027. Fees are due before January 31, 2027. You will be required to show an up-to-date rabies vaccination prior to licensing your dog. Please visit Chehalis Municipal Code Chapter 6.04 for in-depth licensing requirements. https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Chehalis/#!/Chehalis06/Chehalis0604.html#6.04

Where will I obtain or renew a concealed weapons permit?

Residents who live within the city limits, including the newly annexed area, shall request or renew a concealed weapon permit at the Chehalis Police Department.

Can I park my vehicle on City Streets?

Yes, with some restrictions. Unlicensed or inoperable vehicles cannot be parked on city streets or public property. Additionally, vehicles cannot be parked on city streets or public property for more than 72 hours without being moved.

Can I park my truck on City Streets?

All motor vehicles licensed for a gross weight of 20,000 pounds or more, including their trailers, are prohibited from parking on city streets unless they are in the process of loading, unloading, or providing a service to an individual or business located within the city.

Who is responsible for enforcing nuisance violations?

The Chehalis Police Department will be responsible for enforcement of nuisance ordinances in the Chehalis city limits, including the newly annexed area. Chehalis Municipal Code Chapter 7.04.130 describes a variety of nuisance violations along with the process used to ensure compliance. Potential violations include tall grass (with exceptions for wetlands, most fields over half an acre, and agricultural areas), garbage, illegal burning, and junk vehicles. The City of Chehalis Nuisance Code can be found in its entirety by following this link: https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Chehalis/#!/Chehalis07/Chehalis0704.html#7.04.130

What happens to existing code enforcement  and nuisance violation issues?

For the most part, open Lewis County Code enforcement cases will be resolved directly through Lewis County. Depending on the violation, it may be transferred to the City of Chehalis for enforcement. Please contact Lewis County Code Compliance Customer Service Representative, Rae Mejia, on 360-740-2718, or Lewis County Code Compliance Officer, Smokey Padgett, on 360-740-3372, to determine which jurisdiction will resolve your case with you.

 

FIRE AND EMS SERVICES

Who will provide Fire and EMS services?

To ensure uninterrupted emergency services, Lewis County Fire District 5 and Lewis County Fire District 6 will continue serving their respective portions of the Urban growth Area through December 31, 2027. Beginning January 1, 2028, the Chehalis Fire Department will be the primary provider of Fire and EMS services within the newly annexed area.

Will emergency response times change?

Currently, the response times will not increase. When the Chehalis Fire Department takes over on January 1, 2028, the response will either remain the same or improve depending on staffing, facilities, service agreements, and call volumes.

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – ADDRESSING, ZONING, AND LAND USE

Will my mailing address change?

No. Your address will continue to be exactly what it is now, until further notice.

Will my property be rezoned?

No. Your property has been zoned with urban density requirements following Chehalis Municipal Code regulations from the time it was initially annexed to the Urban Growth Area years ago. This zoning designation will not change after annexation has occurred. 

To inquire about your particular zoning designation please visit the City of Chehalis Interactive Zoning Map at: https://chehalis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=41664c57bac3423b952d6f8184ddd615

Am I required to get rid of my livestock?

Horses, Cows, Goats, Chicken and other poultry, Pigs, Rabbits, Ostrich and other exotic fowl, Llama, and other cloven-hoofed animals are allowed to remain on your property, following the minimum space guidelines.

Minimum Space guidelines can be found here:

Domestic Animal: https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Chehalis/#!/Chehalis06/Chehalis0604.html#6.04.270

Livestock: 

https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Chehalis/#!/Chehalis06/Chehalis0604.html#6.04.280

Exotic Animals:

https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Chehalis/#!/Chehalis06/Chehalis0604.html#6.04.290

What are the fencing requirements for my livestock?

No livestock fence can be within any street setback area, within 100 feet of any residential structure which is not the residence of the person owning, maintaining or keeping livestock. 

No livestock fence can be located within any national wetland inventory mapped area or any Shoreline Management Act jurisdictional area.

No livestock fence shall be located within, or in association with an occupancy which houses sick or infirm people. 

Legally established uses requiring the containment of livestock, barbed wire or electric fence may be used, provided that such fence is set back more than 20 feet from any public right-of-way or public property and more than three feet from any adjacent private property. Warning signs must be present.

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – BUILDING, PLANNING, AND PERMITTING

What happens to active permits issued by Lewis County?

Permits that are issued by Lewis County prior to annexation will continue with Lewis County through the project duration.

Who do I contact with questions about development or building permits?

Please contact City of Chehalis Community Development at 360-345-2229.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – BUSINESS LICENSES

Will I need new permits for my business?

No. Existing legally established businesses may continue to operate. 

Do I need a city business license?

Yes. All businesses within the Chehalis City Limits are required to carry a City of Chehalis endorsement on their business license. This is achieved through the Washington State Department of Revenue.  All business license applications and subsequent city endorsements shall be submitted through the Washington State Department of Revenue online application portal. The application portal can be found by visiting the Department of Revenue website at  https://dor.wa.gov/

Who do I contact with questions about business licensing?

Please contact City of Chehalis Community Development at 360-345-2229.

PUBLIC WORKS – ROADS 

What will happen with the roads?

Roads within the annexation area will become city streets. The city will assume all responsibility for maintenance at the time of annexation. Please visit the Chehalis Municipal Code Title 12 for more detailed information about frontage sidewalk cleaning and maintenance. https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Chehalis/#!/Chehalis12/Chehalis12.html

Will snow removal change?

The city is responsible for snow and ice response on city-maintained streets. Snow and ice response will happen either by city staff, or through an interlocal agreement with Lewis County Public Works.

Who do I contact with questions about streets and roads?

Please contact City of Chehalis Street Superintendent, Fritz Beierle, at 360-748-0238

PUBLIC WORKS – WATER, SEWER, AND STORMWATER UTILITIES

Will I receive City Utilities?

The newly annexed areas that have already been receiving water and sewer services will continue to do so with no service interruptions. 

What will happen if I have a private well and septic system?

For residents who have wells and septic systems, your system may remain in place until it has been declared unsafe by County Health Department officials. If such a determination is made, you will be required to connect to city services. 

Will I be charged Municipal Stormwater Maintenance Fees?

Yes. Stormwater system maintenance fees are based on the total impervious surface area of your property. An equivalent storm unit is 3,000 square feet and the 2026 cost per unit is $12.71 monthly. A residential parcel shall be deemed one ESU even if the total impervious area is less than 3,000 square feet. Charges, rates and fees are subject to increases as determined by the City Council.

What will happen to my monthly water rates?

Whether you are a residential customer or a commercial customer, your monthly base rate for service will decrease by an estimated 10%. Consumption rates will remain the same.

Chehalis Municipal Code Chapter 13.12 details charges, rates, and fees for water usage services. You can find detailed information at this link: https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Chehalis/#!/Chehalis13/Chehalis1312.html#13.12

Charges, rates and fees are subject to increases as determined by the City Council.

What will happen to my monthly wastewater rates?

Whether you are a residential customer or a commercial customer, your monthly base rate for service will decrease by an estimated 30%. Usage charges will remain unchanged.

Chehalis Municipal Code Chapter 13.16 details charges, rates, and fees for sewer collection services. You can find detailed information at this link: https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Chehalis/#!/Chehalis13/Chehalis1316.html#13.16 

Charges, rates and fees are subject to increases as determined by the City Council.

What will happen to my monthly wastewater rate if my property is inside Lewis County Sewer District 4?

For the time being, rates for properties within Lewis County Sewer District 4 will remain unchanged. An interlocal agreement (ILA) between the City of Chehalis and Lewis County Sewer District 4 is currently being negotiated and will outline any cost changes. All current Lewis County Sewer District 4 customers will be notified prior to implementation.  When the effective date of ILA takes place, the city will  absorb Lewis County Sewer District 4 into the City of Chehalis Wastewater division. 

Again, if your property lies within the boundary of Lewis County Sewer District 4, you will be notified prior to any changes taking effect. 

Chehalis Municipal Code Chapter 13.16 details the current and future rates and fees for sewer collection services.  You can find detailed information at this link: https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Chehalis/#!/Chehalis13/Chehalis1316.html#13.16

Charges, rates and fees are subject to increases as determined by the City Council.

What will happen with my utility bill if my property is located inside Flood Control District No 1 of Lewis County?

For the time being, stormwater rates will not be assessed to properties inside Flood Control District No. 1. An interlocal agreement between the district and the City of Chehalis is in negotiations and all properties within the district’s boundaries will be notified if and when there is any change.

Who do I contact with questions about my utility bill?

Please contact City of Chehalis Utility Billing at 360-748-0238

Who do I contact with questions about other utilities?

For Questions relating to power, please contact Lewis County PUD at 800-562-5612. Questions regarding natural gas will be answered by Puget Sound Energy, who can be reached  at 888-225-5773. Solid waste collection and disposal is handled by LeMay Centralia please call 360-736-4769 with any questions and to establish service if you don’t already receive it.

 

Who do I contact if I have other questions not covered here?

For questions regarding annexation, please contact:

City of Chehalis Community Development Department

360-345-2229

comdev [at] ci.chehalis.wa.us (comdev[at]ci[dot]chehalis[dot]wa[dot]us)

 

Who do I contact for additional resources?

Lewis County Assessor: 360-740-13952

Lewis County Auditor: 360-740-1156

Lewis County Elections Office: 360-740-1278

Lewis County Code Enforcement: 360-740-2718

City of Chehalis City Hall: 360-345-1042

City of Chehalis Public Works: 360-748-0238

Lewis County PUD: 800-562-5612

Puget Sound Energy: 888-225-5773

LeMay Centralia, Waste Disposal Services: 360-736-4769

City of Chehalis Fire Department: 360-748-3394

 

Lewis County Road Tax	Continue through 2026	Will no longer be assessed
Sales Tax	8.0% will continue through 2026.	8.4% will commence January 1, 2027.
Chehalis Transportation Benefit District	Will not be assessed	Will commence at the beginning of 2027
Dist. 6 Fire & EMS Levies Combined	$1.22 per $1,000 assessed value will continue through 2026	Will no longer be assessed
Dist. 5 Fire & EMS Levies Combined	$1.66 per $1,000 assessed value will continue through 2026	Will no longer be assessed
City of Chehalis EMS Levy	Will not be assessed	$0.46 per $1,000 assessed value starting in 2027
Lewis County Sewer District 4	Will continue as is until such time that an interlocal agreement is entered into between LCSD4 and the City of Chehalis.
Wastewater Base Rate	Will Decrease approximately 30% and be consistent with rates as established in Chehalis Municipal Code in perpetuity
Water Base Rate	Will Decrease approximately 10% and be consistent with rates as established in Chehalis Municipal Code in perpetuity
Stormwater Rate	Will be assessed consistent with the monthly ESU rate as established in Chehalis Municipal Code in perpetuity

 

 

Link to the Joint Public Hearing Agenda Packet and information HERE

 

What is the Interlocal Agreement for Annexation

• The City of Chehalis and Lewis County are entering into an interlocal agreement to annex unincorporated territory that is part of the Urban Growth Area (UGA). 

• A resolution was passed by Chehalis (Resolution No. 04‑2025) that commences negotiations with Lewis County for this interlocal agreement to annex unincorporated territory in the UGA.

• The goal is to establish, via the interlocal agreement, the territory to be annexed, and the process by which annexation occurs (including timing, services, boundaries, etc.).

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Legal / Statutory Requirements

• Under Washington State law (RCW 35A.14.472), annexation of unincorporated territory via interlocal agreement between a county and a “code city” requires certain steps. 

• Among those steps:

  1. Defining the boundaries of the territory to be annexed and deciding an effective date.

  2. Holding a public hearing before execution of the agreement.

  3. Providing public notice of availability of the agreement at least once a week for four weeks prior to the hearing in newspapers of circulation in both the city and the area to be annexed; also posting the notice on the legislative body’s website. 

  4. Ensuring that the public has an opportunity to be heard at the hearing.

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Public Comment / Public Hearing Period (What’s Known, and What's Required)

• What’s required by law: As mentioned above, notice of the interlocal agreement’s availability must happen for four weeks, with weekly notices in newspapers in both the city and the proposed annexed area, plus posting online. Then, a public hearing must be held, where people can give testimony.

  • Notice will be sent to the Daily Chronicle and posted at the Chehalis City Hall Building, the Community Development office, the Chehalis Post Office, and both the City of Chehalis website (ci.chehalis.wa.us) and the Lewis County BOCC Legal Notices website (https://lewiscountywa.gov/offices/commissioners/bocc-legal-notices/).