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1. What do I have to do to qualify for a senior citizen exemption?

You must be 61 years of age in the year applying or disabled, total gross income from all sources has to be $43,000 or less and the home must be your primary residence. You have to apply for the exemption.

2. How do I find the assessed value of my property?

This information is available online by clicking departments, assessor then property search.

3. How often does my property get reassessed?

Once every year. New construction is picked up annually countywide as of the July 31 cutoff.

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1. Where do I go to renew or get a new driver's license?

The auditor's office does not issue driver's licenses. These are issued directly by the State of Washington. The nearest Department of Motor Vehicles office is located at:
145 Jade St.
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Ph: (509) 527-4358

2. How do I get disabled person (DP) placards or plates?

A DP application form, obtainable from any vehicle licensing office, needs to be completed by you and your physician. The completed form is then taken to a vehicle licensing office, where you may pick up your placard and apply for your DP license plate. The plate is sent to you from Olympia and may take up to four weeks to arrive. The fee for the plate is $10.

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1. What are the benefits of a building permit?

There are several advantages to doing home improvement projects with a building permit. Topmost, is that getting a permit brings you the services of the building inspector. The inspector approves each phase of the construction process to ensure work is done safely and properly. Inspectors can also advise on how to proceed if you get stuck.
Secondly, there are legal and financial liabilities that you face when you do not get a permit. Work without a permit is illegal and could pose serious complications when you try to sell your property. It there is a fire in your house, your insurance company may use the illegal work as an excuse not to pay on your claim.
Building without a permit may result in added cost, and even an order to stop construction, until the proper permits have been obtained.

2. Am I required to get a building permit?

Building permits are needed for all building, plumbing, mechanical (such as installations of furnaces and water heaters) and electrical work, including alterations, conversions, interior remodeling work, re-roofing or demolitions.
Electrical permits are issued through the state Department of Labor & Industries at 1-800-547-9411. Permits related to work on manufactured homes are also under the authority of L&I.
Permits for both the City of Dayton and Columbia County can be obtained at the Planning and Building Department. If you are unsure if you require a building permit, feel free to call or stop by our office.
114 S. 2nd Street
Dayton WA, 99328
(509) 382-4676 Building Permit Process

3. What work is exempt from a permit?

Examples of items that are exempt from permitting include:

• One-story detached residential accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.
• Fences not ever 6 feet high.
• Retaining walls that are not over four feet high (48”) measured from the bottom of footing to top of wall.
• Sidewalks and driveway paving.
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting,cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
• Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep
• Swings and other playground equipment
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit or not, call the Planning and Building Department at 509-382-4676.

4. What about zoning?

The Zoning Ordinance of Columbia County regulates residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural development within the county. The City of Dayton has its own Zoning Ordinance as well. In an attempt to maintain the design and character of your neighborhood, the codes impose certain regulations about where you can build on your property and how big your house may be. The codes contain provisions and limitations on proposed development, such as:
• Allowed, conditional use and accessory land uses
• Allowed density of areas and development intensity of properties.
• Minimum (or maximum) lot sizes and lot dimensions
• Building setbacks from easements and property lines
• Maximum lot coverage or floor area ratio requirements
• Height limitations of structures

Although building permits are not required for some projects, planning staff approval may be necessary.

Please contact the Planning staff at (509) 382-4676 for the specific provisions of your property or visit us at:
Columbia County Planning and Building
114 S. 2nd street
Dayton WA, 99328
Columbia County Code

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1. Where do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate?

These can be obtained online at the Washington State Department of Health website or by contacting the local public health office for the county in which you were born.

2. Where can I get a death certificate?

Death certificates for the State of Washington are kept in Olympia, Washington. These can be ordered online at the Washington State Department of Health website.

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1. I have a case in collection, what do I do?

If your case has been sent to collection, contact District Court at (509) 382-4812.

2. Who do I contact about compliance monitoring?

Contact the District Court Administrator, Kerry Much, at 382-4812, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. (Closed during the noon hour)

3. What if I have more than one ticket?

If you were issued a green (infraction) ticket along with a criminal (goldenrod) ticket, these are considered separate violations and different rules apply to each case type.

You will be summoned for teh criminal charge, in most cases the green ticket (infraction) will track with the ciminal case. However, any questions should be directed to an attorney for legal inquires and the court for procedual inquires.

4. What should I wear and how should I act in court?

For courtroom rules, guidelines, and a dress code, view courtroom conduct.

5. What is an arraignment?

An arraignment is generally your first appearance in court on the citation or charge. The judge will inform you of the charge and explain it. Next it will be confirmed that you understand your constitutional rights as explained at the beginning of the court session, and finally the maximum penalties, if any, will be stated. No testimony is taken or evidence presented at the arraignment.

Please note: If this is a first appearance on a charge of driving under the influence or assault fourth degree domestic violence, you may not waive arraignment or have an attorney appear on your behalf without your presence. You will be informed of your right to counsel and be given instruction on how to apply for the public defender.

6. What are my constitutional rights?

All persons accused of any crime or traffic offense that might result in a jail sentence have the following rights:

• To have a lawyer present with you at all hearings
  
• If you cannot afford to hire one to represent you, one will, one will be appointed to represent you (you may be required to reimburse the county in full or in part for this expense)
  
• To represent yourself without a lawyer
  
• To a public and speedy trial
  
• To cross-examine any witness who testifies against you
  
• To call witnesses to testify on your behalf and have the court compel their attendance
  
• To testify or not testify yourself; if you choose not to, no one can make you testify
  
• To appeal to the Superior Court within 30 days if you are convicted after a not guilty plea

7. Should I talk to a lawyer before entering a plea?

In many cases, this is a good idea. The judge, at your request, will continue the arraignment giving you time to look for an attorney. The judge will request that you have your lawyer put in a notice of appearance. This should be done before your next court date. If you fail to appear at any hearing, your bond or bail will be forfeited and the judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

8. How do I obtain a lawyer if I cannot afford one?

At the arraignment, the judge will explain your right to a court-appointed attorney. You should indicate to the judge that you are financially unable to hire a lawyer, and you will be provided an application for court-appointed counsel. The judge will review your application form and determine your eligibility for a public defender according to the appropriate financial guidelines.

If you qualify, the judge will sign the order appointing your case to the public defender. You will go the clerk’s window for a copy with the attorney’s name, address, and telephone number. The court will notify the public defender of the appointment and it is your responsibility to contact the public defender. You must remain in contact with the public defender and be available for all meetings as requested by the lawyer.

9. What happens if I plead guilty?

If you plead guilty it means you admit the charge and the elements to prove the charge. By pleading guilty you waive your constitutional rights and in most cases you will be sentenced right then. However, you may speak on your behalf at sentencing. The judge will then usually review the police report, if available, and sentence you.

10. What happens if I plead not guilty?

A not guilty plea denies the charge and none of your constitutional rights are waived unless you expressly wish to do so. You are presumed innocent, and the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at a subsequent trial. The next hearing will be a pretrial and trial-setting conference.

You and your lawyer, if you have one, are required to be present. At this hearing, pretrial motions and a trial date are set. Information about all the evidence in the case and witness names will be exchanged. If at any stage you waived your right to a jury trial, you or your attorney will receive a notice of your non-jury trial.

11. How do I obtain a continuance?

The court cannot continue a court date or hearing based upon receipt of a telephone call. Requests to continue must be in writing and arrive prior to the court date or contact your attorney. Please mail to:
535 Cameron Street, Dayton, WA 99328
Third floor
Dayton, WA 99328

12. What happens if I am sentenced to jail?

If the court sentences you to serve a day or days in jail, the judge will arrange the report date. Most commitments are served at Columbia County Jail, and the court will notify the appropriate facility of your report date.

13. What must I do if I can't pay my entire fine today?

If you can’t pay all of your fine at sentencing, the clerk will work out a time payment agreement. This is a contract with the court for installment payments and must be strictly adhered to. Read the agreement carefully, as failure to follow the terms can result in additional fees, a possible suspension of your driving privilege, and assignment of the account to a collection agency. You may also be required to appear in court for additional hearings.

14. What happens if I fail to appear in court?

If you are scheduled to appear in court but fail to do so without prior consent of the court, the judge is authorized to issue a bench warrant upon either a probable cause finding or good cause finding for your arrest. This means that you are subject to arrest on the warrant.

15. What if my mailing address has changed?

If your address changes at any time, please notify the court immediately and in writing at:
535 Cameron Street
Dayton, WA 99328
If you are represented by a lawyer, also notify your lawyer immediately.

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1. When Should I Call 911?

911 calls are only for very emergent situations such as structure or wild land fires, medical emergencies, or in-progress crimes. Click the link below to learn more about when to call 911 and what makes for a real emergency.

When To Call 911

2. What will I be asked when I call 911?

The very first thing you will be asked is 'WHERE is the location of the emergency". We will need an address or solid location in case the call is interrupted or cut off. Having the location allows us to get help coming even if the caller is no longer able to talk. Additional questions, if possible, will be asking about WHAT is happening, WHEN it is happening (now?earlier?)and WHO it is happening to and HOW many. If there is time and it is possible for the caller to talk, we will be asking many other questions that can make a difference in how much help we are sending, what kind of help we are sending, and whether the caller and the first responders are in any danger when they arrive on scene. We will also determine whether we need to stay on the phone with the caller until help arrives in order to update the first responders to changing scene or to provide helpful instructions for the caller.
We understand that when something emergent is happening to a caller that it may seem a waste of time to keep asking questions but just know that while we are talking to the caller we are simultaneously dispatching help. We have been trained to handle both aspects of a call at the same time. Being able to get as much information from a caller can make a huge difference for those involved both on the caller's end and for those responding.

3. Does My Cell Phone Show My Location?

Yes and no. Unlike a landline, cell phones will not provide an address for your location. However, more and more 911 call centers are now able to receive a latitude and longitude of a cell phone caller. This information can be helpful in getting assistance to a caller that is not completely sure of where they are. At the very least, a 911 call center will receive information from a cell call that links that call to the cell tower that picked up the call signal. This information, while helpful, is generally not enough for the 911 call center to determine the location of the caller. We recommend that all cell callers pay attention to their location especially when travelling or hiking.
For more information on cell calls to 911, click the link below. Tips for Cell Phone Users

4. Can I text to 911?

At this time Columbia County Dispatch is unable to accept any text-to-911 messages. When this changes for our county we will update. Please just call from your cell or landline.

5. What if 911 caller is deaf or hearing/speech impaired?

E911 in Columbia County DOES NOT accept text-to-911 messages at this time. If you or someone you know is hearing or speech impaired please use either a TTY (teletypewriter) or have someone call that can provide interpretation for you. If you text 911 in our county you will receive a bounce-back message that will tell you we are unable to accept texting at this time and to call 911. We will let the public know when we are up and running with text-to-911. 911 For Hearing or Speech Impaired Information

6. Who pays for 911?

In most areas each household and business pays a small monthly fee for 9-1-1 service that appears on their phone bill. There is no per-call charge for calling 9-1-1. However, EMS/ambulances dispatched through 9-1-1 may charge for taking someone to the hospital; this is a separate ambulance charge, not a 9-1-1 charge.

7. How can I teach my child to call 911?

It's important to teach young children about 911. Age 4 is a great time to start and one way to teach them is with a cell phone 911 call simulator app you can download. Check with your service provider or the online app store for you phone to download this important teaching too.
Many people are opting out of having a landline in their homes and with cell phones so prevalent, it is important that your kids know how to access your phone and call 911. They also need to know when it is important to call and when it is not important to call. The link below has some excellent tips for teaching your kids how to use 911 for emergencies. Tips for Teaching Kids to Dial 911

8. I accidentally called 911, am I in trouble?

NO! Absolutely not. It happens. But if you do accidentally call 911 DON'T HANG UP. Stay on the phone and let 911 know that it was an accidental call. If you do hang up we will call you back to make sure there is truly no emergency. Don't be embarrassed! This happens quite a bit at 911 centers around the country and we only want to be sure you are safe and not in need of any assistance.
There are ways to be sure that you don't accidentally dial 911. Always keep your phone locked, especially when it is in your pocket or purse. Many of the accidental calls to 911 are the results of a phone that was in a pocket or a bag and the phone was not locked. DO NOT add 911 to your speed dial list. Also, don't let your kids play with your phone.
But if you or your child accidentally dials 911 please just stay on the phone. We only want to know that you and yours are safe and sound.

9. How can I prepare my own disaster kit?

Having a great check list is a good place to start and at the link below to Ready.gov you will find many of the answers to building your and your family's disaster kit. Since all families have different needs, you can gather the basic information at Ready.gov and then adapt it to fit you or your family's needs including your pets!
The link will also give you additional information on creating Emergency Plans for your kids, parents, and when you are commuting. It's an ideal place to begin creating an emergency kit as well as a strong emergency plan for your family. Preparing a Disaster Kit

10. How much water should I store for emergencies and how long can it be safely stored?

The recommended amount is at least one gallon of water per person for three days, for drinking and sanitation. Because a person or family's need for water may vary based on age, medical conditions, and climate, that amount is just a basic recommendation. For more information on water tips including rationing, storage, and water treatment please visit the link below at Ready.gov Water

11. Sheltering place - What does that mean and what if I am not at home?

Sheltering in place means just that; an emergency is occurring and to stay safe you may need to shelter in place even if that means in your vehicle. Where you stay may depend on the type of emergency and the amount of time you will have to find a safe sheltering place.
We have included a link to CDC.gov with excellent information on sheltering in place and how to stay safe until the emergency is over. Sheltering in Place

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1. What are the times I can be fingerprinted?

Fingerprinting is conducted during normal business hours Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Fingerprinting is also conducted after hours by appointment only. However, please note if we are dealing with an offender in our booking room during these times, fingerprinting could be delayed or even cancelled/rescheduled. Fingerprinting is also subject to the availability of patrol staff. Please call before you come to our office to confirm the availability of this service at 509-382-2518.

2. When can I visit an inmate at the Columbia County Jail?

Inmate visitation is on Mondays between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and on Thursday evenings between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Visitation is subject to the availability of the booking room. All visitors must have a valid picture identification and must be at least 10 years of age and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No food or toiletry items are accepted from the outside for inmates. All items are provided to the inmates by the Columbia County Jail, or through purchase of commissary.

3. How do I apply for a concealed pistol license?

All fees for concealed pistol licenses (CPL's) are received at the time of application. THIS FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE.

The State will only allow CPL's to be renewed within 90 days of the expiration date. CPL's that have expired may also be renewed up to 90 days after the expiration date, but a late fee will be charged. Any CPL that is 90 days past its expiration date will require the application for an original license again.

All original CPL applications require fingerprinting, regardless of whether you have been fingerprinted in the past or not. Fingerprinting is conducted during normal business hours Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Fingerprinting is also conducted after hours by appointment only. However, please note if we are dealing with an offender in our booking room during these times, fingerprinting could be delayed or even cancelled/rescheduled. Please call before you come to our office to confirm the availability of this service at 509-382-2518.

FEES - *

Original license - The fee for original licenses is $49.25 (includes the cost of fingerprinting.)

License Renewal - $32.00

Late Renewal - $42.00 (includes $10.00 late fee)

All CPL applicants receive an information packet containing current laws and regulations regarding carrying concealed firearms.

* NOTE: Fees can be remitted in the form of a personal check or money order payable to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, credit or debit card, or with cash. If paying with cash, we ask that it be for the exact amount, as we do not have the capability of making change. A service fee of $1.50 to $1.75 will be charged to your debit or credit card by our service provider, GovPayNet, of which we have no control over.

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1. Do you have divorce papers / forms?

Columbia County does not supply these forms. To access these forms, please visit the Washington State Court website.

2. Do you have court forms for civil matters like unlawful detainers, probates, restoration of gun rights, etc.?

Columbia County does not supply these forms. To access these forms, please visit the Washington State Court website.

3. How do I...?

If you're asking this question, you probably need legal advice. The Superior Court's clerk and staff are prohibited by law from providing legal advice. Please seek the assistance of an attorney.

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1. Who invented the Outernet?

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2. Who invented the Internet?

Al Gore. The Truth...

3. How many chucks could a woodchuck chuck?

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1. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept payments in U.S. currency only. Please make your check, cashier's check, or money order payable to the Columbia County Treasurer. Washington State Tax laws prohibit us from receipting partial payments. We are now accepting online payments.

2. How do I remove my property from foreclosure?

After the County Treasurer has started the tax foreclosure procedure by filing a Certificate of Delinquency in Superior Court, all tax, interest, penalties, and costs must be paid through the current year in order to remove the property from foreclosure. All real estate with delinquent taxes for three years or more will be subject to foreclosure.

3. What are the interest and penalties on delinquent taxes?

If the first-half taxes are not paid by April 30, interest is charged on the full amount of tax at 1% per month. In addition to the interest, there will be penalties added the first year of delinquency. A 3% penalty will be added on June 1, and an 8% penalty will be added on December 1. Payments received on delinquent personal property tax after the April 30 deadline must be paid in full with applicable interest, penalties, and costs.

4. Do I need a permit to move my mobile home?

Check with your County Treasurer's Office before buying or selling a mobile home to assure the proper changes have been made and to protect your property against any property or excise tax lien (Revised Code of Washington Chapter 84.60).

Movement of a mobile home without a movement permit issued by the Treasurer may result in a penalty (Revised Code of Washington Chapter 46.44.175).

5. How are personal property taxes figured?

Taxes are computed on the assessed valuation as of January 1 of the preceding year. They are a lien on the personal property of the person assessed. It is unlawful to sell personal property without paying tax in advance. A clear bill of sale cannot be issued until such payment is made. Personal property is subject to immediate seizure and subsequent sale if at least the first half of the tax is not paid by April 30 and the second half by October 31. Check with the county treasurer's office before buying or selling any personal property (Revised Code of Washington Chapter 84.56.070.090).

6. Is there a property tax exemption for senior citizens or persons with disabilities?

If you own a residence, you may be entitled to a property tax exemption. To qualify you must be 61 years old or retired because of a disability, the property must be your main residence, and you must have a limited income. For application forms and further information, please call the Columbia County Assessor at (509) 382-2131.

7. I recently sold my property - how does this affect the property tax statement?

If you have sold property prior to receiving a tax statement or at any other time during the year, please notify the treasurer's office at (509) 382-2641 so a statement can be forwarded to the new owner.

Failure to receive a tax statement on property does not excuse any penalty or interest charges.

8. Do I have to pay property taxes?

Yes. To preserve your right to seek a court-ordered refund you must comply with the requirements of the law (Revised Code of Washington Chapter 84.68.20).

9. How do I interpret my tax statement?

Examine your tax statement thoroughly to avoid payment on the wrong property. First-half or full payment of tax must be paid / postmarked no later than April 30. Second-half tax must be paid / postmarked no later than October 31.

Tax amounts $50 or less on individual parcels must be paid in full with the first-half payment. Delinquent tax amounts showing on your statement will not include the interest and penalty because this amount changes every month.

10. When are tax statements mailed?

Tax statements are sent out once a year and are mailed from Dayton, Washington, on February 14 or the first business day following if falls on a weekend or holiday.