GIS

This article explains how Benton County WA GIS supports planning, permitting, public safety, elections, property research, and day-to-day wayfinding for residents, businesses, and partner agencies. You’ll learn what’s inside the County’s GIS hub, how to use its web maps and property tools, where to download authoritative datasets, and how to request help from the GIS team. Clear steps, practical examples, and department-specific guidance are included throughout.

Understand the mission and scope of Benton County WA GIS

Benton County’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program maintains the County’s core geospatial datasets so that internal decision-makers and the public can rely on complete, accurate, and up-to-date maps. The team curates land records, addresses, boundaries, transportation layers, survey and parcel information, and department-specific datasets that underpin permitting, emergency response, elections administration, and infrastructure operations. This data stewardship saves staff time, reduces duplication, and makes public services easier to access for everyone from homeowners to surveyors.

To keep information reliable across departments, the GIS program focuses on five pillars:

Authoritative data management. Countywide layers—such as situs (physical) addresses, parcel features, and road centerlines—are maintained to consistent standards so they support everything from E911 routing to taxation and public notifications.

Accessible web mapping. Interactive apps allow anyone to search for property details, look up voting information, find office suites on County campuses, and more—without specialized software.

Open data distribution. Commonly requested datasets are provided for download so consultants, utilities, and civic partners can incorporate county layers directly into their workflows.

Targeted services. Staff build specialized web maps for divisions such as Public Works, Elections, and Planning, and they produce custom printed or digital maps upon request.

Continuous improvement. The program promotes the use of GIS to solve real problems: planning safer routes, speeding up address verification, and making complex information understandable on a map.

Tour the County’s official GIS hub and find what you need fast

The County’s one-stop entry point for web apps, data, and contact information is the Benton County GIS hub. From the landing page, you can browse featured apps and maps, dive into data categories, or jump directly to request and contact options—all on a site structured around public tasks rather than technical jargon. Explore the Benton County GIS hub to get oriented and bookmark it for future use.

Behind the scenes, the hub also supports machine-readable standards—such as DCAT feeds and the OGC API – Records—so partner agencies and statewide catalogs can discover County datasets through automated means. While most visitors will simply use the on-page search and menus, these standards help ensure Benton County data remains findable and interoperable across government.

Navigate purpose-built web apps that answer everyday questions

Benton County publishes web applications designed around common questions: What zoning applies here? Where do I vote? How can I verify an address? Which jurisdiction maintains this road? The Web Apps page organizes these tools by topic so you can jump directly into the right map. Visit Web Apps to browse the full gallery.

Zero in on zoning, permits, and land use

Departmental web apps bring together zoning overlays, parcel boundaries, and related reference layers so property owners, developers, and planners can understand what uses are allowed and what constraints may apply. Instead of paging through PDFs or calling multiple offices, you can view the map, click a parcel, and follow links to the relevant County processes.

Understand roads, maintenance, and public works concerns

GIS layers clarify who maintains a given road segment, where seasonal restrictions apply, and how to navigate construction impacts. The web apps often point you to the correct contact if action is needed. For example, some map pages remind residents that if they need to report an issue, they should call Public Works at 509-786-5611—ensuring the request reaches the team best equipped to respond. Because the GIS team works closely with Public Works, symbology and search tools are tuned for field and office use alike.

Explore property, elections, and “miscellaneous” viewer tools

Beyond zoning and roads, Benton County publishes viewers to support elections, property research, and County campus navigation. Elections maps help residents find ballot drop locations and boundaries. Property viewers (described in detail below) present owner and assessment fields alongside aerial imagery and base reference layers. Dedicated “wayfinding” apps guide visitors inside multi-department facilities.

Look up detailed property information with the Property Search app

When you need reliable parcel information, the County’s interactive viewer consolidates the essentials in one place. Launch Property Search and use the map’s search box to find a parcel by address or parcel number. From there:

Zoom to the parcel. The map will center on the selected property and draw its boundary so you can confirm you’re in the right place.

Open the information panel. Click the parcel to view available attributes such as parcel identifiers and assessment fields. Where appropriate, the panel provides links to County departments that handle assessments, recording, or taxes.

Change basemaps for context. Switch between imagery and street basemaps to see structures, lot lines, and surrounding infrastructure.

Print or share a view. Many viewers include simple print options so you can take a snapshot to a meeting or attach it to a project file.

Because this application draws on authoritative County layers, it reduces the risk of using stale or non-official information—something that commonly occurs when residents copy maps from third-party sites. If you have questions about how an attribute is used in a permitting or taxation process, the department pages referenced in the app can guide you to the right office.

Verify and manage addresses countywide with consistent, E911-compliant rules

Accurate addressing saves lives and speeds up service delivery. Benton County’s Address Management System ensures that every situs address follows uniform, sequential, and logical rules aligned with the State’s E911 mandate. The County’s Addressing page explains how addresses are assigned and provides an easy way to check an address against the County’s records. Visit Addressing to learn how addressing works and to access verification tools.

Understand how address components work on private roads

Benton County’s format clarifies location even in rural areas. For example, an entry like 123456 E 421 PR SE conveys:

123456 — the structure number,

E — the directional prefix,

421 — the private road number,

PR — the “Private Road” designation,

SE — a quadrant directional that follows the “PR” element for private road addresses (e.g., NW, SW, NE, SE).

Using the complete address when searching ensures fast, accurate results. The County emphasizes that vacant property is not addressed; addresses are assigned when a residential building permit is issued. Preliminary values that appear on some plats (marked with a T before the numbers) are not official and may change once a building permit is approved.

Know which authority to contact

GIS administers County addressing outside incorporated city limits. Addresses within city limits are verified by the respective city addressing authorities; the County’s Addressing page lists the cities to contact. This clear division prevents duplicate or conflicting numbers and keeps emergency response routing consistent.

Download authoritative datasets from the Open Data portal

For analysts, consultants, and civic technologists who need County layers for planning or engineering work, Benton County publishes a curated catalog of downloadable datasets. Start at the Open Data portal and browse by category:

Boundaries (jurisdictional limits, election districts),
Geocoding (address points),
Landmarks (public facilities and points of interest),
Parcels (parcel polygons and related fields),
Survey (control points and survey references),
Transportation (roads and rights-of-way).

The portal notes that Parcel Data downloads require a brief survey prior to access; this simple step helps the County understand who is using the data so it can prioritize support and improvements. Many items provide shapefiles, and some include ready-to-use web services for GIS software. Because these downloads originate from the County’s own hub, you avoid the risks that come with unverified third-party copies.

To keep integrators in sync, the hub exposes standard discovery feeds, making it possible to index Benton County datasets in larger government catalogs without manual work. If you’re a frequent user, you can also watch the hub’s updates using the built-in feed options referenced on the site.

Request a custom map or specialized GIS support when your project needs it

Not every question fits a prebuilt app. When you need a tailored product—such as a site map for a hearing packet, a high-resolution exhibit for public engagement, or a data extract filtered to your project area—the GIS program can help. Use the Submit a GIS Request page to describe your needs, attach a sketch or project boundary, and specify deliverables (digital PDF, print size, scale, projection, and so on). County staff will follow up during normal business hours and, if applicable, advise you on any fees per the established County schedule.

Typical custom services include:

Printed wall maps and exhibits for board meetings, grant applications, or public open houses;

Targeted data extracts that combine multiple layers for a defined area of interest;

Department-branded web maps to support time-bound initiatives or public outreach;

Address verification packets for utilities, developments, and emergency service partners.

Contact the GIS team for help, feedback, and coordination

If you have a question about an app, can’t find a dataset, or want to provide feedback that will help make County maps clearer, reach out directly to the team. The official contact page provides hours and a dedicated phone line during the work week. Start at Contact Benton County GIS to get in touch with staff and confirm current availability before you call or visit.

Use the Wayfinding Map to reach County services on the Kennewick Campus

Finding your destination inside a multi-department facility can be challenging, especially when floors and suites are involved. The County publishes an interactive viewer that shows department locations and links to floor-specific maps and daily schedules. The application is available in English and Spanish and is designed for mobile use as well as desktop. Open the Wayfinding Map before you head to the Kennewick Campus to see which suite to visit and where to park, then follow the map on your phone once you arrive.

This viewer also links to operational information for justice-related offices and administrative departments hosted on the campus, so you can confirm hours and services without switching between multiple sites.

See innovation in action through drone-supported mapping projects

Modern aerial workflows help the County document assets, improve situational awareness after major events, and accelerate change detection for planning. The GIS hub highlights a selection of these efforts on its Drone Projects page. While each project is unique, common deliverables include high-resolution orthomosaics, elevation models, and up-to-date imagery for facilities and corridors.

These projects strengthen routine operations by:

Filling recency gaps between traditional aerial flights,
Capturing hard-to-map areas safely and efficiently,
Providing context for stakeholders through before-and-after visuals,
Improving data quality in places where ground access is limited.

The County publishes results through web viewers when appropriate, making it easier for residents and staff to see how infrastructure and land use are changing over time.

Grab ready-to-use PDF maps when you don’t need raw data

Not every user needs shapefiles or an interactive app. For quick reference, the Downloads page offers printable PDF products—such as Elections Department maps and road atlas pages—that you can save, print, and share. These static maps are ideal for meeting packets, briefings, or any situation where a fixed layout and legend are required.

Because these PDFs are produced from the County’s authoritative layers, they align with the web maps and open datasets, minimizing confusion when different teams bring their materials to a shared discussion.

See how departments apply GIS to serve residents

GIS adds value across County operations. Here are examples of how departments apply the same foundational layers to very different public services:

Assessor’s Office: transparent land and assessment information

The Assessor relies on parcel geometry, address points, and property identifiers to manage assessments and support appeals. By aligning land records with current addressing and road networks, the office ensures tax rolls reflect the real world. GIS web maps and downloads help property owners and professionals verify boundaries and understand how appraisal neighborhoods relate to surrounding infrastructure.

Auditor’s Office (Elections, Licensing, Recording): accurate boundaries and accessible information

Elections require precise precinct boundaries and intuitive maps so voters can find their districts and understand where to return ballots. GIS maintains and publishes those boundaries, supports updates after redistricting, and provides printable maps for public reference. For recording and licensing, spatial context helps staff and residents navigate to the right service counter and understand how records relate to parcels and jurisdictions.

Treasurer’s Office: parcel identifiers that match assessments and taxes

The Treasurer uses parcel IDs and ownership fields to match incoming payments and reference accounts. By drawing directly from authoritative parcel data, the office reduces errors and speeds up service at the counter and online. Static atlas pages and property viewers provide visual context when troubleshooting unusual situations at the parcel level.

Planning Division: data-driven review and long-range planning

From comprehensive plans to daily permit reviews, planners rely on zoning and overlay layers, floodplains, and transportation networks to evaluate proposals. GIS consolidates those layers into internal and public viewers, allowing reviewers to see how a proposal fits within adopted plans and how it may affect neighbors. Publishing up-to-date maps also helps applicants prepare complete submittals, reducing resubmittals and delays.

Public Works: maintaining roads and coordinating fieldwork

Road centerlines, mileposts, and maintenance zones are mapped and symbolized so crews and dispatchers can coordinate efficiently. When residents call in an issue, GIS can pinpoint the location and identify the responsible party—county, city, or state—so problems are routed correctly the first time. Public information maps, in turn, help drivers anticipate seasonal impacts and plan safer routes.

Information Technology and GIS: reliable platforms and secure operations

GIS and IT share responsibilities for secure, stable systems that deliver maps and data—both to the public and to internal users. Hosting the hub, maintaining accounts, and managing performance ensures that apps remain available during high-traffic events such as elections or major weather incidents. Publishing through the County’s official hub promotes trust and consistency.

Follow proven steps for common tasks

To help you put the tools to work immediately, here are streamlined steps for frequent public requests:

Confirm a situs address before placing an order or scheduling service

Go to Addressing.

Read the format guidance and note the example for private roads.

Use the address verification application linked from that page and enter the complete address, including directional and quadrant elements.

If the address is inside city limits, contact the appropriate city addressing authority as indicated on the page.

Research a property for a project or purchase

Open Property Search.

Search by parcel number or complete address and select the matching result.

Review the information panel. If you need official documents (e.g., recorded plats), follow the department links provided within the viewer to the appropriate County offices.

Use the print option to create a one-page map for your records.

Download authoritative data for a planning or engineering deliverable

Start at Open Data and browse the category that fits your need (e.g., Parcels or Transportation).

Open the dataset page to see available formats and metadata.

If you need Parcel Data, complete the brief access form as noted on the portal before downloading.

Add the data to your GIS software and cite Benton County as the source in your deliverables.

Ask for a custom map when a standard viewer isn’t enough

Visit Submit a GIS Request.

Describe what you need, including scale, size, projection, layers to include, and any deadlines.

Attach a sketch or boundary (if applicable) to speed up turnaround.

Staff will follow up during normal hours to confirm scope and advise on any applicable fees.

Find the right office when visiting the Kennewick Campus

Open the Wayfinding Map on your phone before you arrive.
Select your destination (e.g., Assessor, Treasurer, GIS) to see the floor and suite.
Use the embedded floor map links for turn-by-turn guidance inside the building.

Promote transparency and interoperability with open standards

Benton County’s hub doesn’t just present maps—it’s built for long-term transparency and efficient collaboration. The platform’s support for RSS, DCAT, and OGC API – Records means regional and federal catalogs can automatically harvest metadata about County resources. For the public, this translates into easier discovery: when you search across government portals, Benton County layers are more likely to appear with accurate titles and descriptions. Adopting standards also reduces duplicated work, because once a dataset is published to the hub, other catalogs can reference it without manual repackaging.

Leverage printable products when a meeting needs something you can hold

From elections precinct maps to road atlas pages, ready-to-print PDFs save time when you need a consistent layout and legend. These products are ideal for community gatherings, board meetings, or site visits where internet connections may be unreliable. Find them on the Downloads page and keep a digital copy handy on your device; if the meeting turns into a working session, you can switch to an interactive app for deeper exploration.

Keep communication clear and lines of responsibility straight

A hallmark of Benton County WA GIS is clarity about which authority handles which task. The Addressing page spells out city vs. county responsibility. The Public Works contact is highlighted where residents may try to report road issues through mapping apps. Property viewers connect you to the appropriate offices for recording, taxation, or assessment questions. This approach prevents confusion, reduces repeat calls, and ensures the right staff member handles the request the first time.

When in doubt, reach out—GIS staff are ready to help

Some questions are best answered by a person who works with the data every day. If you’re unsure which app to use, can’t locate a dataset, or want to double-check how a map applies to your situation, start with the County’s official contact page. You’ll find hours and a dedicated phone number for the GIS team during the work week. The County welcomes suggestions that make maps clearer and more useful for residents and businesses alike. Use Contact Benton County GIS to get assistance.

Departments and offices (addresses and phone numbers)

Geographic Information Systems — Kennewick Campus, 7122-E, Suite E240 — 509-786-5485

Information Technology — Kennewick Campus, 7122-E, Suite E240 — 509-786-5603

Treasurer’s Office — Kennewick Campus, 7122-E, Suite E110 — 509-735-8505 (Kennewick); 509-786-2255 (Prosser)

Assessor’s Office — Kennewick Campus, 7122-E, Suite E120 — 509-735-2394 (Kennewick); 509-786-2046 (Prosser)

Auditor’s Office (Elections, Licensing, Recording) — Kennewick Campus, 7122-E, Suite E130 — 509-736-2727

Clerk’s Office — Kennewick Campus, 7122-A, Suite A210 — 509-735-8388

Benton County GIS FAQs

What’s the correct way to verify a situs address—including private road formats?

Use the guidance and verification tool on Addressing. The County’s Address Management System follows the state E911 mandate and requires full, properly formatted entries to return accurate results. Private road addresses include a structure number, directional prefix, private road number with “PR,” and a quadrant (e.g., “SE”) that appears after PR. Addresses are issued when a residential building permit is approved; vacant parcels do not receive addresses. Addresses within city limits are validated by the respective city authorities.

Where can I research parcels, ownership-related fields, or assessment context?

Open the interactive Property Search map. Search by parcel number or complete address, then use the information panel to review key attributes alongside aerials and base reference layers. Basemap switches help you compare imagery with linework, while built-in tools let you center, zoom, and print map excerpts for meeting packets or project files.

Can I download official datasets and static PDFs for planning or engineering?

Yes—browse the County’s open catalog at Open Data. Categories include Boundaries, Geocoding, Landmarks, Parcels, Survey, and Transportation. Parcel shapefiles require a brief access survey before download; other items typically provide ready-to-use formats with metadata. The same hub also lists printable PDF products (elections maps, road atlas pages) when a fixed layout is preferable to an interactive app.