GIS
Benton County GIS provides maps, geographic data, and location-based tools that help residents, property owners, businesses, and public agencies access information about land, addresses, transportation, planning, and county resources. This article explains how Benton County GIS works, what mapping services are available, how to use property and address tools, where GIS data comes from, and which office handles GIS-related questions and requests.
GIS Department Services
The Benton County GIS Department develops and maintains county geographic data to improve government efficiency and customer service. The department works to provide public decision-makers and other users with geographic information that is complete, accurate, and reliable.
GIS technology supports county planning, resource management, public information access, and problem-solving by connecting location information with digital maps and data. Residents can use GIS applications to view maps, search property information, review public datasets, and access location-based information maintained by the county.
The main Benton County GIS website provides access to mapping applications, data resources, web maps, and department information.
Web Maps And Applications
The Benton County GIS web maps collection provides public access to interactive maps designed for different county services and information needs. These maps allow users to view geographic information without needing specialized mapping software.
The Benton County GIS Web Maps page includes mapping tools organized by topic, including planning, public works, property, elections, and other county information.
Planning And Building Maps
Planning-related GIS information helps users view geographic information connected to county planning activities. The zoning and building map provides data related to the Planning Department, while the Site Plan Builder allows users to create a basic site plan mockup.
These tools can assist residents and property owners who need location-based information when reviewing land-related projects or planning activities.
Public Works Mapping
GIS supports several Public Works applications that display transportation and infrastructure information. Available maps include transportation improvement projects, road approaches, snow removal routes, and road closures.
The transportation improvement projects application displays mapped projects and associated costs. The road approach map allows users to view road approach permits within the county, while the snow removal map shows snow plow routes and priority areas.
Residents who need to report a problem in their area are directed to contact Public Works at 509-786-5611.
Property Search Tools
Benton County GIS provides property mapping tools that allow users to search property information using location and identification details. The property search application is designed to help users locate parcel information and review related records.
The Benton County Property Search application allows searches by:
Owner name
Property address
Property ID
Parcel number
Property search results may display information such as parcel ID, legal description, property use code, neighborhood name, land size in acres, tax code area, and plat and survey information.
The property search system also includes tools such as Parcel Value Analysis, which displays property value information, and Property Comp Finder, which provides comparable sales and related property information.
Parcel Information Limits
GIS property information is provided as a mapping and presentation resource. The county property search application states that Benton County does not warrant, guarantee, or accept liability for the accuracy, precision, or completeness of information shown through the system. Users should rely on official county processes when they need verified records.
Open Data Access
Benton County GIS provides public access to geographic datasets through its open data platform. The Benton County Open Data site allows users to explore available GIS data categories.
Open Data categories include:
Boundaries
Geocoding
Landmarks
Parcels
Survey information
Transportation
Election information
Users looking for parcel data should access the Parcels_and_Assess tab on the Open Data page. Before downloading parcel shapefile data, users are prompted to complete a brief survey.
Address Management System
Benton County GIS maintains an Address Management System designed to help users find and verify official address information. The system supports the county’s responsibility for maintaining accurate, authoritative, geospatially referenced physical addresses.
The address system helps maintain consistent addressing throughout the county and supports emergency response operations by helping vehicles locate residences, properties, and destinations.
Address Search Details
When searching for an address, users should enter the complete address information available. Benton County GIS provides an example format showing that address searches may include the building number, directional information, private road designation, and quadrant direction.
For example, an address may include:
Building number
Directional information such as east, north, south, or west
Private road number and designation
Additional quadrant directional information
The Benton County GIS Addressing page explains that the county uses a uniform addressing system that follows state Emergency 911 standards and postal addressing guidelines.
Address Verification Rules
Addresses are not determined or issued until a building permit for a residence is issued. Vacant property is not assigned an official address. Some documents, including short plats or subdivisions, may display temporary addresses marked with a “T,” but those addresses are subject to change when a building permit application is submitted.
Benton County GIS is not the addressing authority for addresses located inside city limits. Address verification requests within cities must be directed to the appropriate city authority.
Custom Map Requests
Benton County GIS provides request services for users who need GIS assistance or custom mapping support. The GIS request process helps route questions and requests to the appropriate location.
Requests involving property or locations inside city limits may require contacting the applicable city GIS office. The GIS department provides specific guidance for requests involving Richland and Kennewick areas through its request page.
The Benton County GIS Request page provides request information for GIS-related needs.
Survey And Transportation Maps
GIS mapping resources include specialized applications for survey information and transportation planning. The Survey Monuments application displays control points within the county that serve as a basis of bearing.
Transportation-related maps provide information about county road projects, permits, and conditions. Available transportation applications include:
Benton County Transportation Improvement Projects
Road Approach
Snow Removal
Road Closures
These maps help residents and county users view location-based transportation information through interactive county mapping tools.
Additional GIS Applications
Benton County GIS maintains several other public applications covering community services, landmarks, and county resources. These tools provide geographic information for a variety of public uses.
Additional applications include:
Election Department maps
Ballot drop-off locations and voting center maps
Trails of Benton County with parks and elevation information
Benton County Wildfire App
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Sites
Government and State Owned Lands map
Elevation Profile map
The GIS platform also includes drone project information showing mapping-related projects completed by the county.
GIS Office Contact
The Benton County GIS Department provides public assistance during regular office hours. Users contacting the department should have details about the map, property, address, or GIS application they are asking about to help staff identify the correct information.
The GIS office hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
GIS Department
Benton County GIS Department
7122-E Okanogan Pl, Suite E240, Kennewick, WA 99336
509-786-5485
GIS FAQs
How can I search for property information using Benton County GIS?
The Benton County GIS Property Search tool helps users find property records by entering an owner name, property address, property ID, or parcel number. Search results may include parcel details such as parcel ID, legal description, primary use code, neighborhood name, land size, tax code area, and plat or survey information. For direct access, visit the Benton County Property Search application.
Where can I find Benton County GIS maps for planning and public services?
The county provides interactive web maps for different public needs, including planning, building information, public works projects, transportation routes, survey monuments, and property-related applications. The Benton County GIS Web Maps page is a starting point for locating available mapping applications and selecting the map that matches your request.
How do I verify an address through Benton County GIS?
The Address Management System allows users to search and verify official address records maintained by Benton County. When searching, users should enter the complete address information available, including building numbers, directional details, private road information, and quadrant directions when applicable. Addresses are issued after applicable building permit processes, and vacant properties do not receive official addresses through the county system.
Can I download Benton County GIS data for public use?
Yes. Benton County provides public access to geographic datasets through its Open Data platform. Available categories include boundaries, geocoding, landmarks, parcels, survey information, transportation, and election-related data. Users looking for parcel datasets should use the “Parcels_and_Assess” section and complete the required survey before downloading shapefile information. Visit Benton County Open Data to explore available datasets.
How do I request GIS assistance or a custom map?
GIS requests can be submitted through the county’s request process for mapping needs and location-based questions. Requests involving locations inside city limits may need to be handled by the appropriate city authority rather than Benton County GIS. Users can review the Benton County GIS Request page for guidance on submitting a GIS-related request.