Housing Action Plan
In response to slowing housing production, the City of Vancouver is advancing a range of new housing initiatives to increase supply, preserve habitability and affordability, and support renters and homeowners across the community.
Single-Stair building code alternative
In February 2026, the City approved a single-stair code alternative policy that allows for not more than five stories of Group R-2 occupancy to be permitted to be served by a single exit. This code alternative can provide greater flexibility in floor plan layouts, unit sizes, and construction costs.
Six-Story wood construction code alternative
In June 2026, the City approved a building code policy update that allows for up to six stories of Group R-2 occupancy to be built using Type III-A construction under specific conditions as an alternative construction option that may reduce costs.
Our Vancouver 2026-2045 Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code update
In June 2026, the City Council adopted the Our Vancouver 2026-2045 Comprehensive Plan and updated Zoning Map and Code. The newly adopted Plan and Code lay out how we will manage the future growth and development of our community. Key items include:
- Impact fee reform (based on unit size)
- Elimination of single family only zoning
- Removal of parking minimums
- Removal of density maximums
Reduced development review times
The City’s Engineering Permit team modified its system processes resulting in shorter subsequent review timelines. In addition, an early permit submittal process was implemented, allowing single-family builders to receive approvals prior to final subdivision plat approval.
Deferred payment of System Development Charges (SDCs) and Impact Fees
The City is continuing efforts to reduce development costs for new housing by deferring impact fees and system development charges until late in construction.
Enhanced Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) incentives for market rate projects
The City is offering Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) incentives, including waived application fees and deferred fee-in-lieu payments for qualifying projects.
Removal of parking minimums
Vancouver eliminated parking minimums for new affordable housing developments where at least 50% of units serve households at or below the area median income, reducing project costs and increasing the number of homes that can be built. The City expects developers to continue providing parking where market demand exists.
Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP)
CHIP is a program administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce to fund system development charges and the cost of water, storm, and sewer utility improvements associated with affordable housing projects. The City partners with local affordable housing developers to apply for CHIP grant funds.
In 2025, the City received three CHIP awards for new projects, totaling $1.4M and supporting 76 affordable units. These awards include funding for 32 new homeownership units.
Affordable Housing Fund (AHF)
The City uses AHF resources to support a range of housing projects and programs, from early-stage development to housing preservation. Early AHF investments helped affordable developers apply for other funding, as many funders require a local funding commitment for a competitive application.
In the Heights redevelopment area, three projects received advanced commitments of 2027 AHF funding to support long-term planning and future construction.
Prior AHF investments reached important milestones, including the grand opening of VHA’s Lincoln Place 2, a 40-unit permanent supportive housing development for tenants exiting homelessness with significant wrap-around service needs.
AHF funding also provides rental assistance, homeownership support, and emergency shelter funding, including funding for the City’s new Bridge Shelter, with up to 120 beds that will open at the end of 2026.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs
Federal funding continues to play an important role in supporting housing and community development in Vancouver. Through HUD programs, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds and HOME-ARP for homeless services through the American Rescue Plan, the City supports affordable housing, homeownership, and a range of housing services for City residents with low to moderate income. These funds are used towards new housing development, homeowner rehabilitation, first-time homebuyer programs, rapid rehousing rental assistance, street outreach and landlord-tenant mediation. The City awards HUD funding each year through a competitive process for nonprofit organizations with programs that align with HUD requirements and City goals.
In addition, the City is using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to advance Fourth Plain Forward initiatives, including investments to help stabilize housing and support longtime residents of the area. ARPA funding of $500,000 is being deployed to help 8 first-time homebuyers, and repair 6 mobile homes in the Fourth Plain area, helping improve housing conditions and prevent displacement. Together, HUD and ARPA funding allow the City to address immediate housing needs as well as longer-term neighborhood investment goals.
Construction Sales Tax Deferral (CSTD)
In December 2024, the City adopted a new Construction Sales Tax Deferral (CSTD) program as part of a state pilot to support affordable housing development on underutilized land. This program allows a developer to defer sales and use taxes for construction of affordable housing on existing parking lots. If the housing meets the affordability requirements for 10 years, the taxes are forgiven. At least 50% of new units must be affordable. Rental units must be affordable to households up to 80% of the area median income (AMI) and homeownership units may be sold to households up to 115% AMI.
Homeowner Rehabilitation Program
Each year, the City sets aside federal funding to operate the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program that helps homeowners make critical repairs. Eligible homeowners must earn less than 80% of area median income and have limited assets or access to private financing. The program serves approximately 10 homeowners annually. Assistance is limited to health and safety repairs and is provided as a low-interest loan, with repayment deferred until the property is sold or refinanced. In 2025, the City received funding from the State’s Home Electricity and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program to expand rehabilitation efforts by providing high-efficiency electric equipment and appliances for income-qualified homeowners. These upgrades help homeowners lower their energy bills while making their homes safer and more comfortable to live in. This program also supports the City’s climate goals by lowering emissions from residential buildings.
Rental Registration and Habitability Program
City Council authorized a new rental registration and habitability program to help preserve existing rental stock and improve long-term housing stability. Program planning and code development were completed in 2025, and the registration program was launched in January 2026. The program creates an inventory of rental units, increases communication with property owners, and supports proactive maintenance to address health and safety issues before they result in housing loss. By improving data on its rental housing stock, the City can better target resources, monitor housing condition over time, and support policies that help maintain existing homes as safe, healthy and livable for the community.
Housing Units Development Dashboard
In 2025, the City launched an online Housing Units Development Dashboard to provide real-time updates on progress under the Housing Action Plan. This interactive online tool displays multiple data visualizations together on one screen, including maps and housing unit activity that can be filtered by:
- Date range
- Housing type (mobile homes, multifamily, single-family, etc.)
- Permit stage
The dashboard allows City staff and the public to see where development is happening, how many units of each type have been completed, and how that activity is distributed geographically.