Housing
The City of Vancouver is committed to safe, affordable housing for everyone in our community. We work through funding, partnership, and policy to expand housing choices, increase homeownership opportunities, and prioritize the needs of historically excluded communities. Our goal is a range of housing options, near schools, healthcare, grocery stores, and other essential services, in neighborhoods where people are proud to live.
Housing Action Plan
Vancouver has experienced tremendous growth over the last decade, increasing the need for housing options across our community. The Housing Action Plan is a framework of coordinated citywide efforts which focuses on increasing housing supply in Vancouver and guides the work of the City. Recently launched plan items include:
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 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.
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.
Housing Programs
CDBG and HOME Programs
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The City awards these funds annually to nonprofits serving residents with low to moderate income.
CDBG and HOME
Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP)
State CHIP funding assists with system development charges and the cost of infrastructure for affordable housing. The City partners with local developers to apply for CHIP funds.
Home Electricity and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) Program
The City receives funding from the State’s HEAR program to provide high-efficiency electric equipment and appliances for income-qualified homeowners. Upgrades help lower energy costs and supports City climate goals.
Housing Resources
Landlord and Tenant Resources
- Rental Registration Program
- Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act
- Washington Tenant Rights Information
- Rent Well Classes: Share Vancouver offers Rent Well Classes, a 15-hour in-person tenant education with a curriculum that teaches you about your rights and responsibilities as a renter. In Clark County, Rent Well is paired with a $1,000 financial incentive through SHARE that encourages landlords to rent to eligible graduates. If you would like to find out about a possible Zoom option, or to sign up for classes, please contact hpronath@sharevancouver.org and visit the Rent Well webpage. Interested in becoming a Rent Well Instructor to bring the 15-hour tenant education to your agency? Check out how to become a Community Agency Partner and enroll in the Tenant Educator Academy.
- Washington State Landlord Damage Relief Program: The Landlord Damage Relief Program offers up to $1,000 and up to fourteen days’ rent loss to the landlord, and up to $5,000 in qualifying damages caused by a tenant during tenancy. Commerce will review, approve and pay claims as quickly as possible. Visit Landlord Damage Relief Program – Washington State Department of Commerce to find out more information and how to qualify.
Advocacy and Legal Resources for Tenants
- NW Justice Project: Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is Washington’s largest publicly funded legal aid program. Each year NJP provides critical civil legal assistance and representation to thousands of low-income people in cases affecting basic human needs such as family safety and security, housing preservation, protection of income, access to health care, education and other basic needs.
- Fair Housing Center of Washington: Prevents, Mitigates, and eliminates unlawful housing discrimination and promotes inclusive communities.
- Disability Rights of Washington: They provide a number of services including disability rights information and legal services for disability rights violations.
- Phone: (800)562-2702 or (206)324-1521 (they ask that all requests for assistance come through the phone vs via email).
- Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program: There is a “Housing Justice Project” and lawyers help low-income WA residents with tenant/landlord issues.
- Phone: (360)356-7872
- Tenants Union of Washington State: The Tenants Union fights for housing justice through education, organizing and advocacy. We win victories that change people’s housing conditions and people’s lives for the better.
Safe, Healthy, and Accessible Housing Resources
Homebuyer Assistance
If you are looking for assistance with homeownership, please reach out to:
Homeowner Assistance
Housing Programs for Developers and Partners
Rental Assistance
The City of Vancouver does not administer rental assistance directly. If you are seeking rental assistance, please reach out to the City of Vancouver’s partners:
- Vancouver Housing Authority, Clark County’s largest provider of subsidized housing and rental assistance. Visit the VHA website or call 360-694-2501.
- Housing Solutions Center, a one-stop entry point for programs in Clark County serving people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Visit the HSC website or call the Housing Hotline at 360-695-9677.
Other Community Resources
Housing Reports
- The 2025 Housing Report for the City of Vancouver is now available, providing insight on the ongoing housing need, updates on the Housing Action Plan, the implementation of a new rental registration program, and more.
- The 2017-2023 Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) Report for the City of Vancouver is available, highlighting the core goals and strategies of AHF and the impact that these funds have on creating and preserving affordable homes, contributing to efforts to end homelessness, collaborating with nonprofit and for-profit agencies to promote housing variety and leveraging City investments to maximize quality, affordable housing.