Types of Land Divisions

This page provides information about the different types of land divisions and the process for applying for a land division in Vancouver.

Type I

Administrative lot splits and boundary adjustments follow a Type I procedure. Type I procedures apply to ministerial permits and are decided by the Planning Official without public notice prior to the decision and without public hearing.

Type II

Land divisions that create 9 or fewer lots  (“Short Subdivisions”) and unit lot subdivisions follow a Type II procedure. Type II procedures apply to quasi-judicial permits and actions that contain some discretionary criteria. They are decided by the Planning Official with public notice and an opportunity for public comment.

  • Type II Development Review Process Flowchart
  • Chapter 20.320, Short Subdivisions
  • Chapter 20.320.100, Unit Lot Subdivisions
    • A unit lot subdivision is a type of land division that creates a relationship between the parent site/lot and each lot created, referred to as “unit” lots.

For specific types of development, a binding site plan may be used in place of a short subdivision.

Type III

Land divisions that create 10 or more lots (“Subdivisions”) follow a Type III procedure. Type III procedures apply to quasi-judicial permits and actions that predominantly contain discretionary approval criteria. They require a public hearing and are decided by the Hearing Examiner, depending on the permit.

Prepare

Prepare

  1. Review these Prepare, Apply, and Next Steps tabs to get an overview of the process.
  2. Research information about the property, including confirming that the property is within Vancouver city limits.
  3. Review relevant regulations:

Questions? 

  • Schedule a virtual appointment.
    • Virtual appointments are intended as general information sessions to help customers understand code implications for their project and the permitting process. 
  • Talk to staff at the Permit Center
    • Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 – 4 p.m. 
Apply

Apply

Step 1: Pre-Application Conference

Request a pre-application conference. A pre-application conference is required for Type II and Type III procedures and is an optional resource for Type I land division review and Middle Housing Projects.

Step 2: Public Notice

For Type II and Type III, public notice is required. At least 35 days, but not more than one year, before submitting the land use application:

  • Post at least one sign on the proposed site
  • Send a letter or email to any City-recognized neighborhood association whose boundaries include the site.
  • See details for Type II and Type III public notices in sections 20.210.040(C), 20.201.050(C), and 20.210.040(C) of the zoning code, respectively.

Step 3: Land Use Application

  1. Prepare all items listed on the applicable submittal checklist and sign all application forms.
  2. Email only the completed land use application form (PDF) (do not send plans at this time) to ePlans@cityofvancouver.us.
  3. When requested, pay fees in the Online Permit Center and submit the remaining materials through ePlans.

The permit specialist will do a prescreen review of the submittal to make sure it is “counter complete.” If there are any items missing, an email will be sent to the applicant requesting the missing information. Once all information is provided, the application is considered “counter complete” and fully complete review begins. See “Next Steps” tab.

Next steps

Next steps

Step 1: Fully complete review

No later than 21 days (for Type I) or 28 days (for Type II or higher) after receiving the development application, the City will notify the applicant as to the completeness of the application.

An application will only be deemed fully complete once all information necessary to evaluate the proposed activity, its impacts, and its compliance with the provisions of the Vancouver Municipal Code is provided to the satisfaction of the City.

Step 2: Notice of Decision (Type I) / Application (Type II or higher)

The City issues a Notice of Decision within 28 days (Type I) or a Notice of Application within 14 days (Type II or higher) of the date the application was accepted as fully complete.

Step 3: Comment period (only Type II or higher)

The application is open for public comment during the 14 days (for Type II) or 30 days (for Type III) following the Notice of Application.

Step 4A: Public hearing (only applicable to Type III projects or higher)

The City will issue a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) threshold determination and staff report with recommended action, followed by a Hearing Examiner Public Hearing.

Step 4B: Land use decision

  • The City will issue a land use decision.
    • For Type II, a Preliminary Decision is issued within 100 days (90 days for short subdivisions) of Notice of Application.
    • For Type III, a Hearing Examiner Final Order is issued within 14 days of the Public Hearing, and within 90 days (170 days for short subdivisions) of Notice of Application.
  • Read through and understand any approval conditions within the decision.
  • Following the decision, there is a 14-day appeal period for the project.
    • If no appeal is received, the decision becomes effective the day after the appeal period expires.

Step 5: Civil engineering (ENG) review

Work with your civil engineers on the next steps for the civil review.

Reviews Application and Submittal Checklists on the Permit Center Engineering Services page and contact citycddeng@cityofvancouver.us for engineering application questions.

Step 6: Final Plat review

Submit a final plat application to cddplanning@cityofvancouver.us for review. The final plat will be reviewed against the approved as-builts on the ENG.

Building permits will not be issued on subdivisions until the final plat has been recorded with Clark County.

Step 7: Building permit(s)

Work with a Permit Specialist to submit the associated building permit(s); they can be reached at eplans@cityofvancouver.us.

Contact Land Use Planning

cddplanning@cityofvancouver.us
360-487-7803