Property Information Lookup

First, check to see if the property is under Vancouver’s jurisdiction. Not all postal addresses with “Vancouver, WA” are actually located within Vancouver city limits.

1. Visit the Clark County Property Information Center. 
2. Search for the property either by Street Address or Tax Account (also known as the Property Identification Number or Parcel Number). 
3. Under “Administrative Data” then under “Jurisdiction,” check to see if “Vancouver” is listed. 
   • If “Vancouver” is listed, continue. 
   • If a different city or Clark County is listed, please contact that jurisdiction for information about using, developing, or dividing the property. 

Next, look up the property’s zoning district and check to make sure the use you are considering is allowed. The property’s zoning district determines how the property can be used.

1. If you’ve not done so already, visit the Clark County Property Information Center and search for the property either by Street Address or Tax Account (Property Identification Number). 
2. Under “Administrative Data” then under “Land Use Planning,” note the zoning district (i.e., “Zoning Designation”) and if there are any Zoning Overlays. 
3. Look up the allowed uses for the zoning district in the tables in section 20.410.050 of the zoning code, Primary Use Types by District. Definitions for the different uses can be found in Chapter 20.160 of the zoning code, Use Classifications. 
   • If the use is allowed (“P”), continue. 
   • If the use is conditional (“C”), it will require a conditional use permit. See Chapter 20.245 of the zoning code, Conditional Use Permits. Continue. 
   • If the use is prohibited (“X”), you cannot use the property for this use. However, it may be possible to change the property’s zoning district to one that allows the use. See Changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map/Code page. 
4. Check the table to see if the use has any associated standards or additional approvals, policies, or submittals. 
   • If “Yes,” the use will need to meet the standards and/or additional approvals, policies, or submittals in section 20.430.050 of the zoning code, Primary Use Types and Standards. Continue. 
   • If “Not Applicable,” continue.  

If you are considering developing/redeveloping or subdividing the property, get familiar with the development standards, such as maximum height and minimum density. This will help you begin designing the development. 

1. If you’ve not done so already, visit the Clark County Property Information Center and search for the property either by Street Address or Tax Account (Property Identification Number). Under “Administrative Data” then under “Land Use Planning,” note the zoning district (i.e., “Zoning Designation”) and if there are any Zoning Overlays. 
2. In Chapter 20.410 of the zoning code, Zoning Districts, find the property’s zoning district and note the “base density,” “height range,” and “building types” that are allowed. 
3. For the allowed building types, review development standards for each, such as lot coverage and setbacks, in Chapter 20.420 of the zoning code, Building Types.  

Identify if there are any environmental conditions on a property and what water, sewer, and electric services are available. Environmental conditions and service availability on a site may impact how you can use or develop the property.

1. If you’ve not done so already, visit the Clark County Property Information Center and search for the property either by Street Address or Tax Account (Property Identification Number). 
2. Under the “Environmental” tab, note if there are any environmental conditions on the property. Key environmental conditions include: 
   • “Geological Hazard” (i.e., steep slopes, > 25% and/or areas of historic or active landslides) 
   • “Habitat and Species Impacts” 
   • “Flood Hazard Area” 
   • “Shoreline Designation” 
   • “Wetland Inventory” 
3. If there is information under the “Septic Document Details” or “Water Well Details,” contact Clark County Public Health and visit the On-site Septic Systems and Drinking Water and Wells pages for details about how this could impact site use and development. 
4. Contact Clark Public Utilities at 360-992-8558 to find out: 
   • If there is adequate electrical service and transformer capacity at the site. If there is not enough capacity, the property owner requesting the additional service may need to pay for the transformer upgrade to move forward with their project. 
   • If existing overhead electrical lines will need to be moved, and if so, how to request required clearances of overhead power lines. 

What’s next depends on what kind of use or development you are proposing.

• Residential: 1-6 housing units on a lot 
• Commercial: 7+ housing units on a lot, or commercial or industrial uses 
• Site Development: Developing, redeveloping, or modifying buildings 
• Land Divisions: Boundary adjustments and subdivisions 
• Zoning code or map change