Vancouver-Clark Washington Parks & Recreation: Resource Management

The Property Management Program manages agricultural and residential rental properties throughout Clark County. These properties are owned by either Clark County or the City of Vancouver and managed by the Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation Department.

The residential rental properties are typically purchased in a land acquisition. As parkland is acquired, residences are often retained and rented, as they provide the department with a presence on the land. Some of these new properties will be developed into parks with sports fields, playgrounds, and trails, while others will be kept in their natural state.

There are currently seven residential rental properties within the program. Lease terms may vary in length from 6 months to one year, and there may be optional extensions. These rentals are all structurally sound and meet code requirements. The renter is responsible for general maintenance of the structure and lawn area and all utility bills. The County will provide as-needed emergency maintenance.

The agricultural and grazing lease properties are typically purchased with grant dollars and serve as an extension of a greenway and/or natural area. In other cases the property is an extension of a developed or semi-developed park, yet does not serve the immediate needs of the park.

There are currently eleven, active agricultural and grazing leases. Our goal is to manage these properties with minimal or no public cost. While the Vancouver Lake Lowlands and Whipple Creek properties generate revenue for the program through long-term raspberry and strawberry leases, other properties require annual hazard mowing, occasional noxious weed control, or other similar maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions
Property Management Program - Residential Rentals

Why is the Parks & Recreation Department managing residential rental properties?
How often do the residential rentals become available? How do I find out when they are vacant?
How do you determine the rental value/length of lease?
How do I schedule a site visit?
How do I apply?
Do I need to pay first/last month and security deposit?
Am I required to have insurance?
Are pets allowed?
What will I be required to do as a renter?
What utilities am I responsible for?
Are any of the rentals furnished? Do they have appliances?
How much notice do I need to provide prior to moving out?

1. Why is the Parks & Recreation Department managing residential rental properties?

In most cases, the department must purchase the residence in order to successfully acquire the adjacent property. In planning for the management of the property, we must decide whether the residence will positively serve the adjacent area by providing security, income, or by assisting with maintenance until the area is developed into a park.

2. How often do the residential rentals become available? How do I find out when they are vacant?

Our rentals are available very infrequently. We typically turnover or acquire one rental per year. If you would like to be notified when a rental becomes available, send an email to Jeremy Kanooth or Phil Oaks. When a rental becomes available we will notify interested parties. We also advertise through the local newspapers, the Internet and through word-of-mouth.

3. How do you determine the rental value/length of lease?

The rental value is determined based on the "fair market value" of a similar rental. In some cases, we may value the rental at less than "fair market value" if it is determined the renter(s) will be impacted in some manner by the public use of the adjacent property. The length of the lease is influenced by the management plan for the site. In a more natural setting, with little to no development planned, the residential lease could extend for multiple years. However, if development is planned in the near future, the lease will likely be a one-year lease, with possible six-month extensions.

4. How do I schedule a site visit?

Once we advertise the vacant rentals, site visits can be scheduled by contacting us by phone (360-619-1111). We have created this web site to reduce the number of site visits, allowing you to view the rental and its individual features. Site visits can be scheduled at various times during the day if necessary.

5. How do I apply?

Application Form (.PDF - 17kb - 2 pages)
Applications may be delivered to 610 Esther Street, PO Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995. Your application is provided to Bemrose Consulting, a tenant screening consultant, who provides us with a report of your rental history, credit report, and criminal background information. A positive report is required for tenancy. There is a nominal fee associated with this process.

6. Do I need to pay first/last month and security deposit?

At this time, we only require first month's rent, which is due on move-in. The terms of the lease allow for Clark County to bill the tenant for any neglectful damage to the residence. Each month, Clark County will invoice you for the current month's rent.

7. Am I required to have insurance?

Yes. Each tenant will be required to hold an active Renter's Insurance Policy. The Liability Coverage shall not be less than $300,000. Proof of insurance is required prior to move-in. Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation must be listed as an "Additional Interest" on the policy.

8. Are pets allowed?

Pets will be allowed on an individual basis, depending on the rental and the type and number of pet(s). Additional insurance and a signed Pet Waiver will be required for each pet.

9. What will I be required to do as a renter?

It depends on the location and characteristics of the rental. The most important quality we require from our renters is the ability to maintain the interior and exterior appearance of the residence. The rentals are typically located within a future neighborhood/community park or special facility. As a renter you are a reflection of Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation Department. You will be expected to provide lawn maintenance and follow all Park Rules, as dictated by Clark County Code. Clark County Facilities will provide emergency maintenance services and any other maintenance typically performed by union employees. At the minimum you will be asked to provide general oversight of the adjacent park property and report any issues to the Parks Department.

10. What utilities am I responsible for?

You will be expected to initiate service on and pay for all utilities.

11. Are any of the rentals furnished? Do they have appliances?

You should not expect any of the rentals to be furnished. However, if we purchase a residence with furniture in good condition, we will provide the first renter with the option to use it. In some cases, the previous renter may decide to leave furniture. In most cases, the rentals will all have a range/stove, microwave, and a refrigerator.

12. How much notice do I need to provide prior to moving out?

You are required to provide at least a 30-day notice to vacate. Upon move-out, you will be responsible for cancelling appropriate utilities, thoroughly cleaning the interior, and returning all issued keys.

In the event that we decide to discontinue the lease, we will always attempt to provide you with at least six month's notice. In the worst case, we will provide you with a 60-day notice.