Types of Environmental Actions

The following are links to code for development regulations and review processes.

Type I

Type II

Type III

Prepare
Apply
Next steps

Prepare

Research

Is the property located within the City limits? Property Information Lookup
Use the Vancouver Zoning Code to determine the development standards for the properties zone
The environmental tab within Property Information Lookup will allow you to determine if your property is located within an environmental critical area

Codes

Zoning Code
Applicable State Building Codes: RCW and WAC

Applications and fees

Pre-Application Conference

What is a Pre-application Conference?

The pre-application conference is intended to provide the applicant with the applicable requirements of the Vancouver Municipal Code and other laws and to identify issues and concerns in advance of a formal application to save the applicant time and expense through the process. At the conference, City staff discusses a set of detailed written comments with the applicant regarding applicable standards and any potential issues that have been identified.

Is a Pre-application required?

A Type I application does not require a pre-application conference.

A pre-application is required for Type II, Type III, and applicant-initiated Type IV applications, unless waived by the Planning Official.

Apply

Next steps

Step 1: Fully complete review

No later than twenty-one (21) (Type I) or twenty-eight (28) (Type II or higher) calendar days after receipt of the development application, the City shall notify the applicant as to the completeness of the application. An application shall not be deemed fully complete until 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 application (Type II or higher)

Within fourteen (14) calendar days after the date a Type II or higher application is accepted as fully complete, the City shall issue a Notice of Application.

Step 3: Comment period

The City shall allow fourteen (14) or (thirty days if Type III or IV) calendar days after the date of Notice of Application for individuals to submit comments.

Step 4: Land use decision – staff report issuance

Following the decision there is a 14-day appeal period for the project.

Once preliminary land use decision has been issued, it’s important to read through and understand any approval conditions within the decision.

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

Hearing Examiner Public Hearing held

Hearing Examiner Final Order issued (within 14 days maximum of Public Hearing)

Following the decision there is a 14-day appeal period for the project.
Once preliminary land use decision has been issued, it’s important to read through and understand any approval conditions within the decision.

Step 5: Civil engineering (ENG) review and building permit(s)

Work with your civil engineers on the next steps for the civil review.
- For engineering permit application questions, contact citycddeng@cityofvancouver.us.
If the scope of work does not require civil review, please work with a Permit Specialist to submit the associated building permit(s).
- For building permit application questions, contact ePlans@cityofvancouver.us.

Resources

Contact Land Use Planning

cddplanning@cityofvancouver.us
360-487-7803