Code Compliance

Code Compliance is responsible for maintaining the safety, health, welfare and livability of neighborhoods through the use of Vancouver Municipal Codes, including the Minimum Property Maintenance Code, Building Code and Zoning Ordinances.

Code Compliance’s goal is to gain voluntary compliance through education and assistance. If voluntary compliance cannot be achieved, civil or criminal penalties may be imposed.

Report a code compliance concern

The City investigates reports related to property maintenance or solid waste violations. Report concerns online or by leaving a message at 360-487-7810.

Report a Code Concern

Please note that violations must be visible from the public right-of-way. If they are not, you will need to provide access from your property. Inaccurate or incomplete information will delay or prevent investigation.

What happens when I submit a concern to Code Compliance

Staff look up the address to determine if an active case is already open, if not they Open a Case.
Assign an Officer to investigate.
After inspection, if a violation is found, notification is issued regarding the condition with a specific, reasonable timeline to correct.

Voluntary compliance is the foremost goal of code enforcement. In cases where voluntary compliance is not achieved, Code Compliance Officers have the option to impose civil or criminal penalties.

The most common violations addressed by Code Compliance include:

Garbage
Outdoor storage
Parking on an unimproved surface
Inoperable vehicles
Overgrown vegetation
Building without permits
Roosters
Occupancy of vehicles on private property
Vacant structures
Fire damaged structures

The City may be required to release your name and/or information submitted in a complaint pursuant to Public Disclosure (RCW 42.56) and/or pursuant to court order. The submittal of this public service request is subject to public disclosure according to the public records act (RCW 42.56). This means that anyone can request the release of documents containing your name and contact information. However, information revealing the identity of persons who are witnesses to crimes or who file complaints with investigative agencies can be withheld from disclosure if you believe the disclosure would endanger your life, physical safety or property pursuant to RCW 42.56.240.

Animal Concerns

Clark County Animal Protection and Control responds to animal cruelty or neglect for all of unincorporated Clark County and the City of Vancouver.

Clark County Animal Protection and Control

Report Animal Cruelty or Nuisances

Parking Concerns – Vehicle and Semi Tractor/Trailer

Report hazardous parking online or by calling 311.

If the vehicle or semi tractor/trailer is parked in downtown or Uptown Vancouver (Esther Short Park, Arnada, or Hough neighborhoods), please contact Parking Services online or by calling 360-487-8650.

Outside of the Downtown or Uptown Area – File a Parking Concern

Downtown or Uptown – File a Parking Concern

Public Right-of-Way Concerns

Violations in the street or on the sidewalk are addressed by the Public Works or the Transportation Department.

Public Right-of-Way – Report a Concern

Recreational Vehicle Parking

Recreational vehicles may only be parked on a city street, in a residential area, for a reasonable amount of time, for the purpose of loading and unloading. RV parking permits are free and are available by downloading the Recreational Vehicle Right of Way application.

Return the completed form to:

Code Compliance
City of Vancouver
P.O. Box 1995
Vancouver, WA 98668

Can you keep chickens in the city limits?

Chickens are allowed; however, roosters and peacocks are not.

VMC 20.150 defines a domestic animal as any animal other than livestock. VMC 20.895.050 further states the general requirements of keeping domestic animals within the city limits and excludes the keeping of swine, roosters and peacocks.

How long can I park my vehicle on the street in front of my house?

It is not the intent to prohibit citizens from legally parking a personal, licensed motor vehicle on a public street in front of their residence except for recreational vehicles (see camping ordinance and commercial vehicles section VMC 17.14.290)

The City of Vancouver has adopted a policy to allow citizens to park in front of their property without being subject to the requirement for movement of the vehicle at least every twenty-four (24) hours provided that the vehicle is properly registered to the property owner, or resident, to where the vehicle is parked, the vehicle is properly licensed, in operational condition, legally parked, and the area of the street around the parked vehicle is maintained free of debris, leaves, vegetation and dirt.

The vehicle needs to be moved or driven occasionally and not just parked on the street as a means of storage.

How long can garage sales be held?

Garage Sales require no special permits or licenses if they fall within the following parameters:

Sales last no longer than three days
Sales are held no more than twice in a calendar year
Sales are conducted on the owner’s property.
Multiple-family sales are permitted if they are held on the property of one of the participants.

Signs shall be subject to VMC 20.960 and must be removed within 24 hours upon completion of the sale.