- What can a person do if a neighbor is likely in violation of an ordinance?
- When does someone need a building permit?
- How many inoperable cars can one have on property in a residential neighborhood?
- What can be done about junk in a neighbor's yard?
- How many garage sales can someone have in a year's time?
- If a neighbor builds a fence on another neighbor's side of the property line what can be done to move the fence to the property line?
- Do I need a permit to clear vegetation or remove trees on my property?
- If a neighbor's trees hang over the property line of another neighbor's property can the tree be cut back?
- Can a shed be built right next to the property line?
- Why is erosion control required during the time of year when the weather is dry?
1.What can a person do if a neighbor is likely in violation of an ordinance?
The first step you should take when you believe a neighbor is in violation of an ordinance is to talk with your neighbor or the property owner about the situation. If you have done so, and the effort has failed, call Code Enforcement at (360) 397-2375, ext. 4184 to register a complaint. You can also e-mail your concerns to them at codenfor@clark.wa.gov or register a complaint online. Please give the exact address and description of the problem you feel is in violation. All complaints are confidential.
2. When does someone need a building permit?
A permit is required for:
- Any alteration activity affecting structural components regardless of the dollar amount.
- Construction (including, but not limited to, re-roofing, re-siding and decks) valued at fifteen hundred ($1,500.00) dollars (or more) for labor and materials.
- Any commercial alterations or changes, regardless of the dollar amount. (At the least, just moving into a commercial space requires a tenant improvement permit.)
- Retaining walls:
- If over four (4) feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.
- Regardless of height if wall is supporting a surcharge.
- Fences over six (6) feet high. However, they must not cause a sight distance problem or interfere with utilities.
- Plumbing or mechanical additions or alterations regardless of dollar amount. (Electrical permits to be obtained through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.)
A permit is not required for:
- A structure when it is used 100 percent for agricultural purposes per CCC14.05.101.2. By definition, according to the 2003 International Building Code, Chapter 2, Section 202, Definitions, an "Agricultural Building is a structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products. This structure shall not be a place of human habitation or a place of employment where agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged, nor shall it be a place used by the public".
- A one (1) story detached accessory building used as a tool shed, storage shed, playhouse or other similar use, provided:
- The floor area does not exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet.
- The height does not exceed eighteen (18) feet from grade.
- However, the structure(s) noted above must:
- Conform to the current county adopted International Building Code.
- Meet the setbacks established for the zone in which it is being constructed
- Meet all environmental requirements. For environmental inquiries, contact Permit Services at 1300 Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA or call (360) 397-2375 ext. 4489.
3. How many inoperable cars can one have on property in a residential neighborhood?
In the urban zoned residential areas of Clark County no inoperable vehicles are allowed in public view for more than 30 days. In the rural residential areas, two inoperable vehicles are allowed in public view. CCC 9.24.010
4. What can be done about junk in a neighbor's yard?
There is a nuisance ordinance prohibiting the accumulation of more than one cubic yard of debris on property classified as urban residential zoned areas when it is visible from adjacent property. In the rural zones more than two (2) cubic yards of junk and debris in the front and side yard are a violation of code when visible from adjacent property. When a complaint is registered, the Code Enforcement Office will contact the violator and monitor the property until the nuisance is cleaned up. Most nuisance violations are cleaned up in about 30 days. CCC 9.24.010
5. How many garage sales can someone have in a year's time?
Garage sales are permitted without special permit for no longer than three (3) days and sales are held no more than twice in a calendar year. Advertising signs must be placed on private property and removed within twenty-four (24) hours of completion of the sale. CCC 40.260.090
6. If a neighbor builds a fence on another neighbor's side of the property line what can be done to move the fence to the property line?
If the matter cannot be resolved between the two neighbors it might be a good idea to call Mediation Services at (360) 619-1140. Mediation Services is a free service and helps neighbors resolve problems without the expense of litigation.
7. Do I need a permit to clear vegetation or remove trees on my property?
Natural vegetation and tree removal next to creeks and wetlands will more than likely need a permit. Habitat and Wetland buffers vary according to the stream and wetland type. It is important to check with Clark County Community Development, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Natural Resources and Fish and Wildlife before starting any project in environmentally sensitive areas. Removal of timber will more than likely need a permit from the Department of Natural Resources. Protect our valuable resources for future generations to enjoy. CCC 40.440 and CCC40.450
8. If a neighbor's trees hang over the property line of another neighbor's property can the tree be cut back?
There is no ordinance identifying this problem, but Mediation Services can be of help to resolve this problem with your neighbor. The phone number is (360) 619-1140.
9. Can a shed be built right next to the property line?
Garden sheds need to meet the setback requirements established for that particular zoning district. A garden shed can be built in the setback area if the property owner applies for a setback waiver (PDF - 53K), which requires the signature of the adjacent property owners indicating approval. CCC 40.200.070
10. Why is erosion control required during the time of year when the weather is dry?
Erosion is the displacement of soil particles. Erosion not only occurs from rain, but also wind. The displaced soils carry pollutants from our vehicles and other means and transports the pollutants to our water effecting our water quality. Many of our local streams are already exceeding the acceptable pollution rates. Therefore it is vital we all do our part to protect them. CCC 40.380
- Install adequate erosion control to stabilize denuded soils, covering the soils by landscaping, mulching, plastic, etc. to hold them in place.
- Make sure soils are not washing across the sidewalk or entering the street. Always sweep and shovel soils, do not wash them into the storm drains.
- For more erosion control information, contact Scott Melville (360) 397-2375 ext. 4931.
