Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
When will my road be striped?
Roads are striped annually as soon as weather permits. Typically between mid April to October unless a road is scheduled for an overlay, chip seal or other work that would affect the lines.
My road doesn't have any stripes on it. Can you stripe it?
Road striping is based on policies and procedures set by the Federal Highway Administration and our Transportation Engineers
Can I get raised pavement markers (RPM's) on my road?
RPM's are typically installed on major and minor arterial roads at the direction of our Transportation Dept and only in the urban area due mainly to issues with snow in higher elevations.
How can I get a Stop sign (or any sign) installed on my road.
All decisions for sign installations are based on an Engineering study through our Transportation Department.
The street light in front of my house is out.
Street lights in developments are maintained by Clark Public Utilities (360-992-3000). Public Works maintains street lights at signalized intersections.
What are the times for the school zone flashers.
School zone flasher times are based on preset schedules set by each school district and are available through the school website.
How can directions to or information about county parks be obtained?
Some information is available by calling (360) 397-2446. A complete parks listing is available by calling Vancouver/Clark Parks and Recreation at (360) 397-6118 ext. 1659.
What can be done if there is a sight distance problem on a street?
Call (360) 397-2446. The county will assign the appropriate crew to remove a sight distance problem regardless of whether the need is mowing, brush, removing tree limbs, etc.
Technical Services
What types of applications are used? (overlay, base stabilization, slurry seal projects etc.)
When is my driveway inspection planned?
When permits are sent to Technical Services and the tags are posted.
Specialty Services
When is my road going to be striped?
Roads are striped as normal maintenance on a yearly basis usually between the months of April through November, weather permitting.
When will the buttons be replaced on a certain road?
Buttons are replaced as normal maintenance on a yearly basis usually between the months of April through November, weather permitting.
When will the signal that has a burned out lamp be replaced?
If it is a left hand turn signal, it will be replaced within 24 hours Monday-Friday.
When will our bridge get repainted?
These are scheduled.
Rural
When will we be plowing or sanding a road during inclement weather?
This is scheduled due to weather conditions such as when snow accumulation is affecting roads.
When is a pothole going to be repaired?
Within 24 hours or if a crew member is onsite, it will be completed that same day
Status on elimination of a sight distance problem?
An effort is made to check on the same day or within a 24 hour time period.
When is our road going to be dust piled or graded?
Dust piling occurs in the summer and in appropriate weather. Grading occurs in the winter and fall
When will a shoulder be repaired?
When it is a danger to the public.
Urban
When will a pothole be repaired?
Within 24 hours.
How soon will litter be picked up?
Within 48 hours
How soon will a sight distance problem be remedied?
Within 24 hours.
NPDES/Asphalt Projects:
When is my street going to be swept
This is weather dependent. Approximately every 5-6 weeks
When will the swale behind my home be mowed?
4 to 5 times a year.
Utility Permits
Why has all this paint been placed on the ground/road in front of my house.
The paint has been placed to locate existing utilities in a given area. Each color represents a different utility. It is a State law, RCW 19.122, that requires area to be marked if there is to be excavation of any kind in the area.
Property Management Program
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.
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 Brian.Potter@ci.vancouver.wa.us. When a rental becomes available we will notify interested parties. We also advertise through the local newspapers, the Internet and through word-of-mouth.
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.
How do I schedule a site visit?
Once we advertise the vacant rentals, site visits can be scheduled by contacting us by phone (360) 619-1123 or by e-mail Brian.Potter@ci.vancouver.wa.us. We have created this web site to reduce the number of site visits, allowing you to "see" the rental and it's individual features. Site visits can be scheduled at various times during the day if necessary.
How do I apply?
Application Form (PDF - 17K)
Applications can either be submitted via email or delivered to our office at 610 Esther Street, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995. A non-refundable, $35 application fee is required for each unmarried applicant. The fee will allow us to perform a background check, providing us with rental history, credit report, criminal background, etc. A positive report is required for tenancy.
Do I need to pay first/last month at move-in?
Yes, we do require first and last month's rent prior to 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.
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.
Are pets allowed?
Pet's 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.
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.
What utilities am I responsible for?
You will be expected to initiate service and pay all utilities.
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.
How much notice do I need to provide prior to moving out?
We will always attempt to provide you with at least six month's notice of our intent to discontinue the lease. In the worst case, we will provide you with a 20-day notice to vacate or worse, a three-day notice to vacate due to non-payment of the rent. You are required to provide at least a 30-day notice to vacate. Upon move-out, you will be responsible to cancel appropriate utilities, thoroughly clean the interior and return all issued keys.
