- How do I get information about land use permits?
- What is the difference between a Type I, II and III land use review?
- How is the public informed about their opportunity to comment on proposed developments?
- What is the land use hearing process?
1. How do I get information about land use permits?
Information handouts have been developed for each type of land use permit. The handouts describe the need for the permit, describe the application and county review process, and include an application submittal checklist.
The information handouts are available online as well as at our Permit Center located at 1300 Franklin Street, 1st floor, Vancouver, WA.
2. What is the difference between a Type I, II and III land use review?
Proposed developments are classified for different levels of review depending upon their impacts to the community.
The Type I review process involves an application subject to non-discretionary standards or standards that require the exercise of professional judgment about technical issues, and is exempt from the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review. Examples of this type of review include permits for signs, home occupations, family day care and variances less than 10%. County staff has the authority to issue Type I review permits over the counter.
The Type II review process involves an application subject to objective and subjective standards that require the exercise of limited discretion about non-technical issues and which there may be a limited public interest. Examples of this review include permits for commercial Site Plans, Short Plats (land divisions of 4 lots or less) and Variances of 10-25%. County staff has the authority to issue Type II review permits.
The Type III review process involves an application for relatively few parcels and ownerships. It is subject to standards that require the exercise of substantial discretion and where there may be broad public interest. Examples of Type III reviews include Subdivisions, Conditional Uses and Planned Unit Developments. Type III reviews require a public hearing before the hearing examiner with the examiner making the final decision.
3. How is the public informed about their opportunity to comment on proposed developments?
Type I reviews require no public notice and are often issued over the counter following a brief review. If a more in-depth review is required, the county has up to 21 days to issue a Type I review decision.
Type II and III reviews have a public notice requirement and include specified times within which the public may comment. Notice of proposed developments for Type II and III reviews are mailed to all property owners within 300 feet (urban area)/500 feet (rural area). Legal notices are also posted in the Columbian newspaper. For Type III reviews, the property is posted with signs indicating the type of development proposal, opportunities to comment, and the public hearing date, time and location.
4. What is the land use hearing process?
Land use public hearings have a number of rules that must be followed to ensure all interested parties have a fair opportunity to present their case. The information upon which decisions are made is available to all parties for review. Clark County's land use hearings follow the seven steps listed below:
1. Hearings Examiner's opening statements:
- Open Public Hearing
- Disclosures
- Introduction of Applicant's Request
2. Staff report and recommendation
3. Applicant's testimony
4. Public testimony
- Testimony in support
- Testimony in opposition
- Neutral Questions/Testimony
5. Hearing Examiner's response to testimony:
- Questions for Public
- Questions for Applicant
- Questions for Staff
6. Applicant's rebuttal
7. Close of public hearing
