Project Summary
What is an Annual Review?
The annual review process allows property owners to request changes to their property’s comprehensive plan and zoning designations. These changes could allow property owners to use their property for activities not currently permitted under its existing designation.
How do I apply for an Annual Review?
1. Submit a Pre-Application Conference request form
A pre-application conference is required before you may apply for an annual review. This is an opportunity to discuss your proposal with staff and ask questions. During this one-hour session, you will learn about code standards and possible issues applicable to your proposal. Request forms (PDF - 61K) are only accepted between October 1 and November 30.
2. Submit an Annual Review application
The next step in the process is submitting an Annual Review Type IV Application. Applications are accepted between January 1 and January 31.
3. Present your proposal to the Clark County Planning Commission
A public hearing will be held before the Planning Commission. During the hearing, you will be given time to present your proposal. County staff will also present an overview of their analysis. The Planning Commission will forward a recommendation to the Board of Clark County Commissioners. The board will consider the proposals in a separate public hearing. Typically, public hearings before the Planning Commission are held in early summer and late fall for the Board of Clark County Commissioners.
What are Comprehensive Plan and Zoning designations?
Comprehensive Plan designations provide a general description of the types of activities that are permitted on your property. These designations are categorized into two general areas, urban and rural. The urban and rural areas are defined by the urban growth boundary for each city. The land inside the boundary, including the area within the city, is the urban growth area (also called the UGA or urban area). UGAs are established as part of the growth management process to allow for the efficient provision of urban levels of government services. The area outside the UGB is the called rural area.
Where the Comprehensive Plan designation is a general description of the types of activities permitted on your property, the zoning designation is more specific. A list of all of the uses allowed, building setbacks, lot sizes and other detailed information can be found in the zoning ordinance.
It is important to note that when a Comprehensive Plan designation changes is applied for, a zone change is generally completed during the same process.
Do I need an Annual Review or just a Zone Change?
If your existing zoning and your desired zoning have different Comprehensive Plan designations, an Annual Review is required. An annual review is also required if you want to change to a significantly higher or lower density within the same Comprehensive Plan designation.
If your existing zoning on the property and the zoning that you desire have the same Comprehensive Plan designation, you only need to apply for a zone change.
What are my Comprehensive Plan and Zoning designations?
There are two ways to determine your Comprehensive Plan and Zoning designations.
-
Community Development Land Use Line
You may call the land use line at (360) 397-2375 ext. 4489 and speak with a Permit Technician. To confirm your designations, staff will need the address or parcel number of the property. -
Maps On-Line
You can also find this information online by using Maps On-line. Enter your street address or tax account number and click “Go”. Next click on the blue “Property Information Center” link above the serial number. Your Comprehensive Plan and Zoning designations will be listed in the left column.
Project Contact
Jeff Niten, Planner III
Clark County Community Planning
(360) 397-2280 ext. 4909
annual.review@clark.wa.gov
Documents
