Information Sources

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Getting accurate information helps effective participation

Being an effective participant in county government is easier when you have accurate information. You can often get  information you need by talking with the appropriate county office, whether in person, on the telephone or by email.

Community Development Permit Services 
One county department in particular — Community Development — deals with subjects that often generate an especially high volume of questions and requests for information. This department handles land-use planning and code enforcement.

Because the office receives numerous calls, the Community Development Permit Services was established. It merits a special listing in this guide because it is a valuable source of frequently sought information in one location. The center is on the first floor of the county’s Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver.

Here’s what’s available:

  • Easy-to-use computer terminals. Information includes the status of building permits, fire, plumbing and mechanical permits, land-use applications, subdivision location information and copies of ordinances and resolutions. Related land-use information can be found elsewhere in the Public Service Center.
  • Handouts. Subjects include general building permit and zoning application information.
  • Zoning maps are in the Assessment and GIS department on the second floor.
  • Agendas for land-use hearings, staff reports for current planning projects and copies of hearings examiner decisions are available on the third floor