Final Plat Review and Recording

Revised 2.24.26

What is the purpose of the final plat process?

The final plat review process ensures that all conditions of approval of the preliminary plat have been satisfied. This review also ensures that private and public improvements have been completed or performance guarantees have been secured, maintenance guarantees (such as bonds) secured, and the appropriate legal recordings have been completed.

How long do I have after approval of the preliminary plat before the final plat has to be recorded?

Preliminary plat approval is valid for a period of seven years, during which time a fully complete application for final plat approval must be submitted. Submittal requirements for a fully complete application are in the Submittal Requirement lists below.

Except for approved phased developments, plat extensions cannot be granted.

Those applications specifically approved for phased development may request an unlimited number of subsequent two-year extensions, subject to certain approval criteria (See CCC Section 40.500.010B).

How do I verify that the required landscape has been installed in accordance with my approved landscape plan?

You must submit a copy of the approved landscape plan(s) with a Landscape Certification signed and stamped by a landscape architect licensed in the state of Washington certifying that the landscape and irrigation (if any) have been installed in accordance with the attached plan(s), and verifying that any plant substitutions are comparable to the approved plantings and suitable for the site.

What is the final plat approval process?

Final Plat applications are subject to a Type I review. 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 exempt from the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review. County staff has the authority to issue Type I review permits. The final plat review and approval process allows the incremental submittal and review of information. Upon submittal at the front counter, materials will be reviewed for counter completeness. For a fully complete determination, provide all of the submittal requirements identified in the Submittal Requirements below.

What are Advance Taxes?

Advance Taxes are property taxes paid on subdivisions recorded after May 31 of the current year. The tax amount is based on the land value after the property is subdivided. To determine the amount of the advance taxes the Assessor’s office determines the future value of the property, and the Treasurer’s office calculates the taxes based on the assessed value.

Submit the preliminary plat and perimeter legal from the surveyor to the Department of Assessment and GIS. Assessing values of new lots and calculation of the Advance Taxes generally takes about two weeks. Problems with ownership or delinquent taxes will delay the process.

Include the following information:

A full-size copy of the plat
A written metes & bounds of the subdivision perimeter
A cover sheet with work-up request and contact person

The Treasurer’s office will notify the contact person upon completion of the process. A plat certification letter will be issued upon payment of the Advance Taxes.

Is there an opportunity to meet with staff to better understand the final plat review process and ask questions?

You may contact us any time after Package A is submitted by phone, email or to arrange a meeting at finallandusereview@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.4617.

What is the Developer Covenants to Clark County?

Developer Covenants to Clark County is a recorded legal document limiting or prohibiting certain uses of property. The Developer Covenants to Clark County may also impose affirmative obligation such as a payment of a fee or to disseminate information to which the county deems is in the public interest.

How long does it take to get the final plat recorded?

This is dependent on requirements found in the Staff/Hearing Report for your project and any associated reports. Reviews from the county are:

First review – 21 calendar days
Second review – 14 calendar days
Third review – 7 calendar days
All subsequent reviews – 14 calendar days

These reviews cover the plat (survey) and all documents required. There is also the construction aspect, if any required. The length of time it takes to construct your project greatly depends on how long it takes to get your plat recorded. The process could take several months.

How can I track the status of my final plat application?

Contact the planning technician regarding outstanding items based on the checklist provided to you after the first review. To see the status or your permit, visit ProjectDox. You will need your permit number. It is the applicant's responsibility to coordinate with their development manager, engineer, title company, legal support, etc., to determine the status of items not submitted.

When can building permits be issued?

Prior to the recording of your plat residential building permits for individual residences, additions to existing residences, or “model” homes may be approved under certain circumstances. Only one home is allowed per existing lot of record within the boundaries of the preliminary land division.

After the plat is recorded but construction of all required public improvements is not yet complete and performance bonds or financial guarantees have been accepted and approved for those public improvements which have not been constructed, one home is allowed per each twenty (20) lots within the plat.

Plats with fewer than twenty (20) lots do not qualify. Development Engineering must authorize the issuance of the building permit to ensure that adequate provisions exist for necessary services and facilities.

Submittal requirements

The following list identifies information and documents to be included with each submittal package. In order to accept an application, each numbered item must be submitted at the same time. Partial submittals will not be accepted.

Refer to Development Engineering application guidelines.

Fees are paid in LMS. Documents and plans are uploaded in ProjectDox.

PACKAGE A – upload all items to ProjectDox at the same time

Record of Survey checklist filled out
Development Engineering application form
Copy of all signed staff reports or Hearing Examiner’s decision
Proposed final plat - One (1) reduced copy of the proposed final plat at a scale of one (1) inch equals two hundred (200) feet (1′′ = 200′)
Mathematical closures (lot comps)
Legal description

PACKAGE B – upload all items to ProjectDox at the same time

Draft version of legal documentation
Proposed final plat - must use the same file name as previous version, if revised
Mathematical closures (lot comps) if changes were required
Legal description, if changes were required

PACKAGE C – upload all items to ProjectDox at the same time

Supporting documentation (utility letters, HOA, CCRs)
Proposed final plat - must use the same file name as previous version, if revised
Mathematical closures (lot comps) if changes were required
Legal description, if changes were required

FINAL MAYLAR SUBMITTAL