Plat Alteration (PLD) | Clark County

Web page revised 1.1.26

What is Plat Alteration?

Plat Alteration applications are required if the property owner wants to make any change to a recorded short plat or subdivision. There are some exemptions to this requirement such as cemeteries and burial plots and land divisions created by government actions or court actions. See Clark County Code Section 40.540.020(B)(1) for a complete list of exemptions.

What are the approval criteria for a plat alteration?

The approval criteria for a plat alteration include:

If a restrictive covenant exists, the plat alteration must be in public interest
The approval criteria under CCC Section 40.540.040(D) Approval criteria for a preliminary plat application, as applicable to the proposed plat alteration, is met
The approval will not result in the violation of any requirements of the original approval, unless conditions necessitating such requirements have changed since the original plat was recorded

Are there any limitations the applicant should be aware of?

Yes. These are:

Applicant must obtain the signatures of all parties included in the restrictive covenant, if any, agreeing to alter or revoke the covenants specified in the application.
If any land within the alteration contains a dedication to the general use of persons residing within the subdivision, such land may be altered and divided equitably between the adjacent properties; and
Blanket utility easements existing along the lot lines, but not specifically required as a condition of development approval, may be moved during a boundary line adjustment; provided, there is compliance with Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 64.04.175 and the easement is not occupied by a utility.

What is the review process?

A plat alteration will be processed as a Type II or Type III review. Plat alterations are considered a Type II unless a public hearing is requested by any person within 21 days from the date the public comment period began, or if the department determines that the public hearing is within the public interest. Property owners within 500’ (Urban) or 1,00’ (Rural) are notified by mail for the public hearing.

If a public hearing is not requested for a proposed alteration, the Planning Director is delegated the authority to review and approve, approve with conditions or deny the application for preliminary approval. The final revised drawing or other alteration, if approved, must be signed by the legislative body without a public hearing.

What is a Type II Review Process?

See Type II Review Process – Clark County Code 40.510.020.

What is a Type III Review Process?

See Type III Review Process - Clark County Code 40.510.030.

After the Preliminary Plat Alteration is approved, what is next?

Within seven years of the date of preliminary approval, the applicant may submit an application for final plat approval and engineering review. This may consist of three copies of the proposed final plat map and mathematical closures. The engineer will forward a copy to the planning director for action and to the county engineer. The county engineer will review the application for approval and transmit it to the Board of Clark County Councilors. Upon approval the plat is recorded with the county auditor.

Submittal requirements

All land use reviews are completed online.

Follow the Land Use Application Submittal Process and these instructions on how to apply online.

Contact planningapps@clark.wa.gov with questions on how to apply.

The following checklist identifies information to be included with the application. The Pre-Application Conference Report will indicate any additional/exempted submittal requirements.

Cover sheet and table of contents - Each submittal packet shall contain a cover sheet that contains the project name and applicant’s name, address, email address, and phone number. A table of contents, tabs and/or dividers to provide assistance in locating the various requirements shall follow the cover sheet. Each PDF file shall be named/labeled to follow the table of contents.
Application form - The application form shall be completed and original signed in ink by the applicant and a majority of persons having an ownership interest in the subdivision or portion to be altered.
Application fee - The required fee shall accompany the application.
Pre-Application Conference Report - A copy of the Pre-Application Conference Report must be submitted.
GIS Developer’s packet - A copy of the GIS Developer’s Packet shall be submitted with the application. Applicants can order a GIS Developer's Packet with a credit card online. For more information, contact GIS at 564.397.4082 or themapstore@clark.wa.gov.
Narrative - A written narrative shall be submitted that describes the nature, purpose, and desired effect of the proposed alteration. The narrative will also include an explanation of how the proposed alteration meets or exceeds the applicable approval criteria and standards and any issues raised during the pre-application process.
Approved plats - A copy of the recorded plat and current recorded deeds or real estate contracts for each lot to be altered.
Covenants and restrictions documentation - All existing covenants or restrictions and/or easements that apply to the property must be submitted, available from a title company.
Documentation from any person, utility, company or other entity having a vested interest in any easement proposed to be altered that they agree to the alteration.
Proposed revised plat map - The proposed plan shall be drawn to a minimum engineer’s scale of 1” = 200’.
Documentation of other interests - Documentation from any person, utility, company or other entity having a vested interest in any easement proposed to be altered or vacated that they agree to the alteration or vacation.

Fee schedule

The following fees are required to be paid when the application is submitted.

Land use application submittal fee: $1,069
Wetland/habitat application submittal fee: $233
Issuance: $94

Planning: $5,933
Issuance: $94
Hearing requested, additional: $8,291

Engineering deposit: $200
Issuance: $53
Engineering will bill at an hourly rate which must be fully paid before application is approved or finalized.