Web page revised 1.1.26

What is the difference between a short plat and a subdivision?

A short plat is the division of land into nine or less urban or four or less rural lots, tracts, parcels, sites or divisions for the purpose of sale, lease or transfer of ownership.

A subdivision is a division or re-division of land into ten or more urban or five or more rural lots, tracts, parcels, sites or divisions for the purpose of sale, lease or transfer of ownership. Please note that if a parcel of land has been approved for a short plat, any subsequent divisions within five years must be processed as a subdivision.

What is a Type III Review Process?

See Type III Review Process (CCC 40.510.030). 

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.  

Is a pre-application conference required?

A pre-application conference is required before submitting a Type III application. The requirement for a conference may be waived if the Planning Director determines that the proposal is relatively simple. A waiver requires the applicant to submit a completed Pre-Application Review Waiver Request Form and fee.

After the Preliminary Subdivision Plan is approved, what is next?

After receiving approval of the preliminary subdivision plan, the applicant may take one of two courses of actions:

• Bond all public improvements and apply for a final plat approval
• Complete all the subdivision improvements and apply for a final plat approval

Application for final plat approval by the applicant consists of demonstrating compliance with all conditions of approval of the preliminary subdivision and requirements of the final subdivision requirements under CCC 40.540.070. 

Once all the requirements have been met, the signed subdivision mylar plan and all necessary documents must be recorded at the Clark County Auditor’s Office. Please note that other development permits, such as building permits, cannot be issued or sales closed until after the subdivision has been recorded.

How long do I have before I must complete the Final Plat?

Preliminary subdivisions shall be valid for a period of seven years after approval, or approved extension by Board of County Councilors, during which time a fully complete application for final plat approval must be submitted. This time limit may be extended where there is an approved phased development or separate development agreements have been approved. See CCC 40.500.010(B) for more details.

See Final Plat Review for further information about the final plat review process.

Submittal Requirements

Refer to the Type II, II-A and III Submittal Requirements handout.

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

The following fees are required to be paid when the application has been deemed Fully Complete.

Planning    
Base fee up to 30 lots: $15,661
17-30 lots, per lot: $479
31-100 lots, per lot: $221
100 lots or greater, per lot: $88
Issuance: $94

Engineering: $3,757
Issuance: $94

Fire Marshal Review: $434

SEPA Checklist Review: $2,174
Issuance: $53

A Legal Lot Determination may be required if a previous legal review has not been completed.

Reference

Clark County Code 40.540 Boundary Line Adjustments and Land Divisions