Vancouver requires all vacant lots and premises to be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition. Vegetation must not exceed 12 inches in height; accumulated debris, standing water, and unsafe conditions are prohibited under the city's Minimum Property Maintenance Code.
VMC Chapter 17.14 (Minimum Property Maintenance Code) governs vacant land and structures. Section 17.14.270 requires premises to be free from uncontrolled noxious weeds, brush, berry vines, and grasses or plant growth exceeding 12 inches, including alleyway-adjacent areas and the boulevard between sidewalk and curb. Vacant structures and premises must be maintained in a clean, safe, secure, and sanitary condition so as not to cause blighting or adversely affect public health. Exterior properties must be graded to prevent erosion and water accumulation. Stormwater may not be discharged off-site without city approval. Violations are enforced through VMC Chapter 22.02 via notice of civil violation, corrective orders, and escalating monetary penalties. Report concerns to code compliance at 360-487-7810.
Civil violations under VMC 22.02 trigger notices, corrective orders, and daily monetary penalties that escalate for repeat violations; penalties capped at three times the daily rate per violation.
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver prohibits leaving any vehicle parked on a public street for more than 24 consecutive hours. Officers attach a notification sticker; if the vehicle ...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver's Municipal Code Chapter 20.912 governs all fences, walls, and retaining walls citywide. Residential fences have tiered height limits by yard locat...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver has no dedicated local ordinance banning wildlife feeding. Washington state law prohibits feeding large wild carnivores and, since May 2025, feedin...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver allows hens, ducks, geese, rabbits, and similar domestic animals in all zoning districts for hobby use with no minimum lot size. Roosters, turkeys,...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver's Land Use and Development Code (VMC Chapter 20.925) encourages but does not universally mandate native plants. For development projects, native an...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver allows residential lawn ornaments and yard art without permits provided they do not exceed the 8-foot residential accessory-structure height standa...
See how Vancouver's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.