Bolthole Index

Clark County, Washington

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Clark County, Washington

50Index Score / 100
#27 of 39 in Washington

Unincorporated Clark County, Washington requires building permits for covered construction, with qualifying agricultural-structure exemptions1. Clark County’s Title 40 governs zoning on unincorporated land, and Clark County Public Health administers septic systems under local and state rules234.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered construction; Clark County publishes an online application process15
Zoning
Yes, Title 40 regulates development in unincorporated Clark County26
Septic authority
Clark County Public Health, On-Site Septic Program78
Septic-friendly soils
Only 15% of soils are rated not severely limited for a conventional drain field; expect close site-evaluation scrutiny9
Owner-builder exemption
Contractor registration exemption only; permits and inspections still apply101112
Minimum dwelling size
The county lists a 150 sq ft minimum for specified ADU and cottage-housing categories; confirm building-code requirements separately13
Tiny home
Allowed statewide up to 400 sq ft if built to the Washington State Building Code and approved locally14

Who to call

Building permits

Clark County Permit Center

Building permits, inspections and permit status for construction in unincorporated Clark County

564.397.4078

permitservices@clark.wa.gov

Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street, Third Floor, Vancouver WA 98660

Planning & zoning

Clark County Community Development, Development Review (Title 40 Zoning)

Zoning and land-use districts for unincorporated Clark County under the Unified Development Code, Title 40

564.397.2000

Septic permits

Clark County Public Health, On-Site Septic Program

On-site sewage (septic) system permits, inspections and the operations & maintenance program for Clark County

564.397.8428

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Clark County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Clark County, Washington?

Unincorporated Clark County requires building permits for covered construction under building codes adopted and updated statewide115. Clark County inspects permitted construction and completed plumbing and mechanical work1216. An owner working on their own property may be exempt from contractor registration unless the work is for sale, demolition or lease; building permits and inspections still apply17112. Washington also exempts specified work incidental to agriculture from contractor registration, except work performed by a registered contractor18. Clark County’s separate agricultural building-permit exemption requires a site plan and certifications for a qualifying structure used solely for agriculture or forestry, never human habitation; setbacks, environmental rules, plumbing and mechanical requirements still apply19.

Who issues building permits in Clark County, and how do you reach them?

The Clark County Permit Center handles building permits, inspections and permit status for unincorporated Clark County20. Applicants use an LMS account to create the building permit, pay initial fees, submit for processing, schedule a virtual submittal appointment and upload plans in ProjectDox5. Clark County requires appointments rather than walk-ins and may charge $148 for each missed submittal appointment; review and inspection fees depend on the project521. Woodland, which lies mainly in Cowlitz County and reaches into Clark County, issues its own accessory-structure building permits22. Septic administration for Clark County addresses stays with Clark County Public Health3.

Does Clark County have zoning?

Title 40 regulates property development in unincorporated Clark County; incorporated municipalities may administer separate land-use rules2. Clark County publishes agricultural, forest, rural, residential, commercial, employment and overlay districts, so find the parcel's exact district before choosing a house plan or use6. In the FR-80, FR-40 and AG-20 districts, the cited table sets a 50-foot front setback, a 25-foot street-side setback and 50-foot interior-side and rear setbacks, subject to its footnotes23. The same districts cap residential buildings at 35 feet24. Urban lots in specified residential or multifamily zones may support up to two accessory dwelling units with one single-family residence, subject to the county's other conditions25. Clark County regulates land divisions and short plats, with procedures and standards varying by district and project type; ask Development Review about a proposed split before buying land to divide2627.

How do septic permits work in Clark County?

Clark County Public Health administers on-site sewage systems, and an on-site sewage permit is required before construction begins32829. Septic design must account for wastewater loading, soils and surrounding topography28. Only about 15% of Clark County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so settle septic feasibility before fixing the house location9. Conventional gravity systems require inspection every 3 years, pressure distribution systems every 2 years and advanced systems every year30. A homeowner may inspect a conventional gravity system after taking the Public Health course and passing the $20 operations-and-maintenance test8. A property using on-site sanitation must have an approved, correctly functioning septic system; we could not confirm that every alternative off-grid method is allowed, so take the proposed design to Public Health318.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Clark County?

We could not confirm a general rule allowing long-term RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Clark County, so ask Community Development what the parcel's district allows3227. In the floodway, RV occupancy is limited to May 1 through October 1 of the same year; in the floodway fringe it must be fewer than 180 consecutive days, with licensing, mobility and connection conditions33. Washington recognizes tiny houses of up to 400 square feet when built to the state building code, but the local approval path depends on where and how the home is built14. For an urban ADU, public water and sewer are required unless the owner obtains a water-and-sewer waiver34. Clark County lists a 150-square-foot minimum for specified ADU and cottage-housing categories, not every dwelling; ask Building Safety how the applicable building-code space requirements affect the proposed plan133520. An urban ADU needs a certificate of occupancy from Clark County Building Safety before anyone moves in36.

What should you check before building a home in Clark County?

  1. Confirm the parcel’s Title 40 district, proposed use and any land division with Clark County Development Review62627.
  2. Resolve septic design and obtain an on-site sewage permit before construction if the property will use septic2829.
  3. For a private well, Washington’s domestic water-right permit exemption covers up to 5,000 gallons per day per project, with withdrawals from multiple wells aggregated; local limits still apply, and Ecology requires a drilling notice37.
  4. If regulated floodplain crosses the property, request an inquiry review when no development enters it, or floodplain permit review when development enters its boundary38.
  5. Resolve road access separately: a county-road approach needs county permission, while work on a state-highway right-of-way needs written WSDOT permission3940.
  6. Submit the online building-permit application and plans, attend the required appointment and complete building, plumbing and mechanical inspections51216.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm general private-land RV occupancy, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy or district minimum lot sizes in unincorporated Clark County; ask Community Development about the parcel and proposed use3227.
  • Within the Clark County floodplain covered by the manufactured-home rule, a manufactured home placed or substantially improved must have a permanent foundation with its lowest floor at least 1 foot above base flood elevation and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system41.
  • Clark County’s published rural setback table cited here is current through 2019; confirm current dimensional rules with Development Review before relying on the listed setbacks2327.

Sources

  1. Building permits, quoted and re-checked
  2. Unified Development Code, Title 40, quoted and re-checked
  3. On-site Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  4. On-site Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building permit application guidelines, quoted and re-checked
  6. Unified Development Code, Title 40, quoted and re-checked
  7. On-site Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  8. Clark County Public Health, On-Site Septic Program (clark.wa.gov)
  9. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  10. RCW 18.27.090: Exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  11. Building permits, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building inspections, quoted and re-checked
  13. ADUs and Cottage Housing, quoted and re-checked
  14. Tiny Houses (Washington statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Building permits, quoted and re-checked
  16. Building inspections, quoted and re-checked
  17. RCW 18.27.090: Exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  18. RCW 18.27.090: Exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  19. Agricultural Structure Permit Exemption, quoted and re-checked
  20. Clark County Permit Center (clark.wa.gov)
  21. Building permits, quoted and re-checked
  22. Woodland: Building Permit Required (Clark County), quoted and re-checked
  23. Clark County Code 40.210 Resource and Rural Districts, quoted and re-checked
  24. Clark County Code 40.210 Resource and Rural Districts, quoted and re-checked
  25. Accessory Dwelling Unit - Urban, quoted and re-checked
  26. clark.wa.gov, quoted and re-checked
  27. Clark County Community Development, Development Review (Title 40 Zoning) (clark.wa.gov)
  28. On-site Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  29. WAC 246-272A-0200 Permit requirements (Washington statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. clark.wa.gov, quoted and re-checked
  31. Property Owners, quoted and re-checked
  32. Unified Development Code, Title 40, quoted and re-checked
  33. Floodplain Review, quoted and re-checked
  34. Accessory Dwelling Unit - Urban, quoted and re-checked
  35. WAC 51-50-1208 — Section 1208—Interior space dimensions (Washington statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  36. Accessory Dwelling Unit - Urban, quoted and re-checked
  37. Groundwater permit exemption (Washington statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  38. Which Floodplain Permit Do I Need?, quoted and re-checked
  39. RCW 36.75.130 — Approaches to county roads—Rules regarding construction—Penalty (Washington statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  40. RCW 47.32.150 — Approach roads, other appurtenances—Permit (Washington statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  41. Floodplain Review, quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Clark County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleClark CountyCowlitz CountySkamania CountyWahkiakum CountyLewis CountyPacific CountyThurston County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesNoYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Public HealthCounty Health Dept.County Community DevelopmentCounty Health & Human ServicesCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. Health Div.County Public Health & Social Services

County locator

Clark County in Washington

50
County map
Clark County highlighted among the Washington counties · colored by Index score

How Clark County scores

Seclusion27100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency56100% ev.
Admin Boringness41100% ev.
Durability73100% ev.
Property Autonomy50100% ev.
Carry Cost34100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$554kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$18,755Land / acre
66.9"Annual rain
6.7% of yrsSevere drought
1.8 / yr (+1.5)Mid-century 100°F days
23.4 daysMid-century dry spell
2.14" (+5.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.35×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,215Home insurance / yr
2.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.62%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
97,805People within 30 min
3,664,896People within 2 hr
340,797Radius comparison (15 mi)
829.2People / sq mi
3.6%Federal land
64%Land at 15% slope or less
15%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
59,729 acWorkable land screen
73.9%Wooded land
99.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
52.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Clark County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Ridgefield

Answers from the rulebook for Clark County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Clark County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building work administered through Clark County Building Safety.

    • Agricultural-structure exemptions exist for qualifying structures; plumbing and mechanical permits may still be required.
    “Building permits are required by state law.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building work in Clark County administered through county permitting.
      “Building permits are required by state law.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted structures and plumbing/mechanical systems inspected by Clark County Building Safety.

    • Inspection scheduling and remote-video availability vary by permit and inspection type.
    • Pre-construction erosion inspection is required before footing-steel or zoning-setback inspection for the listed permit types.

    first re-inspection fee: 148 USD (after failure to comply with the first correction notice) · subsequent re-inspection fee: 296 USD (each subsequent re-inspection)

    “We require ALL push-pull and permitted repair work for mechanical and plumbing installations to be inspected upon completion”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Permitted building, plumbing, mechanical, and related work administered by Clark County.
      “Building construction is inspected and final occupancy is achieved.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Urban accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Clark County.

    • The source specifically addresses ADUs; it does not establish a countywide certificate-of-occupancy rule for every building type.
    “An ADU cannot be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Accessory dwelling units regulated under Clark County Code 40.260.020.
      “An ADU cannot be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Clark County Building Safety program.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Property development in unincorporated Clark County.

    • The cited county zoning code applies to unincorporated areas; incorporated municipalities may administer their own land-use regulations.
    “property development in unincorporated Clark County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Property development in unincorporated Clark County.
      “The full text of Title 40 contains all regulations relating to property development in unincorporated Clark County.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    County-administered zoning in unincorporated Clark County.

    • The source establishes county zoning for unincorporated areas but does not aggregate incorporated municipal zoning.
    “What is my zoning and what is allowed in it?”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Published Clark County land-use districts in unincorporated areas.

    • The county page lists agricultural, forest, rural, residential, commercial, employment, and overlay districts; district-specific standards remain applicable.
    “We have provided the following list of land use districts to assist you in your research.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Land-use districts listed in Clark County Title 40 for unincorporated Clark County.
      “We have provided the following list of land use districts to assist you in your research.”
    • Published (with conditions) — The official Clark County Title 40 page publishes a list of land use districts for property development in unincorporated Clark County, including agricultural-wildlife, forest and agriculture, rural, rural center, residential, office residential, commercial, business park, airport, university, mixed use, employment, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and overlay districts.
      “The full text of Title 40 contains all regulations relating to property development in unincorporated Clark County. The code is one of the main tools used to implement the Clark County Comprehensive Plan. The plan and code are periodically amended to reflect changes in federal and state laws and changes in county policy and direction. One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is "What is my zoning and what is allowed in it?" We have provided the following list of land use districts to assist you in your research.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Certain ADU and cottage-housing categories under Clark County development code.

    • The official county housing page states a 150-square-foot minimum for the referenced urban ADU amendment and cottage-housing amendment.
    • The cited minimums are category-specific and do not establish one countywide minimum for every dwelling.

    minimum size: >= 150 square feet (referenced urban ADU and cottage-housing amendments)

    “The minimum area of an ADU shall be one hundred fifty (150) square feet.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    FR-80, FR-40, and AG-20 districts under Table 40.210.010-3.

    • Front setback is from public road right-of-way or private road easement; interior side and rear setback footnotes apply to all structures; cited PDF is current through Ordinance 2019-02-17.

    front setback: 50 feet (footnote 2) · street-side setback: 25 feet · interior-side setback: 50 feet (footnote 3) · rear setback: 50 feet (footnote 3)

    “FR-80 502 25 503 503 N/A 354 FR-40 502 25 503 503 N/A 354 AG-20 502 25 503 503 N/A 354”
  • Building heightSpecified

    FR-80, FR-40, and AG-20 districts under Table 40.210.010-3.

    • The cited table states 35 feet for residential buildings only; other structures and districts may differ.

    maximum building height: 35 feet (residential buildings only)

    “FR-80 502 25 503 503 N/A 354 FR-40 502 25 503 503 N/A 354 AG-20 502 25 503 503 N/A 354”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Travel trailers and recreational vehicles in Clark County floodway and floodway-fringe areas.

    • In the floodway, seasonal occupancy may occur only between May 1 and October 1 of the same year; in floodway fringe areas, occupancy is temporary for fewer than 180 consecutive days; wheels and hauling apparatus must remain; vehicles must be fully licensed, highway-ready, attached only by quick-disconnect utilities and security devices, and have no permanently attached additions.

    floodway seasonal period: May 1-October 1 (same year) · floodway-fringe maximum duration: < 180 consecutive days

    “Travel trailers and recreational vehicles may be allowed in the floodway on a seasonal basis between May 1 and October 1 of the same year and floodway fringe areas on a temporary basis, for fewer than 180 consecutive days.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes placed or substantially improved within a Clark County one-hundred-year floodplain.

    • The lowest floor must be at least one foot above base flood elevation and the home must be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system.

    minimum elevation above base flood elevation: >= 1 foot

    “All manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved within a one-hundred-year floodplain shall be elevated on a permanent foundation such that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is at least one (1) foot above the base flood elevation. Also, they shall be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system in accordance with the provisions of subsection 40.420.020(A-1-b).”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Urban accessory dwelling units in specified residential or multifamily zones.

    • Allowed in R1-20, R1-10, R1-7.5, R1-6, R1-5, or on a qualifying multifamily-zoned lot; up to two ADUs may be allowed; applicable building, fire, health, water/sewer, size, height, impact-fee, and occupancy requirements apply.

    maximum ADUs per lot: 2 (lot with one single-family residence) · maximum ADU area: 1000 square feet (1,500 square feet for lots at least 20,000 square feet)

    “Up to two (2) ADUs are allowed on a lot with one (1) single-family residence.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    On-site septic regulation and public-health administration in Clark County.

    • Clark County Public Health administers local rules under Board of Health Ordinance 24.17.
    “The On-site Septic Program protects public health and the environment by preventing human exposure to sewage and the contamination of our groundwater by ensuring the proper placement, design, installation, and maintenance of on-site septic systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — On-site sewage systems in Clark County.
      “The Clark County Board of Health adopted Ordinance 24.17 in October 2007 during a public hearing”
  • Septic permitRequired

    On-site sewage system permitting administered by Clark County Public Health.

    • The county provides an on-site sewage permit process and directs applicants to steps for obtaining a permit.
    • System design must address wastewater loading, soils, and surrounding topography.
    “This list of steps will assist you in meeting the requirements to obtain an on-site sewage system permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — On-site sewage systems in Clark County.
      “This list of steps will assist you in meeting the requirements to obtain an on-site sewage system permit.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    On-site sewage systems subject to Clark County operations and maintenance inspection schedules.

    • Conventional gravity systems are inspected every 3 years; pressure distribution every 2 years; advanced systems every year; food establishments every year regardless of system type. Homeowners may inspect conventional gravity systems after taking the county course and passing the O&M test.

    conventional gravity inspection interval: 3 years · pressure distribution inspection interval: 2 years · advanced system inspection interval: 1 year

    “Conventional Gravity | Every 3 years Pressure Distribution | Every 2 years Advanced On-site sewage systems like Sand Filter, Sand Mound, Sand Lined Trench, Aerobic Treatment Units, etc. | Every year Food Establishments | Every year regardless of type of system”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — On-site septic systems subject to Clark County operation-and-maintenance requirements.
      “Regular inspections are required by state law to protect public health and groundwater.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Sanitation for properties not connected to municipal sewer.

    • The property must include an approved, correctly functioning on-site septic system; alternative sewage disposal systems may be required by the County Health Officer.
    “the property includes an approved, correctly functioning on-site septic system.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Urban accessory dwelling units.

    • An ADU must connect to public water and sewer unless a water/sewer waiver is obtained under CCC 40.370.000.
    “An accessory dwelling unit shall connect to public water and sewer unless a water/sewer waiver is obtained”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Qualifying agricultural structures.

    • The structure must be used solely for qualifying agricultural or forestry purposes and may not be a place of human habitation; setback, environmental, plumbing, mechanical, and other requirements remain applicable; a site plan and certifications are required.
    “Applicant understands that the building permit exemption is not an exemption from setback requirements or environmental regulations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions and short plats in unincorporated Clark County.

    • Specific land-division procedures and standards vary by district and project type.
    “The county has many different types of preliminary development review, ranging in size from a sign for a commercial building to the master plan for the WSU campus and a two lot short plat to a 300-unit apartment complex.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development or construction within a regulated floodplain boundary.

    • If regulated floodplain exists but no development is proposed within it, a floodplain inquiry review is required; if development is proposed within the boundary, apply for a floodplain permit review; floodway residential construction is generally prohibited except stated exceptions.
    “If there is regulated floodplain on the property and development is proposed within the floodplain boundary, apply for a floodplain permit review.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Clark County building-permit fees.

    • Fees are project-specific for review and inspection services; applicable fees must be paid before submittal, revision, or permit issuance; a $148 fee may be added for each missed submittal appointment.

    missed submittal appointment fee: 148 USD (may be added to the building permit)

    “Permit fees are project specific fees for review and inspection services.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Clark County building permit application process.

    • Online application submittal is required for all projects.
    • Initial submittal fees must be paid.
    • Applicants create or use an LMS account, create a permit, pay fees, submit for processing, schedule a virtual appointment, and upload documents and plans into ProjectDox.
    • Appointments are required because walk-ins are not accepted.
    • A $148 fee may be added for each missed submittal appointment.

    missed submittal appointment fee: 148 USD (may be added for each missed submittal appointment)

    “Online application submittal is required for all projects and any initial submittal fees must be paid.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Clark County building-permit applications.
      “Online application submittal is required for all projects and any initial submittal fees must be paid.”

Washington rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An owner or other person performing construction-related contractor activities on the person's own property or personal residence under Washington contractor-registration law.

    • The exemption concerns registration provisions under chapter 18.27 RCW and does not itself eliminate applicable building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, land-use, or inspection requirements.
    • For work on the person's own property, the exemption does not apply when the person performs contractor activities for the purpose of selling, demolishing, or leasing the property.
    • For an owner contracting with a registered contractor, the exemption does not apply to a person performing contractor activities to lease or sell improved property owned for less than twelve months.

    small-project contract threshold: < 500 USD (The threshold exemption does not apply when the work is part of a larger operation, contracts are divided to evade the chapter, or the person advertises as a contractor.)

    “The registration provisions of this chapter do not apply to: [...] (12) Any person working on his or her own property, whether occupied by him or her or not, and any person working on his or her personal residence, whether owned by him or her or not but this exemption shall not apply to any person who performs the activities of a contractor on his or her own property for the purpose of selling, demolishing, or leasing the property;”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Contractor-registration exemption for a person working on their own property or personal residence.
      “The registration provisions of this chapter do not apply to:”
    • Conditional — Washington contractor-registration requirements for persons working on their own property or personal residence.
      “(12) Any person working on his or her own property, whether occupied by him or her or not, and any person working on his or her personal residence, whether owned by him or her or not but this exemption shall not apply to any person who performs the activities of a contractor on his or her own property for the purpose of selling, demolishing, or leasing the property;”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    The Washington State Building Code applies in all Washington counties and cities and includes the model codes adopted by reference in RCW 19.27.031, as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council.

    • The adoption is subject to exceptions stated in chapter 19.27 RCW and amendments adopted by the Washington State Building Code Council.
    • The 2021 International Building Code, including Appendix E, is adopted by reference with the exceptions noted in Title 51 WAC.
    • The Uniform Plumbing Code provisions affecting sewers or fuel gas piping are not adopted.
    • Only the portions of the International Wildland Urban Interface Code specifically referenced in RCW 19.27.560 are adopted.
    • The state building code is enforced by counties and cities; a county or city without a building department must contract with another county, city, or approved inspection agency.
    • The model codes are adopted or amended through a three-year state building code adoption cycle, subject to statutory interim, emergency, and legislative off-cycle amendments.

    International Building Code edition: 2021 (Including Appendix E; subject to exceptions in Title 51 WAC) · effective date of current WAC 51-50-003 adoption: 2024-03-15

    “there shall be in effect in all counties and cities the state building code [...] which are hereby adopted by reference:”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Washington building codes applicable in Clark County.
      “Building codes are adopted and continually updated statewide”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Washington building codes applicable to construction in Clark County.
      “Building codes are adopted and continually updated statewide to ensure individual and community safety.”
    • Adopted — Washington building-code framework applicable in Clark County.
      “Building codes are adopted and continually updated statewide”
    • Adopted — The Washington State Building Code applies in all Washington counties and cities, including residential construction in unincorporated county areas.
      “there shall be in effect in all counties and cities the state building code [...] The International Residential Code”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy and placement of tiny houses in Washington

    • A tiny house may be built on wheels and may not exceed 400 square feet including kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping/living area.
    • It must be built to the Washington State Building Code.
    • Approval depends on where it is built; local building-department requirements and permits apply to foundation, installation, and location.
    • A wheeled structure that is not a tiny house as described may instead be a recreational vehicle or park model.
    • A manufactured home, including a tiny manufactured home, requires consultation with the local building department regarding where it may be located.

    maximum area: <= 400 square feet

    “A tiny house is a dwelling that may be built on wheels and is no larger than 400 square feet, including a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping/living area, and must be built to the Washington State Building Code. The approval process for a tiny house depends on where it's built.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Groundwater wells and groundwater uses statewide under Washington's water-right permit exemption.

    • Domestic use is exempt up to 5,000 gallons per day.
    • Industrial use is exempt up to 5,000 gallons per day.
    • Lawn or garden irrigation is exempt only for a half-acre or less.
    • Stockwater is exempt.
    • Only one permit-exempt use of each type is allowed for any one project, regardless of project size.
    • Withdrawals from multiple wells for one project are aggregated toward the exemption limits.
    • Local governments and other laws and rules may impose additional requirements and limits.
    • Use in excess of the listed amounts, use for other purposes, or use from a surface-water source requires applying for and receiving a water-right permit.
    • Before drilling, a notice of intent must be submitted to Ecology 72 hours before drilling starts; the NOI is not itself a permit or approval to use water.
    • Permit-exempt uses remain subject to state water law, including possible restrictions relating to senior water rights and Streamflow Restoration Act requirements.

    domestic groundwater use exemption: <= 5000 gallons per day (Per project, with withdrawals from multiple wells aggregated.) · industrial groundwater use exemption: <= 5000 gallons per day (Per project, with withdrawals from multiple wells aggregated.) · lawn or garden irrigation exemption: <= 0.5 acre (For lawn or garden irrigation.) · well construction notice: 72 hours before drilling (Notice of intent is not a permit, certificate, or water-right application.)

    “The groundwater permit exemption allows for four small uses of groundwater without a water right permit: Domestic uses of up to 5,000 gallons per day Industrial uses of up to 5,000 gallons per day Irrigation of a lawn or garden, a half-acre or less in size Stockwater”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Approaches or driveway connections from abutting property to Washington county roads.

    • Permission must be obtained from the county board before construction.
    • Counties may adopt reasonable approach-construction rules, including culvert, fill-depth, and drainage requirements.
    • Construction must be supervised by the county road engineer and paid for by the person benefited.
    • Violation is a misdemeanor.
    “No person shall be permitted to build or construct any approach to any county road without first obtaining permission therefor from the board.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Approach roads and driveway connections constructed on Washington state highway rights-of-way.
      “No person, firm, or corporation may be permitted to build or construct on state highway rights-of-way any approach road or any other facility, thing, or appurtenance not heretofore permitted by law, without first obtaining written permission from the department.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Recreational vehicles in the context of Washington's manufactured/mobile-home community statutes

    • The rule defines an RV as temporary and transient living quarters.
    • The RV is not occupied as a primary residence.
    • The RV is not immobilized or permanently affixed to a manufactured/mobile home lot.
    • This claim does not establish general statewide siting permission on private land; local land-use and building rules may apply.
    “(12) "Recreational vehicle" means a travel trailer, motor home, truck camper, or camping trailer that is primarily designed and used as temporary living quarters, is either self-propelled or mounted on or drawn by another vehicle, is transient, is not occupied as a primary residence, and is not immobilized or permanently affixed to a manufactured/mobile home lot.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Camping and temporary occupancy in Washington State Parks facilities
      “The maximum length of stay shall be no more than 10 nights in one park within a 30-day period. Total nights stayed by the same camping party must not exceed 90 nights per calendar year in all state parks. These limitations shall not apply to those individuals who meet the qualifications of WAC 352-32-280 and 352-32-285.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Washington counties adopting zoning and related official controls for county jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas.

    • A county must create a planning agency as authorized in RCW 36.70.030 and RCW 36.70.040 before engaging in the chapter's planning program.
    • Zoning maps may be adopted only for areas covered by a comprehensive plan containing at least a land use element and a circulation element.
    • Zoning regulations may address land uses, building location and dimensions, yards and open spaces, population density, lot coverage, parking, and minimum gross floor area requirements for single-family detached dwellings.
    • The cited enabling provisions do not state a population threshold, named-county limitation, or special geographic limitation.
    “Any board, by ordinance, may establish classifications, within each of which, specific controls are identified, and which will regulate:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Washington counties may plan and adopt zoning and other official controls for county land, including unincorporated areas, through their boards and planning agencies.
      “Such official controls may include, but are not limited to, ordinances establishing zoning, subdivision control, platting, and adoption of detailed maps.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Washington counties requiring and enforcing building permits and adopting amendments to the state building code for residential construction within county jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas.

    • The state building code must be enforced by counties and cities within their jurisdictional boundaries.
    • A county without a building department must contract with another county, city, or approved inspection agency for enforcement.
    • County amendments may not diminish the minimum performance standards and objectives of the state building code.
    • Residential-building amendments are subject to approval by the state building code council under RCW 19.27.074(1)(b), except as provided by statute.
    • The building-permit definition incorporates exemptions in International Building Code section 105.2 and International Residential Code section R105.2.
    • Counties may adopt permit exemptions for certain specified R-3 or M-1 construction or alteration with total fair market value not exceeding $1,500, but the exemption does not remove substantive code standards.

    permit-exemption fair-market-value ceiling: <= 1500 USD (Applies only to certain construction or alteration of group R, division 3, or group M, division 1 occupancies under RCW 19.27.060(7); substantive code standards still apply.)

    “The state building code required by this chapter shall be enforced by the counties and cities. Any county or city not having a building department shall contract with another county, city, or inspection agency approved by the county or city for enforcement of the state building code within its jurisdictional boundaries.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Clark County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Clark County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping outside the specifically reviewed floodplain RV provisions.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in unincorporated Clark County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Clark County, Washington

Is Clark County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Clark County scores 50/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 97,805 people within a 30-minute drive and higher long-term carry cost.

Do you need a building permit in Clark County, Washington?

Clark County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Clark County Public Health. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Clark County, Washington?

Land in Clark County runs about $18,755 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Clark County?

Clark County gets about 66.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6.7% of years.

How remote is Clark County?

A representative private-land location has about 97,805 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,664,896 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Clark compares in Washington

Compare side-by-side →See all 39 Washington counties ranked →