Code Compliance

The Code Compliance Division is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the livability, safety, and aesthetic quality of our community. We receive and investigate community generated complaints regarding potential violations of the Washougal Municipal Code, Washougal Engineering Standards, conditions of plats, site plans, master plans, environmental and shoreline permits, and other applicable regulations. We pursue health, life, and safety violations to protect and preserve well-being, as well as our built and natural environments.  

Our approach emphasizes proactive engagement, fairness, and respect, ensuring that all community members are treated with integrity throughout the compliance process.

WHY WE ENFORCE THE MUNICIPAL CODE

The Code Compliance Division promotes health, safety, and the quality of life within our community. Through the fair and balanced enforcement of applicable regulations, we address specific community concerns, including:

• Environmental protection
• Permitting
• Property maintenance standards
• Public nuisances
• Zoning and land use violations

Code Compliance is committed to promoting the stewardship of our city’s built and natural environments. In collaboration with community members, neighborhood associations, public service agencies, and other city departments, we strive to:

• Enhance community pride by fostering a shared sense of responsibility and belonging within our city
• Facilitate voluntary compliance to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of public and private spaces
• Positively impact property values by preserving and promoting organized, attractive, well-maintained properties
• Improve the quality of life for our community members by fostering an appealing and welcoming environment

Reduce blight and increase safety by addressing issues that detract from the harmony and security of our neighborhoods

COMMON VIOLATIONS

Common violations include:

• Accumulation of garbage, trash, debris, junk, or other materials that can detract from the neighborhood's appearance
• Inoperable or unlicensed vehicles on private property, which may undermine neighborhood character and lower property value
• Signs that are not in compliance with municipal regulations, which may disrupt line of sight and the aesthetic coherence of public spaces
• Obstruction or encroachment within the public right-of-way, impacting both functionality and visual appeal
• Construction without proper permitting, which may compromise structural integrity
• Overgrown vegetation and noxious weeds that can degrade the natural beauty of the community and present a fire hazard
• Unpermitted work in protected areas that may disturb the area’s environmental and aesthetic integrity
• Vacant structures and land that become deteriorated and negatively affect surrounding properties

Through enforcement of these standards, the Code Compliance Division safeguards the overall well-being, sustainability, and resilience of our community. We encourage community based stewardship of our city and strive to promote a Washougal that is not only safe, healthy, and vibrant, but also visually appealing and harmonious, for generations to come.