Services and Payments
Find a service, pay a bill or apply for a permit.
Search by what you need, like “pay utility bill,” “parking ticket” or “building permit,” or browse services by topic below.
Looking for a department? Services are offered by Community Development, Economic Prosperity and Housing, Financial and Management Services, the Vancouver Fire Department, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, the Vancouver Police Department, Public Works and others. See the full list on the City Hall page.
Browse by topic
Everyday City services in one place
These are the services people ask us about most. Billing, permits, leaves and recreation are covered in more detail further down this page.
Utility Billing
Pay your water, sewer and stormwater bill online, by phone, in person or by mail.
Parking
Find downtown parking, pay or appeal a parking ticket, and manage permits in the parking portal.
Water, Sewer and Stormwater
Learn about the wells, pipes, pump stations and treatment plants that serve your home.
Garbage and Recycling
Collection, recycling and free fall leaf disposal coupons. Call Solid Waste at 360-487-7160.
Building Permits, Licenses and Inspections
Apply through ePlans, pay review fees and schedule inspections in the Online Permit Center.
Parks, Recreation and Community Centers
Swim, take a class or rent a garden plot across 82 parks and three community centers.
Emergency Preparedness
Be Ready Vancouver helps your household plan for storms, earthquakes and outages.
Homelessness and Housing
Find shelter and housing resources, and learn how the City is responding to homelessness.
Pay your bill
Utility Billing
Your bill covers water, wastewater (sewer) and stormwater, and it arrives every other month. It pays for the $7 billion in pump stations, well fields, reservoirs, underground pipes and treatment plants the City runs.
Utility Service Office: 2323 General Anderson Ave. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday. Closed daily noon to 1 p.m. and on holidays.
Call 360-487-7999 and press 0 for a representative during office hours, or email UtilitiesCS@cityofvancouver.us.
- Online utility hub: make a one-time or scheduled payment, view bills and see your payment history. Have your utility account number ready.
- By phone, 24/7: call 360-487-7999 for automated payments and balances.
- In person: at the Utility Service Office during open hours. The City Hall drop box is closed July 13 to Nov. 9.
- By mail: send a check or money order with your account number.
Permits
Apply for a permit with ePlans
- Email a complete application. Send the application only, no plans yet, to eplans@cityofvancouver.us. We enter it within one to two business days.
- Pay review fees. Pay in the Online Permit Center by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or eCheck (cards carry a 2.65% fee). Or bring a check with your application number to the drop box in the south lot behind City Hall, 415 W. 6th St., or mail it to City of Vancouver Permit Center, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995.
- Watch for your upload invitation. You’ll get an email with an “Application Access” link.
- Upload plans and pass prescreen. A permit specialist checks that your submittal is complete, then every review discipline looks at it at the same time.
- Respond to corrections and get approval. Answer any changemarks, resubmit, and we issue your approval.
Inspections: Schedule by Text is no longer available. Request, cancel or manage inspections in the Online Permit Center.
Oct. 1 to Dec. 31
Drop off fall leaves for free
Vancouver and Clark County residents can bring leaves to any of these five sites with a free coupon. Leaves only, keep loads covered and secured, and call ahead.
| Drop-off site | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| City Bark | 2419 N.E. Andresen Rd. | 360-253-8461 |
| H & H Wood Recyclers | 8401 N.E. 117th Ave. | 360-892-2805 |
| McFarlane’s Bark | 8806 N.E. 117th Ave. | 360-892-6125 |
| Triangle Resources | 612 S.E. Union St., Camas | 360-834-7253 |
| West Van Materials Recovery Center | 6601 N.W. Old Lower River Rd. | 360-737-1727 |
Where to get a coupon
- City Hall, 415 W. Sixth St.
- Utility Services, 2323 General Anderson Ave.
- Marine Park Engineering office, 4500 S.E. Columbia Way
- Water Resources Education Center, 4600 S.E. Columbia Way
- Waste Connections, 9411 N.E. 94th Ave., Bldg. A
Or ask Solid Waste to send one: 360-487-7160 or solidwaste@cityofvancouver.us. Coupons are also available in Español, Русский and Tiếng Việt.
Swim, garden and stay active close to home
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services runs programs for every age at Firstenburg Community Center, Marshall/Luepke Community Center and the Water Resources Education Center.
- Aquatics: lap swim, open swim and lessons at indoor pools.
- 50 and Better: classes, fitness and social activities for older adults.
- Community Gardens: grow your own food in a neighborhood plot.
- Community Centers: gyms, fitness rooms, classes and room rentals.
Answers to the questions we hear most
Why is there a 2.65% card fee, and how do I avoid it?
Since July 1, 2026, a 2.65% service fee applies to utility bills and Permit Center payments made by credit or debit card. City Council adopted it in December 2024 as part of the budget. You can avoid it by paying with cash, a physical check, a money order or ACH/eCheck. Service fees are non-refundable.
How do I switch AutoPay to my bank account?
Log in to the online utility hub, choose Manage AutoPay, then Pay by Bank Account. Enter your bank information, including any leading zeros, and save. Incorrect information can cause a $40 returned payment fee. The City does not keep card or bank numbers for online or phone payments.
How often am I billed?
Every other month. Each bill covers water, wastewater (sewer) and stormwater service.
Can I rake leaves into the street?
No. Raking or blowing leaves into the street and leaving them there is unlawful because they clog storm drains. Use your yard debris cart or a free leaf disposal coupon instead.
Do I need a city business license?
Yes, if your business is located in Vancouver city limits or your staff earn income working within city limits.