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Code Enforcement
It is the policy of the city, per Title 20 of the Battle Ground Municipal Code, to enforce the rules and regulations of the municipal code, with primary emphasis on protection of the general health, safety, and welfare.
- Are dogs required to be licensed and how many can I have?
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Yes, all dogs over the age of six months need to be licensed with the City. Dog licenses are issued on a calendar year basis from January 1 - December 31. License renewals are due by January 31 of each year. New dogs may be registered any time of the year. At no time may there be more than three adult dogs per household per BGMC 6.10.060. For more information see the City's dog licensing page.
- How can I register my dog for a license?
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Use our convenient online service to register your dog for a license or to renew a license.
- Is there a leash law for dogs?
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Yes, any dog off the owner or custodian’s premises must be on a leash per BGMC 6.10.310.
- What is considered to be nuisance dog barking?
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Any animal which by habitual howling, yelping, barking, crowing or other noise disturbs or annoys any person or neighborhood to an unreasonable degree, taken to be continuous noise for a period of ten or more minutes or intermittent noise for a period of thirty or more minutes per BGMC 6.10.260.
- How can I file a nuisance complaint against a dog?
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Fill out the City's citizen action request form online.
- Whom can I contact if my pet is missing?
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If you are looking for your lost pet in the City of Battle Ground, please contact us at 360-342-5000 (option 0).
- What is the city’s impound process?
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Pets that are found “wandering” on their own may be impounded by the city in order to protect the animal and the public. An impounded pet will be transported to the Human Society for Southwest Washington to ensure its safety and care.
- How can I retrieve my impounded pet?
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To retrieve an impounded pet, the owner must contact the Humane Society for Southwest Washington and pay any applicable fees.
- Am I allowed to keep chickens on my property?
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Chickens are allowed, however roosters are not allowed per BGMC 6.10.185.
- Can I place a basketball hoop in the street?
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No, all obstructions to streets, alleys, crossings, or sidewalks are prohibited.
- Whom can I contact if I see grass overhanging on sidewalks and streets?
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BGMC 12.108, it is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain all trees, plants, shrubs, or vegetation on his or her property, which includes plants obstructing the use of sidewalk or street by the public. The best solution is to contact the property owner directly about maintaining obstructing vegetation. If neighborly conversations are not getting anywhere, fill out a citizen action request or contact us.
- What constitutes a nuisance property?
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A nuisance property is a broad category of items that are considered menace to public health, safety, and general welfare. Often this includes the accumulation of junk, abandoned vehicles, parts, scrap metal, piles of debris, and other unsightly materials. For an extensive definition of what constitutes a nuisance please go to BGMC 8.04.
Garage Sale Signs
- Can I park my vehicle on unimproved surfaces?
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No, parking and driveways for single-family residential uses shall be improved with a permanent surface per BGMC 17.133.030.
- Can recreational vehicles be occupied?
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RV’s are not allowed to be permanently occupied while being parked in the public right-of-way or on private property. For the purpose of accommodating visitors, a recreational vehicle may be parked and occupied for a maximum duration of fourteen days within a one-hundred-twenty-day period of successive days in the public right-of-way in residential areas zones only per BGMC 10.14.060. Those wishing to have company or occupy an RV in the public right-of-way, should apply for a right-of-way permit through CSS. RV's located on private property may be occupied in any zone for a period of up to fourteen consecutive days or for less than thirty total days in any calendar year, per BGMC 17.135.057.
- Can I store boats and trailers on my property?
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Per BGMC 17.135.150, storage of house trailers, horse trailers, and other recreational vehicles and trailers in residential districts outside of an enclosed structure shall be kept behind the front building line of the principal dwelling unit and shall observe the other setback requirements that apply to accessory buildings and structures.
- What are considered critical areas in Battle Ground?
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- Wetlands as designated in Chapter 18.270 BGMC;
- Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas as designated in Chapter 18.280 BGMC;
- Critical aquifer recharge areas as designated in Chapter 18.290 BGMC;
- Geologically hazardous areas as designated in Chapter 18.300 BGMC; and
- Frequently flooded areas as designated in Chapter 18.310 BGMC.
- Can I extend my yard space into the adjacent wetland?
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No, these natural areas should not be disturbed and should remain in their natural state. Any disturbed wetland areas should be brought back to their natural condition and reseeded with native wetland plants per BGMC 18.270. Any ongoing activity in a wetland area will result in code enforcement action and potential fines.
- Are people allowed to dispose of yard clippings in wetlands?
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No, these natural areas should not be disturbed and dumping yard clippings is a violation of BGMC 18.270. Any disturbed wetland areas should be brought back to their natural condition and reseeded with native wetland plants. Any ongoing activity in a wetland area will result in code enforcement action and potential fines.
- Are there exemptions for plant removal from wetlands?
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There are certain exemptions where vegetation may be removed in wetlands, such as, invasive species or a hazardous tree. To proceed under an exemption, contact the city's Planning Department to verify the exemption activity (please call: 360-342-5040).