Edelweiss variance
A property owner in the Edelweiss development in Mazama has applied to Okanogan County for a variance from the regulations for the maximum building size on a lot.
Alison Talbot is seeking permission to build a three-bedroom home on a 1/4-acre lot, which would exceed the lot coverage limits in that zone. Zoning in that area limits lot coverage to 10% for a single-family home; the proposed residence would cover 19% of the lot.
Talbot’s 1/4-acre lot is a legal non-conforming lot in the Rural Residential Zone, which has a 5-acre lot minimum. Many parcels in the Edelweiss development are under 5 acres.
The proposal is for a 50-by-40-foot structure that includes the home, a covered carport, a gear locker and patio, all under one roofline, as opposed to having separate structures. There are currently no structures on the property.
The Okanogan County hearing examiner will hold a public hearing on the application on Thursday, May 27, at 10 a.m.
For more information or to comment, contact Rocky Robbins at rrobbins@co.okanogan.wa.us. People can comment in advance or at the hearing.
Wilson Ranch/Freestone Inn
The Wilson Ranch in Mazama, which includes the Freestone Inn, is updating its covenants and bylaws, which apply primarily to property owners.
Because Wilson Ranch is a planned development, the public is invited to comment on the changes. The updates address voting rights, open space, inoperable-vehicle parking, and external lighting.
The Okanogan County planning director has determined that the changes will not adversely affect the environment.
For more information or to comment, contact Rocky Robbins at rrobbins@co.okanogan.wa.us. Deadline for comments is Wednesday (May 5).
Rockchuck Ranch open-space reduction
The owners of Rockchuck Ranch have submitted an application to Okanogan County to reduce the amount of open space in the Tice Ranch Tourist/Residential Planned Development.
They propose removing 31 acres from open space, reducing it from 278 acres to 246 acres via a boundary-line adjustment. That constitutes 90% of the planned development, according to the application.
For more information or to comment, contact Pam Wyllson at pwyllson@co.okanogan.wa.us. Deadline for comments is Thursday (May 6).
Hearing on county land use rules
Okanogan County is revising its zoning code and district-use chart – the documents that determine how many houses can share a lot and whether it’s OK to have a dog kennel, a concrete plant, or a dairy farm in an area.
The Okanogan County commissioners adopted revised rules in March but, because they were approved on an interim basis, they must hold a public hearing within six months.
The changes are being made in conjunction with the county’s comprehensive plan, which is nearing completion. Many of the zoning changes are in the Methow Review District and have been instituted to comply with new state laws regarding water availability.
For more information, contact Okanogan County Planning at (509) 422-7160 and ask about Ordinance 2021-4.
