Property owners in Mazama are seeking a variance from Okanogan County to be able to build a house on a lot that is entirely within the shoreline jurisdiction.
Mark and Mary Horoszowski are asking the county to allow smaller setbacks from the ordinary high-water mark and vegetation conservation area. The variance, if granted, would allow a reduction of the building setback from 175 feet to 50 feet from the ordinary high-water mark, and a vegetation conservation area of 25 feet. The owners wouldn’t remove any vegetation unless they discover noxious weeds.
The 2,650-square-foot home would be two stories with a garage, with a 1,458-square-foot footprint and a 422-square-foot deck. The developed area on the parcel is limited by a conservation easement to 1,458 square feet.
The 0.9-acre parcel, which is across from the Mazama Store on the Methow River, is considered a legal non-conforming lot. The required setbacks have been reduced since the owners bought the property, according to the variance application.
There is a mobile tiny home on the site using well, septic and electricity, but there are no permanent structures, according to the application.
There will be a public hearing on the variance request before the hearings examiner on June 9 at 10 a.m. in the commissioners’ hearing room in Okanogan. People can submit comments at the hearing or in advance to Rocky Robbins at rrobbins@co.okanogan.wa.us. For more information about the variance or about attending the hearing remotely, contact Robbins by email or at (509) 422-7117.
