Okanogan County is considering authorizing the county commissioners to create special areas where certain land uses that would rely on new wells for drinking water would be curtailed, so the county can study overall water availability. The change to the county’s zoning code is being proposed to address the 2016 state Supreme Court “Hirst” decision […]
Okanogan County Planning
New marijuana farms in county on hold
A moratorium on new marijuana farms is in effect until the end of the year, but the Okanogan County commissioners lifted the moratorium on new marijuana processing operations after a public hearing on Aug. 21. The commissioners had imposed a six-month moratorium at the end of June on new operations to grow, process or sell […]
County imposing stricter rules for nightly rentals
People who want to rent their homes to tourists are facing stricter county regulations and, at the same time, more competition from a glut of rentals — both legal and illegal — through online sites websites like Airbnb.
Nightly rentals have always had to obtain water and safety permits…
County hopes to resume issuing building permits soon, after several months of delay
After a several-month-long hiatus in issuing building permits for houses that depend on a well for water, Okanogan County has started reviewing applications and hopes to begin issuing permits by the end of March.
Three dozen building permits have been on hold as the county worked out an approach for complying with …
County adopts new water availability ordinance
The county planning director will determine whether there is adequate, legal water available as part of the process of obtaining a new building permit in Okanogan County, commissioners decided last week.
Grappling with a Supreme Court decision that said counties, not …
Proposal for vintage trailer park near Methow raises hackles, more questions
Although she has a compliance plan with Okanogan County that spells out the necessary permits for an RV park she is planning near the town of Methow, property owner Kimberly Mele continues to provoke neighbors and county officials by working on the site without authorization.
County adopts emergency rule to deal with development restrictions
High court ruling shifts water adequacy burden to county By Marcy Stamper The Okanogan County commissioners have adopted an emergency ordinance to address a state Supreme Court ruling that halts new development without proof of water. The emergency ordinance establishes a new process for reviewing building applications following the October high court decision, which requires […]
County reviewing development plan in light of recent court decision
The Okanogan County commissioners are reviewing a revised version of a new ordinance that would consolidate procedures for land use and development, including countywide policies like the comprehensive plan, zoning and subdivisions.
County considering proposal for RV park near Methow
Okanogan County is considering a proposal from a property owner who wants to create a nine-unit RV park with two tent sites and a bathroom facility on 11 acres located north of the town of Methow. A site plan for the Happy Camper Recreational …
Court voids county ATV ordinance, closing roads to the vehicles
Environmental review called ‘superficial’ By Marcy Stamper Okanogan County’s ordinance opening almost 600 miles of roads to wheeled all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) has been invalidated because the county failed to analyze the environmental impacts of allowing ATVs to use these roads, the state Court of Appeals in Spokane ruled last week. In a ruling that the […]
