By Marcy Stamper Does Okanogan County have to imagine the future environmental effects of any growth allowed by its comprehensive plan, or only the impact of specific projects that the plan would permit? That distinction — and the county’s responsibility to do a thorough environmental analysis to inform the public and elected officials — was the crux of arguments […]
SEPA
Commissioners’ land-use changes clarify process, raise concerns
By Marcy Stamper
The ordinances adopted last week by the Okanogan County commissioners clarify the role of the hearing examiner and the planning commission, separating the types of land-use proposals and projects each would hear. In general, the hearing commissioner, who is under contract …
Commissioners adopt changes on land use applications, appeals
The Okanogan County commissioners have adopted six ordinances amending the county code that affect the duties of the hearing examiner, the review process for land-use applications and countywide policies like the comprehensive plan, and appeals of these decisions. The board approved the changes on Monday (Sept. 29). The amendments also mean that only a decision […]
County: proposed plan would have no adverse environmental impact
The Okanogan County planning director has issued a final determination on the environmental impact statement for the comprehensive plan, finding that the plan would not have an adverse environmental impact. The final determination under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) pertains to the environmental impact statement issued in May, which has not been changed, said […]
Commissioners OK expansion of ATV access
By Ann McCreary
An ordinance opening more than 420 miles of roads in Okanogan County to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) was approved Monday (June 23) by the Okanogan County Commission.
Commissioners poised to greatly expand ATV access in county
By Ann McCreary
A proposed ordinance that would allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on most Okanogan County roads appears headed toward…
County to release new comp plan draft, finding no environmental impact
By Marcy Stamper
Three years after the county’s comprehensive plan was last reviewed for any impacts it would have on the environment, the Okanogan County Planning Department is about to
Hearing set for Trailside Planned Development in Mazama
By Marcy Stamper
Okanogan County has scheduled a public hearing later this month on the proposed Trailside Planned Development, which would create two lots and open space on eight-and-a-half acres near the Mazama junction. Permitted uses include residential units that could be utilized as nightly rentals.
The project sponsor is seeking …
County commissioners repeal two ATV ordinances
By Marcy Stamper
The Okanogan County commissioners have completely repealed two county ordinances adopted last year that opened hundreds of miles of roads around the county to ATVs.
A new ordinance, signed Tuesday (March 4), states that one of the ordinances “suffers from …
Citizens’ Council sues county over environmental review ordinance changes
By Marcy Stamper
The Methow Valley Citizens’ Council (MVCC) has filed a lawsuit against Okanogan County, asking the court to …
