Natural Resources

Water Mitigation Program

Chelan County is implementing a Water Mitigation Program staring April 1, 2021 to protect senior surface water and groundwater water rights and to ensure water reliability for new domestic uses. This program ensures Chelan County is compliant with state law by making a determination that water is both physically and legally available when building permits are issued. Chelan County updated its County Code (Chapter 13.30) to establish this program.

This program applies to building permits that require a new water use within the Lake Chelan, Entiat River, and Wenatchee River Basins. To determine if your building permit is included in this program and requires a water mitigation certificate, refer to the information below.

Process

  1. See flow chart to determine if a water mitigation certificate is needed
  2. See map that identifies where this program applies
  3. Water Mitigation Program Guidance Document: Step by step instructions on how to comply with this program.
  4. Water Mitigation Application Fill this out prior to submitting your building permit application. More information on the building permit application is available here.
  5. Fees will be paid at the time your water mitigation application is submitted to the Community Development Department. Checks should be paid to "Chelan County".
  6. Submit water mitigation application with fees to the Chelan County Community Development Department. Drop off in-person during business hours, or mail to: Chelan County Community Development, Attn: Water Mitigation Application, 316 Washington St., Suite 301, Wenatchee, WA 98801.

 

Fees

There are two fees: an administration fee plus a mitigation fee for each dwelling. In some locations the mitigation fee is currently $0. The mitigation fee applies to each dwelling (i.e. single family residence plus an accessory dwelling unit requires two mitigation fees).

   

Fee Type

Geographic Area

Fee

1. Administration Wenatchee River, Entiat River, Lake Chelan Basins $1,000
2. Water Mitigation Lake Chelan Basin, Upper Wenatchee River and all Wenatchee River Tributary Subbasins $1,000
    Lower Wenatchee River and Entiat River Basins $0

 

Resouces

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Contact Information:

Mary Jo Sanborn
maryjo.sanborn@co.chelan.wa.us
509-860-2135

Mike Kaputa
mike.kaputa@co.chelan.wa.us
509-670-6935

Posted: 03/31/2021 10:16 AM
Last Updated: 11/29/2022 04:04 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 22
    May 2024
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - May 22, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 15
    May 2024
    07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Assessor's Office Community Meeting: Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee

    Posted by: Chelan County Assessor

    Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested parties to attend one of four community meetings scheduled this spring throughout the county.

    Chelan County Fire District 3 station
  • 13
    May 2024
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Final day to withdraw from the ballot

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Final day to withdraw from the ballot

  • 10
    May 2024
    05:00 PM - 05:30 PM

    Lot Drawing for Candidates

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Lot drawing for candidates placement on the ballot.

    Chelan County Elections Office
  • 08
    May 2024
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on May 8, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, ES Conference Room.