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: 07/03/2024 11:09 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 04
    Dec 2024
    09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - December 4, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or zoom
  • 26
    Nov 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 26
    Nov 2024
    01:30 PM - 02:00 PM

    Public Meeting: Certify Election

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 21
    Nov 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 20
    Nov 2024
    01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - November 20, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or zoom