Comment on the Zone Code Update by Nov. 12
Gravel Pit Expansion Proposed near Winthrop raises concerns – Comment deadline 9/26!
September 19, 2024
Last Chance to Comment on Zoning! Hearing on Monday, December 2, 5pm
November 27, 2024
Zone Code Update Comment Deadline: Tuesday, November 12, 5PM
Send comments to: Stephanie “Pete” Palmer, Okanogan County Planning Director
spalmer@co.okanogan.wa.us
Here at home in Okanogan County, we can take comfort in the knowledge that when it comes to local decisions, our voices matter a lot, and they are needed right now to support the changes we need to see in the Zone Code to protect our shared rural values.
During the last month, MVCC staff spent time connecting with many friends, neighbors and partner organizations throughout the valley and county —at events, presentations (including our zoning webinar) and parties — sharing the news about the Zoning comment period and getting your feedback on the things that are most important to protect as the valley grows.
It is not surprising to learn that despite our geographic and political diversity, our communities are united about rural qualities they want to see protected in our Zone Code including: Our natural heritage of dark skies, open spaces and natural beauty; healthy wildlife populations with room to roam; clean air and water; small farms and gardens that feed us; and the enduring spirit of kindness and care in our communities.
Now we have the opportunity to use our collective voice to stand up for the Methow Valley we want to see. Our zoning comment guide below emphasizes the top three comments we believe would benefit most from the strongest, most united community voice. If you have any zoning questions reach out to Lorah Super, lorah@mvcitizens.org
Zoning Comment Deadline:
Tuesday, November 12, 5pm
Send Comments To:
Stephanie “Pete” Palmer, Planning Director
spalmer@co.okanogan.wa.us
Top 3 Zoning Concerns that Need Your Comments!
ZONING ISSUE #1: SUPPORT DARK SKY AND RIDGETOP PROTECTIONS FOR ALL NEW CONSTRUCTION IN THE METHOW VALLEY
ISSUE: Good News! After over a decade of citizen requests to protect the valley’s phenomenal dark skies and beautiful viewshed, the Zoning Update contains a recommendation to extend Light and Glare Protection throughout the Methow Valley. The recommendation also includes a provision to protect Ridgetops by prohibiting building within 50 feet of a ridgetop.
PROBLEM: Unfortunately, these provisions were placed in a sub-section of Zoning that only applies to Inns, Lodges and Campgrounds! This means that Light and Glare and Ridgetop protection would only apply to lodging, and not to new homes, industry and commercial uses.
ACTION: Tell the County to move the Light and Glare and Ridgetop language to a new section of the Zone Code so that it will apply to ALL NEW CONSTRUCTION, including residential, commercial and industrial uses, throughout the Methow Valley, to protect our skies and views as the valley grows.
RESOURCES: Dark sky-specific comment suggestions and resources
ZONING ISSUE #2: PREVENT SPRAWL IN THE METHOW VALLEY!
ISSUE: Ever since the Okanogan County Board of County Commissioners adopted the Methow Valley Addendum to the County Comprehensive Plan in 1976, one of the key principles has been to focus commercial uses in the towns. The purpose of this policy has been to avoid creating sprawling commercial strips along the valley floor that would impact agriculture, open space and other rural values. This policy has worked, leading to a landscape that protects the rural character of the Methow Valley, a core value shared by our communities.
PROBLEM: Proposed Changes to the District Use Chart would add formerly prohibited uses like commercial, office, and industrial uses and salvage (junk) yards as allowed in the Methow Review District (MRD). This threatens our successful history of protective zoning.
ACTION: Urge County Commissioners to follow the wise choice Okanogan County enacted in 1976 and reject adding commercial, office and industrial uses to the Methow Review District. Let’s plan to keep those uses in the towns!
RESOURCES: MVCC analysis of proposed changes affecting allowed uses in the Methow Review District, R5 and R20
MVCC and Futurewise Zoning Comments
ZONING ISSUE #3: ENCOURAGE THE COUNTY TO EXTEND METHOW VALLEY ZONING THROUGHOUT THE WATERSHED
ISSUE: Since 1976, the lower third of the Methow Valley has been cut off from the protections afforded by the Methow Review District. The lower valley is an important part of our rural watershed, with very dark skies, wide open spaces, and the same river running through it!
PROBLEM: Under current and proposed zoning, the lower valley is effectively lumped with the county R5 and R20 zoning, instead of included as part of the same watershed. It is currently not treated as the special place it is – a unique and sparsely populated part of the Methow that could be subject to dense sprawl and commercial/industrial uses that are incompatible with its narrow geography and quiet, agricultural way of life.
ACTION: Ask the County to change the zoning of the lower Methow valley to reflect that it is part of the same watershed, with the same desire to protect the valley’s unique rural character.
BONUS: Encourage the county to stick with their promise to support local Advisory Groups in Sub Units B and C!
RESOURCES: Map of Methow Review District and Sub Units A,B,C,
Map of 1976 Methow Review District
If you want to dig in further here are some more resources to help you craft the perfect comment!
- Okanogan County Planning website link to zoning documents (so you can do your own research)
