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!

  • 21
    Jan 2025
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Ballots will be mailed to voters

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Ballots will be mailed to voters

  • 10
    Jan 2025
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Ballots mailed for military, overseas and out of state voters

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Ballots mailed for Military, Overseas and Out of State voters

  • 08
    Jan 2025
    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 January 8, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 08
    Jan 2025
    01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - January 8, 2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person at 400 Douglas St.
  • 04
    Jan 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Dec. 7.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility