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Leavenworth and Wenatchee Valley Alleged Code Violations

To the residents of Chelan County,


We want to acknowledge that our office is aware of the ongoing discussions regarding the steel crosses, one located above the Wenatchee Valley and another currently under construction outside Leavenworth. We appreciate the feedback we've received from our communities, both in support of and opposition to these structures.


Our focus is to ensure that both comply with Chelan County Code. We have worked closely with Chelan County Community Development and the Prosecuting Attorney's Office to determine if any actions need to be taken. In a recent meeting, Community Development Director Deanna Walter confirmed her department’s intent to take action against the property owners to ensure compliance. The Prosecuting Attorney, Robert Sealby, also reviewed the relevant county codes cited by Community Development and confirmed his offices support for legal enforcement. The Sheriff's Office, with this legal backing / authority, will contact the responsible parties to assist in achieving compliance.


A notice and order to correct any violations will be issued by the Sheriff’s Office. If the responsible parties do not comply, a civil citation will be issued, and the matter may be taken to court. The decision on whether the Leavenworth project can proceed or if the current Wenatchee Valley structure must be altered rests with the Community Development office.

Clarification on Code Enforcement:
During the processing of these issues there appeared to be some confusion about the role of Code Enforcement. To clarify the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Code Enforcement team investigates and enforces civil code violations within the county, working closely with the Community Development team. The team handles complaints from citizens and those observed by law enforcement. Significant improvements were made in 2023 to the Code Enforcement team, leading to better compliance and the resolution of many longstanding issues, including the closure of unsafe properties. Prior to 2023 enforcement of county code faced several challenges which have since been resolved.


How to Submit a Code Enforcement Complaint:
The counties primary approach to code enforcement is through education and voluntary compliance. However, if violations persist after warnings, civil penalties may be pursued. Given the volume of cases, the sheriff’s office prioritizes those with completed Code Violation Forms.


Please submit completed forms via email to cd.code.enforcement@co.chelan.wa.us or by mail to:
Chelan County Community Development
Code Enforcement
316 Washington St., Suite 301
Wenatchee, WA 98801


Important Notes:
*A completed Code Violation Form is required for your complaint to be prioritized.
*We will not complete forms over the phone, and please do not use Rivercom’s 911 emergency number for code enforcement issues.
*Anonymous complaints are not accepted, so please include your contact information.
For questions regarding code enforcement, you can reach Community Development at 509-667-6225.

Commitment to Service:
The Chelan County Sheriff's Office remains committed to providing unbiased, fair, and professional service. We are dedicated to ensuring the safety, justice, and security of all citizens through our core values of Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence. We remain focused on fulfilling our Mission Statement: With the resources entrusted to us, we will be a steadfast ally to all citizens and their safety, and an adversary to those who would threaten either, in a continued effort of achieving our Vision Statement: A community where safety, justice, and security are ensured for all through an unwavering commitment to service. As always, we remain in alignment with our Motto: Of the People. For the People.


Thank you for your continued cooperation, support and understanding. We will continue to protect and serve all of Chelan County.

https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/files/sheriff/documents/Leavenworth%20and%20Wenatchee%20Valley%20Alleged%20Code%20Violations.pdf
Respectfully,
Sheriff Mike Morrison
 

Last Updated: 08/30/2024 04:39 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 25
    Sep 2024
    06:30 PM - 09:00 PM

    Planning Commission - September 25, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 18
    Sep 2024
    01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - September 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or via zoom
  • 04
    Sep 2024
    09:00 AM - 10:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - September 4, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or via zoom
  • 04
    Sep 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 September 4, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, ES Conference Room