The County is currently going through a required periodic review of the Shoreline Master Plan and there are apparently some ominous proposed changes in there that are very concerning to waterfront properties- the most compelling being the removal of language that currently allows replacement of an existing structure in shoreline areas. Please consider Ryan Walkers message below and take the time to submit comments to ChelanCoSMP@anchorqea.com as requested. Ryan is a very credible source of information in our area.
Hello everyone,
Chelan County is accepting comments on revising their Shoreline Master Program. Comments are due by Saturday April 17th. I am submitting a variety of comments but have found one edit recommended by county staff that would be a drastic negative change to the non-conforming regulations where they propose to remove the word “replaced.” The non-conforming section currently allows replacement and lateral expansion of non-conforming structures. Recently, county staff have been attempting to prohibit this through their administration of the code. This attempt to revise the code to take away rights, confirms that their current interpretation is indefensible without changing the code to the detriment of property owners. Note that this revision is not being pushed by state agencies.
The specific section is pasted below. In the draft document “replaced” is in redline strikeout.
6.2.4 Pre?existing Residential Structures
The following standards shall apply to legally established residential structures and appurtenant structures which are nonconforming with regard to setbacks, buffers or yards; area; bulk; height or density:
A. Structures may be maintained and repaired and
B. Structures may be replaced, enlarged or expanded in height or behind, laterally, provided there is no increase in the nonconformity waterward (in the direction of the water) and
6.2 Regulations
The nonconforming regulations in this Chapter shall apply to all nonconforming uses, lots and structures. Determination of status may be obtained with written approval of the Shoreline Administrator. The Shoreline Administrator may attach conditions, as necessary, to assure consistency with this SMP.
I’d like to encourage you to take a few minutes to submit a comment opposing this change and retain the word “replaced” and also request that the county commissioners affirm that when the SMP was adopted in June 2019 the term “replace” was specifically included on purpose. If you just take a few minutes to send an email opposing the deletion of one word it will be an important step in stopping this. Please encourage others to also comment.
Personally written comments are great but here is a sample comment: I oppose the recommended changes to the non-conforming section of the SMP and specifically am against the proposal to delete “replaced” from section 6.2.4.B. Further, I request that the revised SMP affirm the existing allowance that structures can be replaced as has been historically permitted.
Comments can be submitted to this email address: ChelanCoSMP@anchorqea.com
In 2019 we worked very hard to get this allowance in the code. To now voluntarily give that up when it is not required would be a huge step back. This could have broad implications for property values and the ability to obtain financing.
Thanks,
Ryan Walker
Senior Biologist
GRETTE ASSOCIATES, LLC
151 S Worthen St. Suite 101 Wenatchee, WA 98801