Comprehensive Plan Final Draft 05 14 13

Table of Contents
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Chapter 1.!
THE OKANOGAN COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN .............. 4!
EXECUTIVE STATEMENT ............................................................................... 4! Authority ........................................................................................................... 5! VISION STATEMENT........................................................................................ 5! Neighborhood Groups .......................................................................................... 6! Technical Committees ....................................................................................... 6! DESCRIPTION OF PROCESS ......................................................................... 6! Adoption Process ................................................................................................ 7! AMENDMENT PROCESS ................................................................................. 8! Docketing .......................................................................................................... 8! Five Year Review ................................................................................................ 9! PLANNING OBJECTIVES ................................................................................. 9! Introduction ....................................................................................................... 9! Comprehensive Plan Objectives ............................................................................. 9! General Planning Objectives ............................................................................... 10! PRIVATE PROPERTY AND WATER RIGHTS ............................................... 12! Authority ......................................................................................................... 12! Property Rights................................................................................................. 12! Water Rights .................................................................................................... 13! Chapter 2.! EXISTING CONDITIONS ............................................................. 14! CURRENT LAND USE .................................................................................... 14! Comprehensive Plan Designations ........................................................................ 14! Chapter 3.! RESOURCE LANDS ................................................................... 16! PURPOSE ....................................................................................................... 16! AUTHORITY .................................................................................................... 16! AGRICULTURAL LANDS OF LONG TERM SIGNIFICANCE ......................... 16! Designation Criteria ........................................................................................... 17!
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Exclusion Criteria .............................................................................................. 17! De-designation Criteria ....................................................................................... 18! Density ........................................................................................................... 18! Compatible Uses .............................................................................................. 18! FORESTRY LANDS OF LONG TERM SIGNIFICANCE ................................. 19! Designation Criteria ........................................................................................... 19! Exclusion Criteria .............................................................................................. 19! De-designation Criteria ....................................................................................... 20! Operability Classes (found at WAC 458-40-530) .............................................. 20! Density ........................................................................................................... 20! Compatible Uses .............................................................................................. 21! MINERAL LANDS OF LONG TERM SIGNIFICANCE..................................... 21! Designation Criteria ........................................................................................... 21! Exclusion Criteria .............................................................................................. 22! De-designation Criteria ....................................................................................... 22! CLASSIFICATION ........................................................................................... 22! Density ........................................................................................................... 23! Compatible Uses .............................................................................................. 23! Chapter 4.! LAND USE OF RURAL LANDS .................................................. 24! HISTORY......................................................................................................... 24! PURPOSE ....................................................................................................... 24! DENSITY ......................................................................................................... 25! COMPATIBLE USES....................................................................................... 25! CONDITIONAL USES ..................................................................................... 25! Chapter 5.! UNINCORPORATED TOWNS AND NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL CENTERS LAND USE .............................................................. 27! PURPOSE ....................................................................................................... 27! DESIGNATION CRITERIA .............................................................................. 27! Future Neighborhood Commercial Centers ............................................................. 28! Chapter 6.! LAND USE OF CITY EXPANSION AREAS................................ 29! HISTORY......................................................................................................... 29!
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PURPOSE ....................................................................................................... 29! DESIGNATION CRITERIA .............................................................................. 29! ADMENDMENT ............................................................................................... 30! Five Year Review .............................................................................................. 30! Zoning and Project Review .................................................................................. 30! Chapter 7.! INTENSIVELY PLANNED AREAS ............................................. 31! PURPOSE AND INTENT ................................................................................ 31! DESIGNATION CRITERIA .............................................................................. 31! Establishing Future Intensively Planned Areas ......................................................... 32! Chapter 8.! CIRCULATION ELEMENT .......................................................... 33! INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 33! Purpose of the Transportation Element .................................................................. 33! THE PLANNING PROCESS ........................................................................... 33! Transportation Planning In Washington .................................................................. 34! THE TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT ............................................................. 35! Land Use and Transportation ............................................................................... 35! Okanogan County Planning Regions ..................................................................... 36! Functional Classification System .......................................................................... 36! Chapter 9.! ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES .............................................. 38! AIRPORT SAFETY.......................................................................................... 38! CAPITAL FACILITIES ..................................................................................... 38! Chapter 10.! COORDINATION ......................................................................... 39! FEDERAL AGENCIES .................................................................................... 39! Authority ......................................................................................................... 39! STATE AGENCIES ......................................................................................... 39! Authority ......................................................................................................... 40! Appendix A ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.41! UPPER METHOW COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.41!
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Chapter 1. THE OKANOGAN COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

EXECUTIVE STATEMENT
In June of 2007 the Okanogan County Board of County Commissioners directed that a process be initiated to complete a review of the existing Comprehensive Plan. The current plan was adopted in 1964 and has been subject to little review or change since that time. The Board of County Commissioners believed the existing plan, the zone code, and subdivision regulation were not adequate to ensure a high level of local control and defensible local decisions. The process began using neighborhood and technical groups to generate a range of options in each of the several land use designations. In each advisory group and during the hearing process, articulate citizens with diametrically opposing viewpoints vigorously debated the plan. Some opposed any regulatory approach to land use while others opposed any relaxing of land use regulation. The County Commissioners, elected to represent the interests of all of Okanogan County, believe that by affording a platform for all viewpoints to be considered, a stronger comprehensive plan will be crafted. By considering all viewpoints and then creating a carefully crafted plan the health, safety, and welfare of future generations is best protected. The Okanogan Regional Planning Commission conducted a series of public meetings and hearings to gather information and refine the draft plan from proposed options to specific language. The Planning Commission believed the final decisions regarding the language of the plan should rest with the Board of County Commissioners. In October of 2009 the Planning Commission referred a much refined draft of the Comprehensive Plan to the Board of Commissioners for further refinement and adoption. The Board of County Commissioners finds that over 57% of the land in Okanogan County is owned by Federal and State Agencies. Over 20% of Okanogan County is within the boundaries of the Colville Indian Reservation and therefore outside of the direct planning and permitting authority of the County with the exception of deeded fee lands. Of the remaining less than 23% of the land mass, it is estimated that 5% is not suitable for development due to topography and other critical area features. The remaining land mass must provide the inventory of land necessary to provide for residential, industrial, and commercial needs both in and out of the incorporated cities and towns. This land also supports the agricultural and natural resource based activities that are important to the local economy. The land use designations used in the Comprehensive Plan must recognize these needs while avoiding incompatible uses.
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The Board of County Commissioners issued a revised draft of the Comprehensive Plan and the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation Map in November of 2010. Public hearings are scheduled for the first quarter of 2010 with projected adoption of the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Designation Map by August 31, 2013. Review and adoption of the Zone Code, Zone Designation Map, Subdivision regulation, Shorelines Master Program, and Critical Areas Ordinance will follow adoption of the Comprehensive Plan.
Authority
RCW 36.70 Planning Enabling Act RCW 36.70A.170 Counties must designate Agricultural lands, Forest lands, Mineral lands, and Critical Areas RCW 36.70A.050 Guidelines for classifying Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral lands, and also Critical Areas o Additional guidelines for classification of these include: ! WAC 365.190.050 Agricultural lands ! WAC 365.190.060 Forest lands ! WAC 365.190.070 Mineral lands RCW 43.21C State Environmental Policy Act WAC 197-11 SEPA Rules RCW 90.58 Shorelines Master Program
VISION STATEMENT
Okanogan County is the largest county in the State of Washington with borders ranging from Canada to the Columbia River. The tremendous extremes in geography and weather patterns have led to great diversity in occupation and lifestyle. What remains consistent is the independent spirit of our citizens and a universal belief in our Constitutional Rights. We further believe in directing the use of our land and natural resources so they will be able to provide for future generations. Okanogan County will continue to be a place where people can freely pursue their dreams. When government respects the rights of its citizens and works to strengthen the local economy, while also putting forth efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment, it provides families with a place to prosper and grow. Okanogan County will provide for the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens by promoting intelligent use of all available resources. This Plan is driven by the common belief that in preserving the future for generations to come, we must act wisely today.
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Neighborhood Groups
The neighborhood groups formed to facilitate this process are: Brewster Chesaw Conconully Loomis Lower Methow Mazama Advisory Committee Middle Methow Okanogan-Omak Oroville Riverside Tonasket Tunk Mountain Upper Methow Wauconda/Aeneas Valley
Technical Committees
Technical committees who also facilitated this process are: Resource Lands City Expansion Areas (Incorporated Cities) Economic Development (Economic Alliance) Affordable Housing (Okanogan County Community Action Council)
DESCRIPTION OF PROCESS
Okanogan County used a neighborhood planning process, along with a mix of technical committees, to create the first draft of the revised Comprehensive Plan. The neighborhood groups began work in June of 2007 with an official kick-off at Growth Summit I in August of 2007. The groups, supported by County Planning Staff, contracted planning professionals, and citizen volunteers to discuss densities, compatible uses, affordable housing, along with additional elements within a geographic boundary they identified as their area of interest. The information generated by this process advised the revisions to the Comprehensive Plan. The first draft was officially distributed at Growth Summit II in June of 2008. This draft was then sent back to the neighborhood groups, technical committees, and other interested parties for additional review and drafting. This draft of the revised Comprehensive Plan was prepared with a tier of options to facilitate a comparative analysis of the pros and cons of each potential policy decision.
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A revised draft was presented for review by SEPA in January 2009. The SEPA review is ongoing as the plan is reviewed and revised. A refined draft emerged from the initial SEPA process and was scheduled for hearings in front of the Planning Commission March of 2009, which was followed by hearings before the Board of County Commissioners in late fall of 2010. Adoption is anticCPAted by August 31, 2013. The Shorelines Master Program and Critical Areas Ordinance are under review for update and scheduled for completion by December 31, 2013. The Flood Management Plans for the Methow and Okanogan Rivers are completed. The work of watershed councils is on-going. These plans will be reviewed for consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. They will be adopted by ordinance in a separate processes. The Zone Code, Zone Designation Map, and Subdivision regulation will come under review after review and revisions to the Comprehensive Plan are completed.
Adoption Process
The Comprehensive Plan is adopted under the legislative power of the Board of County Commissioners as defined in RCW 36.70, Planning Enabling Act. The Comprehensive Plan and Comprehensive Land Use Designation Map identify resource areas, compatible land uses, and densities in all unincorporated areas, including public lands. The Okanogan County Comprehensive Plan identifies existing incorporated boundaries of the Cities, but has no authority within those boundaries. The Comprehensive Plan, as a land use control guide, must comply with RCW 43.21C (SEPA) and WAC 197-11 (SEPA Rules). The SEPA Final Determination is appealable, under current Okanogan County Code, to the Board of County Commissioners. An open record public hearing is required, under current Okanogan County Code and RCW 36.70.400, before the Okanogan County Regional Planning Commission. The Planning Commission, after hearing testimony and examining submitted information, adopts a recommendation of approval, approval with recommended amendments, or denial to the Board of County Commissioners. The Planning Commission is then required to adopt Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law to support their recommendation. The Comprehensive Plan is adopted by ordinance by the Okanogan County Board of County Commissioners. The Board of County Commissioners is required to conduct an open record public hearing. After hearing all testimony and examining submitted information, including the complete record of the Planning Commission, the Board of Commissioners may adopt by ordinance, amend and adopt by ordinance, or remand the Comprehensive Plan back to staff for additional review. If amended or remanded, the Board of County Commissioners will determine if a new hearing is required before the Planning Commission. In the event of remand or amendment, the Board of County Commissioners, after consulting with the designated SEPA responsible official, will determine if additional review under SEPA is required.
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The Board of County Commissioners will adopt by ordinance the Comprehensive Plan and the Comprehensive Land Use Designation Map. The final decision made by the Board of County Commissioners will be considered valid on its face. The final decision made by the Board of County Commissioners is appealable, by those with standing, in accordance with RCW 36.70C (Land Use Petitions Act).
AMENDMENT PROCESS
Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan will be considered on an annual basis. Proposed amendments will be reviewed in accordance to the requirements in this section and all applicable State Law.
Docketing
The period for docketing proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan or Comprehensive Land Use Designation Map will begin January 31 and end on June 1 of each calendar year. The proposed amendments will be submitted on forms provided by the Okanogan County Office of Planning and Development. The Director of Okanogan County Office of Planning and Development, or others as designated by the Board of County Commissioners, shall review each proposal for completeness and all applicable State Laws and Okanogan County Code. The determination of a complete application will be made by June 30 of each year. A list of all complete applications along with a statement of consistency or nonconsistency will be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners by July 7 of each year. The Board of County Commissioners will determine which proposals to docket for further review by July 31. The proposals selected for docketing will be returned to the Director of Okanogan County Office of Planning and Development for further review. Proposed amendments to the City Expansion Areas of any incorporated city or town must be docketed with the affected city or town in accordance with the City Expansion Area Chapter 10 of the Comprehensive Plan. The Board of County Commissioners will consult with the affected city or town before determining if an amendment to the City Expansion Area will be forwarded for review. The proposed amendments selected for further review will be scheduled for public hearing in front of the Okanogan County Regional Planning Commission no later than October 1 of each year. No later than November 20 of each year, the Okanogan County Regional Planning Commission will forward to the Board of County Commissioners a recommendation of approval or denial for each proposal and include Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law to support their decision. The Board of County Commissioners shall, before December 31 of each year, conduct an open record public hearing to consider the recommendation of the Okanogan County Regional Planning Commission, testimony, and other information submitted. The Board
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of County Commissioners shall adopt by ordinance any amendment to be approved or denied. The Board of County Commissioners shall adopt Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law to support their decision. The final decision of the Board of County Commissioners shall be considered valid on its face. The final decision of the Board of County Commissioners is appealable, by those with standing, in accordance with RCW 36.70C Land Use Petitions Act.
Five Year Review

The Board of County Commissioners shall order the review of the Comprehensive Plan and Comprehensive Land Use Designation Map five years from the date of the first approval and every five years thereafter. The Board of County Commissioners will adopt by resolution a Scope of Work describing the process for the five year review including a public particCPAtion plan. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require any future Board of County Commissioners to review and revise every section of the Comprehensive Plan. The level and areas of review will be identified in the Scope of Work adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. The public particCPAtion plan shall be consistent with the adopted Scope of Work.
PLANNING OBJECTIVES
Introduction
The Comprehensive Plan will be guided by a series of Comprehensive Plan and General Planning Objectives. These objectives identify key planning principles and provide a framework for actively involving local residents, business and property owners, the cities and towns, local service providers, and the Colville Confederated Tribes. These policies have been developed in an effort initiated in 2005 and refined through a series of intergovernmental coordination meetings, as well as several opportunities for public review. The second section of this chapter is a list comprised of General Planning Objectives that outline ongoing policy objectives or identify future planning activities.
Comprehensive Plan Objectives

The revised Okanogan County Comprehensive Plan will be based on a Vision Statement approved by the Board of County Commissioners. The County will develop and implement a public involvement strategy to ensure the opportunity for early and continuous citizen particCPAtion throughout the Comprehensive Plan update process.
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The County will actively consult the Colville Confederated Tribes when updating the County Comprehensive Plan and will establish a protocol for integrating the updated Plan with the Comprehensive Plan prepared by the Tribes for the Colville Reservation and Trust Lands as is necessary and appropriate. Okanogan County shall periodically review the Critical Areas Ordinance, Shorelines Master Program, Flood Management Programs, and Hazard Mitigation Plan as required by state law and/or at the discretion of the Board of County Commissioners to ensure compliance with the land use designations contained in this Comprehensive Plan. In partnership with the incorporated cities and towns, the County will establish City Expansion Areas that will provide adequate land to meet projected needs of the city or town. It is the intent of Okanogan County to inaugurate a Comprehensive Plan that contains the required elements in accordance with RCW 36.70 Planning Enabling Act. The Comprehensive Plan will be used as a tool to protect the customs, cultures, and economic stability of Okanogan County and as a guide to promote consistency amongst other adopted regulation whether mandated or elective. It is the expectation of Okanogan County that when State, Federal, or Regional agencies prepare, implement, and update plans and regulations, that they are consistent with the Countys Comprehensive Plan.
General Planning Objectives

Okanogan County recognizes the constitutional protection of private property rights. As a result, Okanogan County will not take land for public use without just compensation to the landowner. Okanogan County will inventory essential public facilities in the County and shall establish criteria for citing such essential public facilities of regional and statewide significance. Okanogan County will establish economic development goals and policies which support economic prosperity, opportunity, and promote employment for all citizens. Okanogan County will identify capital facilities necessary to support planned levels of growth and will identify funding sources and strategies that make effective use of the Countys limited resources. Okanogan County will establish criteria to identify and designate natural resource areas including mining, timber, and agricultural lands and will provide opportunities within County policy to maintain and enhance the traditional natural resource industries in the County.
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Okanogan County recognizes the important role forestland plays in our economy, recreational pursuits, and cultural heritage. Okanogan County will promote the responsible harvest of forest products and the protection of these lands from incompatible uses. Okanogan County will require coordination from the public land managers (USFS, BLM, DNR, etc) to create appropriate land use designations and effective management practices to further these goals. Land use designations within rural lands must provide sufficient land for housing and business activities suitable to the rural areas. These designations and the projects they anticCPAte must be compatible with available water supplies, capacity of the area for on-site septic, and the ability to provide adequate levels of public services. Okanogan County, in cooperation and coordination with incorporated cities and towns, will encourage a range of housing densities and affordability to meet the needs of all economic segments of the Countys population. An adequate inventory of affordable housing is critically important to maintaining a viable agricultural economic base. Farmworker housing will be a permitted use in all zones except where restrained by critical areas. Density for farmworker housing will be determined by the ability of the site to comply with public health standards. Agricultural activities shall be recognized and promoted in the rural and resource designation. Okanogan County supports agricultural activity as a vital component of our economic base, as the foundation of a local food supply, and an integral part of our heritage. Okanogan County will protect agriculture from the impact of incompatible uses by utilizing appropriate land use designations and effective review processes. Okanogan County recognizes the importance of an effective transportation system to agricultural operations in the movement of equipment, materials, stock, and agricultural products. Okanogan County will consider the needs of agriculture in all future transportation planning efforts. Traffic control regulation, allowing for the safe and effective use of the County road system by agriculture in areas bearing a resource designation, will be implemented. Okanogan County will adopt a circulation element that ensures the maintenance and enhancement of a transportation system that is both safe and efficient. Every effort will be made to support needed improvements to the transportation system concurrent with new land development patterns. Development proposals shall be reviewed for impacts to the transportation system. Conditions of approval will be identified to mitigate adverse impacts to current and future levels of service. Improvements will be required based on a proportionate share nexus to prevent onerous requirements on new development while at the same time avoiding unreasonable impacts to the existing tax base.
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Existing unincorporated towns and cities should develop in such a manner that impacts to the transportation system brought about by the increased users of the services provided are mitigated to avoid degrading the level of service provided. Underlying zoning within unincorporated towns and cities must provide an effective mix of permitted and conditional uses that provide the services appropriate to a Neighborhood commercial center without impacting the ability of towns and cities to develop regional services within their existing boundaries or areas. Existing unincorporated towns and cities act as Neighborhood commercial centers that contribute positively to the social and economic status of the citizens of the County. Effective planning within the existing boundaries of the unincorporated towns, cities, and neighboring areas benefits the public by increasing the proximity of our citizens to necessary supplies and services. Existing unincorporated towns and cities should develop in such a manner that adequate water supplies are available and on-site septic systems are sufficient to provide for the users of the services provided within them. Unincorporated towns and cities shall retain their existing zoning. Rezoning to compatible zones will be on an elective basis by the landowners.
PRIVATE PROPERTY AND WATER RIGHTS

Authority
United States Constitution, Fifth Amendment Washington State Constitution, Article 1, Section 16 RCW Chapter 8.08 Eminent Domain by Counties RCW Chapter 8.25 Eminent Domain Proceedings RCW 36.70A.370 Protection of Property Rights
Property Rights
Okanogan County believes in the protection of a private citizens right to the use of the land they own. Landowners rights must be protected from the conversion of their land to public use without due process and just compensation. In addition, landowners rights must be protected from regulation that deprives the landowner of all reasonable use and value or places a burden on them disproportionate to the impacts caused by activities on their land. The actions of government constitute a taking when: The property is physically appropriated; or By regulating or limiting the use of property under the governments police power authority in such a way as to destroy one or more of the fundamental attributes of
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ownership which are: the right to possess, the right to exclude others, and the right to dispose of property; or Deny all reasonable economic use of the property; or Requiring property owners to provide a public benefit rather than mitigating an impact caused by the proposed use of the land.
Water Rights
Okanogan County recognizes a water right as private property and affords it the same protection. Okanogan County adheres to the premise of first in time, first in right that is a foundation block of Western water law. A water right put to a beneficial use, including a temporary dedication to in-stream flow, should be protected from relinquishment to the state. Okanogan County further recognizes that keeping the right to use water within Okanogan County is critical to its economic health. Okanogan County encourages water right holders to consider all other options to protect their water right or to realize profit from its use before offering it for sale outside of the County. Okanogan County will attempt to create incentive based programs to encourage the owner of water rights to keep them in the County. Such programs might include: Water banking. Density bonuses as adopted in a Performance Based Density Bonus that promotes the use of water in the County or promotes the transfer of water for use in the County. Promote the re-issuance of water rights lost through relinquishment within Okanogan County. Review and minimize the impacts caused by the transfer of water outside of the County. This statement should not be construed in any manner to imply any interference with the owners right to sell their water right to any buyer.
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Chapter 2. EXISTING CONDITIONS

CURRENT LAND USE
The current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1964 under the authority of RCW 36.70 Planning Enabling Act, with little change since. The following table gives an accurate account of each Comprehensive Plan Designation in acres for comparison created with data from the 2013 Comprehensive Plan and Map revision.
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Comprehensive Plan Designations

Rural City* City Expansion Area* Resource Lands Methow Review District Other Important Land Designations Colville Reservation Total County Acreage _______ _______ _______ _______ _______
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*City and City Expansion Areas are not the same designation. Cities describe the size of each city in Okanogan County and are under each municCPAls ruling, whereas City Expansion Areas are the citys focused growth areas that are under County Rule. Figure 1: Historical Population Data 1960-2000
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Table 1: HISTORICAL POPULATION OF OKANOGAN COMPARED TO WASHINGTON MEDIUM SERIES: HISTORY 1960 TO 2000 1960 2,853,214 25,520 1965 3,065,000 25,100 1970 3,413,250 25,867 1975 3,567,890 26,800 1980 4,132,353 30,663 1985 4,415,785 32,687 1990 4,866,663 33,350 1995 5,4070,104 38.943 2000 5,894,121 39,564
State Okanogan
Note: Census totals may differ slightly from other publications due to use of corrected or uncorrected counts. Unrounded numbers not meant to imply accuracy. OFM/Forecasting | October 2007
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Figure 2: Total Projected Population for Okanogan County 2000-2030
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Table 2: FINAL PROJECTIONS OF THE TOTAL RESIDENT POPULATION FOR OKANOGAN COMPARED TO WASHINGTON Medium Series: 2000 to 2030 Census 2000 State Okanogan 5,894,121 39,564 Estimate 2005 6,256,400 39,600 2010 6,792,318 42,739 2015 7,255,672 44,923 Projections 2020 7,698,939 46,526 2025 8,120,510 48,016 2030 8,509,161 49,239
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Note: Differences in 2000 figures compared to other tables due to census corrections. Data may not add due to rounding; unrounded figures are not meant to imply precision. OFM/Forecasting | October 2007
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Chapter 3.
PURPOSE
RESOURCE LANDS
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The residents of Okanogan County recognize the land as a valuable and irreplaceable resource. The purpose of resource land designations is to recognize the value of these lands to the economic and cultural well-being of the residents in the Okanogan County. Okanogan County, as the largest county in the State of Washington, offers challenges in the review of resource lands created by the unique characteristics of each area. The criteria shall be afforded different weight as they are considered in light of the conditions each area presents. In considering whether to designate lands as resource lands, the following criteria shall be used according to WAC 365.190, RCW 36.70A.050, and RCW 36.70A.170. Okanogan County has taken an extensive inventory of resource lands and made a complete analysis of the capacity of designated lands to maintain and enhance resource industries, among them being the cattlemen, horticulturalist, and mineral resource operators. The data is contained in a library of information available to the public at the Okanogan County Planning Department.
AUTHORITY
RCW 36.70 Planning Enabling Act RCW 36.70A.370 Protection of private property RCW 36.70A.177 Agricultural lands-- Innovative zoning tools and accessory uses RCW 36.70A.170 Natural resource lands and critical areas-- Designations RCW 36.70A.050 Guidelines to classify Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral lands, and Critical Areas Minimum guidelines for classification of these include: o WAC 365.190.050 Agricultural lands o WAC 365.190.060 Forest lands o WAC 365.190.070 Mineral lands
AGRICULTURAL LANDS OF LONG TERM SIGNIFICANCE

Farming is the top employer of Okanogan County with 4,412 jobs and accounts for 18.6% of total employment opportunities available in Okanogan County (2011).
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The farming industry alone earned $173,874,000, which is 20% of the total earnings for Okanogan County. The average farming employee made $39,409 (2011).
Designation Criteria
In considering whether to designate land as Agricultural Resource Lands the following criteria will be used: Not already characterized by urban growth/development and urban zoning. Capacity to support agriculture use:. o Soil classifications o Climate of area o Topography and altitude o Parcel size Availability of public facilities and services. Relationship or proximity to City Expansion Area. Proximity of markets. Land use settlement patterns and their compatibility with agricultural practices: o Land use intensities o History of issued land development permits nearby Land values under alternative uses. Tax status. The influence of changing markets on possible crop types. Primarily devoted to the commercial production of agricultural products including land used or capable of being used for production based on land characteristics
Exclusion Criteria
Proximity to population areas and the possibility of more intense uses of the land as indicated by the availability of public facilities, tax status, the availability of public services, relationship or proximity to urban growth areas, predominant parcel size, land use settlement patterns and their compatibility with agricultural practices, intensity of nearby land uses, and the history of land development permits issued nearby. Incompatibility of surrounding land uses with agricultural activities.
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De-designation Criteria
Error was made in designation. Due to changing climate or soil conditions the land no longer holds long term commercial significance for agriculture Due to changing crop markets and growing requirements the land can no longer be devoted primarily to agriculture hence no longer holds long term commercial significance for agriculture.
Density
Residential uses are consistent with Agricultural Resource Lands. Lot sizes, setbacks, height restrictions, and other considerations are specifically addressed in the underlying zone, subdivision regulation, and other regulation as appropriate. The lot sizes and overall density allowed in underlying zoning should consider the following criteria: Proximity to transportation system. Proximity to city centers. Availability of potable water and water delivery systems. Availability of fire protection, police, and other emergency services.
Minimum lots should be sufficient in size to allow compliance with on-site sewage disposal and the protection of potable water sources. Lots in areas served by a sanitary sewer system, and so designated by the Board of County Commissioners, are required to be served by the sewer system.
Compatible Uses
To provide the greatest flexibility for the agricultural industry, it is important a wide variety of planning tools be available. Additionally, a wide variety of activities should be considered compatible or capable of being made compatible with agriculture. These activities are listed as follows: All agricultural operations including raising food or fiber, livestock, feedlots, or the processing of agriculture products. (Conditional use reviews for slaughterhouse, other higher impact processing, or activities). Sale of agricultural products. Commercial tourism activities with a nexus to agriculture or compatible with offseason periods. Residential uses including all single family, extended family, and farm worker housing. The Farming Operations Disclosure will be required on plats creating new lots and site evaluations for existing lots. Manufacturing activities that are resource based, require proximity to agricultural operations, are compatible with agricultural operations. Mineral extraction. Timber management and harvest. 5/14/2013 18
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Home occupations. Neighborhood commercial alternative energy facilities.
FORESTRY LANDS OF LONG TERM SIGNIFICANCE

Forestry, Fishing, & Related Activities employed 1,478 people and 6.2% of the total employment opportunities in the county in 2011. This industry in Okanogan County earned $38,892,000 and equates to 4.5% of all earnings (2011). The average employee made $26,314 in 2011 in Forestry, Fishing, & Related Activities.
In considering whether land should be designated as Forest Resource Lands the following criteria shall be used: Not already characterized by urban growth/development and urban zoning. Capacity for forestry use: o Parcel size o Topography and altitude Land use settlement patterns and their compatibility with forest practices: o Intensity of nearby land uses o History of land development permits issued nearby Availability of public facilities and services. Has long-term commercial significance. Land values under secondary uses. Relationship or proximity to City Expansion Areas. Tax status Primarily devoted to resource production or is capable of being used for forest production
Exclusion Criteria
Proximity to population areas and the possibility of more intense uses of the land as indicated by the availability of public facilities, tax status, the availability of public services, relationship or proximity to urban growth areas, predominant parcel size, land use settlement patterns and their compatibility with agricultural practices, intensity of nearby land uses, and the history of land development permits issued nearby. Incompatibility of surrounding land uses with timber harvest activities.
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Error was made in designation. Due to changing climate or soil conditions the land no longer holds long term commercial significance for timber production. Due to changing markets and growing requirements the land can no longer be devoted primarily to agriculture hence no longer holds long term commercial significance for timber production.!
Operability Classes (found at WAC 458-40-530)

Operability classes are established according to intrinsic characteristics of soils and geomorphic features. The criteria for each class apply statewide. Unique conditions found in any one geographic area may affect forest operations to a greater degree than the above classes permit. With documented evidence, the department of revenue may place the soil in a more severe class: Class 1-Favorable: o Stable soils that slope less than thirty percent are favorable. Forest operations do not significantly affect soil productivity and soil erosion. Forest operations, such as roading and logging, are managed with minimal limitations. Class 2-Average: o Stable soils that slope less than thirty percent are average, but on which significant soil erosion, compaction, and displacement may occur because of forest operations. Class 3-Difficult: o Soils with one or both of the following characteristics are difficult: o Stable soils that slope between thirty and sixty-five percent; and o Soils that slope between zero and sixty-five percent, but display evidence that rapid mass movement may occur as a direct result of forest operations. Class 4-Extreme: o All soils that slope more than sixty-five percent are extreme.
Density
Residential uses are consistent with Forestry Resource Lands. Lot sizes, setbacks, height restrictions, and other considerations are specifically addressed in the underlying zone, subdivision regulation, and other regulation as appropriate. The lot sizes and overall density allowed in underlying zoning should consider the following criteria: Proximity to transportation system. Proximity to city centers. Availability of potable water and water delivery systems.
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Availability of fire protection, police, and other emergency services.
Minimum lots should be sufficient in size to allow compliance with on-site sewage disposal and the protection of potable water sources. Lots in areas served by a sanitary sewer system, and so designated by the Board of County Commissioners, will be required to be served by the sewer system.
Compatible Uses
Because of the time necessary to bring a forest from seedlings to harvest, it is important that the ebb and flow of market trends be weighed against the decades needed for a marketable forest to reach maturity. Land use tools such as clustering should be utilized to create developmental opportunities without eroding the critical mass of forestlands necessary to maintain the forest based activities previously listed. In addition, the permitted and conditional uses allowed in the forest designation should ensure economic diversity for landowners by giving them the ability to respond to market trends without taking the critical mass of land out of forest production. The following shall be compatible uses: Harvest and processing of forest products. Agricultural activities including raising and processing food, including livestock, fiber as well as livestock grazing. Single family residential uses. Commercial tourism (hunting, fishing, trail systems, snowmobiling, lodges, transient accommodations i.e. retreat centers, etc). Mineral extraction. Manufacturing that requires proximity to forest products. Home Occupations.
MINERAL LANDS OF LONG TERM SIGNIFICANCE

Mineral extraction in Okanogan County employed 242 people in 2011, which is 1% of the total employment opportunities available. The mining industry for the county earned $17,211 totaling to 2% of total earnings in 2011. The average mineral extraction related employee earned $71,120 in 2011.
In considering whether land should be designated as Mineral Resource Lands the following criteria shall be used:
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Presence of known and potential deposits of sand, gravel, and valuable metallic substances and other minerals as appropriate. Not already characterized by urban growth Existing land uses and ownership. Geologic factors: o Topography and physical properties of the resource including quality and type. o Life of the resource. o Resource availability in the region. Economic factors: o Potential for long-term commercial significance including depth of resource and overburden. o Energy costs of transporting minerals. o Accessibility and proximity to the point of use or market. Environmental factor.
Exclusion Criteria
Proximity to population areas and the possibility of more intense uses of the land as indicated by the availability of public facilities, tax status, the availability of public services, relationship or proximity to urban growth areas, predominant parcel size, land use settlement patterns and their compatibility with agricultural practices, intensity of nearby land uses, and the history of land development permits issued nearby. Incompatibility of mineral extraction with surrounding land uses.
Error made in designation. Depletion of the mineral resource. Changing market conditions that makes extraction of the mineral resource no longer commercially significant.
CLASSIFICATION
WAC 365-190-070 states counties should classify mineral resources for the following minerals: sand, gravel, and valuable metallic substances. Others will be classified as appropriate. In classifying mineral lands, the County shall consider the effects of proximity to population areas and the possibility of more intense uses of the land as indicated by: General land use patterns in the area. Availability of utilities including water supply. Surrounding parcel size and surrounding uses.
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Subdivision or zoning for urban or small lots. Accessibility to public roads and other public services Energy costs of transporting minerals.
Density
Residential uses are consistent with Mineral Resource Lands. Lot sizes, setbacks, height restrictions, and other considerations are specifically addressed in the underlying zone, subdivision regulation, and other regulation as appropriate. The lot sizes and overall density allowed in underlying zoning should consider the following criteria: Proximity to transportation system. Proximity to city centers. Availability of potable water and water delivery systems. Availability of fire protection, police, and other emergency services.
Compatible Uses
The mineral lands designation appears as an overlay to the underlying zone. The overlay is created based on the criteria listed earlier. Proposals for commercial mining operations are reviewed in these areas as permitted. Small-scale operations for personal use are permitted in all zones of the County. Mineral extraction and processing can be compatible in Minimum Requirements, Agricultural, and Industrial Districts.
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Chapter 4. LAND USE OF RURAL LANDS

HISTORY
Lands in the rural designation will contain the greatest mix of existing and potential uses because of the tremendous diversity of these lands. A wide range of compatible uses should be considered with reliance on the underlying zoning to ensure compatibility of proposed activities in regards to existing uses and historical characteristics of the neighboring area. Comprehensive review of land use proposals to identify probable impacts and to ensure compatibility with existing and/or planned activities will be necessary to prevent conflicts. The objective of zoning in the rural designation is to provide an effective mix of land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, tourist, and recreational opportunities.
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PURPOSE
In the course of comprehensive planning, the County actively identifies and designates City Expansion Areas and resource lands. Incorporated city limits are established by law and fall under the jurisdiction of the legislative bodies of those cities and towns. All other lands are designated rural. The objective of the rural designation is to provide an effective inventory of land for residential and other uses while avoiding unnecessary conflicts. Neighborhood commercial centers will become more necessary as population increases and should be appropriately sited in proximity to the rural population and transportation system. The existing mix of agricultural and resourced based activities, recreation, and tourism should be recognized for the diversity it provides to the economic base. A mix of residential densities should be allowed to provide an adequate inventory of housing sites for those seeking a rural lifestyle and to provide worker housing in proximity to employment providers. Okanogan County is large in size and varied in topography and climate. For these reasons, lands in the rural designation will exhibit great differences in terms of its ability to support residential density and other land use activities. Underlying zoning and/or the review processes that support and implement this Plan must be established with consideration for the ability of the land to support the proposed land use activity. The ability of lands in the rural designation to support density and permitted/conditional uses will be affected by other bodies of required regulation such as Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program. This must be taken into account when the adequacy of land in the rural designation is reviewed.
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DENSITY
Residential uses are consistent with the rural designation. Lot sizes, setbacks, height restrictions, and other considerations will be specifically addressed in the underlying zone, subdivision regulation, and other regulation as appropriate. The lot sizes and overall density allowed in underlying zoning should consider the following criteria: Proximity to transportation system Proximity to city centers Availability of potable water and water delivery systems Availability of fire protection, police, and other emergency services
COMPATIBLE USES
The rural designation is consistent with a wide array of permitted and conditional uses. The specific mix of permitted uses will be determined by the underlying zone. Densities for farm worker housing will be determined by the ability of the site to comply with public health and safety standards. Examples of land uses in the rural designation are: Residential Agriculture Home occupations Recreational activities
CONDITIONAL USES
Conditional uses are identified in the underlying zone. Conditional uses are those activities that, due to a greater potential for conflict with existing uses, require a higher level of review. Examples of compatible conditional uses in the rural designation include: Processing of agriculture products Sale of agricultural products Neighborhood commercial centers Light manufacturing Resource based heavy manufacturing Commercial tourism Alternative energy facilities 25
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Mineral extraction
The above lists of land uses are neither exhaustive nor directive in terms of final regulation designating those which are permitted or conditional. The underlying zone in any particular area will determine the mix of permitted and conditional land uses and should be assigned with consideration of the criteria listed in the density section of this chapter as well as the following: Proximity to natural resources such as minerals, forests, or water bodies. Proximity to rail systems or heavy haul corridors and infrastructure. Proximity to labor intensive commercial/agricultural operations. Proximity of other similar activities.
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Chapter 5. UNINCORPORATED TOWNS AND NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL CENTERS LAND USE

PURPOSE
Unincorporated towns are residential and commercial centers located in Okanogan County that are not incorporated cities. The County recognizes the important role they play as service centers and focal points for the surrounding neighborhoods. The area within the designation should provide sufficient land for the expansion of the unincorporated towns and neighborhood commercial centers based upon the needs of the residents and the ability of the area to provide services. The Comprehensive Plan for Okanogan County recognizes the following unincorporated towns and neighborhood commercial centers and establishes these policies for future planning and development of them. Methow Carlton Malott Loomis Wauconda Chesaw Molson Ellisforde Mazama Monse Nighthawk Havillah
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DESIGNATION CRITERIA
Unincorporated towns and neighborhood commercial centers will be designation and developed based on the following criteria: Existence of services such as neighborhood retail, tourist retail, and government services. Existence of more intense residential development than the surrounding areas. Historical value as past settlement with existing tourist activities. Ability to support more intense development. 5/14/2013 27
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Future Neighborhood Commercial Centers

Due to the vast size of Okanogan County, it is important to locate necessary services in proximity to the residents. Settlement patterns will be driven by expansion of agriculture, forestry, and mining in rural areas in addition to expansion of tourism. New service centers should be considered to minimize impacts to the transportation system brought about by longer trips to obtain basic services. The unincorporated towns and neighborhood commercial centers also serve as focal points for area residents providing for a sense of community. The demand for new neighborhood commercial centers will be created by the needs of the area residents and landowners. Proposals for new neighborhood commercial centers should be reviewed in accordance with the designation criteria and general planning objectives found previously stated in this section.
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Chapter 6. LAND USE OF CITY EXPANSION AREAS

HISTORY
Okanogan County and the cities and towns therein, recognize that a cooperative effort between local governments is needed to effectively and efficiently serve the needs of the citizens. The City Expansion Area designation is used to identify those lands into which the city or town intends to grow through a twenty year planning window. The policies and procedures contained in this Comprehensive Plan, supplemented by intergovernmental agreements as needed, are designed to give clear direction for the process to designate, review, and amend City Expansion Areas. Subsequent project review and land use decisions, while under the sole authority of the County until such times as the lands annex, are carried out in accordance with the agreed upon processes.
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PURPOSE
As stated above, a clear and cooperative approach to land use planning and decision making between the County and its cities and towns, is necessary to successfully conduct the business of the people. The adoption of agreed upon City Expansion Areas into the County Comprehensive Plan accomplishes two specific goals. Cities and towns have the ability to plan infrastructure and service requirements for a specific growth area. The city or town can propose pre-annexation designations to promote a predictable growth pattern, efficient extension of infrastructure, and to ensure sufficient inventory of land for residential, commercial, and other development. The County can incorporate into their Plan the city or town proposed use of the CEA. This allows the County to accurately analyze the inventory of land available for uses best suited to densely populated areas and to coordinate uses in the rural areas accordingly.
The process for designating City Expansion Areas begins with a proposal from the municCPAlity. Only the municCPAlities shall propose CEA boundaries. In reviewing proposals for CEA designation, the municCPAlity should consider the following factors: Current inventory of developable land in the incorporated boundaries. Inventory of land necessary to provide for projected growth including affordable housing. Inventory of land necessary to implement an economic development strategy. Inventory of land necessary to implement a Capital Facilities Plan.
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Inventory of land necessary to implement a Parks and Recreation Plan. Analysis of ability to provide services to designated CEA.
The County shall review and adopt City Expansion Areas. In the event of dispute over a proposed CEA boundary, the County shall remand the proposal to the affected municCPAlity with specific suggestions for change. The municCPAlity shall consider the suggested changes and return the proposal for further consideration. In the event the dispute is not resolved, the city or town may bring an appeal under the Land Use Petitions Act RCW 36.70C.
ADMENDMENT
The designated City Expansion Areas are eligible for amendment on an annual basis in keeping with the amendment process for the County Comprehensive Plan. Only the affected municCPAlity may propose amendments to the designated City Expansion Area. Landowners in or adjoining the City Expansion Area must petition the affected municCPAlity to present their request for amendment. Review of proposed amendments shall consider the criteria used in designating City Expansion Areas.
Five Year Review

City Expansion Areas shall be reviewed, along with all other elements of the County Comprehensive Plan, after five years from the date of adoption but within six years and every five years thereafter. The review shall consist of any docketed amendments and an internal review for consistency of the Comprehensive Plan, Zone Code, Subdivision Regulation and in the case of CEAs, any adopted Intergovernmental Agreements. Any proposed amendments or identified inconsistencies must be reviewed by the affected municCPAlity and endorsed for consideration by the County.
Zoning and Project Review

The County has the sole authority for land use and project review on lands within the CEA but outside the incorporated boundary. The County, in considering an application for land use/project in the CEA, shall consider the following: Compatibility with any sub-designations by the municCPAlity within the CEA. Impact of the project or proposal on municCPAl services. Compatibility with surrounding uses. Impact of the project or proposal on the municCPAl transportation system.
The County and affected municCPAlity may consider a co-lead status on projects or proposals requiring SEPA review. A developmental agreement will be required between the County, the proponent, and the affected municCPAlity for all projects or proposals within the CEA in order to ensure that County Zoning provides sufficient control over projects or proposals; to ensure compatibility with sub-designations within a
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CEA; to create continuity in terms of implementing conditions of approval; and to create certainty in terms of conditions of approval and vesting for the project or proposal.
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Chapter 7. More Completely Planned Areas

PURPOSE AND INTENT
It is the intent of the County to ensure the updated Comprehensive Plan remains responsible to the wide range of landscapes and demographics within the Countys borders. To reflect these differences, the County may create and adopt More Completely Planned Areas (CPA) Plans to help inform development regulations such as Zoning and Subdivision Codes. Okanogan County has utilized sub-area plans and overlays to provide for land use planning at a sub-area scale in selected portions of the county. It is the intent of the County to continue to utilize these CPA Plans and to consider the creation of new CPAs in the future as deemed appropriate and necessary to most effectively reflect the desires of the communities which comprise Okanogan County. The goals and policies developed within an CPA Plan adopted by the County shall apply only to the geographic area of the CPA as its geographic boundaries have been defined by the Board of County Commissioners at the time of CPA Plan adoption. The content of CPA Plans shall not be applied outside of the area for which it has been created and adopted.
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The geographic boundaries of an CPA shall be determined by the Board of County Commissioners after consideration of the following: Logical natural and physical boundaries (highways, other CPA planning area boundaries, watersheds, etc.). Landowner interest. Community identification within the CPA. Other factors as may be identified by the County and deemed important in providing for logical land use planning areas.
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Establishing Future More Completely Planned Areas

Future CPAs may be established by the County Commissioners after a recommendation or request from the Planning Director, Planning Commission, or petition from landowners in a local community. CPA planning efforts shall be led by a diverse Advisory Committee of individuals owning property within the proposed CPA. Advisory Committee members shall be appointed by the County Commissioners after a publicly advertised recruitment period. All future CPA Plan development processes shall provide for properly advertised public meetings to be hosted by the Advisory Committee, in coordination with the Okanogan County Planning Department, to provide opportunities for general public particCPAtion. Draft CPA Plans shall be forwarded to the Planning Commission with a recommendation from the CPA Advisory Committee and shall be processed in accordance with the Countys process for Comprehensive Plan amendments as set forth in Chapter 1 of this Plan. At a minimum, CPA Plans shall include the elements required for Comprehensive Plans under RCW 36.70.330 but not exceed the requirements of the Planning Enabling Act or those portions of the Growth Management Act applicable to Non-GMA Counties.
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Chapter 8.
INTRODUCTION
CIRCULATION ELEMENT
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Okanogan County has experienced modest growth activity in the past which is expected to continue in coming years. To effectively and efficiently accommodate this growth in an orderly fashion, Okanogan County, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and the cities and towns in the county have recognized the need for a transportation plan that describes the transportation system as it exists today and addresses the transportation needs for the next 20 years. This Transportation Element is the first to be prepared for Okanogan County and is an important milestone in achieving a coordinated transportation system which integrates the needs of each of the County's jurisdictions and the unincorporated rural areas, within the context of the larger North Central Washington Region.
Purpose of the Transportation Element

As the first countywide transportation element, this document serves several purposes. It serves as an investigation into how the County's transportation system and transportation usage is structured, and is an important resource for the County, its jurisdictions, its citizens, and the North Central Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO). It examines the need to provide for different types and levels of transportation services, particularly in regard to the needs of urban versus rural areas. The countywide Transportation Element is a critical component of the County's overall Comprehensive Plan. The Transportation Element is intended to guide an ongoing planning and decision making process that shapes the transportation system and ensures that needs are addressed within the available resources between the public and private sectors.
THE PLANNING PROCESS

The process of developing the Okanogan County Transportation Element took place over a period of approximately 12 months and involved numerous citizens, staff from each of the cities within the County, County Staff, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) representation. The transportation planning process began with an assessment of existing conditions. This was followed by a discussion of future conditions through goal setting and forecasting. AnticCPAted future transportation system needs were analyzed and organized into an implementation plan. Outlined below are the steps that were taken in the development of the Transportation Element.
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Early and Continuous Public ParticCPAtion- Public particCPAtion was central to development of the Transportation Element. Opportunities for community involvement were provided in the form of Regional Transportation Advisory Group (RTAG) meetings that were open to the public, in addition to formal public hearings. Determine the Characteristics of the Current Transportation System-An inventory and description of the current transportation system was prepared to serve as the foundation of the element. This information was supplemented with an inventory of the existing demographic and land use conditions as well as recent development patterns. Identify Issues: Constraints and Opportunities- A series of community workshops were held throughout Okanogan County to identify both real and perceived constraints affecting the transportation system and opportunities for improvements. Establish Countywide Level Of Service Standards- The Transportation Element established countywide Level of Service standards, and also energy conservation and air quality guidelines. Establish Transportation Goals, Objectives and Policies- The Element contains transportation goals, objectives, and policies resulting from discussions with representation from each city, planning region, and planning department in the County. Forecast Future Transportation/Travel Demand- Six-year and 20-year traffic forecasts were completed based upon forecasted growth. AnticCPAted land use patterns were also provided in this effort. Identify Future Deficiencies- Based upon the forecasted travel demand, potential system deficiencies were analyzed and alternative methods were identified. Identify Environmental Impacts- The Transportation Element considered the environmental impacts of proposed system improvements, in addition to appropriate mitigation measures. Establish a Six-Year Financial Plan and Implementation Program- The Transportation Element references the countys six year Transportation Improvement Plan, which identifies the necessary tasks, priorities, and identifies the agency(s) responsible for implementation with consideration to the County's funding capacity.
Transportation Planning In Washington

Traditionally, Washington communities have planned for land use and transportation independent of one another. Most transportation system improvements were planned for in reaction to congestion or safety concerns. A more effective approach is to assure that land use and transportation system planning be coordinated to better provide for safe use. The State Legislature authorized the formation of Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) whose purpose is to plan for the development and use of
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regional transportation facilities and services. Okanogan, Douglas, and Chelan Counties are the three counties located within the North Central RTPO. The North Central RTPO is a newer organization to be designated in Washington State (June of 1993) and has not yet completed its Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), which is a key function of the RTPO. This Transportation Element, along with those prepared/being prepared by Chelan and Douglas Counties, together will serve as important groundwork for the development of the North Central RTP.
THE TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT

The Okanogan County Transportation Element will be incorporated within the County Comprehensive Plan. Although the County is preparing its Transportation Element independent of its Land Use Element, land use characteristics, both current and projected, have been carefully considered in the preparation of this document.
Land Use and Transportation

The Transportation Element establishes a vital link between land use and the transportation facilities and services needed to meet current system deficiencies and to support current growth. The anticCPAted types, intensity, and timing of land development in the County will largely determine the mode of transportation, provided its effectiveness in moving people, and the travel behavior of people using the land. In addition, land use decisions outside of the County impact the transportation system and as a result, attention must be given to the anticCPAted trends in these peripheral areas. The County's resources are limited; therefore the County must achieve a balance among the needs within each of the four regions, accommodate both rural and urban areas, and various modes of transportation to maximize person carrying capacity instead of vehicle-moving capacity. With large expanses of sparsely populated land, most travel in Okanogan County tends to be by private vehicle. However, even in a largely rural county, there are opportunities to accommodate transportation alternatives other than the single occupant vehicle. A clear understanding of land use development patterns will enable the County to effectively provide for these alternatives. In the preparation of this Element, the available existing land use information and future land use plans for cities and towns, the County, and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation have been examined. Based on this information, modes of transportation alternatives have been developed and analyzed in terms of implications to meet future transportation needs.
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Okanogan County Planning Regions

For purposes of transportation planning Okanogan County is divided into four (4) planning regions: North, Central, South, and Methow. By dividing the County into these four regions, the specific needs of each local jurisdictions and surrounding development in rural areas can be better addressed. Figure 1-1 identifies the boundaries of the planning regions. The transportation study for the Central Region was completed in May of 1994. The results of that study are incorporated into the Transportation Element.
Functional Classification System

Classification of streets and highways in the State of Washington is based upon guidelines prepared by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Streets are classified based upon the degree to which they provide travel movement and land access functions. Specific criteria defining streets includes the following: Character and relative length of trips. AnticCPAted or projected traffic volume. The relationship of a street to the land use it serves.
Each local jurisdiction is responsible for defining its transportation system into the following functional classifications: PrincCPAl Arterial: (01 Rural/lnterstate)- Streets and highways which contain the greatest portion of movement or long-distance travel. Such facilities serve high-volume travel corridors that connect major generators of traffic. The selected routes provide an integrated system for complete circulation of traffic, including ties to the major rural highways entering urban area. Generally, princCPAl arterials include high traffic volume streets. Minor Arterial: (06 Rural/ Minor)- Streets and highways which connect with remaining arterial and collector roads that extend into the urban area. Minor arterial streets and highways serve less concentrated traffic-generating areas such as neighborhood shopping centers and schools. Minor arterial streets serve as boundaries to neighborhoods and collect traffic from collector streets. Although the predominant function of minor arterial streets is the movement of traffic, they also provide for considerable local traffic that originates or is destined to points along the corridor. Major Collector: (07 Rural Major Collector - These routes should provide service to the county seat if not on an arterial route, to larger towns not directly served by the higher systems, and to other traffic generators of equivalent intercounty importance, such as consolidated schools, shipping points, county parks, important agricultural areas, etc. In addition, these routes should link larger
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towns and/or cities with routes of higher classification and should serve the more important inter-county travel corridors. Minor Collector: (08 Rural Minor Collector)- These routes should be spaced at intervals consistent with population density, collect traffic from local roads, and bring all developed areas within a reasonable distance of a collector road. In addition, these routes should provide service to the remaining smaller communities and link the locally important traffic generators with their rural counterparts. Local Access: (09 Rural Unclassified)- Streets not selected for inclusion in the arterial or collector classes. They allow access to individual homes, shops, and similar destinations. Direct access to abutting land is essential for all traffic originating from, or is destined to, abutting land. Through traffic should be discouraged by appropriate geometric design and/or traffic control devices. Functional classification of major roads and State Routes in Okanogan County are shown on Figure 1-2, and detailed in Appendix A-1 and A-2.
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Chapter 9.
AIRPORT SAFETY
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
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The general aviation, non-general aviation, and private airstrips in Okanogan County provide a vital transportation link and are tangible assets to the economic base of the County. Air transportation provides important support to emergency services by enabling the rapid importation of vital supplies and the transportation of injured or ill people to larger or specialized medical facilities. The airports provide the opportunity to capitalize infrastructure for the siting of compatible industrial and commercial businesses. The Comprehensive Plan creates policy designed to guide zoning and other development regulation to protect airports from incompatible land uses both on-site and on adjacent lands as encouraged by the Revised Code of Washington and required Federal Regulation.
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CAPITAL FACILITIES
The Okanogan County Capital Facilities Plan identifies the need for new capital facilities and major enhancements to existing facilities through a twenty year planning window. Proposed or anticCPAted funding and the critical timeline for implementation is identified for the first six years of the plan. The Capital Facilities Plan will be reviewed on an annual basis.
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Chapter 10. COORDINATION

FEDERAL AGENCIES
Local government has the responsibility to protect the local tax base, value of private property, economic stability, customs and culture, and in general, the well-being of the local community. These critical functions are closely entangled with federal and state management decisions. Congress has long recognized the importance of local governance to the effective management of the nations resources. It has provided for the involvement of local authority in every federal land use statute passed in the past 35 years. In many of these statutes, Congress has mandated that the federal land use agencies coordinate their policies and management activities with local government. Coordination means the federal agencies shall give prior notice to the local government of agency plans and management activities and also, among other criteria, requires agencies to make their policies and management activities consistent with local plans. Congress has directed federal agencies to coordinate with local government because they recognize local authority must be consulted and involved in the decision making process before the public input process.
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Authority
United States Code (USC) 43 U.S.C. 1712 Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) (BLM) 43 C.F.R. 1601 Planning 16 U.S.C. 1604 National Forest Management Act (NFMA) 16 U.S.C. 1533 Endangered Species Act (ESA) 16 U.S.C 1271 Wild and Scenic River Act 42 U.S.C. 7401 Clean Air Act 33 U.S.C. 1251 Clean Water Act 16 U.S.C. 2003 Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act 42 U.S.C. 4331 National Environmental Policy Act
STATE AGENCIES
The State Environmental Policy Act RCW 43.21C sets forth a consistent process for review of probable, significant, and adverse impacts brought about by land use decisions, both project specific and on a program level basis. The actions of State
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1094 1095 1096 1097 1098 1099 1100 1101 1102 1103 1104 1105 1106 1107
Agencies, with few specifically enumerated exemptions, are subject to review under SEPA. The actions of the Legislature are categorically exempt from SEPA review. It is clear the intent of the Legislature was for State Agencies to coordinate closely with local government to ensure Agency decisions are consistent with local plans. As local government is charged with the responsibility for delivery of a wide array of critical services it is critical that State Agencies interact with counties in an effective and open manner. Okanogan County adopted OCC Section 18 Coordination, to identify clear protocols to inform Federal and State Agencies in their efforts to meet coordination and consistency requirements.
Authority

RCW 36.70A.103 RCW 36.70A.210 RCW 36.70A.370 WAC 365-195-765!!!
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M ETHOW VALLEY MORE COMPLETELY PLANNED AREA

An update of the: Community Master Plan Methow Valley Planning Area Sub Unit A
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Methow Valley More Completely Planned Area
This plan is an CPA as authorized by chapter 7 of the Okanogan County Comprehensive Plan. The MVMCPA covers an area previously described as Sub Unit A in the Methow Valley Addendum to Okanogan Countys Comprehensive Plan, an area of approximately 22,100 acres and applies to all lands only within the MVMCPA It contains elements that address the goals, objectives, policies, and future directions for land use (including, residential, commercial, and industrial development, resource lands, and critical and shoreline areas); housing; parks and recreation; transportation/circulation; public facilities and utilities; and, community image. The text reflects the concerns, desires and needs of area residents and provides means to achieve their goals. It seeks to provide environmental and life style protection while answering social and economic needs. While this document is to be used by county officials as a basis for land use decisions in the study area, it is implicit that provisions in the county's Comprehensive Plan also apply here.
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A VISION FOR THE MAZAMA COMMUNITY

MAZAMA is both a community and a place. It is a unique combination of valley and mountain environments. The community includes residents and visitors who value the rural lifestyle and quality of life in Mazama. The Mazama community will be a model for people living in harmony with their environment, a community where people's needs for services, social interaction, agriculture, business, housing, recreation, and education are in balance with the ecosystem we inhabit. Wild creatures that also rely on that ecosystem will continue to thrive. Cultural opportunities and social interaction will complement the physical setting and further enrich our lives. By carefully blending the natural, human and economic environments, we will pass on to future generations a landscape as rich and beautiful as the one we now enjoy.
The Vision It is important to Mazama residents to live by sound ecological principles and preserve the quality of the natural environment. The Mazama area has a carrying capacity for humans that is limited by its natural characteristics in the same way wildlife populations are limited by the carrying capacity of their habitat.
SCENERY The Methow River meandering through a valley of open ranch lands framed by forested slopes and majestic mountain peaks forms a scenic treasure that will be preserved in our developments and activities. AIR We will maintain a high standard of air quality to sustain life and to provide clear views of the surrounding scenery. WATER Water and sewer systems will be planned and managed to maintain the level and high quality of the aquifer; to assure adequate high quality stream flows or fisheries and to assure the quantity and quality of downstream user's water supplies within the limits of natural stream flows.
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SOUND The sounds of nature - the wind in the trees, the rush of the river, the hoot of an owl, the howl of a coyote, the croak of a frog, the chirp of a songbird, chipmunk, squirrel or marmot - are an important element of our environment and will continue to be the dominant sounds. VEGETATION
Natural vegetation is preserved, and surrounding forests are managed by sound ecological principles to assure their continuing health. WILDLIFE
Adequate habitat will be provided to support a rich abundance of indigenous species, and they will be managed to maintain a natural balance among species. It is important to maintain a human environment that is in tune with the natural environment, where people respect the past and work together for their common interests in the future. HISTORICAL
Sites and buildings of historical value will be preserved and information signs will be encouraged. RURAL LIFESTYLE
A rural lifestyle represented by people living on and caring for the land is an important value, and a pastoral setting is a significant element of that lifestyle. ENERGY CONSERVATION
Buildings and transportation facilities will be located, designed and constructed to conserve energy. PLANNING
Local residents are in control of planning that is based on sound ecological, social, and economic principles, and is flexible and adaptable to change. SOCIAL - CULTURAL
To help enrich the lives of Mazama community members, there will be adequate spaces for a variety of social interactions and for enjoyment of the performing and visual arts. RECREATION
Outdoor recreation is highly valued by residents and visitors. There should be a full spectrum of high quality, year-round outdoor recreation opportunities available to people of all ages within the
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capabilities of the landscape. TRANSPORTATION The transportation system will assure ready access to facilities and services with a minimum impact on the environment and people.
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FIRE Effective planning emphasizes fire prevention and provides for efficient suppression of facility and undesirable wild land fires while allowing for fire to play its natural role. ECONOMICS
Economic activities are necessary for people to support themselves; those that capitalize on and complement the natural environment or have no impact are most appropriate for the area. OUTDOOR RECREATION Economic activities based on outdoor recreation and tourism are desirable. AGRICULTURE
Ranching, hobby farming and other agricultural activities that use and maintain the open fields should be encouraged. FORESTRY
Forest management based on sound ecological principles and necessary to maintain forest health will be supported. COTTAGE INDUSTRIES
Economic activities that can happen in homes and workshops with no impact on the environment will be encouraged. SERVICES Goods and services to meet local needs shall be provided.
Specifics
VISUALS The pastoral setting of the valley should be reflected in the architecture, layout, and operation of developments. Meadow areas should be devoted to ranching, equestrian or other activities that will maintain the meadows in a near-natural condition. trees. Homes and other developments should be clustered and not exceed the height of surrounding
Architectural design should be on a human scale and utilize native materials and natural colors that complement the landscape. Buildings will be subservient to the landscape and be sized to conserve space and natural resources.
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Developments along roads and trails should be screened, landscaped and designed to maintain a high quality scenic corridor. Electrical and other utilities should be underground.
Signing and outdoor lighting should not detract from or dominate the natural surroundings. Security and driveway lighting will be directed to the immediate area of need and be shielded so as to limit the impact to neighbors and to preserve the naturalness of night skies.
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1108 1109 1110 1111 1112 1113 1114 1115 1116 1117 1118 1119 1120 1121 1122 1123 1124 1125 1126 1127 1128 1129 1130 1131 1132 1133 1134 1135 1136 1137 1138 1139
AIR Transportation planning should provide for maximum use of human powered modes of travel and mass transportation to prevent air pollution. Wood stoves and fireplaces should be limited. The use of gas fireplaces and pellet stoves as substitutes should be encouraged. WILDLIFE Adequate corridors for wildlife migration between hiding cover, food and water will be encouraged within the MVMCPA. WATER Flood plains should remain free of substantial structures, sewage disposal, and impervious surfaces. This is to provide a filter for surface water entering a stream, maximum water absorption, and unobstructed stream flow and to prevent pollution of surface water. Snowmobiles, other motorized vehicles and domestic livestock should be excluded from streams, except for transitory crossings, to prevent pollution. Sewage treatment systems will meet all state and county requirements to assure that ground and surface water remains unpolluted. Water conservation should be considered in building and landscape design.
Due to a high water table and porous soils, it is essential that care be used in disposing of household chemicals. SOUND Development, including transportation facilities, should be designed and managed to prevent adverse affects on the ambient sounds of nature. Road and trail surfaces should keep the sound of vehicles traveling on them to a minimum. Hot roll surfacing should be used on Highway 20. Terrain features, vegetation, earth berms and other barriers should be used to mute the sound of motorized equipment that may create unacceptable noise levels. VEGETATION Construction of buildings and other facilities should be planned and conducted to keep the impact on natural vegetation to a minimum.
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Native vegetation should be used as much as possible in landscaping of homes and other buildings. Control of weeds in fields is important for maintaining natural vegetation.
RCPArian vegetation is important to the maintenance of waterways and wetlands and should not be disturbed during development. HISTORICAL There are a number of old ranch buildings, structures and other equipment that are important to the character of the valley and should be retained and incorporated in the design of planned developments. RURAL LIFESTYLE Encourage the continued use of open fields for ranching or similar activities. ENERGY CONSERVATION Solar heating, active or passive, should be utilized where it's feasible. Solar (photovoltaic) panels for electrical generation should be used where feasible. The size of buildings should be limited. Human powered transportation, busing and car pooling should be encouraged.
SOCIAL-CULTURAL Town squares and other public spaces should be available for social gatherings and meeting rooms available for social clubs, educational and community functions. There should be an arts center to attract artists and provide learning opportunities in the arts.
There should be opportunities to learn more about the environment and to understand our natural ecosystem, including naturalist classes, nature trails and environmental camps for children and adults. A center for environmental studies should be considered.
OUTDOOR RECREATION Recreational amenities that should be available include: additional nordic trails, additional biking and hiking trails skating rink, swimming pool, golf course, equestrian trails and arenas, tennis courts and alpine ski opportunities.
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TRANSPORTATION Human powered modes of transportation should be emphasized. Major points of interest in the Early Winters - Mazama area should be connected by appropriately surfaced walking, biking and horse trails. Hiking, biking, horse and ski trails should follow the river but bend away occasionally to provide areas by the river with no trail access. Transportation plans should provide a complementary system of roads and trails.
Easy access to trailheads with adequate parking should provided where feasible. A community transit system should be encouraged. FIRE There should be adequate year-round access to buildings and water sources for fire suppression. Vegetation cleared for development should be disposed of promptly, and adequate clearing maintained around buildings. Encourage use of non - flammable materials on roofs and in building-to-ground transition zones. .we will pass on to future generations a landscape as rich and beautiful as the one we now enjoy. This vision statement is in the nature of a dream; a vivid, imaginative conception of the kind of place we as a community want to live. The statement evolved from meeting called by the Mazama Advisory Committee to gather thoughts and opinions about development in the Mazama area from those who live there. We believe this statement reflects a fair consensus of those who voiced their feelings at these meetings. While everyone might not agree on the details, they would support the general theme and major points necessary to maintain our way of life. That is a hallmark of the Mazama community. This vision statement is meant to guide our actions and communicate our vision to visitors, landowners who don't live here, new residents, developers, and county, state and federal officials. It will be used to develop more specific measures to maintain our way of life and to assure that
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1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

1.1 PURPOSE:
This MVMCPA will guide development within Methow Valley planning area in accordance with the communitys vision by addressing planning issues in greater depth than in earlier plans. This update of the Methow Valley Planning Area MVMCPA" is intended to refine previous planning efforts in light of changing conditions. Current planning documents, the 1976 Methow Valley Addendum and 1988 plan for MVMCPA, were prepared in anticipation of a large destination resort and under less restrictive state and federal planning and environmental protection requirements. Once adopted the Board of County Commissioners, the adopted plan will serve as the "template" for all development and constructions projects subject to County review. Those persons, organizations and companies developing lands should respect the community values and interests expressed in this plan when planning and designing their projects.
1.2 SCOPE: UPPER METHOW BIO-REGION
Figure 1-1 shows the Upper Methow Bio-Region in the Methow Valley CPA of the Okanogan County Comprehensive Plan. This area comprises the geographic extent of the planning area considered in this plan. In general, the Bio-Region encompasses the private lands in Upper Methow River Valley upstream from the corporate limits of the town of Winthrop, east to the watershed divide in the Rendezvous, west to the watershed divide that runs along Patterson Mountain and up the south side of the Wolf Creek drainage, and north to the Methow's confluence with the Lost River. Lands administered by the Okanogan National Forest on the east, north and west generally surround the planning area. Further refinement and expansion of this Plan's goals and policies are expected as changing conditions warrant.
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.0 BACKGROUND
2.1 MVMCPA PLANNING HISTORY:
In 1976, Okanogan County officials adopted the Methow Valley Addendum to the County's Comprehensive Plan. The Addendum addresses land use in all of School District 350 and included the area formally known as MVMCPA as one of four planning areas. Its goals are implemented primarily by the County Zoning Ordinance. The Methow Valley CPA recognizes the Mazama area as one of the "prime targets of development" and identifies MVMCPA as "the unit closest in proximity to potential future development" and "most environmentally fragile". Additional advisory committees were suggested to continue evaluation of land uses in the Methow Valley. In 1981, Mazama area residents sensed a need to develop more specific guidelines for growth in the MVMCPA planning area and particularly in the Mazama/Early Winters area. They requested and received from county officials permission to develop additional planning guidelines for Mazama Area. The Methow Land Use Advisory Committee (MAC) was officially appointed by the Okanogan County Commissioners on February 14, 1984 to develop additional planning recommendations for areas within the Methow Planning Areas. One of the major objectives of MAC was to provide recommendations for an area master plan to be made a part of the Methow Valley Addendum to the Okanogan County Comprehensive Plan. In 1986, MAC incorporated and became the Mazama Planning Committee (MPC). The MPC was formed to provide a framework for financing the planning effort. Cash and time donations from area landowners and residents were, in turn, matched with a grant (Local Development Matching Fund Grant) from the State of Washington. These combined efforts resulted in a total planning budget of $20,000. The MPC utilized suggestions from the citizens and landowners within the planning area in developing their recommendations. They also included input from the proponents of the proposed Early Winters Resort in order to assure that land uses and plans were coordinated between the Mazama community and the resort area. In December 1986 a planning consultant was retained and efforts began on preparation of a master plan for the Upper Methow Valley. The MPC completed the draft master plan in May 1987 and made its recommendations to the Okanogan County Regional Planning Commission on September 28, 1987. The county adopted the plan on June 26, 1989. A 1987 (revised 4/88) publication prepared by the Mazama Planning Committee titled Handbook of Suggested Development Guidelines for the Methow Valley Sub-Unit A Planning Area provides an excellent source of information regarding the desirable architectural style for the planning area. "A Vision for the Mazama Community" was published in July 1993. The statement evolved from meetings called by the Mazama Planning Committee to gather thoughts and opinions about
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development in the Mazama area from those who live there. The Vision Statement is general in nature, an illustrative composition of the Mazama community. The Vision Statement is meant to guide community member's actions and communicate to visitors, absentee landowners, new residents, developers and government officials the vision for the community. The complete text of the vision is included as a preamble to this plan.
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Updates of the master plan, which have continued the strong tradition of grassroots planning, began in 1997 after several years of discussion and attempts to amend zoning regulations. Efforts to revise the plan have focused on refining the vision contained in the 1989 document to meet current conditions. The master plan was revised and adopted by the County Commissioners March 6, 2000. This current update of the master plan incorporates minor, non-substantive edits intended to clarify some elements and to eliminate outdated references contained in previous plans.
2.2 AUTHORIZATION
This Comprehensive Plan is prepared in accordance with RCW Chapter 36.70
3.0 RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLANS

This MVMCPA is adopted as authorized by Chapter 7 of this Comprehensive Plan and replaces the "Community Master Plan for Methow Valley Sub-Unit A Planning Area, adopted June 26, 1989, and amended March 6, 2000, which was created as a sub-area plan by an amendment to the Methow Valley Addendum to the Okanogan County Comprehensive Plan and the Okanogan County Comprehensive Plan. The goals, policies, land use designations, implementation recommendations, and other aspects of this plan apply only within the boundaries of the MVMCPA.
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4.0 PLANNING EXPECTATIONS & ASSUMPTIONS
Environmental protection and visual management are key to recreation and hospitality industries which are the major economic generators of the upper Methow Valley. Careful management is needed to keep the two in balance. Visual and environmental quality must be preserved to attract users, and development of amenities must be provided to generate an adequate income and have an economically healthy community. The goals, policies and recommendations included in this Plan are intended to provide sufficient direction to assure that opportunities for an attractive and livable community are maximized. A specific community image designed to maintain current values and build upon desirable development patterns is contemplated. At the same time, the intent is to remain flexible in matters of community design to foster creativity and diversity in the community. The plan was prepared with the following expectations and assumptions in mind: The "Vision" Statement is an accurate reflection of community desires.
Area residents desire quality development that is aesthetically pleasing, sensitive to the environment and located to limit the impact on rural views and area wildlife. Design standards must be adopted for utilities and other types of construction. Such standards are essential to assure that the cost of utility construction and maintenance are kept to a minimum and that development is aesthetically compatible with community desires. Successful implementation of planning goals must rely on more than governmental regulation. Private cooperation and support is viewed as a fundamental component of plan implementation. Land use patterns and density designations will generally remain unchanged.
The focus of most concentrated development activity will be in the two commercially designated areas at the Mazama Junction. Commercial activities west of the Methow River will generally be oriented towards the traveling public while east of the river commercial uses will be more neighborhood or destination oriented. The Methow Community Trail will provide an important and sustainable recreation based economy for the planning area. The community favors compact development that focuses on the natural beauty of the Methow River and takes advantage of scenic views while at the same time preserves views from SR20 and minimizes impacts to the shoreline area. If a high-density residential zone becomes necessary, it will develop around the commercial core east of the Methow River in Mazama and will depend on public sewer and water
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\systems. Other areas of higher density development will be constrained due to limits on availability of water and high cost of providing high quality wastewater treatment. All other areas within MVMCPA will continue to be primarily rural and residential in character, which is a very important attribute that the community wants to preserve. Individual elements of this plan must be coordinated and the community involved at the earliest time in order to effect the desires of residents. Community livability, quality of life and a greater sense of place for area residents and visitors rely on development that is appropriate in scale, sited on the land with sensitivity to views and designed to blend in with the surroundings. Guidelines to ensure that development has minimal impact (e.g. anti-castle ordinance) on these items must be expressed in terms of regulations with tangible strategies and actions. The Plan sets forth specific goals designed to provide an action-oriented framework to assure that community focus is not lost. It is hoped that this focus will start the community along the desired route without letting ambiguous actions and decisions divert intent and direction of this planning process. In time, a "sense of community" will be developed through an informed and active citizenry that is able to make its desires known and structured into community development and activities. If community goals are to be reached, continuing formation of public policy must be credible and timely. Tempering the planning expectations and assumptions are environmental concerns that include: All of MVMCPA lies within identified Critical Areas; within this region lies smaller areas which are more sensitive still, due to the following concerns: -Water quality. -Air quality. -Noise. -Light and glare. -The listing and potential listing of Methow River steelhead and salmon as endangered - Forest Service lands adjoining the planning area have been classified as Late Successional Reserve. -Threat of wildfire, insect and disease. -Threat of flood Most of these concerns are further described in the following section.
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5.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS

This section focuses upon the present natural and human characteristics of the planning area. Emphasis is placed upon those attributes that most directly affect development of community planning goals. The discussion below relies on information from studies conducted for other planning efforts.
5.1 UPPER VALLEY LANDSCAPE
The mountain valley landscape of the planning area is of unusual beauty. Important contributing factors to this landscape include the natural landform, vegetation and the land use patterns resulting from human settlement and its associated architectural qualities and agricultural activities. The interrelationship of these elements makes the area's visual attributes vulnerable to changes in land use. The natural landform and ownership broadly define Land use patterns. Farms and residences typically occupy the valley floor. The forested valley walls and uplands are public lands. This mix contributes to the area's beauty. Since development of public lands is unlikely, except for dispersed recreational uses, the natural character of the valley walls seems preserved. This means that the valley floor is most vulnerable to changes. While development will be limited to the valley floor, visual impacts will not. Development will have a three-fold effect on the visual integrity of the planning area. These are: Views of the characteristic features of the valley floor as seen from residences, roads and trails will be altered. Nearby and distant views from the valley floor will be altered. Views of the valley from adjacent foothills will be altered. Both surface and ground waters have received considerable attention in past planning efforts. The quality and quantity of each will affect land use in the planning area. A 1985 report prepared for Okanogan County entitled Upper Methow River Basin Ground and Surface Water Quality Monitoring Program best summarizes the character of each. The discussion below includes information from that report.
5.2 SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES
Much of the information in this section was updated using data from the Arrowleaf Planned Destination Resort Environmental Impact Statement Technical Appendices Volumes I and II. Readers desiring more detailed information are encouraged to review the 1998 Mazama Area Wastewater Facilities Plan Update, prepared by Hammond, Collier, Wade-Livingstone Associates, Inc. or the numerous other studies and plans prepared on the Upper Methow Valley
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Geophysical Character: The approximately 20 mile by up to 1.5 mile planning area is part of a narrow glacial valley. It is bounded on each side by steep slopes of the Cascade Mountains. The Methow River runs the entire length of the planning area. Several tributaries add to its flow. Elevations of the valley floor range from 2,300 feet near Lost River to 1,670 feet mean sea level near Winthrop. Adjacent mountains reach to over 8,000 feet. Surface geology of the region is the result of glacial erosion and deposition. Deposit of glacial debris (boulders, gravel and sand) creates a pervious layer of up to an estimated 1,000 feet. Several distinct areas exist that will influence land use allocations and planning goals within the planning area. These include proximity and accessibility to Winthrop and S.R. 20, existing subdivisions and characteristic landforms. Climatic Conditions: The Cascade Range influences the climate of the planning area to a large degree. The mountains significantly affect the precipitation amounts within the study area. Mazama, for example, receives an annual average amount of about 24 inches while Winthrop receives only about 15 inches per year. This variance has an obvious effect upon vegetation and snow accumulation. Eighty percent of the precipitation falls between October and March. Typical temperatures in the planning area range from a summer time average of 71 degrees Fahrenheit to a winter time average of 9 degrees. Extremes can reach -30 and 100 degrees. Snow depths at Mazama usually exceed four feet during most winters. Total annual snowfall at this elevation ranges between ten and fifteen feet. Vegetation: Vegetation typical of the planning area includes mixed coniferous stands, predominately of fir, pine and cedar, and deciduous groves bordering streams and rivers. Understory and groundcover include a wide variety of grasses, shrubs and forbs. Due largely to the effects of fire suppression, the forest type of the valley floor has been converted in the last century from widely spaced, open-canopied stands of predominately fireresistant Ponderosa Pine to crowded, multi-canopied stands of Douglas fir. The current forest conditions pose a serious threat of catastrophic wildfire; Wildfire: Fire is inevitable in the Upper Methow Valley forest. Tree scar analysis indicates that before the advent of fire suppression early in the twentieth century, low intensity fires cleared out understory fuels about every six to nine years. With the now dangerously overstocked forest conditions, a wildfire in the Upper Methow Valley could be catastrophic, burning many homes while destroying the green forest so many residents and visitors cherish. Thinning of dense stands of trees should be encouraged and all homes should be designed and built with surviving wildfires in mind. Wildlife/Fish/Endangered Species/etc.: The Methow Valley boasts the largest migratory mule deer herd in the state. Efforts are currently being made to consider the herd's habitat needs. While studies are not complete, it has become apparent that a portion of the herd utilizes lands within the planning area. Of primary
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importance are winter range, fawning areas, staging areas and migration routes. These areas have been defined, and it is agreed that rCPArian areas, dense forested areas and steeper southern exposures are important habitat.
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Okanogan County's efforts to comply with the Planning Enabling Act and those portions of the Growth Management Act applicable to all counties has resulted in the classification, designation and regulation of development with areas identified as critical fish and wildlife habitat in the planning area. The impacts of these efforts on the planning area are described in greater detail in the Land Use Element. Air Quality: Air quality for the most part is high with current quality better than National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Seasonal degradation occurs from inversions that trap wood smoke from area wood stoves, forest fires and slash burning conducted on nearby federal lands. The Okanogan County Board of Health adopted an air quality maintenance regulation in 1986 which restricts wood stoves to those able to meet current certification; limits total numbers; and once allowed for curtailment of burning during episodes when meteorological conditions could cause degradation. In 1994 the provision that provided for curtailment of burning was removed. Surface Water: The Methow River is the main surface water drainage in the planning area. Major tributaries in approximate order of volume are Lost River, Early Winters and Cedar Creek, Goat Creek, and Wolf Creek. Lesser tributaries include McGee, Gate, Goat Wall and Little Boulder Creeks. The Methow River is a relatively flat alluvial river throughout the valley with an average slope of .001 to .015. The River is seasonally discharging and recharging the ground water. Three to five miles of the upper reach (above Mazama) may be dry from early fall to late winter. The Methow becomes perennial between the Mazama and Weeman Bridges. Ground Water: Ground water is found in the glacial and recent alluvial deposits of the upper Methow Valley in a large unconfined aquifer. The approximate depth to the water table is commonly considered to be 20 to 25 feet below valley floor elevations. However, significant variations with respect to both location and time of the year are common throughout the valley. In general, the water table is flat throughout the valley and does not follow the terrace topography. Increased elevations occur in proximity to the Methow River and are associated with the alluvial outwash fans of the major tributaries, in particular: Lost River and Early Winters and Goat Creeks. Seasonally, winter and spring, the Methow River is a gaining stream, i.e., receiving ground water discharge. At other times it is a losing stream, i.e., recharging ground water. Average seasonal changes in water table elevation are estimated at 15 feet, changes during drought conditions being in excess of 35 feet. Pumping test analyses indicate the aquifer has an excellent potential yield. Transmissivities are calculated in excess of 1,000,000 gallons per day per foot. Storage capacity of the glacial debris is on the order of 40-acre feet per acre of the surface. The permeability is estimated at 8,000 gallons per day per square foot. Ground water seepage velocities range from 20 to 40 feet per day
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in the most poorly graded alluvial gravels, and wells with discharge up to 550 gallons per minute per day without measurable drawdown have been reported. In less technical terms, it is estimated this aquifer has the capability of yielding large amounts of water from a single well with little or no impact upon total supply.
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Geologic Hazards and Flood Plain: Seasonal flooding is the primary geological hazard. Few others exist. The 100-year flood plain of the Methow River has been formally identified and designated for all private land within the planning area. Additional studies have been conducted for Early Winters Creek and the southern bank of the upper Methow River. The River's gradient and soil types are conducive to continuing erosion and accretion within the riparian zones. This has made placement of structures problematic. Current zoning restricts placement of dwellings to areas outside the designated 100-year flood plain. The earthquake potential is classified as moderate. This classification is fairly constant throughout most of the region. Soils: Unstable soils are limited and localized. Project evaluation has been an effective means of identifying these areas. No major areas of slumping or land subsidence are known to exist. Most soils are extremely porous and well drained. Alternative designs of septic systems may be required where potential problems exist. Alternative designs of septic systems should be sufficient in size and of a type to allow compliance with on-site sewage disposal standards and the protection of potable water sources. Lots in areas served by a sanitary sewage system, and so designated by the Board of County Commissioners are required to be served by the sewer system. The 1998 Mazama Area Wastewater Facilities Plan Update, prepared by Hammond, Collier, Wade-Livingstone Associates, Inc, contains more complete data on soils and related conditions in the planning area. Water Quality: Both ground and surface waters within the planning area are of exceptional quality. The Department of Ecology has designated the Methow River, in the planning area, Class AA, the highest classification of the State. Ground waters are considered generally good to excellent and, for the most part, easily meet current drinking water standards. Past planning efforts such as the Mazama/Early Winters Update to the Comprehensive Sewer Plan and the current update to that plan address the overwhelming need to protect water and produce specific management strategies that consider potential impacts upon the entire basin. Land use decisions have and will continue to be greatly influenced by these concerns, high standards and resulting strategies. Protecting water quality is a priority. Light and Glare: As more people make the upper valley home, the potential for increasing light and glare exists. The color of roofing materials, placement of dwellings, installation of yard lights and construction of additional roads will all add to the light and glare experienced by area citizens. Noise: At present noise in the planning area is limited to sounds related to vehicular traffic, construction and occasional heavy equipment.
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5.3 HUMAN ENVIRONMENT
Because of the rural setting and seasonality of the population little demographic information exists specifically for the planning area. Most of the following information is from work done in support of various development projects including Early Winters, Arrowleaf and various water, sewer and transportation studies. Population: Based upon the 1990 census information the planning area is estimated to contain less than 119 full time permanent residents. However, studies conducted by the Okanogan County Electrical Co-op and Highlands Associates estimated 550 total residents, with 330 permanent residents and 220 seasonal. The later figures are used in the current update to the Mazama Sewer Plan and will be used in this plan. Commerce: Farmers, ranchers and miners originally settled the valley at the end of the 1800s. Their activities constituted the main economic sectors until the late 1960's. With the opening of the North Cascade Highway (SR-20) in 1972, the valley's economy began to change. Trail-based recreation, retail trade, real estate and other services have expanded rapidly during the last decade. Since 1990, there has been an expansion of retail activities in the Mazama area. The Mazama Store was re-built increasing the services and goods offered and next door, a small house was remodeled for retail and food service. The Mazama Ranch House lodging facility was completed and the mixed use Mazama Corner building constructed. Wilson Ranch, part of the Arrowleaf PDR, has been developed with lodging, food service and recreation facilities. Housing starts are increasing. Since 1990 Okanogan County has issued 136 building permits for residences within the planning area. Many of the new homes are for vacation and retirement residences.
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Public Services and Facilities: Public services and facilities within the planning area currently are limited to power, Table 5.3.1 - Public Services Service Utilities:
- electrical - telephone - solid waste - internet access - cable television
Responsible Agency
Okanogan Electric Coop Century Tel Okanogan County/Methow Sanitation Several ISPs Summit Cable Methow Valley School District #350 Private Practice Fire District #6 Aero Methow Rescue Service Okanogan County Sheriff, Washington State Patrol, Winthrop Marshall Washington State Department of Transportation/USFS, Private Washington State Department of Transportation and Okanogan County
Location of Service
Service area Methow Valley north of Twisp. Office in Winthrop Methow Valley. Office in Twisp Service area entire valley. Transfer station located in Twisp Service area entire valley Areas close to Winthrop Central campus with K to 12 located between Winthrop and Twisp Twisp and Winthrop Local fire hall on SR-20 at Mazama Junction. Fire halls also located in Winthrop and Twisp Winthrop and Twisp Okanogan, Winthrop
Facilities:
- schools - medical
Public Safety:
- fire protection - emergency medical - law enforcement
Transportation:
- air - highways Methow Valley State Airport (NCSB), Winthrop and the Lost River Airport Twisp and Winthrop
telephone, school bus service, solid waste collection and public safety. Table 5.3.1 summarizes relevant characteristics of each. The current levels of service provided by public and private parties are adequate to meet present needs, except that the main electrical transmission line that serves the Methow Valley is nearing capacity. A new K through 12 school campus was built in 1996 to serve all of School District #350. Television and radio reception are accessible with small satellite dishes or by cable where available. Reception of basic TV channels via repeaters and radio reception is not adequate without such assistance. Telephone service has been improved with upgrading and use of fiber optic lines, which enables most services to be offered. Internet service has been added to the entire Methow Valley.
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Land Uses: Table 5.3.2 - Characteristics of Land in Planning Area - 1997 Percent Number of Parcels Agricultural Open Space Agricultural Use Homestead Entry Surveys Open Acreage Long Plats/PUD's Short Plats 0 - 2.5 acres 2.6 - 5 acres 5 - 10 acres 10 - 20 acres 20 - 40 acres 40+ acres National Forest, State, other public Total Acres Of Total 3.81% 1.01% 6.58% 17.32% 45.21% 11.32% 56.69% 9.81% 7.35% 7.39% 4.36% 3.89% 10.51% Number Of Acres 4,450.59 222.33 2,450.91 12,652.13 1,117.73 3,676.24 913.74 949.77 1,359.05 2,989.70 3,443.73 10,360.56 2,084.51 22,101.06
1
Percent of Total 20.14% 1.01% 11.09% 57.25% 5.06% 16.63% 4.13% 4.30% 6.15% 13.53% 15.58% 46.88% 9.43%
98 26 169 445 1,162 291 1,457 252 189 190 112 110 270 2,570
The planning area contains approximately 22,101 acres (including public lands). Land uses are mostly permanent and seasonal residential areas, small farms, and limited commercial. Most properties are undeveloped. A significant amount of land is being held for speculative purposes, but is less than in years past. Some owners wish to develop their properties into residential or tourist oriented commercial uses, but there is a growing trend in seasonal single family residence development. Figure 5.3.1 shows the current zoning designations within the planning area. Table 5.3.2 shows the land ownership and parcel size by acreage and numbers of parcels in the planning area.
Transportation: Traffic in the planning areas is and will continue to be influenced chiefly by State Route 20, the North Cascade Highway. Visitors from April through November heavily travel SR-20, a state and federally designated scenic highway. During winter months the highway is closed. The presence and use SR-20 has influenced the development of this plan. Other public rights of way include Lost River Road, Goat Creek Road and Mazama Road. These roads serve as alternate routes for access to SR-20 and local traffic. No public transportation serves the area. The closest bus stop is located in Chelan some 70
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miles to the south. SR-20 is designated as a state bicycle route. A non-motorized trail system operated by the Methow Valley Sports Trails Association exists throughout the planning area. Trails traverse private lands with no permanent easements. Landowners give written revocable license or right of way deeds for the trail to cross their properties.
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Area Architecture: The community of Mazama is now more a locale than a definable town. There are a growing number of commercial buildings and related developments and, Mazama has begun to develop its identity as a "town." There are a few historical buildings within the community planning area, such as the Mazama Community Center, a former one-room school that should be preserved. The most important factor of the community architecture is local farm and ranch structures. A 1987 publication prepared by the Mazama Planning Committee titled Handbook of Suggested Development Guidelines for Methow Valley Sub-Unit A Planning Area provides an excellent source of information regarding desirable architectural style for the planning area. Two kinds of architecture predominate: older clapboard structures dating from the early 1900's; and recently built single family homes and tourist lodges. The local structures are typical western farm or ranch structures, one and two stories, with steep gabled rooflines and shed roofed additions. Windows are vertical, double hung and wood framed. Roofs are commonly metal. Exterior walls are either vertical clapboard or horizontal beveled siding usually painted in traditional colors while the farm and ranch buildings are naturally weathered woods. Simplicity of materials and form typical of northwestern architecture characterizes most buildings in the planning area. Structures built in the last twenty years were often designed with elements of this style while embodying contemporary notions of open views, natural materials and finishes, and energy conservation. In most cases, the new structures in the area are well designed for the climate and natural surroundings and do not significantly impact views. More significant than the architectural style of the area is the placement of housing and outbuildings on early homesteads. Structures were often located adjacent to the then quiet country roadways while the acreage stretched out behind the farmstead. At that time, farms were well separated, assuring privacy from neighbors and the roadways. This tradition of site development follows the conventions of typical western farm communities and enhances the authenticity of the area. In recent years, site planning of recreational and residential subdivisions has moved away from this tradition of siting buildings off roadways and in open meadows and fields. Houses are now often built in forested areas affording more privacy for residents. This is in direct response to increased land subdivision, highway traffic, and regulations concerning protection of deer habitat. Such site planning suits the contemporary notion of clustering development in order to avoid visual impacts. As the community grows, pressures will increase to develop visually sensitive lands. It is the purpose of this plan, through the establishment of community goals and policies, to provide the frame of reference necessary for the implementation of ordinances to insure that future developments blend and conform to the established character of this area.
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6.0 FORECASTS
Locating land uses and the process of planning for community growth rely in part upon projected needs. The goals of creating a cohesive community image and efficiently utilizing lands will not be achieved if community design results in either over or under utilization. Growth in the Upper Methow Valley planning area will be influenced by the development of a four season destination resort near Early Winters Creek. Environmental concerns and additional laws and regulations will affect growth in the area. Federal and State planning requirements and environmental protection regulations will most certainly change the way the current community looks at the environment. Regional desires to participate in an environmentally conscientious community could influence future life style patterns as well.
6.1 POPULATION:
(This section should be updated with census data)

The 1998 Mazama Area Wastewater Facilities Plan Update (Hammond, Collier, Wade-Livingstone Associates Inc) contains population projections for the planning area. These projections are summarized below. Population growth rates for the Methow Valley have been estimated to range from .72% (Office of Financial Management) to 1.70 (Ferris/Social Impact Research for Early Winters) with an average of growth rate of 1.13% without the development of Arrowleaf. Estimating population growth with the development of the four season planned destination resort is difficult. The Arrowleaf Draft EIS (Technical Appendices -Volume II) provides three different development scenarios, each estimating population growth. Table 6.1.1 summarizes current population projections.
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Table 6.1.1 - Population Projections

Minimal Without Year 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 Arrowleaf Development 550 580 610 640 670 700 731 746 762 777 792 Modified Arrowleaf Full Arrowleaf Development Development 550 550 645 670 740 791 835 911 931 1,032 1,026 1,153 1,122 1,274 1,177 1,338 1,232 1,402 1,287 1,466 1,342 1,530
Arrowleaf 550 562 575 588 601 615 629 643 658 673 688
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7.0 METHOW VALLEY MORE COMPLETELY PLANNED AREA GOALS
As noted in the background section this plan is an amendment to the MVMCPA which is adopted consistent with Chapter 7 of the Comprehensive Plan. This means that the various layers of plans must be consistent. This plan for the Upper Methow Valley has been developed for Sub Unit A, an identified planning unit within Okanogan County. The goals, policies, land use designations, implementation recommendations and other aspects of this plan supersede other plans for MVMCPA unless otherwise noted.
7.1 MVMCPA GOALS AND POLICIES
The MVMCPA goals and policies support and refine the communitys Vision. The goals establish the policy framework for planning and development in MVMCPA and as such guide development of the Land Use, Transportation/Circulation, Public Utilities, Facilities and Services, Recreation, Community Design, Public Facilities and Implementation Elements of the plan. Goals represent strongly held community values and policies provide direction for attainment of the goals. Each subsequent plan element may contain further goals and policies for specific types of development, e.g. residential or commercial, which must be consistent with the overall goals and policies that follow: GOAL: To protect the environmental quality and rural character of the planning area.
POLICY: Retain and enhance the vitality and viability of agricultural businesses in the planning area. POLICY: Promote and explore options for reducing the cost of consolidating lots and parcels which are below current minimum lot sizes. POLICY: Establish design criteria and special construction standards for all types of development/construction (e.g. structures, roads, signs, landscaping, etc.) so that projects will complement the rural character and/or desired community image as suggested in this Plan. POLICY: Provide incentives, including density bonuses, to encourage developers to meet planning goals and policies. POLICY: Commercial development within the Mazama and Early Winters Sub-Area and in Winthrop should be subject to additional review except for home-based businesses, bed and breakfasts and low intensity planned resorts, inns, lodges, and guest ranches. POLICY: Establish reasonable standards to control light, glare and noise and protect air quality in the planning area. POLICY: Prohibit residential and commercial development and the placement of septic systems in areas subject to inundation by the 100-year flood.
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POLICY: Require provision of adequate year-round access to buildings and water sources for fire suppression.
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POLICY: Vegetation cleared for development should be disposed of promptly, and adequate clearing maintained around buildings. POLICY: Encourage use of non-flammable materials on roofs and in building-to-ground transition zones. POLICY: Homes and other structures should be clustered and not exceed the height of surrounding trees.
GOAL: To direct land use changes in a manner that enhances community vitality, cohesiveness, efficiency and economy.
POLICY: Define specific boundaries for community and regional services, such as water and sewer, to encourage development consistent with locations recommended in this plan and by current studies. Extension of such services to a larger area is not consistent with the intent to confine higher intensity land uses to the Winthrop, Mazama and Early Winters Areas. POLICY: To assure adequate utility financing, concentrate more intense residential and commercial development in areas where community services exist or are planned. POLICY: Require comprehensive review of each project to ensure land use changes are consistent with this plan and existing regulations. POLICY: Minimize the impacts of changes in land use, such as highway construction, utility upgrades, etc. on agricultural operations. POLICY: Assure that land is available for future public buildings, parks, facilities and utilities by defining future needs and identifying desired locations.
GOAL: To foster diversified residential, commercial and community development that adequately serves residents and visitors.
POLICY: Provide opportunities throughout the entire planning area for home-based businesses, guest ranches, bed & breakfasts and small inns.
GOAL: To establish a variety of means for implementation of this comprehensive plan in a manner consistent with the Okanogan County Comprehensive Plan.
POLICY: Encourage local, state and federal agencies to make land use and management decisions that are consistent with the elements of this Plan.
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POLICY: Maintain and utilize the Mazama Advisory Committee as an important part of implementing planning area goals through the review and comment on development projects. POLICY: Encourage developers to include project covenant declarations or other title encumbrances that include design standards, including building size limitations, that will assure future owners are responsive to community planning goals and policies. POLICY: Where appropriate, overlay land use designations and zoning districts should be used to implement of the goals and policies of this plan.
GOAL: To reduce the threat of wildfire to life and property.

POLICY: Minimum standards for wildfire safety shall be implemented.
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8.0 RURAL CHARACTER
As noted in the background section of this MVMCPA this is a replacement to the Methow Valley Plan formally known as Sub-Unit A and the Methow Review Disatrict and is authorized by Chapter 7 of the Okanogan County Comprehensive Plan. Whether the topic is protection of open spaces and views, the need for sign and/or landscaping regulations, limitations on mega-houses, or appropriate architecture, all relate to the strong community desire to maintain a community image. The purpose of this element is to define that image and provide guidance for landowners as they develop their property. This element offers an opportunity to plan for and design future infrastructure; to provide for sound environmental management; and to increase cost efficiencies of future development. Clustering uses and densities in and around Mazama is vital for developing the desired community image. The goals, policies, land use designations, implementation recommendations, and other aspects of this plan apply only within the boundaries of the MVMCPA. The community image for the Mazama Sub-Area and the Upper Methow Valley incorporates goals for land use, transportation and circulation, and community systems. The recommended template for community design needs to include streets, parking areas, utilities and other improvements that will eventually be needed on a community-wide basis. Work on a Master Plan for the Mazama Core at the junction of Goat Creek Rd and the Lost River Rd. is currently in progress. Specific design and location guidelines should then be followed to assure development is done in a cohesive manner. The Handbook of Suggested Development Guidelines for Methow Valley Sub-Unit A Planning Area is the main tool currently available for implementing design review and community image standards. Appropriate portions of these documents should be required as part of a design review and approval process. Residents and property owners throughout MVMCPA have rejected the notion of a strict architectural theme. However, projects in the Mazama Sub-Area and along the SR-20 corridor, due to visible nature of such development, are encouraged to follow more stringent design standards than other sub-areas within MVMCPA. This element encourages use of materials that reflect the character of the Methow Valley and blend with the natural surroundings. New structures have the greatest potential for impacting the visual character of the valley. For this reason, certain construction materials are considered most desirable. Native materials such as wood, stone, logs, or traditional beveled siding that is finished in earth tones are recommended. Riverfront orientation on both sides of the Methow River should be encouraged to enhance the scenic values that attract visitors. Visitor accommodation must be integrated into any land use or design scheme for the Mazama Sub-Area to take full advantage of the economic potential in the Upper Valley. Human powered recreational activities that blend into and make use of the Valley's topography, flora and fauna should be emphasized, supported and integrated into any land use or design scheme. Creating an environmental awareness among residents and visitors is important in maintaining a community image that is closely tied to the natural surroundings. Tourism and development demands cannot be allowed to detract from the natural beauty and rural character that attract visitors to the area. In this vein, the community has an important role to play in promoting energy and water efficiency, recycling, and other measures to reduce environmental impacts. Education is an important
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tool for addressing the environmental concerns of our community in an acceptable manner. The Upper Methow Valleys success as a viable visitor oriented community will be measured both by the community's ability to preserve its natural amenities, especially the Methow River corridor, and its functionality as a visitor destination.
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The character of the planning area must be protected while allowing development to continue. Certain opportunities and constraints have been identified that will allow this to occur if they are incorporated in decisions effecting land use changes. The list that follows is not inclusive but will serve to identify some of the important factors affecting site development as they may relate to community design. It is recommended that subdivision developments adopt conditions, covenants, and restrictions (CC&Rs) that describe appropriate building envelopes and maximum square footage to facilitate buildings that fit the land, are of a human scale and appropriate for the surroundings. The building of compact, energy and resource efficient homes better fit the character in this area where the natural and rural setting is the focus of the community. Construction on ridge tops should be discouraged with low profile buildings with a variety in massing and roof lines preferred. Large expansive areas of unbroken roof planes and ridges lines are undesirable. Constraints of Site Development: Visually sensitive features exist throughout the planning area. Environmental and topographical features pose constraints upon land use changes. Critical Habitat Areas Shorelines View Corridors Opportunities:
Protection of the amenities that make the area attractive to visitors encourages the use of design standards that would not ordinarily be needed in urban settings. Certain areas exist for development that, if properly designed, will blend with the character of the planning area. Although a substantial portion of lands are subdivided and have been developed in accordance with the Vision Statement, there is further opportunity to influence design and location of future projects. Opportunities exist for economic vitality through cohesive and quality community design such as implementing a sign ordinance. The following goals and policies are based upon the above opportunities and constraints and are intended to further the desired community image.
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8.1 GOALS AND POLICIES:
GOAL: To protect the natural amenities, cultural resources, and rural character of the planning area.
POLICY: Specific yet flexible design guidelines with review and regulatory overlays for projects throughout MVMCPA should be developed. Such guidelines should include limits pertaining to size and scale of buildings. POLICY: Higher density residential areas and commercial use should be confined to specifically zoned lands in the Mazama Sub-Area. POLICY: MVMCPA should provide management guidelines and protective measures for key environmental features. POLICY: Open meadows and fields should be maintained as much as possible.
POLICY: Views of the Methow River corridor, especially at road crossings and trailheads where views of the river are most accessible should be maintained. Projects reviewed and permitted under the Okanogan County Shoreline Master Program should be conditioned to provide and protect views. POLICY: Mountains and valley walls such as Lucky Jim Bluff, Goat Wall, Goat Peak, Last Chance Peak, Grizzly Peak and Spokane Gulch should be managed by the Forest Service in a visually sensitive way. POLICY: The Forest Service and Okanogan County should cooperatively manage the interface of public and private lands. POLICY: Standards for development that protect the Methow River corridor from overuse similar to those in the Multi-Objective River Corridor Study and the Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan for the Methow River should be considered. POLICY: The Mazama community should strive towards sustainability through measures that encourage energy and water efficiency, recycling, and reduced consumption. POLICY: Significant cultural resources, including archaeological site, historic properties, landscapes, and traditional cultural places, should be identified and protected.
GOAL: Encourage the use of a community design that includes the development of a Town Center, streets, parking areas, utilities, and other necessary improvements.
POLICY: A community design template that features development outward from a town center should be applied to the Mazama Sub-Area. POLICY: Locations for streets, parking areas, and utilities should be identified in the design. POLICY: Encourage commercial development in the Mazama Sub-Area to take advantage of
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river views and recreational opportunities provided by the river corridor. POLICY: Development plans should allow sufficient right of way for pedestrian access and landscape plantings along streets and roads.
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GOAL: Combine and Update the Handbook of Suggested Development Guidelines for Methow Valley Sub-Unit A Area and the Wilson Ranch Planned Development Guidelines as tools for implementing community image standards.
POLICY: Utilize site analysis and design review to ensure that development and home construction fit the desired community image. POLICY: Site designs should preserve, to the greatest extent possible, the natural and historic character of the area, including vegetation, topography, and drainage, archaeological sites, and historic properties POLICY: Use of native materials for building, such as wood, logs, and stone or traditional beveled siding in earth tones should be encouraged. POLICY: Use of low intensity lighting and building materials that reduce glare is encouraged. POLICY: Wildfire and snow management should be taken into account with each development plan and site design. POLICY: Habitat needs of native wildlife should be considered in site designs.
POLICY: Building orientation and dimension, architectural design, and landscaping guidelines in the Wilson Ranch and Handbook of Suggested Development Guidelines for Methow Valley SubUnit A Planning Area should be applied to commercial and residential development within the Mazama and Early Winters Sub-Areas as well as the SR-20 Corridor. POLICY: An ordinance that addresses size and style of signs in Mazama and throughout MVMCPA should be adopted. POLICY: Developers should be encouraged to adopt CC&Rs that address building size and bulk, ridge top development, building location and open space preservation.
8.2 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY:
The impact of this plan element on the community depends upon how well implementation of the Land Use and other elements of this plan are accomplished. Also, consistent enforcement and use existing and proposed regulations and review processes will be necessary for the realization of the goals of this element. Furthermore, establishment of avenues for public/private partnerships to achieve the desired community image can also influence a developer's decision, project design and execution. Certain design standards have been identified as furthering the community image of the planning area. Most standards will focus on changes in land use that are expected to occur in Mazama and Early Winters Sub-Areas. Additionally, implementation of the desired land use regulations and design criteria will not occur if costs of development in relation to marketability do not allow
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profits.
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The following pages illustrate the types of design considerations that are encouraged throughout the planning area. Specific strategies for implementation of this element include: Develop design review overlays that detail a process and standards for development, signage and landscaping within the Mazama Sub-Areas and the SR-20 Corridor. The Handbook of Suggested Development Guidelines for Methow Valley Sub-Unit A Planning Area and Wilson Ranch Planned Development Guidelines should be reviewed, combined, refined and updated and be used as a source for the standards.
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9.0 LAND USE ELEMENT
The purpose of the land use element is to deal with community land use issues and design in a comprehensive way. This elements focus is to encourage land use patterns in harmony with the MVMCPA Goals and Policies (see pages 21-23). Decisions on land use issues made in a piecemeal fashion without a larger vision in mind will not foster a well functioning and cohesive community. The Land Use Element is intended to supply the land use vision for the planning area through balancing the needs and desires of planning area land owners and residents with the constraints presented by the physical setting and limitations of the planning area. The environment today is a key factor in establishing future land use patterns. Recognition of shoreline areas, flood plains, geologic hazards, aquifer recharge areas, wetlands, view corridors, wildlife habitat and migration routes, air quality, water quality and quantity, noise issues and light and glare are all a part of land use. In addition, consideration must be given to existing and planned land uses, current zoning and access. All of these factors were considered in developing the land use element. The Land Use Element contains the following sections: Sub-Areas Housing and Residential Development Commercial Development Industrial Development Resource Lands and Critical Areas Shoreline Areas Open Space Strategies for Implementation
9.1 SUBAREAS
In order to implement the MVMCPA goals and policies and meet the diverse needs in the MVMCPA, the area has been divided into five sub-areas: Sub-Area I -Mazama Sub-Area II Early Winters Sub-Area III -Mazama Rural Sub-Area IV -Rockview/Big Valley Sub-Area V -Wolf Creek
The sub-areas were initially identified in the late 1980s, as work was underway on the first MVMCPA plan. In many cases the sub-area identification has become synonymous with a comprehensive plan designation, which was not the intent of the plan. However, treatment of each sub-area as a unique part of the overall planning area continues to be a sound concept. Each of the sub-areas offers some unique attributes, which sets it apart from the others. A description of each sub-area follows. A map of the sub-areas is found on page 31.
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Sub-Area I - Mazama-Commercial The Mazama Area includes lands to be served by community sewer in the 1984 Mazama Early Winters Update to the Okanogan County Comprehensive Sewer Plan. The area presently includes residential and commercial uses, several approved planned developments and has been zoned Special Review Highway Commercial since 1979. This Plan focuses on the Mazama Area by including specific design and location criteria for future residential and commercial uses. The community desires commercial development that is sensitive to the physical setting. Attention to views and viewsheds, inclusion of open space and landscaping, architectural style that reflects local materials and pedestrian friendly design are the hallmarks of desirable commercial uses. Larger developments should include a thorough mix of uses typical of tourist and recreation oriented communities. In order to maintain the cohesive appearance and function of a town, commercial buildings should be located initially in a tightly clustered area and allowed to "expand" from the river outward as growth occurs. The plan provides an area of high density residential around the commercial core of Mazama that supports the concept of clustering development around commercial areas and is adequate to financially support infrastructure costs. Sub-Area II - Early Winters The Early Winters Area is comprised of properties that include the Wilson Ranch PD and the Arrowleaf Development. Sub-Area III - Mazama Rural The Mazama Rural Area includes all privately owned lands above Weeman Bridge not included in the Mazama and Early Winters Areas. The predominate land use in this area has and will continue to be low density residential, small recreation oriented tourist accommodations and scattered agricultural use. Buildout rates within existing subdivisions and planned developments will slowly increase over time as planned resorts are completed in the Valley. New subdivision and planned development activity may be limited into the foreseeable future due to concerns over water, wildlife and anadromous fish. Builders should be encouraged to design homes in a manner that addresses environmental, visual and community needs. Protection and mitigation of environmentally and visually sensitive areas should be accomplished through good design, landscaping, site planning, and where required, acquisition. Sub-Area IV - Rockview/Big Valley Current land uses within the Rockview/Big Valley Area include low-density residential and agricultural uses. Present trends, ownership patterns and the physical limitations of this area suggest a continuance of this character throughout much of the sub-area.
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In 1991 the State of Washington acquired the 845.89 acre Big Valley Ranch to preserve the open space for wildlife purposes. Of particular concern are the fields and benches that remain in private ownership. Care should be taken to protect visually sensitive areas as owners opt for residential development. A mixture of rural residential and agricultural land uses should remain in this sub-area with a new conservancy designation for those lands protected via acquisition or conservation easement. Increased densities and some mixed commercial may be appropriate in the vicinity of Winthrop if consistent with the Towns Comprehensive Plan and ability to provide water and sewer service. As development occurs, attention should be given to environmental, visual, and community needs. Sub-Area V - Wolf Creek The Wolf Creek Area is the most removed from SR-20 and the development pressures along the highway corridor. However, the town of Winthrop has been studying the possibility of a new Methow River Bridge near Wolf Creek and a locals alternate route as a means of relieving congestion in Town. Land use in this sub-area will primarily be low to medium density residential with areas of higher density or mixed uses permitted in the vicinity of Winthrop if consistent with the Towns Comprehensive Plan and ability to provide water and sewer service.
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9.2 HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Residential uses, both permanent and seasonal, and agricultural uses are the dominant land use throughout most of MVMCPA. This is a trend that will continue into the foreseeable future. Demand for a significant increase in housing stock is very much dependent on the development of destination tourism facilities in the planning area. Without these generators, it is likely current trends will continue. Housing needs that may result from an influx of people who come as a result of major employers should be anticipated both within and outside the planning area. A complete mix of housing types is desirable in all Methow Valley communities. Efforts should be made to provide housing that is both adequate and affordable by lower to moderate-income persons. The type, size and density of housing and residential uses will depend on location with 56% of the parcels in the area already subdivided or otherwise developed for residential purposes as of 2000. 9.2.1 Goals and Policies for Housing and Residential Development The goals and policies stated below are designed to both achieve a housing strategy that is responsive to demand and of a nature that is compatible with other community planning goals. GOAL: Provide a range of density options to ensure that a variety of housing types may be developed as appropriate in each sub-area and land use designation.
POLICY: Maximum densities shall only be obtained through the planned development process. POLICY: Allow a variety of housing types within the planning area.
POLICY: Allow housing in commercial areas that is complimentary to commercial activities, for example, second floor apartments, except where increased building height restricts views.
GOAL: Assure adequate public utilities and transportation systems are provided to support higher density residential developments.
POLICY: Encourage a strong pedestrian orientation in the Mazama, Early Winters and Mazama Rural Sub-Areas by requiring pedestrian circulation provisions as a part of project review. POLICY: Locate high density residential uses in areas where community sewer and water systems are feasible. POLICY: Encourage the use of public transportation between areas of concentrated residential development and commercial areas.
GOAL: Assure that design and location of both temporary and permanent housing projects conform to goals contained in this Plan.
POLICY: Develop standards that keep temporary housing from becoming permanent or from
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conflicting with the goals of this Plan.
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POLICY: Develop design standards and require planned development review for temporary and permanent manufactured home and recreational vehicle parks. POLICY: Retain the existing provision in the zoning code that residential development within the Mazama Sub-Area be reviewed by the Mazama Advisory Committee.
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GOAL: Assure employee housing in larger developments is adequate and affordable.
POLICY: Encourage dispersion of employee housing by allowing it to occur in all residential land use designations within the planning area. POLICY: Require proponents of large development projects (including high-density housing and commercial/resort planned developments) to provide for employee housing as part of their development plans. Such housing may be dispersed throughout the planning as a means to encourage diversity in the planning area.
GOAL: Protect existing residential areas by preventing encroachment of incompatible uses.

POLICY: Allow only residential and agricultural development, with the exception of homebased businesses, as defined on page 38, in areas designated for residential purposes.
GOAL: Provide for safe, healthful and aesthetically pleasing residential uses
POLICY: Require off-street parking for all residential uses.
POLICY: Regulate building setbacks, structure size and height, and maximum lot coverage to protect public health, safety and welfare. POLICY: Encourage residential project design that places building sites in non-sensitive environmental and visual areas and that considers wildlife, fire and insect disease and weed control.
9.2.2 Residential Land Use Designations
The plan contemplates three residential land use designations consistent with present and planned land use patterns and current land use regulations: Urban Residential Rural Residential Low Density Residential
Urban Residential The intent of the Urban Residential Designation is to provide an area for high density (limited only by bulk, height and setback regulations and ability to provide water and sewer service) single and multi-family residential uses adjoining planned commercial areas. The designation is limited to those areas planned for community services (e.g. sewer & water) within the Mazama Sub-Area.
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Rural Residential The intent of the Rural Residential Designation is to provide for areas of lower density residential uses (1 dwelling unit per five net residential acres) and agriculture. This designation is consistent with the Methow Review District Valley Floor zoning district. Small inns, guest ranches and other recreation oriented tourist accommodations and home-based businesses are permitted in this designation. Low Density Residential The intent of the Low Density Residential Designation is to provide for areas of low-density residential uses (1 dwelling unit or less per 20 acres) and agriculture. This designation is consistent with the Methow Review District Uplands zoning district. Areas with this designation lie within identified critical mule deer winter range thus development is limited to low-density residential and agricultural uses and home-based businesses.
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9.3 COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
It is recognized that businesses have a direct and interdependent relationship with community planning. The need to protect the aesthetic character and environment of the Methow Valley is evident and viewed as necessary by business interests. Business success depends on protecting, not harming or commercializing, this unique character. Most new commercial development will be in response to tourism needs. Overnight lodging, service, retail, home-based businesses and resort opportunities are appropriate commercial activities for the planning area. The goals and implementing policies listed below are intended to establish the principles as to how and where these uses should occur. 9.3.1 Goals and Policies for Commercial Development GOAL: To foster stable, diverse and competitive year around economic activities within the planning area.
POLICY: Permit a variety of commercial facilities and activities within the Mazama SubArea to support the needs of visitors and residents that are consistent with goals of this plan. POLICY: Encourage business sector involvement in planning and implementing capital projects in commercially designated areas. POLICY: Permit development of second story residential uses in commercial areas, except where building height restrict views. POLICY: Assure that developers are responsible for providing adequate infrastructure in Mazama Sub-Area to support new commercial development.
GOAL: To encourage quality commercial development that compliments, not detracts from, the image of the planning area.
POLICY: Promote the development of a public space in the Mazama Sub-Area to act as the focal point of commercial and community activities and to serve as a community gathering place and trailhead for recreational pursuits in the Upper Methow Valley. Area. POLICY: Encourage expansion of the existing commercial development in the Mazama Sub-
POLICY: Develop, implement and enforce design guidelines for commercial uses in the Mazama Sub-Area. . POLICY: Retain the existing provision in the zoning code that commercial development within the Mazama Sub-Area be reviewed by the Mazama Advisory Committee. POLICY: Encourage location of most commercial uses in Mazama Sub-Area and in appropriate areas in Winthrop.
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POLICY: Confine commercial uses outside of the planned commercial areas to planned developments, inns, lodges, bed and breakfasts, guest ranches and home-based businesses.
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POLICY: Develop common guidelines and standards for location, design and construction of utilities, streets, parking areas, trails and other improvements necessary to serve projects on an interim basis in order to assure they may eventually be combined into larger community-wide systems.
9.3.2 Commercial Land Use Designations The land use element contains three commercial land use designations: Special Review Commercial Neighborhood Commercial Planned Destination Resort
Special Review Commercial The Special Review Commercial Designation is intended to provide for a mixture of commercial and residential uses west of the Methow River within the Mazama Sub-Area. This designation includes community and tourist oriented commerce with an emphasis on pedestrian access, clustered development, cohesive design and small town feel. Development of lands with this designation will most likely require the construction of community sewer and water systems. The boundaries of this area are intended to be flexible and may be expanded or contracted to fit development plans contained within single ownership properties. Neighborhood Commercial The Neighborhood Commercial is intended to provide for areas with neighborhood oriented retail service outlets and professional offices in the Mazama Sub-Area east of the Methow River along the County road. The designation may also be applied as appropriate to lands near Winthrop. Depending on the scope and type of development, community sewer and water systems may be required. Planned Destination Resort This designation is reserved for lands that have undergone the rigorous process contained in Okanogan County regulation. Land designated as planned destination resort is only limited by the approved plans. A mixture of commercial, residential and recreational uses are typical of this designation. 9.3.3 General Commercial Development Definitions The Upper Methow Valley has a long history of accommodating low-intensity commercial activities in residential areas. This is partly due to the sparsely populated nature of the planning area. However, as the population grows the potential for conflicts will increase. For this reason the plan offers some general definitions for the types of low-intensity commercial uses permitted in areas designated for residential use.
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Planned Developments These uses, which vary in scope and intensity, are subject to the planned development process. In general planned developments must be located on a minimum of 20 acres, may include a mixture of uses, are typically self-contained and are located adjoining the Methow Community Trail or spur. Inns, Lodges and Guest Ranches These uses in low density residential and rural residential areas are limited to small-scale establishments. In general, inns, lodges and guest ranches will provide lodging with meals limited to guests only. Such establishments are typically located on parcels over 20 acres in size and adjoining the Methow Community Trail or spur. Bed & Breakfasts These uses are not considered commercial establishments.
Home-Based Businesses These uses are limited to activities, which do not generate noise, dust, odors, light, glare, solid waste or traffic greater than a typical single family residence. In general, home-based businesses occur in owner-occupied dwellings, do not require more than 2,000 square feet, do not employ more than two persons outside of the immediate family, and comply with all pertinent local, state and federal regulations.
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9.4 INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
This plan does not contemplate nor plan for heavy industrial development within the planning area. Past and present thinking is that the Upper Methow Valley will develop with residential, commercial, agricultural and recreational uses. Light industrial uses, if any, will be limited to home-based businesses. In the event a home occupation outgrows the definition contained herein, the plan encourages the re-location of the growing enterprise to an appropriately zoned area.
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9.5 RESOURCE LANDS AND CRITICAL AREAS
Growth Management is a planning process by which development is encouraged and administered for the benefit of all the citizens in the county. While Okanogan County is not required to plan fully under GMA and the County did not "opt in", the Act requires all cities and counties to designate resource lands and critical Areas. Designation of resource lands is done in compliance with Revised Code of Washington 36.70A.170, Revised Code of Washington 36.70A.050, and Chapter 3 of the Okanogan County Comprehensive Plan. 9.5.2 Critical Areas Designations
Designation of critical areas within the Upper Methow Valley follow the methodology adopted by Okanogan County.
9.6 SHORELINE AREAS

The shoreline areas of the Methow River provide a significant benefit to humans and the fish and wildlife that inhabitant and travel through MVMCPA. Okanogan County has adopted a Shoreline Master Program consistent with the requirements of the Shoreline Management Act passed by the state of Washington. The Shoreline Master Program not only contains the goals, policies and other comprehensive plan level information, but detailed regulations governing land use and activities within shoreline areas.
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9.7 OPEN SPACE

Maintenance of the rural landscape with its open vistas, views of agricultural activities and corridors for wildlife travel as the planning area grows will be the true test of the Land Use Element. How humans use the land for development, recreation and business can be constrained in a variety of ways to protect, enhance or restore the open space resource. This section of the Land Use Element is intended to provide guidance for the identification and protection of valuable open space areas. At present, MVMCPA is blessed with an abundance of open space. These open spaces, which provide views, agricultural uses, wildlife corridors and separation of human activities, are primarily held by private landowners. Fortunately many community members had the foresight to begin protection measures before significant areas were lost. One of the tools used to involve the public in the planning process was an adaptation of Viewer 2 Employed Photography . The process, which involved a random distribution of twelve disposable cameras and a workbook to document the pictures, yielded 106 images. Eighty-four of the images were of things people liked about MVMCPA, thirty-three percent of these photos emphasized open space, views and rural feel. Many of the remaining photos, whether of structures, the shoreline or the highway, also keyed on the open views in the planning area. 9.7.1 Goal and Policies for Open Space
GOAL: Encourage preservation, protection, enhancement and restoration of open space and view corridors within the planning area.
POLICY: Project design, including architecture, layout, and operation of developments, shall consider the pastoral setting of the valley. POLICY: Meadow areas shall, to the greatest extent possible, be devoted to ranching, equestrian or other activities in open spaces that will maintain the meadows in traditional condition. POLICY: Homes and other developments shall be clustered, whenever feasible, and not exceed the height of surrounding trees. POLICY: Architectural design should be on a human scale and utilize native materials and natural colors that complement the landscape. Buildings will be subservient to the landscape and be sized to conserve space and natural resources. POLICY: Development along roads and trails shall be screened, landscaped and designed to maintain a high quality scenic corridor. POLICY: Electrical and other utilities should be underground.
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POLICY: Establish a program to identify, prioritize and protect valuable open space areas and view corridors.
9.7.2 Designation of Open Space
This plan does not contain a specific designation for open space but rather presents the notion that desirable open space areas be identified, prioritized and protected as appropriate.
9.7.3 General Definitions for Open Space
Open space is defined in a number of ways. The two most common are related to taxation and conditions of approval for a development. The first type of open space is created for tax purposes and is governed by local and state statute. Land designated as open space for tax purposes is not required to remain as open space in perpetuity. Every seven years the owner of the property must re-enroll the subject land in the countys open space tax program. The second type of open space is the result of a development that required open space as a condition of approval. This type of open space may be held in common by the lot owners in the development, may be vested with the original landowner or held by a lot owners group. Regardless of ownership, this type of open space is intended to remain open in perpetuity. Okanogan County defines several different kinds of this type of open space.
Other types of open space include: lands acquired by the state, federal or local governments for the purpose of protecting the land from development to benefit fish and wildlife resources; and, lands subject to conservation easements or other restrictions that prevent most types of development.
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9.8 STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF LAND USE ELEMENT

Effective implementation of this element is the key to realization of the communitys vision. It is important to understand that creation of the desired village with a town square and some form of park in the Mazama Sub-Area will rely heavily on investment by private property owners, cooperation of government agencies and support from the community. Implementation of the Land Use Element will rely on traditional means such as zoning and subdivision regulations as well as more specific requirements for shoreline development, construction in critical areas, common covenant for private development, sign regulations, landscape requirements and project design guidelines. The goals and policies of this element shall be relied upon for direction as implementing measures are drafted. The following strategies should be undertaken in order to implement this element. The strategies are grouped according to priority. Priority One strategies should be drafted, reviewed and adopted concurrent to this plan. Priority Two strategies are to be developed over time as resources become available. Priority One Strategies
Review existing land use regulations to ensure consistency with this plan. Amend the Zoning Map and Text to: refine permissible commercial activities throughout the planning area. It is important that small-scale tourism based commercial enterprises be well-defined and appropriate controls developed to ensure their compatibility with other land uses. incorporate overlay districts for migration corridors, special design review, critical areas, signage and lighting. The overlays should provide a review process for considering the impact of development and may contain specific regulations intended to implement the communitys vision. Such regulations may include: structure height and bulk limits; design guidelines for residential and commercial uses; landscaping standards; sign regulations; light and glare; and clearing and grading regulations. Amend the Shoreline Master Program to change the shoreline designation within the
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Mazama Core Area from Rural to Shoreline Residential. The plans vision for commercial and high-density residential development in the Mazama core area near the Methow River is not consistent with the present shoreline designation of Rural. This amendment is needed to reflect the commercial and urban residential land use designations in the Mazama SubArea. Prepare a common set of Convenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) for properties within commercial and high-density areas. This effort includes working with property owners and developers to obtain their approval of the CC&Rs and assisting with the implementation. Require conditions on all new planned developments and subdivisions that the following standards for wildfire safety be implemented: Use fire rated roofing materials such as metal, tile or rated asphalt shingles; All chimneys should be equipped with non-flammable mesh screen spark arrestors;
Within 30 feet of a structure, clear most trees, and brush to maintain a defensible space. Within the defensible space, plant only deciduous trees and bushesno pine, fir, spruce, cedar, or other conifersand prune all branches to a minimum of 10 feet from roof lines. Any conifers retained with the defensible space should be limbed to 12 feet above the ground and they should be separated from other tree crowns by a minimum of 20 feet. Within 100 feet of a structure, limb trees to six feet above the ground and thin dense stands of trees to reduce the spread of wildfire between tree crowns; Store firewood and locate fuel tanks at least 30 feet from structures;
Address privacy and screening concerns with strategically placed plantings at property margins. Priority Two Strategies:
Amend the Zoning Map and Text to: incorporate overlay districts for open space and view areas. The overlays should provide a review process for considering the impact of development and may contain specific regulations intended to implement the communitys vision. Such regulations may include: structure height, bulk and placement limits; design guidelines for residential and commercial uses; landscaping standards; and, sign regulations. Establish an Open Space Committee that actively works with landowners on the identification, protection and restoration of open spaces. Throughout the planning process, the community made it clear that the open spaces, rural vistas, and mountain views were in integral part of the quality of life for valley residents and a chief attraction for visitors. The Open Space Committee would be charged with identifying and prioritizing key open space areas, view and migration corridors and other visually sensitive lands, then working with the community and County to develop plans and strategies for protection and/or restoration of these areas. One result of the
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committees work is intended to be an Open Space Overlay map to provide landowners with guidance for the protection of priority open space areas and a View Corridor Map which is intended to illustrate priority view opportunities in the planning area. Amend the Okanogan County Comprehensive Plan to include the goals and policies for Resource Lands and Critical Areas. Form advisory groups to refine land use planning and implementation efforts within each Sub-area.
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10.0 TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION

The transportation and circulation element of this Plan is based upon certain strongly stated community strategies. It is recognized that traffic flow, if not managed, will be disruptive, especially in the Mazama Sub-Area. Key considerations for mitigating the effects of traffic include: discouraging unnecessary auto trips into residential areas; encouraging through traffic to remain on or near SR-20;
assuring clean air and minimum noise are driving forces of developing and maintaining transportation/circulation systems. The atmosphere that is created in an area is initiated by the road style and type that serves the community; emphasizing a pedestrian orientation for both residential and commercial areas; encouraging the use of unpaved trails and the development of interconnecting loops for biking and cross country skiing.; assuring road design will compliment community planning goals; and, providing for alternate transportation modes, such as bicycles, nordic skiing, and equestrian.
The motorized transportation/circulation system in MVMCPA is dominated by SR-20, which forms the backbone of the vehicular transportation system. This designated scenic highway is the major east-west route through the entire planning area. The Goat Creek Road, a county arterial, provides the primary access on the eastside of Methow River north of the Weeman Bridge while the Wolf Creek road provides access on the west side of the river. Nearly all other roads within the planning area are private or provide access to the Okanogan National Forest. Numerous studies and plans have been prepared that contain projections of traffic volumes over time within the planning area. The most consistent theme is that traffic counts will increase over the coming years, the rate of increase will depend on the amount, type and location of development within the planning area. Along with the increase will come a decline in level of service. The most significant development in the transportation/circulation system within MVMCPA over the past decade has been the construction of the Methow Community Trail. This trail, while primarily recreational in nature, is also considered an important part of the existing and future transportation system. The plan suggests that the community trail, along with a series of park and ride/ski/hike lots, will provide a human powered alternate means of transportation for those commuting to jobs in Winthrop or elsewhere in the Upper Methow Valley. This trail will provide the same type of backbone transportation corridor for human powered transportation that SR-20 provides for motorized conveyances. Details on the trail are contained in the Recreation Element.
10.1 TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION GOALS AND POLICIES

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The following goals and policies are essential to meeting the planning strategies and are designed to complement those contained in the Okanogan County Comprehensive Transportation Study for the Methow Valley and the Okanogan County Transportation Element. The overall intent of the Transportation/Circulation Element is to develop a transportation system that will assure ready access to facilities and services with a minimum impact on the environment and people. GOAL: Assure transportation systems will not be unnecessarily disruptive to area residents.
POLICY: Provide adequate parking, traffic control devices and signing in order to reduce congestion and unnecessary intrusions into either residential or commercial areas. POLICY: Ensure that trails for the use of off highway motorized vehicles are compatible with existing residential development.
GOAL: To provide for efficient, adequate, safe and economical transportation systems and services that meet the needs of the community and compliment the proposed land uses of this Plan.
POLICY: Assure that development proposals conform with the transportation location and design guidelines of the Okanogan County Transportation Plan and those of the Washington State Department of Transportation, or other recognized traffic engineering standards or practices, but allow deviation from standardized design requirements when it can be demonstrated that such deviation furthers the intent of this Plan and does not jeopardize safety. . POLICY: Determine approximate locations of future streets, trails and park/ride/bike/hike lots so developers and residents may plan and develop a long-term community circulation system. POLICY: Require adequate planning and space within developments and public rights-of-way for snow storage and removal, such as boulevards median strips or planting strips adjacent to sidewalks.
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POLICY: Implement a transportation system for commercial areas that uniformly distributes traffic flow and provides for parking areas within easy walking distance of businesses. POLICY: Provide adequate access for high volume auto oriented commercial uses.
GOAL: Identify and provide opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized trails and public and/or private conveyance systems, such as public transit, which will provide opportunities for recreation and an alternative means of commuting, where appropriate, throughout the planning area.
POLICY: Specify trail types, locations and standards for future non-motorized and motorized uses including pedestrian, bicycle, equestrian, nordic skiing and snowmobiling. POLICY: Encourage, through project review, designation of open spaces in a manner that provides continuity for non-motorized travel between and to points of interest and the different community centers. POLICY: Identify areas for motorized recreation vehicles (snowmobiles) that are compatible with established uses. POLICY: Encourage appropriate access to public lands.
POLICY: Actively coordinate trails planning with Okanogan County, the Okanogan National Forest, the town of Winthrop, the Methow Valley Sports Trails Association, Methow Valley and Okanogan County snowmobile organizations and the Washington State Department of Transportation. POLICY: Encourage the development of public and/or private transit systems and facilities.
POLICY: Emphasize human powered modes of transportation. Connect major points of interest in the Early Winters and Mazama Sub-Areas by appropriately surfaced walking, biking, equestrian and nordic skiing trails. POLICY: Ensure hiking, biking, horse and ski trails generally follow the river but occasionally bend away to provide areas by the river with no trail access. POLICY: Ensure transportation plans provide a complementary system of roads and trails. POLICY: Provide easy access to trailheads with adequate parking where feasible. Encourage a public or private transit system.
GOAL: To assure that transportation systems will have a minimal impact upon the environment and aesthetics of the planning area.
POLICY: Encourage buffering and screening of residential developments adjacent to high traffic volume areas in order to reduce noise, glare and visual impacts of major traffic routes and parking. POLICY: Provide for maximum use of human powered modes of travel and public transit, in
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order to prevent air pollution.
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POLICY: Discourage construction of roadways in environmentally and visually sensitive areas. POLICY: Encourage curvilinear, branched road design in residential projects.
POLICY: Encourage transportation and wildlife agencies to cooperatively develop a plan to reduce wildlife encounters on roads, i.e. speed limits, signs, underpasses, drift fences. POLICY: Encourage road design, construction and maintenance standards and practices that reduce noise (e.g. asphalt overlay vs. chip seal), dust and glare. POLICY: Ensure road and trail surfaces keep the sound of vehicles traveling on them to a minimum. Hot mix asphalt surfacing should be used on SR-20 and other arterials in the planning area. POLICY: Use terrain features, vegetation, earth berms and other barriers to mute the sound of motorized equipment that may create unacceptable noise levels.
10.2 DESIGN STANDARDS

Okanogan County has an adopted set of roadway design standards. However, in many instances the existing standards require higher design speeds and thus more clearing and grading than desired in the planning area. In addition, current standards do not address pedestrian/nonmotorized circulation.
10.3 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
Successful implementation of the Transportation/Circulation will result in an expanded network of non-motorized trails, the identification of appropriate areas for motorized trail use, quieter roadway surfaces, and refined road design standards that are sensitive to the unique environment of the planning area. Strategies for implementation of this plan element include: Continue development of the Methow Community Trail and various spurs to link all areas of MVMCPA together. Complete development of year around park and ride/bike/hike/ski lots to compliment the trail system. Lots at key points in the network should include restrooms and other facilities. Review existing roadway design standards and recommend modifications consistent with this plan.
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11.0 PUBLIC UTILITIES, FACILITIES, AND SERVICES
Public utilities, facilities and services not only consist of the standard water, sewer, telephone, electricity, solid waste, fire protection, law enforcement and emergency medical services but also public transit, trails, parking areas with restrooms, and internet access. The costs associated with the construction and operation of community-wide facilities, utilities and services can be reduced and efficiency increased by planning for the future and identifying and prioritizing needs. The preceding elements of this plan provide important guidance for the location and sizing of utilities, facilities and services. Early identification of and provision for needs and capacities allows those interested in development the assurances and information needed to accurately deal with one of the most significant costs of project development. Further, capital costs associated with providing utilities, facilities, and services can be anticipated in a timely manner so revenue sources can be identified and necessary funds can be raised. The type of growth that creates greater demands on public utilities, facilities, and services will occur over time in response to market demands. It is anticipated that development in the planning area will primarily be construction of single family residences with scattered inns, lodges, guest ranches and planned resorts. For this reason, construction and operation of water and sewer utilities will largely be on a individual project basis while telephone and electric utilities will respond to market demand. It is important to note that the demand for electrical power generated by growth in the Methow Valley will exceed the systems capacity early in the next century. The draft Mazama Area Wastewater Facilities Plan Update, completed in August of 1998, represents an effort to develop a contemporary plan for wastewater facilities. The plan looks at the pattern of decentralized development that currently exists in the planning area, and recommends appropriate treatment systems, including both on-site systems and central sewer facilities. Recommendations predominantly address onsite technology that can be permitted to achieve the 1 milligram/liter planning goal for nitrogen pollution in the groundwater. The Methow Valley Community Trail and its branches in the planning area constitute a public facility of growing importance. The trail provides a thread that runs through all elements of this plan. As a land use, the trail impacts the location and type of development and provides open space and habitat along its length. As part of the transportation system, it provides a link from the north end of the planning area to Winthrop. As a community facility, it provides the public with access to lands within the planning area that are shielded visually from the road network. As a recreation facility, it offers the chance to bike, hike or Nordic ski. Finally, the trail is a focus of the community image, which is based largely on non-motorized outdoor recreation. Since the recreation connection is strongest, most comprehensive planning information for this important community facility is contained in the Recreation Element. Because little concentrated development has occurred, the community has a unique opportunity to maximize efficiencies by establishing specific strategies to deal with the anticipated public
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Table 11.1 - Needed Public Services and Facilities
Solid Waste System Recycling Sites Electrical Power substation and Distribution System Easements Communication System & Sites Easements Maintenance Building Site for County/State Road Crews Fire Protection Services site(s) & Staging Areas building(s) Water suppliers - Tanker fill points
Transfer station in Twisp All Areas All Areas All Areas Mazama, Early Winters or Mazama Rural SubAreas Mazama Sub-Areas along Lost River Mazama Roads
utility, facility and service needs that are in support of community planning goals. AnticCPAted needs are summarized in Table 11.1.
*See Figure 1.1 for map of planning area.
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11.1 PUBLIC UTILITIES, FACILITIES AND SERVICES GOALS AND POLICIES

The following goals and policies are intended to guide the development of public utilities, facilities and services in the planning area. The goals and policies are intended to compliment, build upon and refine the goals and policies from planning documents such as the Okanogan County Comprehensive Sewer Plan - Mazama Update. The overall intent of this element is to ensure that these crucial facilities and services are included in the planning and development process. GOAL: Identify and provide specific utility and service needs well in advance of demand.
POLICY: Utilize engineering reports and implement standards for the design and siting of individual and group wastewater treatment systems for type 1 through 5 systems detailed in the Mazama Area Wastewater Facilities Plan Update. POLICY: Study and accept innovative sewage systems if they meet the adopted standards for wastewater disposal in the planning area. POLICY: Complete water planning efforts in order to identify appropriate and responsible means for allocating ground and surface water resources. POLICY: Require that larger community water systems provide adequate fire supply with compatible connections. POLICY: Establish the entities needed for utility construction, operation, and maintenance when the demand is adequate to justify and support them. POLICY: Require water conservation measures, such as those adopted by the Department of Health.
GOAL: Assure that construction, operation and maintenance of utility systems is as economical as possible.
POLICY: Allow interim individual and small community on-site wastewater treatment systems and water supply systems until it can be shown that community-wide systems can be supported financially POLICY: Assure that densities established by zoning are adequate to support costs of utilities and services that are provided on a community-wide basis. POLICY: Assure consistency of construction standards, so that interim utility improvements can be coordinated and, when necessary, combined with the community-wide systems if constructed. POLICY: Locate and secure easements, sites, and other lands needed for public services and facilities.
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GOAL: Assure that provision of utilities will not be detrimental to the environment nor foster land use patterns inconsistent with the recommendations of this Plan.
POLICY: Assure that utility extensions are in accordance with the land use elements of this Plan by avoiding extensions into areas that are not compatible with planning goals.
11.2 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
One of the most significant departures from the previous plan for MVMCPA is that this document no longer envisions large community water or sewer systems. In their place the plan calls for smaller package sewer systems built by landowners/developers as commercial and high-density residential uses become feasible. Even without the large community systems, water and sewer remain difficult and sometimes contentious issues and require a concerted strategy to resolve. Fortunately, improvement and expansion of the public utilities, facilities and services needed to implement this plan element is generally well underway:
Planning for water and sewer systems, whether individual or community, should be consistent with this plan. The approval and implementation of the 1998 Mazama Area Wastewater Facilities Plan Update for type 1 through 5 systems is encouraged. Furthermore, an effort should be undertaken to provide educational information and materials on the benefits of reduced interior and exterior water and electrical use. Community water systems of four or more connections should be required to include at least a fire hydrant capable of delivering flows that meet fire district standards.
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12.0 RECREATION
Recreation is one the chief reasons for new residential and commercial growth in the Methow Valley and particularly within MVMCPA. Understandably, recreation will continue to provide this stimulus as long as the very attributes that presently attract people to the area are not degraded. Decisions concerning land use must provide for the needs of the recreation industry. Placement and design of development must be done in a manner that does not significantly detract from the area. Demands for recreation are constantly changing. The purpose of this plan element is to: identify features that attract visitors and provide opportunities for existing residents;
identify needed facilities and services such as restrooms, etc., and encourage private investment in these facilities; encourage private investment in providing quality recreation facilities and services for visitors and local residents; and ensure a proper balance of uses on surrounding National Forest lands.
Most recreation in the Upper Methow Valley involves outdoor summer and winter activities. Hiking, hunting, fishing, cross country skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding, boating, ice, rock and mountain climbing, para-sailing and hang gliding and snowmobiling are common dispersed recreational pursuits. The opportunities for developed recreation occur in conjunction with guest ranches and resorts in the planning area. Developed activities, such as a golf course, campgrounds and ice rinks, are advantageous for the community because such activities are more easily controlled and serviced, thereby causing minimal impact upon the community and its environment. In addition, environmental education opportunities will help recreational visitors minimize the environmental impact of their recreational activity in the valley. There is an opportunity to build on the area's reputation for diverse recreation. Low cost and low impact civic development of roadside and/or trailhead facilities will encourage private development of guiding, instructional and training facilities as well as stores providing recreational equipment and supplies which, if coupled with careful zoning and dispersed use, would benefit both visitors and local residents. People have many different recreation preferences, some of which dont necessarily include sports or physical activities. For many a peaceful environment that is free of noise and pollution is essential to a good recreation experience. Opportunities for learning natural history are increasingly desired by the type of vacationers attracted to the Methow Valley. Enjoying the ambiance of a community is an experience that must be available in a successful recreation economy. In addition, cultural events, educational opportunities and conventions are appropriate non-dispersed activities for the area.
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Specific recreation attributes of the planning area include its proximity to the North Cascades Scenic Corridor, the Okanogan National Forest, and Pasayten and Sawtooth Wilderness areas; as well as current and future opportunities for developed recreation at Wilson Ranch, Mazama Country Inn, and other area resort facilities. The extensive trail system in the planning area is also an attractive amenity for visitors. A trails map on the planning area in included on page 66. The goals and policies below emphasize the relationship between community decisions and recreation activities within the planning area.
12.1 GOALS AND POLICIES:

GOAL: To encourage development of diverse recreation opportunities.
POLICY: Assure land use regulations allow for well-planned recreation oriented developments that are located in areas consistent with this Plan. POLICY: Provide appropriately zoned areas for both dispersed and developed recreation development. POLICY: Coordinate recreational planning and development with other federal, state and local agencies to assure recreation activities on privately owned lands complement that planned for public lands and vice versa. POLICY: Encourage designation and construction of paths and multi-purpose trails throughout the planning area and adjacent public lands. POLICY: Encourage recreational development that preserves and protects open space.
POLICY: Develop recreation plans that meet funding standards of the Recreation and Conservation Office and other funding sources. POLICY: Encourage human powered recreation and develop a network of trails to meet the needs of residents and visitors.
GOAL: To provide the recreational facilities needed to support private investment.
POLICY: Develop long range capital improvement programs for needed recreation facilities and services. POLICY: Assure community facilities can meet peak recreational demands. POLICY: Identify locations for, prioritize and develop park and ride/bike/hike lots as appropriate throughout the planning area.
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12.2 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY:
Meeting the goals for recreation will require ongoing meaningful participation between both private and public sectors to assure coordination of land use planning decisions and investment in needed community facilities. An update to Okanogan Countys Park and Recreation Plan would be an excellent start in focusing efforts to implement this plan element. In addition, specific recreation plans, such as an update to the Okanogan County Trails Plan, should be developed so that both public and private entities can develop recreation-oriented activities in a systematic and coordinated way. Implementation of this element will also rely on significant private investment. Opportunities to improve and expand recreation offerings for private interests as well as public/private partnerships include: Trailhead information and parking within the Mazama Sub-Area. Stream access and restoration throughout the planning area. Parking lot and information at Fun Rock Summer mountain bike trails (single track) based out of Rendezvous Hut FR 100 loop area. Van support of mountain biking and skiing itineraries. Low cost camping/dormitory lodging opportunities. Continued development of the Methow Community Trail and spurs for all season use.
Development of park/ride/bike/hike lots at strategic locations along the Methow Community Trail, including restrooms as appropriate. Development of community park and recreational facilities, including public restrooms, adjacent to Mazama Community Building. In addition to the preceding opportunities, it is important that the other elements of this plan be implemented. Land Use, Transportation, Public Facilities and Rural Character are all critical to the long-term sustainability of the economy, environment and community of the Upper Methow Valley.
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Chapter 1. THE OKANOGAN COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

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Five Year Review

Comprehensive Plan Objectives

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General Planning Objectives

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PRIVATE PROPERTY AND WATER RIGHTS

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Chapter 2. EXISTING CONDITIONS

Comprehensive Plan Designations

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Figure 2: Total Projected Population for Okanogan County 2000-2030

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AGRICULTURAL LANDS OF LONG TERM SIGNIFICANCE

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Home occupations. Neighborhood commercial alternative energy facilities.

FORESTRY LANDS OF LONG TERM SIGNIFICANCE

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Operability Classes (found at WAC 458-40-530)

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Availability of fire protection, police, and other emergency services.

MINERAL LANDS OF LONG TERM SIGNIFICANCE

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Chapter 4. LAND USE OF RURAL LANDS

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Chapter 5. UNINCORPORATED TOWNS AND NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL CENTERS LAND USE

Future Neighborhood Commercial Centers

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Chapter 6. LAND USE OF CITY EXPANSION AREAS

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Five Year Review

Zoning and Project Review

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Chapter 7. More Completely Planned Areas

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Establishing Future More Completely Planned Areas

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Purpose of the Transportation Element

THE PLANNING PROCESS

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Transportation Planning In Washington

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