Site Analysis Information

Generally speaking, a site analysis looks at your proposal in a broad scope for suitability with the property it is intended for. The purpose of a site analysis is to evaluate the suitability of a specific piece of property for a specific development proposal in light of applicable development regulations (such as, but not limited to, the Okanogan County Zoning Code, GMA Critical Areas Regulations, The Master Program For Okanogan County Shoreline Management, and Okanogan County Flood Ordinance 97-2) which are not administered by the County Building Department. Planning regulations typically address issues such as, but not limited to, building setbacks from property lines, building height, building density, adequate parking, wetlands, steep slope and erosion concerns, significant riparian areas, wildlife areas, and development near airports. The Building Department evaluates structural-specific issues such as, but not limited to, building dimensions, foundations, insulation, roof load requirements, construction materials, etc. A site analysis may be requested for various development proposals including building permits, potential locations for residential commercial, industrial uses, as well as by potential buyers of property who would like to know whether or not a particular property can be developed, subdivided, etc. The cost for a site analysis is $90 and can be a very wise investment prior to development or purchase of your property.
On October 20, 1997, the Okanogan Board of County Commissioners approved Ordinance 97-8, which amended Section F of Okanogan County Ordinance 96-2 relating to the adoption and enforcement of the State Building and Related Codes. Ordinance 97-8, as approved, exempted several categories of structures from requiring a building permit. These include:

Fences
Snow breaks
Cattle and stud corrals; and
Fences for exotic birds and animals.

Also, a building permit is not required for an agricultural building, aggregate, less than 4,000 square feet of construction, as set forth in RCW 18.08.410(6). An "agricultural building" is defined as a structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or other horticultural products. Said structure shall not be a place of human habitation or a place of employment where agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged, nor shall it be a place used by the public.

Section 6, of the same Ordinance states, "Prior to the construction of any agricultural building as defined herein, a site plan analysis shall be obtained from the Office of Planning and Development, for which fee of ninety dollars ($90.00) shall be assessed." All exempt agricultural structures must meet zoning requirements for each respective Zoning District.

To download a Site Analysis Application CLICK HERE.