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.