Okanogan County SMP Survey

Survey

Okanogan County

Shoreline Master Program Update

The County of Okanogan is conducting a periodic review and update of its Shoreline Master Program (SMP) as required by state law. The SMP applies to all lakes over 20 acres, and larger streams (over 20 cubic feet per second) as well as associated wetlands and uplands at least 200 feet on a horizontal plane from the Ordinary-High-Water-Mark of the shoreline. The Methow River, Chewuch River, Okanogan River, Similkameen River, Twisp River, Lake Osoyoos, Palmer Lake, Lake Pateros, and any associated wetlands are examples of some of the shorelines within the jurisdiction of the SMP. This project will focus on updating policies and regulations to ensure consistency with current state law. Your input is important to this process. Please help guide this project by providing your input to the following questions. Skip any that do not apply to you.

1.What is your relationship to shorelines in Okanogan County? (Check all that apply)

I recreate along shorelines (e.g. walk beaches or trails, camp near shorelines, etc.).

I boat or fish on the water bodies.

I have a business dependent on Okanogan County shorelines.

I own, rent or have access to, property within 200 feet of the shorelines in Okanogan County.

If yes, name all that apply

Other (please specify)

2.The state Shoreline Management Act requires local SMPs to balance three goals: Use & Development, Public Access, and Resource Protection along our local shorelines of the state. Which of the following SMP Governing Principles are important to you (select all that apply):

Achieving local planning policies through both regulatory & non-regulatory means

Ensuring local regulations are consistent with state laws & rules

Avoiding infringement upon private property rights

Applying SMP regulations only to shoreline areas & applying SMP planning functions more broadly across watersheds

Protect shoreline ecological functions

Other (please specify)

Questions #4-8: For Recent Permit Applicants

4.Have you inquired about, applied for, or been issued a shoreline permit by the County of Okanogan? If yes, which type or permit (select one and describe the type of development):

Shoreline exemption

Shoreline conditional use permit

Shoreline variance

Shoreline substantial development permit

Please describe the type of development.

5.Were there any barriers you ran into when attempting to permit a project in Shoreline Jurisdiction? Were the barriers financial, regulatory, or other? (describe):

6.When presented with the SMP Regulations, were you able to easily comprehend the intent of the regulations, and did you clearly understand the permitting process?

7.Did you fully understand what was expected from you (i.e. applications, reports, fees) and the reasons for certain requirements such as special reports?

8.Could you easily get your questions answered in a meaningful and timely manner? (describe):

9.If you answered questions #4-8, what could be done to improve the regulations, process, etc?

10.Are there any sections of the SMP or specific provisions that you think the County needs to revise? (describe):

11.Are there any changes to local circumstance, new information, or improved data the County needs to consider regarding the SMP? (describe):

12.Is there anything else you would like to share about the SMP periodic review and update?

Thank you for your time!

For more information about the SMP periodic review/update, please see the project website.

For questions or to sign up to be notified of SMP periodic review/update events, please contact:
Kurt Danison, Contract Planner
509-322-4037, kdanison@ncidata.com