HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinances - 2015-07 - Adopting and amending the GEWA Comprehensive Plan, map and text, and adding a combined Capital Facilities Plan - 3/24/2015City of East Wenatchee, Washington
Ordinance No. 2015-07
An Ordinance of the City of East Wenatchee adopting and amending the Greater
East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan (GEWA), map and text, including
Chapters 1-8 and Chapter 10 and adding a Combined Capital Facilities Plan as
Appendix B. This proposal includes area-wide map amendments changing the land
use designations for various properties including an expansion of the urban growth
area boundary for East Wenatchee. The proposal is part of the 2014 annual
comprehensive plan review and update process for the City and Douglas County in
accordance with the requirements of the Growth Management Act.
Una Ordenanza de la Ciudad de East Wenatchee adopci6n y modificaci6n del Plan
Integral Zona Wenatchee Gran Oriente (GEWA), mapa y el texto, incluyendo los
capitulos 1-8 y el Capitulo 10 y la adici6n de un combinado de instalaciones
principales del Plan en el Apendice B. Esta propuesta incluye zona · amplias
enmiendas mapa cambiantes las designaciones de uso de la tierra para diversas
propiedades, incluyendo una ampliaci6n del limite de la zona de crecimiento urbano
de East Wenatchee. La propuesta forma parte del proceso de 2014 anual completo
de revision del plan y actualizaci6n para la Ciudad y el Condado de Douglas, de
conformidad con los requisitos de la Ley de Administraci6n del Crecimiento.
1. Alternate format.
1.1. Para leer este documento en otro formato (espafiol, Braille, leer en voz alta,
etc.), p6ngase en contacto con el vendedor de la ciudad al
alternatformat@east·wenatchee.com, al (509) 884-9515 o al 711 (TTY).
1.2. To read this document in an alternate format (Spanish, Braille, read aloud,
etc.), please contact the City Clerk at alternateformat@east·wenatchee.com,
at (509) 884-9515, or at 711 (TTY).
2. Recitals.
2.1. The City of East Wenatchee ("City") is a non-charter code City duly
incorporated and operating under the laws of the State of Washington; and
2.2. The East Wenatchee Planning Commission and Douglas County Planning
Commission held a duly advertised public hearing on February 17, 2015.
Following the public hearing, the planning commissions separately took
action to recommend approval of the amendments and entered findings and
conclusions into the record in support of their recommendation. The vote of
the Douglas County Planning Commission was unanimously in favor (5-0).
The vote of the East Wenatchee Planning Commission was unanimously in
favor (5-0).
2.3.0n March 24, 2015, the City Council of East Wenatchee ("City Council") and
Douglas County Board of County Commissioners held a public workshop to
review the record of the planning commissions' public hearing.
2.4. On March 24, 2015, the City Council and the Douglas County
Commissioners held a public meeting to consider the planning commissions'
recommendation
2.5. The City Council finds that it is in the best interests of the City and its
citizens to adopt the amended Greater East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive
Plan.
3. Authority.
3.1.RCW 35A.11.020 and RCW 35A.12.190 authorize the City Council to adopt
ordinances of all kinds to regulate its municipal affairs and appropriate to
the good government of the City.
3.2.RCW 35A.63 and RCW 36.70A authorize the City to adopt or amend
comprehensive plans.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE DO ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
4. Purpose. The purpose of this ordinance is to adopt amendments to the Greater East
Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan map and text as part of the 2014 annual
comprehensive plan update process and to increase the size of the urban growth
area.
5. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law. The City Council adopts the findings of
fact and conclusion of law as set forth in Exhibit A.
6. Amendment. The City Council accepts the recommendation of the East Wenatchee
Planning Commission and the Douglas County Planning Commission and adopts
the amendments to the Greater East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan as set
forth in Exhibit B.
7. Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision in this
Ordinance to be contrary to law, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the
other provisions of this Ordinance.
8. Publication. The City Council directs the City Clerk to publish a summary of this
Ordinance. The summary shall consist of the title of this Ordinance. The City
City of East Wenatchee
Ordinance 2015-07
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Exhibit A
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
Findings of Fact
1. Amend the Greater East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan (GEWA) (text
and maps) including Chapters 1-8 and Chapter 10 and including a new Appendix
B containing a Combined Capital Facilities Plan. This proposal is an area-wide
map amendment changing the land use designations for various properties
including an expansion of the urban growth area (UGA) boundary for East
Wenatchee. The expansion of the urban growth area boundary will also result in
an amendment to the Douglas County Countywide Plan and zoning map to change
the designation of properties that will be included in the expanded urban growth
area. This project has been in process for several years and is considered to be part
of the 2014 annual review of the comprehensive plan.
2. Amend the East Wenatchee Municipal Code within Chapter 17 -the Zoning
Code and are intended to implement the amendments in the GEWA. The
amendments include
a. New Section -17.72.260 Required Use of Public Sanitary Sewer
System.
b. New Section -17.72.270 Density Standards
c. New Chapter -Chapter 17. 73 Open Space Standards
d. New Chapter -Chapter -17.43 C-L Light Commercial District
e. Amendment to EWMC 17.38.060 Dimensional Standards for the NC -
Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District
3. The proposal will be applicable to properties within the city limits and in the
unincorporated area within the urban growth area surrounding the city of East
Wenatchee in Douglas County, Washington as well as properties that are
immediately adjacent to the UGA since this proposal includes an expansion of
the UGA.
4. Douglas County and East Wenatchee have adopted a comprehensive plan in
accordance with the provisions of the Growth Management Act and RCW
Chapter 36. 70A.
5. RCW Chapters 36. 70A authorize the adoption of amendments to comprehensive
plans and development regulations.
6. The planning commissions are responsible for long-range planning matters and
providing implementation recommendations to assure compliance with the GMA.
7. A threshold determination and environmental review pursuant to RCW 43.21C
the State Environmental Policy Act was completed and a Determination of Non·
significance including a comment period was issued on January 23, 2015. The
City of East Wenatchee
Ordinance 2015-07
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comment period for the Determination of Non-significance expires on February 9,
2015.
8. A 60-day notice of intent to adopt amendments to the comprehensive plan and
development regulations was submitted to Washington State Department of
Commerce (Commerce) and other state agencies for review of the proposal on
September 30, 2014. The deadline for comments was December 1, 2014.
Commerce assigned Material ID 20671 to the proposal.
9. The notice of intent to adopt amendments to the comprehensive plan and
development regulations was submitted to Douglas County, East Wenatchee
Water District, Douglas County Sewer District, City of Wenatchee, and Chelan
County on September 30, 2014 requesting comments by December 1, 2014.
10.RCW Chapter 36.70A.110 requires the periodic review and update (if necessary)
of urban growth area (UGA) boundaries on at least a 10 year cycle to determine if
there is sufficient land within the UGA to accommodate the growth projected to
occur in the 20-year planning horizon.
11. The Douglas County Regional Policy Plan recommends a review ofUGA
boundaries every 7 years.
12.A Land Capacity Analysis was conducted in compliance with the process outlined
in WAC 365-195-335 and the Douglas County Regional Policy Plan. That
analysis concluded that there is insufficient vacant land within the existing UGA
to accommodate the projected growth over the next 20 years.
13. The East Wenatchee Planning Commission held public workshops on May 1,
2013, May 22, 2013, and June 12, 2013 to develop a preliminary preferred
alternative for expansion of the UGA. Advance notices of those public workshops
were published in the Wenatchee World and mailed to area property owners.
14. The preliminary preferred alternative, comprehensive plan amendments, and
combined capital facilities plan were discussed and reviewed by the East
Wenatchee Planning Commission at a public workshop on June 18, 2013.
Advance notice of the public workshop was published in the Wenatchee World
and mailed and e-mailed to interested parties.
15. The preliminary preferred alternative, comprehensive plan amendments, and
combined capital facilities plan was discussed and reviewed by the East
Wenatchee City Council and Douglas County Commissioners at a public
workshop on June 25, 2013. Advance notice of the public workshop was published
in the Wenatchee World.
16. The proposed zoning text amendments were discussed and reviewed by the City
Planning Commission at public workshops on July 17, 2012, August 7, 2012,
December 4, 2012, September 3, 2013, November 5, 2013, December 2, 2014 and
on January 20, 2015. Advance notices of those public workshops were published
in the Wenatchee World and or mailed and e-mailed to interested parties.
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17.At a public workshop on November 5, 2013, the City Planning Commission
expanded the preliminary preferred alternative UGA expansion area to include
22 aces east of the Canyon Hills subdivision and approximately 86 acres north of
10th Street NE and east of Kentucky Avenue. Advance notice of the public
workshop was mailed and e-mailed to interested parties.
18. The proposed amendments to the GEWA and zoning code were presented to the
Douglas County Planning Commission at their November 12, 2014 public
meeting. Advance notice of the meeting was e-mailed to interested parties.
19.Agricultural lands proposed for inclusion in the East Wenatchee Urban Growth
Area are adjacent to lands characterized by urban growth.
20. The existing urban growth area does not contain sufficient land area to
accommodate the project growth for the 20 year population projection. Critical
area, topographic and infrastructure constraints present within rural lands limit
the ability of rural lands to accommodate the projected 20 year population
projection.
21.Agricultural lands proposed for inclusion in the East Wenatchee Urban Growth
Area contain moderate topography, limited critical areas, and are in relatively
close proximity to urban governmental services.
22. WAC 365-190-040(g) recognizes that land use planning is a dynamic process and
that the procedures for de-designation should provide a rationale and predictable
basis for accommodating change. This WAC standard also contemplates that
changes in circumstances pertaining to the comprehensive plan or public policy
can be appropriate rationale for a change to resource land designations.
23. The classification criteria in WAC 365-190-050 establishes that Counties and
cities shall consider the effects of proximity to population areas and the
possibility of more intense uses of the land as indicated by:
J. The availability of public facilities;
k. Tax status;
1. The availability of public services;
m. Relationship or proximity to urban growth areas;
n. Predominant parcel size;
o. Land use settlement patterns and their compatibility with agricultural
practices;
p. Intensity of nearby land uses;
q. History of land development permits issued nearby;
r. Proximity of markets.
24.RCW 36.70A.110 Comprehensive plans-Urban growth areas, RCW
36.70A.130(3)(b) Comprehensive plans-Review procedures and schedules-
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Ordinance 2015-07
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amendments, and countywide planning policies A-4 and A-9, clearly establish an
obligation for the City of East Wenatchee to accommodate growth projected for
the next 20 year population projection.
25. The City of East Wenatchee has demonstrated through a reasoned process and
analysis of existing conditions and data, adopted policies and minimum
guidelines and statutes, that the expansion of the City of East Wenatchee Urban
Growth Area into designated agricultural lands of long term commercial
significance is appropriate and necessary to accommodate the 20 year population
projection for the City.
26. Topographic constraints have historically directed urban scale development north
along the Sunset Highway corridor and east along the Grant Road corridor into
long-established agricultural lands. Lands within the existing UGA meet the
current criteria for agricultural lands, including Soil Conservation Service soil
classifications 1 through 3, receiving irrigation water, and historically in
agricultural production
27. Countywide Planning Policy A-2 The county and cities/towns will cooperatively
and jointly designate urban growth areas. The designation of urban growth areas
beyond the existing limits of incorporation should be based on a demonstration
that public facilities and service capacities either already exist or are planned for
and can be efficiently and economically provided by either public or private
sources.
28.Countywide Planning Policy A-5: The delineation of the boundaries of urban
growth areas will be coordinated and established based on the following
considerations:
• Geographic, topographic and manmade features;
• Existing jurisdictional boundaries, including special improvement districts;
• Public facilities and services availability, limits and extensions;
Designation of resource lands of long term commercial significance and
critical areas;
• Potential urban/rural interface conflicts.
29. Countywide Planning Policy A-9: In addition to the criteria for establishing the
size and location of an urban growth area, the following findings will be made in
approving amendments to an established urban growth area:
• The proposed change to the urban growth area will not adversely affect the
existing and/or forecasted capacities of the public facilities and services
such as domestic water, sewer, streets, etc.
• The proposed change to the urban growth area is adjacent and/or
connected to the existing urban growth area, and will not create irregular
boundaries;
City of East Wenatchee
Ordinance 2015-07
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• The proposed change to the urban growth area will be to: !)further the
economic conditions of the community and be related to commercial,
industrial and/or recreational activities; 2) is related to municipal
responsibilities for providing public facilities and services such as domestic
water systems, sewer systems, storm drainage systems, solid waste
activities, emergency and/or law enforcement services, etc.; 3) is related to
the need for an additional supply of vacant land for residential
development.
30. Lands within the RR-5 land use designation, established by the Douglas County
Countywide Comprehensive Plan, were considered in the expansion of the East
Wenatchee Urban Growth Boundary.
31. Geographic and topographic constraints limit the ability of many locations within
the RR-5 land use designation adjacent to the East Wenatchee Urban Growth
Area to efficiently and economically provide a full range of municipal/special
purpose district urban governmental services. Additionally, these constraints
limit the ability of these lands to accommodate development at intended urban
densities specified in the comprehensive plan. These constraints, in part, form a
boundary for the East Wenatchee Urban Growth Area in these areas, at this
time.
32.165 acres of the RR-5 land use designation of the Douglas County Countywide
Comprehensive Plan, can effectively and economically accommodate urban
governmental services and desired urban densities; and are appropriate to
incorporate into the East Wenatchee Urban Growth Area, as depicted in Exhibit
A (Maps 2 and 3).
33. The Washington State Growth Management Act (RCW 36. 70A) requires that
cities and counties designate and protect critical areas as defined by the Act.
34. Douglas County and the City of East Wenatchee have identified and designated
critical areas.
35. Douglas County and the City of East Wenatchee have adopted comprehensive
plan goals and policies and development regulations to preserve, protect, and/or
mitigate impacts to development within critical areas.
36.A geographic information systems (GIS) analysis of critical areas has been
conducted for the proposed urban growth boundary expansion areas. The
acreages designated as critical areas have been deducted from the overall acreage
of the UGA expansion.
37. The topography and designated critical areas northeast of the existing UGA,
within the Rural Resource 5 zoning district, discourage urban scale development
and the efficient and timely extension of utility services.
38. The generally flat to rolling hill topography of the land east of the existing UGA
and in the vicinity of Grant Road lends itself to urban scale development and the
extension of urban services.
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39. The topography and location of designated critical areas have been considered in
the identification of areas suitable for urban growth.
40. The East Wenatchee Planning Commission and Douglas County Planning
Commission have reviewed the entire record including the goals and policies of
the comprehensive plans, and public testimony (both written and oral) as it
relates to the proposed comprehensive plan amendments.
41.Douglas County and East Wenatchee coordinate in long-range planning within
the Greater East Wenatchee Area. The Douglas County Regional Policy Plan, as
amended, established the protocol for comprehensive plan amendments.
Conclusions of Law
1. The City hereby finds that the proposed amendments to the text and maps of
the Greater East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan are consistent with
the procedural requirements of the GMA in RCW 36. 70A.
2. The proposal has been processed in compliance with the procedur,al and
substantive requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act, RCW
43.21C.
3. The proposed text amendments are consistent with and implement the goals
and policies in the Greater East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan and
the Douglas County Regional Policy Plan.
4. Proper legal requirements of RCW 36.70A.106 and EWMC Title 19 were met
and the community was given the opportunity to comment on the proposal at
a duly noticed public hearing.
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Exhibit B
GREATER EAST WENATCHEE AREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE
WASHINGTON
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Steven C. Lacy
Position 1 – Frank Collings
Position 2 – Harry Raab
Position 3 – Chuck Johnson
Position 4 – George Buckner
Position 5 – Sandra McCourt
Position 6 – Tim Detering
Position 7 - Wayne Barnhart
Amendment Draft Date 3-17-2015
Amendments Adopted
By: City of East Wenatchee, Ordinance March 13, 2012
By Douglas County, Resolution TLS 12-05-08B February 28, 2012
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Greater East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan – Draft Amendments 3-17-2015
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The creation of the Greater East Wenatchee Area’s Comprehensive Plan and the
continued update and revision process has been the result of hard work by a
number of individuals. The current document was reviewed by the following
members of the City and County planning commissions.
CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE
PLANNING COMMISSION
Don OliverNorm Nelson, Chair
Tim DeteringChaun Birks, Vice - Chair
Deborah AyrsSally Brawley
Jim HunterCourtney Hill
Susan MillerKyle Mott
Delvin SchorzmanRobert Everett
Glenda Travis Robert Hunter
Douglas County
Planning Commission
Robert Knowles (District 1)
Joanne Rosenthal (District 1)
Roger Miller (District 2)
Fred Suter (District 2)
Norman Cavadini (District 3)
Michael Machado (District 3)
Gerald Hawks (At-large)
Prepared By: City of East Wenatchee Community Development Department and
Douglas County Transportation and Land Services with assistance from Bill Grimes and
Chaz Bates with Studio Cascade
Partial funding for this project was provided by the Washington State Department of
Commerce.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Note the page numbers will be amended when the final document is prepared.
Page
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
The Vision 7
Neighborhood Planning 8
Chapter 2 URBAN GROWTH
Growth Management Act Goals and Requirements 12
UGA Review and Update Process 13
Joint Planning 14
Goals and Policies 15
Chapter 3 LAND USE
Introduction 18
Washington State Goals and Mandates 18
Population 18
UGA Residential Land Capacity Analysis 20
Existing Land Use Distribution 24
Land Use Designations within the UGA 25
Residential 25
Commercial 27
Designated commercial areas 28
Commercial goals and policies 34
Industrial 37
Industrial goals and policies 38
Comprehensive Plan Land Use 39
Pangborn Memorial Airport 41
Chapter 4 RESIDENTIAL/HOUSING
Existing Conditions 45
Housing Affordability 47
Land Use and Housing 49
Goals and Policies 50
Projections of residential housing needs 53
Housing assistance programs 53
Chapter 5 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION
Introduction 55
Parks/Recreation and Open Space 55
Existing facilities 56
Eastmont Metropolitan Parks District 56
Open Space/Recreation Goals and Policies 60
Chapter 6 CAPITAL FACILITIES
Introduction 65
Existing Public Facilities and Service Plans 66
Existing Conditions and Future Needs 67
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Essential Public Facilities 69
Goals and Policies 69
Chapter 7 UTILITIES
Introduction 71
Goals and Policies 75
Chapter 8 TRANSPORTATION
Introduction 81
Existing transportation system 81
Transportation goals and policies 87
Transportation system analysis 90
Project recommendations and financial analysis 96
Chapter 9 CRITICAL AREAS
Introduction 99
Wetlands 99
Wetlands Goals and Policies 100
Fish & Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas 101
Fish & Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas Goals and
Policies
101
Aquifer Recharge Areas 103
Aquifer Recharge Areas Goals and Policies 103
Frequently Flooded Areas 105
Frequently Flooded Areas Goals and Policies 106
Geologically Hazardous Areas 107
Geologically Hazardous Areas Goals and Policies 109
Chapter 10 Economic Development
Purpose 112
Economic Base 112
Employment and demographic information 114
Retail sales 116
Opportunities 117
Goals and Policies 117
GLOSSARY
119
APPENDIX A Greater East Wenatchee Urban Growth Area 124
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LIST OF TABLES AND MAPS
TABLES Page
1.1 2010 - 2035 Douglas County Population Allocation
3.1 Douglas County Population Trends 19
3.2 Douglas County OFM Population Projections 19
3.3 County and East Wenatchee UGA Population Projection to 2028 19
3.4 Projected Housing Units Needed 22
3.5 Projected Net Residential Acres of Land Needed 22
3.6 Land Capacity Analysis 23
3.7 Land Uses in Existing Urban Growth Area 24
3.8 Acreage by Designation and Vacant Land 25
3.9 Civilian employed population 16 years and over by Industry
4.1 Housing types 46
4.2 Housing units by tenure 46
4.3 Housing units by type 47
4.4 Median household income 47
4.5 Home purchase affordability 48
4.6 Household income in 1999 49
4.7 Gross – rent 49
4.8 Available gross rental income 49
4.9 Chelan/Douglas market rents 49
8.1 Intersection LOS and delay 92
8.2 Regional mobility travel times 93
8.3 City of East Wenatchee Projects 96
8.4 Douglas County Projects 97
12.1 Employment by industry 115
12.2 Retail sales and use tax distribution 116
MAPS Page
East Wenatchee Urban Growth Boundary 17
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map 40
Pangborn Airport Protective Zones and FAR 77 Surfaces (Figure 1) 43
Pangborn Airport Noise Contours 44
Park and recreation areas proposed by the Shoreline Design Plan 62
Greater East Wenatchee Neighborhood Park areas 63
Greater East Wenatchee Community Park Area 64
East Wenatchee Water District 78
Douglas County Sewer District 79
Greater East Wenatchee Stormwater Utility District 80
Functional Classification System Map (Figure 8.0) 85
Safety Analysis (Figure 8.1) 91
Intersection deficiencies (Figure 8.2) 92
Mobility corridors (Figure 8.3) 93
Roadway condition deficiencies (Figure 8.4) 94
Sidewalk deficiencies (Figure 8.5) 95
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
The Greater East Wenatchee Area and the City of East Wenatchee, the area’s urban
heartcenter, are linked by common interests, a spectacular setting along the Columbia
River and an interdependent economy. For these reasons, the City of East Wenatchee
and Douglas County have joined together in forming an integrated community vision
for the Greater East Wenatchee Area Volume of the Douglas County Comprehensive
Plan. and This document also serves as the City of East Wenatchee Comprehensive
Plan. The planning area for this comprehensive plan is the urban growth area for the
City of East Wenatchee.
Why Plan?
Planning establishes a long-range vision that balances the competing needs and
desires of the community in a coordinated and orderly manner. Planning averts
problems by making efficient use of scarce resources. Planning improves the physical
environment of the community, making it more functional, beautiful, decent, healthful,
interesting, and efficient. Planning makes sure tax dollars invested in public roads,
water and sewer lines, fire stations, parks, and other public services are spent wisely.
Planning incorporates long-range considerations into decisions on short-range actions.
And, planning promotes the interest of the community at large, rather than the interests
of individuals or special groups within the community.
In order to preserve the quality of life that has made Washington State such a desirable
place to live, the Legislature passed the Growth Management Act (GMA) in 1990. The
basic objective of the legislation is to guide and encourage local governments in
assessing their goals, evaluating their community assets, writing comprehensive plans
and implementing those plans through regulations and innovative techniques to
encompass their future vision.
The comprehensive plan is the official statement adopted by the City and County
establishing the goals and policies to protect the health, welfare, safety , and quality of
life of the residents of the Greater East Wenatchee Area. A comprehensive plan is all
about drawing a picture of how your community should develop and appear in the
future, the vision. These ‘sketches’ consist of written and graphic displays developed
by the citizens who live in the community. Successful comprehensive plans are a
result of a vision firmly set forth in the goals and policies of the plan, and a land use
map. These components are used to guide decision makers (elected legislative
bodies) in implementing the plan. This plan is not an exception to those concepts and
has relied upon our citizens' experiences in regard to how we should allocate open
space, parks, traffic circulation, types of housing, job centers, schools and other types
of land uses. Technical information such as population growth rates, relationship to
adjoining growth centers, utilities and public facilities and services are also considered
in order to put realistic expectations into the vision.
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It is sometimes difficult to form a vision that is clear, represents the views of most of the
people in the community and one that can be carried out through a comprehensive
plan. It takes an enormous amount of time and commitment on the part of volunteer
citizens and local government. Visions also change with time as the values and views
of the residents change. It is a process, like so many in planning, that must be
revisited at regular intervals to be sure you are on track. With this in mind, the
visioning process for the Greater East Wenatchee Area of Douglas County has been
extensive and ongoing.
Over the years the City and County have periodically conducted far-reaching public
outreach efforts in a quest to obtain information from residents and the business
community to better define the vision for the Greater East Wenatchee Area. It is these
public involvement process that guide the development and amendment of the
comprehensive plan.
In the fall of 1991, an intensive ‘visioning’ effort was carried out involving a tabloid and
survey, advertised meetings, and a display booth at the North Central Washington
District Fair. The goal of this effort was to educate the citizens of Douglas County as to
the requirements and benefits of the Growth Management Act, and to allow the
planning staff to see and understand the vision these people had for both their
community and the County as a whole.
The visioning process to guide the most recent update was performed Another major
‘visioning’ effort was conducted during the spring and summer of 2002. A flyer was
sent to 3,900 households announcing that listening posts would be conducted in three
rural areas of the County and at the Wenatchee Valley Mall to provide opportunities for
citizens to indicate their ideas and opinions for future growth and development. An
informal survey, ‘Picture the Future!’ was featured at the listening posts and made
available at County and City planning offices. Two vision evaluation workshops were
held in June 2002; one for Douglas County officials and one for City of East
Wenatchee officials. The purpose of the workshops was for the officials to look at the
current community vision in their respective comprehensive plans and recommend
changes, if needed. In August 2003 the Douglas County Regional Planning
Commission and the City of East Wenatchee Planning Commission met in a joint
workshop to review and further develop the language of the Draft Community Vision.
Out of that workshop came theThe result of that project was the following vision
statement for the Greater East Wenatchee Area.
THE VISION
Picture the Future! In the Greater East Wenatchee Area.
You will see:
A versatile and diverse economic base, which promotes desirable
employment growth and living wage jobs.
The Greater East Wenatchee Area has developed in an orderly and
economically feasible manner that makes the best use of geographic,
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demographic, and human resource, this development:
- Has created an area rich in destination tourism and recreation;
- Protects and enhances residential neighborhoods;
- Includes commercial, industrial, agricultural activities; and
- Compliments the economic and cultural opportunities in the area.
Tourist activities located in appropriate places which may include river
corridors and in agricultural areas.
A balance between preserving agricultural activities, orchards and allowing
urban growth and development.
Farmland and agricultural activities sustained by allowing agricultural related
activities on premises including, for example; fruit stands, wineries and
related support services.
Commercial and industrial investment is attracted into the area through a
cooperative alliance among County, City and special purpose districts.
The City of East Wenatchee as the urban center of the Greater East
Wenatchee Area with an attractive Central Business District that is user
friendly and meets the needs of local residents and pedestrian oriented
tourism.
Transportation systems that provide easy accessibility to the industrial,
commercial, recreational, and residential assets of the community including;
an all weather airport, bicycle and pedestrian trails and facilities, roads and
streets.
The Greater East Wenatchee Area is a safe and pleasant place to live.
Housing that is available to all income levels.
Growth that is managed to facilitate efficient provision of requested services
within identified service boundaries.
Parks, recreation areas, and open space are found along the Columbia
River while protecting and enhancing the character of the shoreline and its
wildlife.
Guidelines are created and in place which acknowledge and respect private
property rights.
NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING
In the winter of 2004, as part of the 2006 update to the Greater East Wenatchee Urban
Area comprehensive plan, the City of East Wenatchee and Douglas County held a
series of seven neighborhood meetings with citizens in the urban area. The purpose of
those meetings was to involve the citizens, business owners, and property owners in
identifying their vision of what they wanted to see in their neighborhood in the next 20
years. The meetings were held in facilities in the neighborhoods and over 200 people
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participated in the process. The project was funded with a grant from the Washington
State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development.
The participants enjoyed the opportunity to meet their neighbors and express their
vision for the neighborhood and the community. As a result of this neighborhood
planning process, many insightful and unique comments were expressed. The
comments can be categorized into four major topics: transportation, parks and
recreation, neighborhood appearance, and utilities.
Transportation issues were a major theme throughout the process. Comments ranged
from broad statements such as “better transportation planning” to the specific “we need
a stoplight at Grant and Kentucky.” Included in the transportation category of
comments were suggestions for sidewalks, better street lighting, better street linkages,
and extension of public transportation.
Parks and recreation was the second most mentioned topic of major concern to the
participants. Suggestions were made for locations for new parks and improvements to
existing park facilities.
Neighborhood and community appearance comments included suggestions for more
landscaping around commercial and industrial activities and general neighborhood
beautification with landscaping and control of nuisance properties (junk vehicles,
accumulations of yard waste etc.).
Utility issues included extension of sanitary sewer, improved storm water systems,
provision of irrigation water, undergrounding of utilities, and extension of fiber optic
services.
A comprehensive plan is intended to be a living document that changes with the
community and reflects the vision of its citizens. This neighborhood planning process is
intended to be ongoing. The City and County will continue to enlist the assistance of
citizens at the neighborhood level to plan for the future of the Greater East Wenatchee
Urban Area.
URBAN GROWTH AREA EXPANSION PROJECT
In April, May and June 2013, the city of East Wenatchee and Douglas County
cooperated to propose and consider the eastward expansion of the Greater East
Wenatchee Urban Growth Area (UGA), accommodating projected population through
the year 2035. This work was based on the City and County’s 2007 work to consider a
UGA expansion in this area. This project was an extensive community engagement
process to consider UGA expansion alternatives and how they may relate to
comprehensive planning and provision of services. The City and County conducted
three public workshops, each designed to elicit community feedback on proposals and
to receive guidance on UGA and policy refinement. Turnout at the workshops was
very impressive with 35 to 40 people at each event.
Workshop 1 - The first workshop oriented participants to the process, updating them on
the work that was conducted in 2007 and how that established the baseline for this
project. Participants evaluated the City's and County’s comprehensive plan goals and
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policies, as well as the results from the 2002 City/County visioning process and 2004
Neighborhood Planning process.
This exercise affirmed community sentiment toward these policy directives,
establishing a set of priorities that would guide the UGA expansion. At this meeting the
participants struggled with recommending a reduction in the UGA expansion since the
current land capacity analysis did not support expansion at the level anticipated in the
2007 project due to lower population projections. The work at this session resulted in
four alternatives for the UGA expansion area.
Workshop 2 - Participants in the second workshop reviewed results from the first
session, learned more about the details of the land capacity analysis, and about the
status of the area’s water and wastewater systems. At this meeting the participants
reviewed the four alternative strategies developed in response to the first workshop
and provided feedback that would help narrow down the preferred alternative.
Workshop 3 - Participants at this workshop reviewed the results from the previous two,
events and how their ideas were incorporated into the draft preferred UGA expansion
strategy. Their task at this workshop was to review the draft strategy, discuss pros and
cons, and suggest ways in which it should be fine-tuned prior to its presentation to the
planning commission.
The Preferred Preliminary UGA Expansion Alternative resulting from those workshops
was then presented to the city planning commission on June 18, 2013 and to the City
Council and Douglas County Commissioners on June 25, 2013.
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CHAPTER 2
URBAN GROWTH
INTRODUCTION
One of the first tasks required by the Growth Management Act (GMA) directed that
counties to work with their cities to establish countywide planning policies that would
direct the creation of serve as the framework and overriding principals for the
preparation of consistent city and county comprehensive plans. RCW 36.70A.210
establishes the requirements and guidelines for creating the countywide planning
policies:
(1) The legislature recognizes that counties are regional governments within
their boundaries, and cities are primary providers of urban governmental
services within urban growth areas. For the purposes of this section, a
"countywide planning policy" is a written policy statement or statements used
solely for establishing a countywide framework from which county and city
comprehensive plans are developed and adopted pursuant to this chapter.
This framework shall ensure that city and county comprehensive plans are
consistent as required in RCW 36.70A.100. Nothing in this section shall be
construed to alter the land-use powers of cities
(2) The legislative authority of a county that plans under RCW 36.70A.040
shall adopt a countywide planning policy in cooperation with the cities located
in whole or in part within the county as follows
(3) A countywide planning policy shall at a minimum, address the following:
(a) Policies to implement RCW 36.70A.110;
(b) Policies for promotion of contiguous and orderly development and
provision of urban services to such development;
(c) Policies for siting public capital facilities of a countywide or
statewide nature, including transportation facilities of statewide
significance as defined in RCW 47.06.140;
(d) Policies for countywide transportation facilities and strategies; (e)
Policies that consider the need for affordable housing, such as housing
for all economic segments of the population and parameters for its
distribution;
(f) Policies for joint county and city planning within urban growth areas;
(g) Policies for countywide economic development and employment,
which must include consideration of the future development of
commercial and industrial facilities; and
(h) An analysis of the fiscal impact.
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In Douglas County, the group responsible for the countywide planning policy is the
Douglas County Regional Council (Council). The Council is made up of the mayors
(or councilmember) from each city and the three Douglas County Commissioners.
Douglas County’s countywide planning policy is the Douglas County Regional Policy
Plan (Policy Plan). That document was originally adopted in 1992. That document
was amended in 2002 and 2009.The original Policy Plan was adopted in 1992.
There were substantial revisions made in 2002 and in 2009. Additionally, the
population allocation was amended in 2012.
The GMA requires each county, planning under the act, to designate an urban
growth area (UGA) around each city. The UGA must be sufficient in size to
accommodate population and employment growth for the next twenty-year period.
Sufficient land must also be provided to accommodate greenbelts and recreational
uses. The majority of the growth projected for the county must occur in UGAs and at
densities and intensities that are urban in nature. The UGA boundary defines the
limit within which a full range of urban services will be provided. These “urban
governmental services” cannot be offered beyond the UGA boundary.
The GMA contains the following definitions for “urban growth” and “urban
governmental services”:
"Urban growth" refers to growth that makes intensive use of land for
the location of buildings, structures, and impermeable surfaces
to such a degree as to be incompatible with the primary use of
land for the production of food, other agricultural products, or
fiber, or the extraction of mineral resources, rural uses, rural
development, and natural resource lands designated pursuant
to RCW 36.70A.170. A pattern of more intensive rural
development, as provided in RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d), is not
urban growth. When allowed to spread over wide areas, urban
growth typically requires urban governmental services.
"Characterized by urban growth" refers to land having urban
growth located on it, or to land located in relationship to an area
with urban growth on it as to be appropriate for urban growth.
(RCW 36.70A.030(18))
"Urban governmental services" or "urban services" include those public
services and public facilities at an intensity historically and
typically provided in cities, specifically including storm and
sanitary sewer systems, domestic water systems, street
cleaning services, fire and police protection services, public
transit services, and other public utilities associated with urban
areas and normally not associated with rural areas. (RCW
36.70A.030(20))
The Urban Growth Chapter provides guidance for the development of the
unincorporated areas within the East Wenatchee Urban Area. This element follows
the mandates of the GMA and the Douglas County Regional Policy Plan, revised by
the Douglas County Board of Commissioners and ratified by the Cities of Bridgeport,
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East Wenatchee, Rock Island and the Towns of Mansfield, and Waterville in 2009.
The Regional Policy Plan specifies policy considerations for: implementing urban
growth areas; promoting contiguous and orderly development and providing urban
services to those areas; and joint planning in urban growth areas.
The establishment of urban growth boundaries is intended to reduce the
inefficiencies associated with sprawling and dispersed development patterns by
concentrating growth within the urban area. Urban growth boundaries also serve the
purpose of creating a distinction between the urban and rural areas which often
become lost in the face of sprawl. Those who choose to live in rural or urban areas
often do so because of the unique characteristics that each of those areas possess.
The urban growth boundary will help maintain the unique character of the urban and
rural areas by reinforcing and enhancing those distinctions.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT GOALS AND REQUIREMENTS
Three goals of the Growth Management Act, in RCW 36.70A.020, are specific to the
designation of Urban Growth Boundaries.
Urban Growth: Encourage development in urban areas where adequate
public facilities and services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner.
Reduce sprawl: Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land
into sprawling, low-density development.
Public Facilities and Services: Ensure that those public facilities and services
necessary to support development shall be adequate to serve the
development at the time the development is available for occupancy and use
without decreasing current service levels below locally established minimum
standards.
RCW 36.70A.110(2)
Based upon the growth management population projection made for the county by
the state Office of Financial Management (OFM), the county and each city within the
county must include urban growth areas and densities sufficient to permit the urban
growth that is projected to occur within the county for the succeeding twenty-year
period. Each urban growth area must permit a variety of urban residential densities
and a range of urban land uses including greenbelts and open space areas. An
urban growth area determination may include a reasonable land market supply
factor. In determining this market factor, cities and counties may consider local
circumstances. Cities and counties have discretion in their comprehensive plans to
make many choices about accommodating growth.
The GMA requires that counties designate urban growth areas in which urban levels
of development should occur and outside of which only rural development may
occur. The Act also requires that the urban growth areas should be include
sufficient land capacity to accommodate the projected twenty-year urban growth,
and may include areas outside of existing city limits but only if those areas are
characterized by existing urban growth or are adjacent to areas of existing urban
growth. Similarly, urban levels of public services must be in place or be capable of
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being provided within the boundaries to serve the anticipated growth during the
twenty-year planning horizon. In both the urban and rural areas, cities or and
counties must adopt level of service standards for basic services such as
transportation, sewer, water and storm water provision, and must ensure that new
development proposals are capable of being served at those level of service
standards.
UGA REVIEW AND UPDATE PROCESS
The GMA requires cities and counties to review and update their comprehensive
plan every seven years based upon a schedule included in RCW 36.70A.130(4).
Additionally, each county must review their designated urban growth areas at least
every ten years. The Douglas County Regional Policy Plan includes a policy
recommending a more aggressive schedule of reviewing UGAs every seven years.
Every five years, OFM prepares updated twenty-year population projections for each
county. Each county then prepares a sub-county projection to divide the population
allocation for the entire county between the various urban growth areas and the rural
parts of the county. This sub-county population projection is the basis upon which
urban growth areas are developed.
The process for reviewing the UGA starts with an analysis of the residential land
capacity of that UGA. An urban residential land capacity analysis is intended to
identify the amount of vacant land available for residential development within the
existing urban growth boundary to determine if there is a need to expand the
boundary based on residential needs for the next twenty years.
In the 2003 comprehensive plan review and update cycle, the Greater East
Wenatchee UGA was reviewed and analyzed and it was determined that there was
sufficient available vacant land to accommodate the projected population growth for
the next twenty-year period. The analysis determined there was an excess vacant
land capacity of approximately 368 acres for additional residential development over
and above what would be consumed by residential development for the next twenty
years.
An adjustment was made at that time to increase the land designated for commercial
development. Additionally, there was a mapping correction of the boundary for
several properties when the parcel was split by the UGA boundarythat were bisected
by the UGA boundary. Properties that were mostly out were removed and
properties that were mostly in were included entirely. As a result of an appeal, the
old boundary was reinstated in part. Any property brought into the boundary that
was not previously included was excluded again.
In November 2007, the state OFM distributed new GMA population projections for
each county. OFM prepared three revised population projections for each county:
high series, medium series, and low series. Historically, Douglas County has used
the high series for urban growth area planning. The Douglas County Regional
Council met in June of 2009 to review and discuss sub-county population
distributions using the new OFM population projection. The result of those meetings
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was a revised distribution of population for each urban growth area in Douglas
County. Table 3.3 shows the revised population distribution for the East Wenatchee
Urban Growth Area.
The land capacity analysis completed in 2009, using the revised population
projections, determined that there was a need to increase the size of the Greater
East Wenatchee UGA by approximately 650 acres. The residential land capacity
analysis is discussed in detail in Chapter 3 – Land Use.
In 2012, OFM issued updated GMA population projections for each county. This
update benefitted from the recently completed federal census in 2010. As a result, it
was determined that the population projection used in 2007 did not reflect the growth
trends within Douglas County. The Douglas County Regional Council met on May
30, 2012 and adopted a revised population allocation for Douglas County’s five
urban growth areas. Those projections were later ratified by all of the cities. See
Table 1.1.
Table 1.1 2010 - 2035 Douglas County Population Allocation
Description
% of
Population
Allocation
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035
Bridgeport 6.00% 2,430 2,596 2,762 2,928 3,094 3,260
Coulee Dam 0.10% 187 190 193 195 198 201
East Wenatchee 72.00% 26,221 28,212 30,203 32,193 34,184 36,175
Mansfield 0.15% 332 336 340 344 349 353
Rock Island 2.50% 1,143 1,212 1,281 1,350 1,420 1,489
Waterville 1.25% 1,145 1,180 1,214 1,249 1,283 1,318
County Urban 82.00% 31,458 33,725 35,993 38,260 40,527 42,795
County Rural 18.00% 6,973 7,471 7,968 8,466 8,964 9,462
County Total 100.00% 38,431 41,196 43,961 46,726 49,491 52,256
Adopted by the Douglas County Regional Council on May 30, 2012
The most recent land capacity analysis has determined that the UGA must be
expanded by at least 520 acres to provide sufficient land capacity for development.
The process is described in more detail in the Land Use Chapter.
JOINT PLANNING
Though unincorporated lands within the UGAs remain under County jurisdiction, it is
beneficial to the Cities cities and the County county to plan jointly for their future land
use. This is an important component of planning in the UGA since it is the intention
of the GMA that each city be surrounded by an UGA with the anticipation that
annexation into the city will occur over time. Over the years, the city of East
Wenatchee and Douglas County have entered into interlocal agreements for
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coordination in the planning within the UGA and applicability of developments
standards within the UGA including:
1996 - An interlocal agreement for comprehensive flood hazard management
planning that resulted in later agreements creating consistent stormwater
standards and the creation of a city and county stormwater utility.
2001 - An interlocal agreement regarding annexation and delivery of services
that included sharing sales taxes over a five-year period; a reimbursement to
the county for street improvements on newly annexed areas; established a
procedure for the continued processing of building permits and other land use
permits; and provisions for joint planning within the UGA.
Douglas County and the city of East Wenatchee have adopted As mentioned
previously, there have been several revisions to the Douglas County Regional Policy
Plan. This policy document emphasizes coordination between the cities and the
county, where each city takes a lead role in the long-range planning for their UGA.
Douglas County and the City city of East Wenatchee have established a separate
but similar process of joint-review for both UGA amendments that include an
expansion of the UGA and a different process for land designation amendments.
Amendments to the UGA boundary are to be initiated and processed by the City with
a joint city/county review prior to adoption. Other changes within the UGA, outside
of the city limits, are to be processed by Douglas County and then transmitted to the
City for ratification.
This update to the comprehensive plan sets the stage for the first major expansion of
the East Wenatchee UGA. The urban growth area is where urban growth will occur
over the next 20 years; however, this does not mean that anywhere within the urban
growth area is an appropriate place for development to immediately occur. Because
the urban growth area is based on such a long-range planning period, intermediate
limitations are needed to phase development within the urban growth area. The
phasing assures that the desired growth pattern of compact urban areas will be
achieved through infill development and properly sequenced growth.
To insure that development is urban in nature and does not outpace the provision of
services, the following goals and policies in this chapter must be implemented.
Many of these policies stress that the City and County need to develop strict
standards to insure that the UGA is developed in an urban pattern with a full range
of urban governmental services. In addition to insuring that a full-range of urban
services is available to support development, it is also important to look at providing
tools to increase the density within the existing urban growth area.
Phasing of development as well as phasing of the extension of urban services
should occur within the UGA, as necessary, to ensure that services are provided as
gowth growth and development occurs.
Comprehensive plan designations and implementing development standards must
address the phasing of development within the UGA. The following is list of issues
to considerthat were considered:
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• delineation of expanded Urban Growth Areas and land use designations;
• determination and delineation of "tiers" or “phases” within Urban Growth
Areas;
• linkage of tier delineations to capital improvements programming;
• timing and phasing of growth;
• public facility and service adequacy;
• public facility and service availability at the time of development –
concurrency;
• facility service provision and extension policies, with a particular focus on
sanitary sewer service;
• financing of facility and service provision and extension and imposition of
full, but fair share of costs on new development;
URBAN GROWTH AREA EXPANSION PROJECT
The City of East Wenatchee partnered with Douglas County, the East Wenatchee
Water District, the Douglas County Sewer District, the Port of Douglas County, and the
Pangborn Memorial Airport Governing Board to submit a grant to the Washington State
Department of Commerce for a project to implement an extensive public involvement
project to expand the East Wenatchee UGA and prepare a Combined Capital Facilities
Plan for the existing and proposed urban growth area. The efforts also included
coordination with the Eastmont Metropolitan Park District, the Douglas PUD, and the
Eastmont School District.
In April, May and June 2013, the city of East Wenatchee and Douglas County
cooperated to propose and consider the expansion of the Greater East Wenatchee
Urban Growth Area (UGA), accommodating projected population through the year
2035. This work was based on the City and County’s 2007 work to consider a UGA
expansion in this area. This project was an extensive community engagement process
to consider UGA expansion alternatives and how they may relate to comprehensive
planning and provision of services. The City and County conducted three public
workshops, each designed to elicit community feedback on proposals and to receive
guidance on UGA and policy refinement. Turnout at the workshops was very
impressive with 35 to 40 people at each event.
Workshop 1 - The first workshop oriented participants to the process, updating them on
the work that was conducted in 2007 and how that established the baseline for this
project. Participants evaluated the City's and County’s comprehensive plan goals and
policies, as well as the results from the 2002 City/County visioning process and 2004
Neighborhood Planning process.
This exercise affirmed community sentiment toward these policy directives,
establishing a set of priorities that would guide the UGA expansion. At this meeting the
participants struggled with recommending a reduction in the UGA expansion since the
current land capacity analysis did not support expansion at the level anticipated in the
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2007 project due to lower population projections. The work at this session resulted in
four alternatives for the UGA expansion area.
Workshop 2 - Participants in the second workshop reviewed results from the first
session, learned more about the details of the land capacity analysis, and about the
status of the area’s water and wastewater systems. At this meeting the participants
reviewed the four alternative strategies developed in response to the first workshop
and provided feedback that would help narrow down the preferred alternative.
Workshop 3 - Participants at this workshop reviewed the results from the previous two,
events and how their ideas were incorporated into the draft preferred UGA expansion
strategy. Their task at this workshop was to review the draft strategy, discuss pros and
cons, and suggest ways in which it should be fine-tuned prior to its presentation to the
planning commission.
The Preferred Preliminary UGA Expansion Alternative resulting from those workshops
was then presented to the city planning commission on June 18, 2013 and to the City
Council and Douglas County Commissioners on June 25, 2013.
The City Planning Commission held a public workshop on November 5, 2013 and
recommended adding 86 acres north of 10th St. NE as Mixed-Use and 22 acres east of
the Canyon Hills subdivision as Residential Low Density (see Map 3). The preliminary
UGA expansion area maps are located at the end of Chapter 2.
GOALS AND POLICIES
GOAL 1: Ensure that urban growth areas include an adequatea sufficient
amount of land and sufficient capacity toavailable to accommodate projected
growth over a 20-year period. and to avoid market constraints that induce
leapfrogging development.
UG-1 Urban Growth shall occur within urban growth boundaries where adequate
public facilities and services exist or can be provided in an efficient
manner within the 20-year planning period. The urban growth area shall
must provide enough land to accommodate future urban development.
UG-2 The county and the cities shall must jointly review the designated urban
growth area at least every 7 years and revise as necessary to
accommodate the urban growth projected to occur over the succeeding
20- year period.
UG-3 Periodically review the size of themonitor the development pattern within
the urban growth areas based on population projections, land use, the
adequacy of existing and future utility and transportation systems,
economic development strategies, and capital facilities plans to ensure
that development and the provision of urban governmental services are
occurring concurrently.
UG-4 Consideration shall should be given to squaring up grossly irregular
boundaries in the development of the urban growth area.
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UG-5 Ensure that growth occurring outside of the urban growth area is non-
urban in nature.
GOAL 2: Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land into
sprawling, low density development and provide for the orderly and
progressive change from rural to urban density land uses within the Urban
Growth Area with the provision of a full-range of urban services.
UG -6 The City and County shall will establish flexible development standards to
achieve an average residential density in new development of at least 4
dwelling units per net acre in the urban growth areas through a mix of land
uses, densities and housing types.
UG-7 Ensure that the location of proposed easements and road dedications,
structures, stormwater drainage facilities, and the extension of a full range
of urban utilities (water, sewer, power, etc.) are consistent with the orderly
future development of the property to achieve urban densities.
UG-8 The development of residential and commercial property within the urban
growth area shall only occur when all necessary urban public facilities and
services are provided prior to or concurrent with development.
UG-9 If the property is located outside of the service district boundary of a utility,
annexation into the service district or the execution of a “no-protest”
annexation agreement must occur prior to development of the property.
UG-10 The City and County must jointly review the capital facility plans for
service providers to insure that the facility plan is consistent with this
comprehensive plan and the GMA by providing a full-range of urban
services within the entire UGA during the 20-year planning period.
UG-11 The City and County should coordinate with service providers to insure
that all potential funding mechanisms are utilized for system
improvements within the UGA.
GOAL 3: Establish development patterns that use urban land more efficiently.
UG-12 The City and County encourage the use of innovative, high quality infill
development and redevelopment strategies such as planned
developments, zero-lot line, lot-size averaging, shadow platting, and small
lot subdivisions, and mixed uses in existing developed areas within the
urban growth areas.
UG-13 The City and County should develop a system of incentives and regulatory
provisions to make small, vacant or underdeveloped parcels within urban
growth areas more attractive to development at higher densities.
GOAL 4: The County and the City will collaborate on and adopt consistent
regulations and development standards for areas located within the urban
growth areas.
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UG-14 During the review process for development proposals within the urban
growth areas the County and the City will participate in that the review
process, with final approvals continuing to reside with the agency with
jurisdiction.
UG -15 Capital Facility Plans should provide for an urban level of public facilities
and services to facilitate an orderly and efficient build out of lands within
the urban growth areas.
UG -16 Development of long range capital facilities plans by all agencies providing
services or utilities in the urban area shall must anticipate the provision of full
urban level of public services and facilities encompassing the entire extent of
the urban growth boundary within the next 20 years.
UG-17 To ensure efficient use of the growth capacity within the urban growth area,
procedures to phase the provision of urban services shall must be
implemented by the city and county.
UG- 18 To discourage development at densities below the target densities
adopted in this plan, growth will be controlled through the use of
development regulations that provide an orderly, phased transition from
rural to urban uses.
A. The City and County must adopt standards to guide development within
areas currently not served with a full-range of urban services that will
allow phased development using cluster provisions, planned unit
developments, reserve platting or shadow platting, developer
agreements and/or other options to ensure that the project does not
develop at densities that preventing achieving the UGA average target
residential density of 4 dwelling units per acre.
B. The development standards may permit the temporary use of on-site
septic systems in those areas where sanitary sewer service is not
available. However, the development pattern must be designed to
accommodate future development at urban densities once sanitary
sewer service is available.
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CHAPTER 3
LAND USE
INTRODUCTION
The Land Use Element is the Greater East Wenatchee Area’s 20-year vision for land
use. This element generally describes the existing conditions regarding urban land
use in the study area. Urban lands are those lands located within the East
Wenatchee Urban Growth Area (UGA). These lands have growth patterns that have
or will have an intensive use of the land for uses and buildings that are incompatible
with rural or resource uses.
This element will take the conclusions and recommendations reached in other
chapters and synthesize them into a land use map for the study area. While the
Land Use Element builds upon the existing land use pattern and presence of natural
features, it also sets forth some changes in the way land use development should
occur in the future.
WASHINGTON STATE GOALS AND MANDATES
RCW 36.70A.070
Each comprehensive plan shall include a plan, scheme, or design for each of the
following:
(1) A land use element designating the proposed general distribution and general
location and extent of the uses of land, where appropriate, for agriculture, timber
production, housing, commerce, industry, recreation, open spaces, general aviation
airports, public utilities, public facilities, and other land uses. The land use element
shall include population densities, building intensities, and estimates of future
population growth.
POPULATION
The Growth Management Act requires counties to adopt a 20-year population
projection from a projection range provided by the Office of Financial Management
for planning purposes. (See Table 3.2 for the current OFM projections for Douglas
County.) This population projection is the basis upon which comprehensive plans
are developed. The Act also requires that plans focus the majority of the population
growth within the urban growth areas where services and public facilities can be
provided more efficiently. The boundary of the UGA is directly related to the
projection of population assigned by the county for each UGA.
Historical trends
The population of Douglas County has grown from a population of 4,926 persons in
1900 to 32,603 persons in 200038,431 in 2010. As can be seen in the table below,
approximately half of that population growth has occurred in the past 30 years.The
decade with the largest population growth was from 1990 to 2000 with an increase
of 6,398 persons. The growth between 2000 and 2010 slowed to 5,828 persons.
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Table 3.1 Douglas County Population Trends – 1970 to 20002010
Year 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Douglas County 16,787 22,144 26,205 32,603 38,431
East Wenatchee UGA 9,034 14,778 16,660 21,304 26,221
City of East Wenatchee 913 1,640 2,701 5,757 13,190
Source: US Census
The Washington State Office of Financial Management updated their GMA
population projections in 20072012. The table below shows the high, medium, and
low series projections for Douglas County in five-year intervals.
Table 3.2 Douglas County OFM Population Projections
Census Projections
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
High 38,431 45,031 49,469 53,935 58,270 62,336 66,223
Medium 38,431 40,603 43,619 46,662 49,583 52,256 54,762
Low 38,431 35,630 36,679 37,754 38,716 39,451 40,031
Source Office of Financial Management, Issue Date of Projections: August 2012
Census Estimate Projections
2000 2005 2013 2018 2023 2028
High 32,603 34,700 46,153 50,693 55,136 59,947
Medium 32,603 34,700 41,062 43,837 46,405 48,746
Low 32,603 34,700 36,718 38117, 39,177 39,944
Source Office of Financial Management, Issue Date of Projections: November 2007
The sub-county population projection adopted by the Regional Council used the
medium series projection with a planning period ending at 2035. a hybrid of the high
series which was adjusted to update the 2008 population by using city and county
building permit data and historic trends of persons per housing unit with the
anticipation that by the end of the planning period, growth would be consistent with
the high series.
Table 3.3 County and East Wenatchee UGA Population Projection
Description
% of
Population
Allocation
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035
East Wenatchee 72.00% 26,221 28,212 30,203 32,193 34,184 36,175
Urban 82.00% 31,458 33,725 35,993 38,260 40,527 42,795
Rural 18.00% 6,973 7,471 7,968 8,466 8,964 9,462
Douglas County Total 100.00% 38,431 41,196 43,961 46,726 49,491 52,256
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2008-2028
2000 2008 2013 2018 2023 2028 Change
Douglas County 32,603 39,227 44,295 49,362 54,430 59,497 20,270
Urban 22,317 31,272 35,312 39,352 43,392 47,431
Rural 10,286 7,955 8,983 10,010 11,038 12,066
East Wenatchee UGA 26,124 29,499 32,874 36,248 39,623 13,500
Source: Adopted by Douglas County Regional Council July 2009
Observations
In the past 30 40 years, the population of the East Wenatchee urban area
in relation to the overall County population has increased during each
decade. In 1990 the East Wenatchee UGA was 63.5% of the county
population. In 2000 it increased to 65.3% and in 2008 it is estimated to be
66.6% of the overall county population2010 it increased to 68.23%.
The annual growth rate in the East Wenatchee Urban Growth Area has
been approximately 2% per year since 1990.
Population projection
The ability to anticipate population change and allocate it to smaller geographic
areas is an important planning tool for the development of the Greater East
Wenatchee Area UGA. Population projections help to plan for the impacts of growth
and its demands on facilities and services such as roads, sewers, schools, water
systems, fire stations, and power and other utilities.
The majority of the county’s population growth is required, by GMA, to occur within
the designated urban growth areas. The percentage that was approved by the
Douglas County Regional Council in 2009 of 66.6% was used to determine the
projected population for the East Wenatchee UGAin 2012 was an allocation of 82%
of the growth to the 5 UGA’s and 18% of the growth to the rural area .
Table 3.3 shows the projected population growth for the East Wenatchee Urban
Growth Area. The year 2000 2010 number is the actual population from the 2000
2010 U.S. Census and the year 2008 population is an estimate based upon
residential building permit data from the city and county and using a multiplying
factor based upon historic persons per housing unit data from the Census. The
population projections indicate that the East Wenatchee UGA will need to
accommodate an additional 13,500 9,954 persons.
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UGA RESIDENTIAL LAND CAPACITY ANALYSIS
The County and the City have performed a residential land capacity analysis to
determine whether the existing urban growth area can accommodate the population
projection.
This land capacity analysis has been developed using available information
and reasonable methodology and assumptions. The analysis of the data and
resulting land capacity determination depend on certain assumptions.
Methodology
Land Use Analysis - The first step of the process involved an extensive analysis of
existing land uses to determine the available vacant land within the residential land
use designations:
All vacant residential lots were identified – if the parcel was between 4,000
sq. ft. and 1.5 acres in size and had no structure value - it was considered
vacant.
All other vacant residential property was identified.
All underutilized residential lands were identified. If a parcel was between 1.5
acres and 5 acres and had one dwelling – 1 acre was taken off for the
existing home and the remainder of the parcel was considered vacant. Lots
where the structures occupied a larger than normal area or the remainder
was less than ½ acre, up to 2 acres were taken off for the existing home.
All properties owned by a utility, government entity or a quasi-public entity
were deleted from the residential vacant land inventory.
All critical areas were deleted from the vacant land inventory.
The Mixed-Use and Waterfront Mixed-Use land use designations allow
residential and commercial land uses. Due to the unknown variables of the
Mixed-Use and Waterfront Mixed-Use, a residential capacity of those lands
was estimated to be 50% for commercial and 50% for residential land uses.
Housing Unit Projection - To determine the number of housing units and other land
uses that should be provided to serve the projected population; the first step is to
convert the population projection to a housing unit need. That conversion can be
accomplished by looking at the historic household count and then applying a
vacancy factor since a “household” is an occupied housing unit. Since many factors
can influence the vacancy factorrate in a community, another method is to simply
divide the number of persons by the total number of housing units to obtain a
“persons per housing unit” rate. This is a simpler approach that accounts for
vacancies and other influencing factors. Over the past 20 years, there has been a
decline in the number of persons per housing unit. This is particularly true in urban
areas. An average of 2.57 persons per housing unit was used for the land capacity
analysis.
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Projection of Land for Other Uses – Increasing the size of the UGA to
accommodate the projected residential land use needs also requires a
corresponding increase to the total land area to accommodate commercial and
industrial land uses. The same ratio of area per land use was assumed based upon
the previously adopted land use distribution. (See Table 3.8 for the ratio of the
various land use categories.)
Factors/Assumptions Land Capacity Analysis
The A factor of 2. 612.57 persons per housing unit figure was used based
upon historic trends.
The target percentages of 83% for single family dwellings and 17% for multi-
family dwellings was based on historic census information for the East
Wenatchee UGA.
The residential low density land use category allows up to 8 dwelling units per
acre. The medium density multi-family designation allows up to 15 dwelling
units per acre and the high density multi-family designation allows up to 24
dwelling units per acre. Since achieving those densities depends upon many
factors, this analysis uses a lesser assumed density. The planned assumed
average density figures of 4 dwelling units per acre was used for single family
housing units and 12 dwelling units per acre was used for multi-family
housing units. These factors were was agreed upon by the East Wenatchee
Planning Commission and the Douglas County Regional Planning
Commission in August 2003. These assumed densities are net densities
since an additional factor accounts for land needed for roads, public or non-
residential uses, and utilities.
Land for public purposes includes future roads, utility corridors, parks and
other non-residential land uses. A Roads and Public Uses factor of 25% was
added to the land needs.
A market factor of 25% was added to the land needs to account for land that
for some reason will not be available for development during the planning
period. allow for development that does not meet the plan’s target densities
due to choice or other unanticipated factors. The 25% figure was agreed
upon by the East Wenatchee Planning Commission and the Douglas County
Regional Planning Commission in August 2003.
Maintain the ratio of commercial and industrial lands within the UGA. It
should be noted that the open space, recreational, and other public and
quasi-public land uses are permitted within the various land use designations
and have not been designated specifically for a particular parcel of land.
Analysis
The table below converts the projected population growth to a total for needed
housing units based upon the factors and assumptions listed above.
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Table 3.4 Projected Housing Units Needed:
2035 Population 36,175
2010 Population 26,221
Projected Pop Growth 9,954
Av. Persons/Housing Unit 2.57
Housing Units Needed (9,954/2.57) 3,873
Projected growth
East Wenatchee UGA Pop. 2028 39,623
East Wenatchee UGA Pop. 2008 26,124
Projected Residential Growth 13,500
÷ 2.61 persons per Housing Unit
Projected Housing Unit Needs 5,172 hu
The table below shows the breakdown, by housing unit type, for the housing units
needed to accommodate the projected growth and converts the need to an acreage
calculation based upon the factors and assumptions listed above.
Table 3.5 Projected Net Residential Acres of Land Needed:
SF MF
Ratio of Total Number of Housing Units 83% 17%
Units Needed by Type 3,215 658
Average Assumed Density (DU/Acre) 4 12
Acres Needed 804 55
Housing Unit Need by Type
Single Family
(83%)
Multi Family
(17%)
4,293 879
Residential Density Average (÷ 4 du/ac) (÷12 du/ac)
Net Residential Land Need 1,073 ac 73 ac
Conclusion
The results of the land capacity analysis determined that the existing UGA was
deficient and needs to be expanded to accommodate the projected population
growth. The results of the Land Capacity Analysis are shown in Table 3.6.
Expansion of the UGA to accommodate the projected population will be included in
the 2010 comprehensive plan update project.
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Table 3.6 – Land Capacity Analysis and Summary Table UGA Expansion Area
Residential Land Capacity Analysis
A B C D E F G H I J K L
DU
Needed
Existing
Vacant
R-L Lots
Market
Factor
Net Lots
Available
Net DU
Needed
Net
Acres
Needed
Land
for
ROW
&
Public
Uses
Sub-
Total
Market
Factor
Sub-
Total
Vacant
RL
Land
Gross
Acres
Neede
d
-25% B-C A-D 4
DU/AC 25% F+G 25% H+I J-K
Single
Family
Housing
Units
3,215 400 100 300 2,915 729 182 911 228 1,139 923 216
*Multi-
Family
Housing
Units
DU
Needed
Net Acres
Needed at
12 DU/AC
Land
for
ROW &
Public
Uses
25%
Subtotal
B + C
Market
Factor
25%
Gross
AC
Needed
D + E
Vacan
t
Multi-
Family
Gross
Acreage
Needed
**Target
Ratio of
17% MF
Housing
Units
Target
Acreage
Expansio
n
Area
658 55 14 69 17 86 181 -95 336 241
Summary Table UGA Expansion Areas
Target
Acreage
Needed
Proposed
Net Acreage
Excluding Non-Vacant
Land & Critical Areas
R-L 216
306
262
Multi-Family 241
183
162
***Commercial 63
75
75
Total Expansion 520
564
499
10/8/2013
*Density calculations considered 50% of the Mixed Use and Waterfront Mixed Use
designation as available for multi-family development.
**Currently, the single family designation accounts for 89% of residentially designated
properties without the mixed use designations. Including the mixed use designations that
brings the percentage down to 86%. The target ratio of single family to multi-family is 83%
single family and 17% multi-family. This requires an increase in the multi-family designation
to offset the addition to the single family designation to achieve this target ratio. This is an
important factor since single family homes are permitted in the multi-family designation but
multi-family is not permitted in the single family designation.
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Summary Table UGA Expansion Area
Plan Designation Needed
Acreage
Proposed
Acres
Critical Areas
&
Non-Vacant
Total
Net Acres
Residential Low Density 216 373 51 322
Medium Density Residential 241 172 9 163
Mixed Use 86 20 66
Light Commercial 63 72 0 72
Total 520 703 81 622
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EXISTING LAND USE DISTRIBUTION
To plan effectively for the twenty-year planning period it is necessary to understand
existing land use distribution and trends. To accomplish this, the County and City
undertook a land use inventory. The Land Use Inventory was used to determine the
extent and intensity of existing land uses within the East Wenatchee UGA and. The
land use inventory used tax parcel information from the Douglas County Assessor's
Office, building permit information from the City and County, and the geographic
information system (GIS) developed by Douglas County. .
The urban growth boundary encompasses a land area of approximately 7,800 8,000
acres. Table 3.7 shows the result of the recently completed land use analysis. This
table shows the land use of the property regardless of the current comprehensive plan
land use designation. Table 3.8 shows the breakdown of the various land use
designations and the amount of vacant land.
Table 3.7 Land Uses in the Existing Urban Growth Area
Type of Land Use Acreage % of Total
Residential 2,710 40%
Multi-family 218 3%
Commercial 300 4%
Industrial 104 2%
Quasi-Public (churches etc.) 100 1%
Utilities, Public & ROW 304 4%
Schools 183 3%
Recreation 300 4%
Agricultural 1,346 19%
Vacant 878 13%
Partially vacant/underutilizes 400 6%
Total 6,933 100%
Notes:
1. The land areas shown in the table above includes parcels of land and does not include all
existing street rights of ways and several stormwater facilities since many of them are not
parcels. As such, the total does not add up to the total UGA boundary of 7,8008,000 acres.
2. The Residential category above includes single-family detached, single-family attached, and
duplexes. Multi-family includes only those buildings with 3 or more dwelling units in them.
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LAND USE DESIGNATIONS WITHIN THE URBAN GROWTH AREA
Table 3.8 Acreage by Designation and Vacant Land
Acres from
Zoning Layers
on GIS
% of Total
UGA
Acres identified
as "Vacant" in
Land Use
Analysis
% of Designated
Acres
C-N 9.64 0.12% 4.24 43.97%
G-C 398.87 5.10% 33.66 8.44%
CBD 241.80 3.09% 52.49 21.71%
I-G 407.32 5.21% 92.14 22.62%
R-L 5687.35 72.74% 793.51 13.95%
R-M 395.78 5.06% 22.96 5.80%
R-H 233.71 2.99% 32.32 13.83%
WMU 383.24 4.90% 259.47 67.71%
MU 60.73 0.78% 1.26 2.07%
Totals 7818.45 100.00% 1,292.06 16.53%
Sources: County GIS database for Land Use polygons. Vacant Land from 2008 Land Use Analysis
using only the “Simple LU” category. Critical areas have not been excluded.
Plan
Designation
Designation
Acreage
Percent of
Total
C-L 72.48 0.84%
C-N 12.20 0.14%
CBD 241.80 2.81%
G-C 399.74 4.65%
I-G 544.04 6.33%
R-H 233.75 2.72%
R-L 5,999.24 69.83%
R-M 554.07 6.45%
MU 146.08 1.70%
WMU 388.29 4.52%
Total 8,591.68 100.00%
Note: The acreages in the table above include streets.
RESIDENTIAL
The quality and integrity of residential neighborhoods defines the character of the
community and make it unique. Ensuring that these neighborhoods remain stable and
vital is of primary importance. To meet the goals of the Growth Management Act, the
Land Use Plan, and the Housing Plan, several residential area land use density types
have been established.
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A process to permit planned unit developments should be considered in all residential
designations to provide alternative housing options, improve the potential for infill
development, increase densities, and protect sensitive areas and/or provide open
space opportunities by allowing flexibility in the configuration of lots and associated
land uses.
Low Residential
It is envisioned that this designation would permit a range of housing options and
densities to provide areas desirable for single-family residential use. The primary and
preferred land use is residential. The use of innovative housing techniques such as
attached single family, zero-lot line housing, averaging lots sizes, and other alternates
should be encouraged infilling and variety of housing types and densities. In order for
these techniques to be used in a manner that protects the integrity of the surrounding
properties, there must be mechanisms to ensure neighborhood compatibility and good
design quality.
Urban governmental services and infrastructure must be available at the time of
development or there must be a plan in place, with funding, to insure that a full range of
urban governmental services is available to serve the development within the planning
period. To ensure that land development patterns provide urban densities,
mechanisms such as minimum densities, maximum setbacks, and other regulatory
tools may be necessary in areas where these urban services are planned for but are
not yet available.
Residential densities allowed in the low residential land use category should be up to 8
dwelling units per acre or up to 10 dwelling units per acre if developed adjacent to
commercial or mixed uses. Future development within the UGA is expected to attain a
target average density of at least 4 dwelling units per acre.
Medium Residential
The Medium Residential designation is intended to provide areas suitable and
desirable for residential use, which can accommodate accommodating multi-family and
limited medium density single-family opportunities. Mixed residential and professional
office or residential and retail can also be accommodated in this district adjacent to
commercial designations.
Urban governmental services and infrastructure must be available at the time of
development or there must be a plan in place, with funding, to insure that a full range of
urban governmental services is available to serve the development.
Multi-family designations should be applied in areas along existing or planned
arterial/collector transportation corridors, or areas in proximity or within walking
distance of commercial nodes. The multi-family designation may provide a transition
from low density residential to higher intensity residential and commercial uses. Multi-
family areas should be accompanied by open spaces, and transit linkage in order to
make these densities viable and compatible with the community.
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Design standards should be applied during the development phase of the projects to
ensure that multi-family development is compatible with existing and surrounding
neighborhoods.
Residential densities allowed in the medium residential land use category should be up
to 15 dwelling units per acre with a target density of at least 12 dwelling units per acre.
Residential High/Office
The Residential High/Office designation is is a land use category that would allow a
range of housing choices and a limited range of office style commercial opportunities
for low intensity personal and professional services. This district is a transition
designation providing a buffer between lower density land uses and higher intensity
uses such as between residential and commercial uses or areas along major
transportation routes where the intensity of activities on adjacent land uses make it less
attractive for low density residential uses.
Urban governmental services and infrastructure must be available at the time of
development or there must be a plan in place, with funding, to insure that a full range of
urban governmental services is available to serve the development.
The Residential High/Office designation should be applied in areas along existing or
planned arterial/collector transportation corridors and areas adjacent to commercial
nodes. Development of this land use type should adhere to design standards to
achieve compatible scale and design to enhance the livability and appearance of the
community. These projects should be configured to be transit-oriented, pedestrian
friendly, and provide affordable housing. This land use designation is also intended to
provide a location for low intensity and/or office space.
Residential densities allowed in the Residential High/Office land use category should
be up to 24 dwelling units per acre with a target density of at least 12 dwelling units per
acre.
COMMERCIAL
The commercial center of a community serves as the major economic and
employment sector. Commercial properties provide goods and services to the
community to satisfy the needs of existing and future residents and visitors. These
commercial centers provide revenue to the community in taxes collected on goods
and services, increased property values, as well as wages.
In preparing for updates to the comprehensive plan, the planning commissions from
the city and county have used an active citizen involvement process with a visioning
process and neighborhood meetings.
The Community Vision project completed in 2002 resulted in the development of a
community vision statement providing direction for planning in the Greater East
Wenatchee area as well as the remainder of Douglas County. Some of the
components of that vision are particularly relevant to the discussion of commercial
land uses. The Community Vision stressed:
Growth in employment and living wage jobs
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Encouraging tourism and recreation opportunities
Recognizing East Wenatchee as the urban center of the Greater East
Wenatchee Area
Improving transportation systems including pedestrian facilities to better
serve commercial areas
Providing street trees and creating “gateways” to the community.
In 2004, the city and county planning commissions participated in a series of
neighborhood planning meetings with residents and property owners in the Greater
East Wenatchee Urban Area. The purpose of that series of meetings was to find out
what the residents wanted to see in their neighborhoods and the community in the
next 20 years. Many consistent comments were received regarding commercial
properties including:
More attractive commercial areas, more landscaping
Development of the riverfront with hotels, restaurants, and a marina
Limiting big box stores
More neighborhood commercial areas such as mini marts to serve residential
areas
Better commercial planning – more defined commercial areas
Expansion of the commercial areas
Based upon the Vision, theThe comprehensive plan should ensure that commercial
properties are developed with quality designs that reflect the vision of the community
and in a manner that is compatible with surrounding residential and commercial land
uses. The goals and policies in this chapter address the community’s vision for
these commercial areas.
The trade area for greater East Wenatchee and Wenatchee includes Okanogan and
Grant County as well as Chelan and Douglas counties. The total trade area
population in 2004 is estimated at 220,500 people compared to 177,859 people in
1992; this is a 24% increase over that 12-year period or 2% annually. The state
Office of Financial Management (OFM) high-range population forecast estimates the
trade area population to be 333,952 in the year 2025, an increase of 113,452 people
or 51% over the 2004 levels.
In January 2005 the civilian labor force in Douglas County was reported by the
federal Bureau of Labor Statistics at 22,130 persons, compared to 16,051 in 1992.
This is an increase of 6,079 persons, which is a 38% growth for that period or 3%
per year. This rate is higher than the population increase for Douglas County which
has averaged 2% per year since 1992. The civilian labor force participation rate
indicates the number of residents over the age of 16 that are employed. For
Douglas County that participation rate is 64.6%. This matches the civilian labor
force rate in neighboring Chelan County.
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According to the 2000 Census, the top four employment industries in Douglas
County by percentage of total employment are: educational/health/social services at
20%, retail trade at 13%, agriculture at 12% and wholesale trade at 8%. The 2000
Census showed that 57% of the working residents of Douglas County commuted to
jobs outside their county of residence, which is much higher than the 11.6%
commuter rate for Chelan County residents.
Providing adequate land for commercial development will ensure that jobs are
created in the East Wenatchee area that will support the employment expectations
of the local residential population. The table below shows the breakdown of the
civilian labor force for individuals 16 years of age or older by industry for East
Wenatchee, Douglas County and Washington State. The four largest employment
sectors are:
#1 Education and health care services
#2 Agriculture in the county and retail trade in the city
#3 Retail trade in the county and construction in the city
#4 Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services
Table 3.9 Civilian employed population 16 years and over by Industry
Industry
East
Wenatchee
% of
Total
Douglas
County
% of
Total State
% of
Total
Agriculture, Forestry
& Fishing 386 6.3% 2,763 15.9% 79,925 2.5%
Construction 602 9.8% 1,339 7.7% 220,452 7.0%
Manufacturing 315 5.1% 903 5.2% 330,083 10.5%
Wholesale Trade 231 3.8% 861 4.9% 97,669 3.1%
Retail Trade 885 14.4% 2,168 12.4% 363,620 11.6%
Transportation,
warehousing,
and utilities 329 5.4% 1,022 5.9% 160,705 5.1%
Information 39 0.6% 83 0.5% 77,945 2.5%
Finance,
Insurance,
Real Estate 261 4.2% 830 4.8% 188,886 6.0%
Professional, scientific,
management,
administrative, and
waste management services 421 6.8% 1,029 5.9% 369,301 11.8%
Education, health
and social services 1,545 25.1% 3,598 20.6% 659,183 21.0%
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Arts, entertainment,
recreation, accommodation
and food services 555 9.0% 1,520 8.7% 275,131 8.8%
Other Services 341 5.5% 716 4.1% 145,205 4.6%
Public Administration 236 3.8% 599 3.4% 167,857 5.4%
Total 6,146 17,431 3,135,962
Census ACS 2007-11
DESIGNATED COMMERCIAL AREAS
Revisions adopted in the 2005 comprehensive plan amendment process resulted in
the city and county adopting the same commercial land use designations and the
same development regulations for properties within the UGA.
The intent of the commercial designations varies in type and intensity in order to
achieve the overall community vision. All of these designations should be sited
according to the goals, policies and design criteria set forth in this section.
The expansion of the UGA must also provide additional locations for commercial
development. Several areas were identified as being feasible for commercial
development. Existing commercial land use options may not be suitable for these
new areas due to existing neighboring land uses and other factors. Additional
commercial land use options will be explored by the city and county to better meet
the needs of the community and these expansion areas.
Table 3.8 provides the area calculations for the existing commercial designations. .
Since the Mixed Use designations stress a strong residential component, it is
anticipated that they will contribute to the commercial and residential land base.
Central Business District (CBD)
The Central Business District generally follows a north to south direction as it follows
Valley Mall Parkway and a west to east direction as it follows Grant Road. To
ensure commercial development is compatible with surrounding uses and the
general character of the community, design criteria has been developed that
promotes street trees along major corridors, and stresses architectural and
landscaping design to create pleasant and attractive developments. New
development should be designed to be transit oriented, pedestrian friendly, and
provide open spaces.
Within the CBD there are existing land uses that are not permitted under the existing
zoning regulations for that district. The CBD designation should be further analyzed
analyzed periodically during the development of the zoning districts regulations to
determine the appropriate land uses for various locations. This district may be
dividedIn the future, it may be appropriate to separate this district into smaller sub-
districts to better address the particular land uses that currently exist and to insure
that existing and proposed land uses are compatible. This analysis should also
evaluate the infrastructure existing and planned for those areas with regards to the
needs of the particular land uses.
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General Commercial (GC)
The General Commercial designation permits a greater range of commercial uses than
those allowed in the CBD designation. Additional uses may include mini-storage, light
warehousing, or other non-retail uses in addition to a full range of retail uses. The intent
of this designation is to allow commercial uses that will create varied job opportunities
and provide services to the community that are not strictly retail in nature.
Although pedestrian access is stressed throughout this plan, the general commercial
designation is expected to be more automobile oriented than the CBD designation.
Design criteria for commercial and industrial land development in this designation
should be similar to the CBD but with less reliance on pedestrian access.
The General Commercial area designated on the upper bench area, east of Empire
Street, west of State Route 28 (Sunset Highway) and north of 35th Street NE is
intended to develop as a master planned project. A total of 80 acres is designated
for this general commercial district, of which 60 acres would be specifically for
commercial land uses. A 20-acre area, generally located along the southern
perimeter of the site, is identified as a transition area that would incorporate
landscaping and open space. The purpose of the transition area is to buffer this
commercial area from the less intensive development surrounding the area.
Design features for the master plan for projects in this General Commercial area
would include landscaping, transition buffer, linkages to the trail system, open space,
design consistency between adjacent buildings, establishment of an interior road
network, and orientation of buildings for access from the interior road system. Direct
access to the SR 28 by individual uses would be prohibited.
Neighborhood Commercial (NC)
The purpose of the Neighborhood Commercial designation is to provide convenient
commercial facilities for those residential areas that do not have easy access to the
Central Business District. Neighborhood Commercial businesses cater to a limited
service area and provide for the day-to-day needs of consumers for a limited range
of convenience goods and services. This commercial designation is intended to
form at nodes as neighborhood retail and activity centers that provide a contrast to
the typical linear orientation of commercial strips. These commercial centers are
focal points for the neighborhood with low-intensity, small-scale retail sales and
services that cater to the surrounding neighborhood. There should also be
provisions for residential uses. These neighborhood centers are best located in
areas where there is a residential neighborhood within walking distance for the
residents.
These districts have regulatory provisions for site size, building height, and bulk of
structures to insure that they are neighborhood oriented. and Standards also
include landscaping and buffering methods for areas adjacent to residential areasto
protect and preserve the residential character of adjacent homes and apartments .
Facilities must be provided for both bicyclists, pedestrians, and vehicular access.
There should also and be transit orientedaccess considerations, where possible.
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The following guidelines shall must be used when considering a site for
Neighborhood Commercial designation.
a) Site size should be no larger than 2 5 acres, excluding right-or-way, and
situated to have minimal impact on surrounding residential areas;
b) Sites should be located in residential areas that are at least one mile from
the Central Business District or General Commercial designation and one
half mile from any other site designated Neighborhood Commercial;
c) These sites will be located on either a collector or arterial street and
oriented to face that street. However, access to the site may be from a
local access street if sight distance or traffic impacts warrant it;
d) Structures should generally be designed on at a pedestrian-scale (two
stories or less) and promote pedestrian activity while providing facilities for
local automobile traffic;
e) 100% of the total gross floor area of the first ground floor of all structures
shall must be used for commercial purposes, residences may be permitted
on the upper stories, and
f) Shared parking between adjacent uses will be by written agreement.
Parking will be designed and located so as to enhance pedestrian activity.
There are four Neighborhood Commercial sites designated within the UGA. A 2.7
acre area site is located on State Route 28 north of 33rd St. NW. A 2 acre site is
located at the intersection of Kentucky Ave. and Grant Rd. A 2.7 acre site located at
the intersection of Fancher Field Road and Gun Club Road. A 1.57 acre site at the
intersection of Sunset Highway and 29th Street NW.
New Commercial Designations:
The potential for a UGA expansion presents an opportunity to establish additional
commercial land designations to provide greater flexibility for those areas. The GMA
stresses providing livable, walkable communities both to increase the activity level of
residents and to reduce green house gas emissions by providing commercial centers
in close proximity to residential areas. With the exception of the Neighborhood
Commercial and Mixed-Use designations described below, the existing commercial
land use districts are more automobile oriented. A new low density or limited intensity
commercial designation should be considered for use within the expansion of the
urban growth area and for potential use within the existing UGA.
New commercial development within the UGA is targeted in two places: a
neighborhood-scale center in Fancher Heights and a community-scale center along
Grant Road at Nile Ave. The Fancher Heights commercial center is intended to serve
the daily shopping and services needs for residents in that part of the UGA located
along Badger Mountain Rd near Sand Canyon. The City and County’s 2013 work to
study the UGA expansion characterized this area as being designed to be integral to
the residential character of the surrounding area, constructed alongside a mixed-use
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and multi-family development concept to provide a transition to surrounding single
family neighborhoods.
The Grant Rd/Nile Ave commercial district comprises approximately 70 acres and is
intended to mature into a community-serving commercial and mixed-use district,
serving the needs of the immediate neighborhood and the entire community. This
designation is applied in the hope that it will stimulate more intense residential and
mixed-use development adjacent to it, creating a dynamic and walkable urban
environment that is robust and convenient to residents of eastern East Wenatchee.
Mixed-Use
To increase the variety of development opportunities, two types of mixed-use
commercial areas have been designated. The Waterfront Mixed Use designation
takes advantage of the proximity to the Columbia River, and the General Mixed-Use
designation is located on upland areas that do not have specific shoreline influences.
These mixed-use designations allow a mixture of uses including moderate density
residential, recreational, and commercial activities where people can enjoy shopping,
working, and living in the same area. People appreciate variety in housing, shopping,
recreation, transportation, and employment. This type of compact development can
reduce traffic congestion and benefit public health by promoting a pedestrian
atmosphere, enhancing the general viability of the community. Integrating different
land uses and varied building types with a strong residential component is intended to
create a vibrant and diverse community as an alternative to the traditional “9 to 5”
commercial zones where activities are centered on the workplace.
Mixed uses at a smaller scale may also be permitted in commercial and multifamily
residential designations, making a transition between commercial and single-family
uses or providing for a retail street edge along the community’s arterials.
The following guiding principles should be used when designating the Mixed-Use
areas and implementing them through the adoption of development regulations:
a) Development should be by master plan to ensure an integrated design.
b) Allow for select commercial uses, recreation, and residential development in a
way that serves the needs of the neighborhood and the community.
c) Residential uses are encouraged to be integrated as a component in all
development projects and should target a density of 15 dwelling units per
acre. Single-family detached dwelling styles are discouraged.
d) Encourage a variety of housing options within this designation including
residences above commercial uses.
e) Provide for a type, configuration, and density of development that will entice
pedestrian shoppers to frequent the area, encourage pedestrian traffic
between businesses, provide access to transit, and stress less reliance on
motor vehicles.
f) The mixed use designation is not intended for automobile oriented or
businesses that rely on outdoor storage or display of merchandise.
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g) Insure compatibility of mixed use developments with the surrounding properties,
minimize any off-site impacts associated with development with requirements
for buffering, landscaping, compatible scale and design to ensure that proposed
projects enhance the livability of the proposal and integrate with existing
residences in this designation.
h) Multiple buildings on a single site should be designed to create a strong visual
relationship between or among the buildings.
i) Development should take into account the relationship of adjacent buildings in
terms of height, materials, scale, and architecture. The goal is to achieve
attractive structures and preserve significant views.
j) Promote design which will increase opportunities for activities both within the
project boundaries and between existing adjacent developments and
neighborhoods.
k) Relate the size, character, and siting of proposed buildings to create a design
that requires businesses or other activities to front a central or common court or
plaza at ground level to provide a human scale to the development. Avoid siting
parking areas along street frontages and within shoreline areas.
l) Encourage the design of multi-use facilities to accommodate retail and other
commercial uses at the pedestrian level.
m) To facilitate development of commercial uses in conjunction with residential, all
development should provide at least 50% of the gross floor area of the ground
floor for commercial purposes.
n) Buildings should be designed and located to complement and preserve existing
buildings, streets and paths, bridges, and other elements of the built
environment. Particular care should be given to building materials (color and
texture), setbacks, building heights and roof lines, and overall proportions.
o) The mixed-use designation should be established in locations where an
orientation to walkable communities is desired.
General Mixed Use
The designation of General Mixed-Use was originally designed for a 60-acre area
located across from the Douglas County Kirby Billingsley Hydro Park between SR 28
and Rock Island Road from S. Jarvis to Lyle Avenue. This designation was
anticipated to develop into a mixture of residential and commercial land uses to
provide an integrated community that would attract a variety of business activities and
residential styles.
The expansion of the UGA may provide a great opportunity to expand this type of
designation to allow the development of commercial and recreational facilities to
serve these urbanizing area.
The City and County utilized the assistance of a design architect during the
development of the designation and criteria for the mixed-use areas near Rock Island
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Kirby Billingsley Hydro Park and the Waterfront Mixed-Use area. To implement the
mixed-use concept in different locations, the City and County should conduct further
planning level studies in this area to address the following issues:
a) Building heights in relation to the airport protection areas;
b) Increased sound insulation for properties within the airport noise control area;
c) Design for an integrated transportation network to insure that the carrying
capacity and efficiency of major freight and mobility routes are not adversely
impacted;
d) Ensure that transportation system plans provide for pedestrian and public
transportation options;
e) Develop strategies to insure that adjacent low-density development is
provided with adequate buffers and screening to preserve their neighborhood
character,
f) Provide for a variety of land uses to establish a mixed-use pattern that
enhances the existing character of the surrounding area.
g) This designation should be provided to properties of sufficient size to
accommodate the mixture of uses and the master plan approach to
development. It is recommended that these sites be a minimum of 10 acres
in size.
h) Urban governmental services and infrastructure must be available at the time of
development or there must be a plan in place, with funding, to insure that a full
range of urban governmental services is available to serve the development.
Waterfront Mixed-Use
This designation is intended to take advantage of the shoreline area that makes up the
western boundary of the East Wenatchee Urban Area. This designation is intended to
provide a mixture of residential, recreational, and commercial land use opportunities
that can enhance the shoreline area and would benefit from access to the Apple
Capital Loop Trail. Although much of the shoreline in this designation is currently
publicly owned, this area could develop water-related and water-dependent uses such
as marinas and water parks.
Three Five areas are designated for Waterfront Mixed Use:
Between SR 28 and the Columbia River north and south of the Odabashian
Bridge
Between 14th St. NE NW and Bellevue 19th Street NW from SR 28 and Cascade
Avenue to the Columbia River
Between NW Cascade Avenue and the Columbia River south of Bellevue St.
SW
Between SR 28 and the Columbia River south of the George Sellar Bridge
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At the intersection of NW Empire Avenue and 27th Street NW.
In addition to the general principles outlined above, the following guiding principles
should be used when designating the Waterfront Mixed-Use designation and
implementing that designation with the adoption of development regulations:
a) Allow for select commercial uses and residential development in a way that
serves the needs of the neighborhood and the community and enhances the
appearance of the shoreline;
b) Developments in this designation should be designed to take advantage of
site conditions and shoreline views;
c) Visual and physical access to the waterfront, for residents of developments and
general public should be incorporated as a design feature in developments
within this land use designation;
d) Due to the proximity of the shoreline and existing residential buildings,
structures in this designation should be smaller in scale (height and footprint)
than those allowed in other commercial designations;
e) Allow recreational uses that complement water-related and water-dependent
uses such as marinas and water parks.
COMMERCIAL --- GOALS AND POLICIES
GOALS:
1. Provide sufficient commercial land that is properly sited to take
advantage of existing utility and public service infrastructure and the
transportation network to ensure growth of the local business
community.
2. Create commercial districts that are safe, attractive, pedestrian friendly,
and transit oriented.
3. Establish commercial areas that accommodate a variety of land use
activities to support a diverse and stable economic base while
maintaining the quality of life in the community and the natural
environment.
4. Provide an opportunity for mixed-use areas in locations where
residential and commercial land uses can develop in a manner that is
complimentary to neighboring properties and/or will establish and
sustain unique character areas for individual neighborhoods.
POLICIES:
C-1. Promote development of commercial activities in attractive nodes or clusters
and prohibit the linear expansion of commercial development.
C-2. Commercial development should provide well designed buffer areas to insure
that the land use is complimentary and compatible with adjacent land uses.
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C-3 Adopt consistent design standards for development in commercial districts to
insure that proposed uses are complimentary and compatible with adjacent
land uses. The standards should address landscaping, pedestrian access,
vehicular access, traffic control, signage and other amenities ensuring that
commercial uses will enhance and contribute to the natural attractiveness of the
community.
C-4 Adopt standards for commercial development adjacent to shorelines to
ensure that visual and physical access to the shorelines is preserved.
C-5 Commercial development proposals located adjacent to major arterials and
highways should incorporate shared access and parking to reduce the
number of driveways intersecting with these major transportation corridors.
Develop access management strategies for such development.
C-6 Establish sites for a mixed-use commercial classification where it is
appropriate to develop a mix of commercial, recreational, and residential land
uses that can co-exist.
C-7 Promote appropriately buffered multi-family residential and office
development compatible with existing and potential commercial activities.
Such uses should be permitted as transition between high-intensity uses (e.g.
commercial) and low-intensity uses (e.g. single-family residential).
C-8 Require interior and perimeter landscaping which will provide an attractive
entrance environment for commercial development, soften parking lots,
provide shade, and screen unsightly areas.
C-9 Designate neighborhood commercial districts which provide services to the
immediate neighborhoods and establish standards for these commercial
areas to insure that they are designed and developed in a manner that is
compatible with the surrounding residential areas.
C-10 Develop standards for off-street parking to insure that parking is adequate for
diverse commercial needs. Encourage public/private partnerships in the
provision of parking facilities.
C-11 Encourage and promote infill development and redevelopment efforts to
revitalize and support established commercial areas.
C-12 Design and create transportation systems which will improve the accessibility
to commercial establishments for pedestrians, and transit as well as
automobile travel.
C-13 Expand commercial uses adjacent to existing similarly developed areas.
C-14 Promote the extension of utilities, public facilities, and services to support
commercial areas. Foster interagency cooperation and coordination in the
extension and upgrading of infrastructure and facilities to support commercial
areas.
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C-15 Development of commercial uses shall only occur if a full-range of urban
services is available to support the development.
C-16 If the property is located outside of the service district boundary of a utility,
annexation into the service district must occur prior to development of the
property.
C-17 Development of commercial uses within any of the protection zones identified
in conjunction with Pangborn Memorial Airport must consider the proximity to
the airport and will be required to comply with any height limitations, density
restrictions, and should consider additional sound insulation in consideration
of noise from the airport operations and overhead flights.
C-18 The City and County shall should conduct further studies of the mixed-use
classifications:
To determine suitable designation locations and implementation
strategies for potential locations considering the unique attributes of
the property to insure that development of these properties enhances
the general character of the neighborhoods within which they are
located and the general community;
To further refine the standards applicable to these classifications to
facilitate the development of these properties in compliance with the
purpose and intent of these districts
To establish specific standards to guide and regulate smaller scale
mixed-use development in commercial and multi-family residential
designations.
C-19 The North Bridge Waterfront Mixed Use Area between SR28 and the
Columbia River north and south of the Odabashian Bridge shall be
designated as a Master Planned Development Overlay Zoning District and
master planned developments shall be encouraged. It is anticipated that
Master Plans may be conceptual in nature and may include alternative
development scenarios, provided that:
a) Approved master plans may include land uses not otherwise permitted
in the General Commercial and the Waterfront Mixed Use zoning
districts such as higher density residential developments, professional
offices, and/or a regional hospital and medical facilities in a campus-
like setting;
b) Approved Master Plan(s) and/or related Development Agreements
may specify development standards that do not conform to the
requirements of the underlying zoning district, including but not limited
to: building height, parking requirements, signage requirements, lot
coverage, and setbacks;
c) Existing buffer requirements may be modified in order to provide
greater protection to neighboring property owners and to promote more
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compatible land uses. This may include lower intensity development
proposals such as senior housing, assisted living, and/or professional
offices in a business park setting provided that there is a finding that
adequate standards have been established for building height,
setbacks, and landscaping to effectively buffer the neighboring
residential properties;
d) The development scenarios shall must include provisions for the
phased implementation of private development plans and the required
supporting infrastructure.
It is the intent of these comprehensive plan policies to maximize the
development potential of vacant and underutilized property in the North
Bridge Commercial Area. This may include, but is not limited to:
a) Preparing an access management plan in consultation with WSDOT
and affected property owners to guide the design and construction of
future road improvements necessary to serve the North Bridge
Commercial Area;
b) Preparing and implementing, in consultation with the Douglas County
Sewer District and affected property owners, a strategy to extend
sanitary sewer service throughout the North Bridge Commercial Area;
c) Conducting an environmental review of proposed master plans in order
to identify potential adverse impacts and to develop appropriate
mitigation strategies that will facilitate the permitting of site specific
development proposals;
d) Acquiring surplus public property and/or securing long term public
access to the Columbia River;
e) Preparation of a financing strategy that provides for the timely
construction of public improvements necessary to serve new
development in the North Bridge Commercial Area and that equitably
allocates the costs among benefiting property owners;
f) Executing a development agreement to establish the development
standards to govern future development activities; and/or
g) The addition of parcels adjacent to this or other portions of the East
Wenatchee Urban Growth Area to offset the use of property within the
North Bridge Commercial Area for Essential Public Facilities.
C-19C20 The General Commercial area designated on the upper bench area,
east of Empire Street, west of State Route 28 (Sunset Highway) and north of
35th Street NE is intended to develop as a master planned project.
a) A total of 80 acres is designated for this general commercial district, of
which 60 acres would be specifically for commercial land uses. A 20-acre
area, generally located along the southern perimeter of the site, is
identified as a transition area that would incorporate landscaping and open
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space. The purpose of the transition area is to buffer this commercial area
from the less intensive development surrounding the area.
b) Design features for the master plan for projects in this General
Commercial area would include landscaping, transition buffer, linkages to
the trail system, open space, design consistency between adjacent
buildings, establishment of an interior road network, and orientation of
buildings for access from the interior road system.
c) Direct access to the SR 28 by individual uses would be prohibited.
C-21 The City and County should establish additional commercial land use
designations that are not auto-dependent to provide for more flexibility for low
intensity commercial activities in closer proximity to residential areas where it
is appropriate to permit commercial uses on larger sites than would be
permitted under the Neighborhood Commercial designation.
INDUSTRIAL
Like commercial lands, industrial lands within the Greater East Wenatchee Area are in
great need. There is a total of 414 acres allocated for industrial purposes inside the
urban growth area. The industrially designated land uses are currently not served by a
full range of urban services. However, major water system improvements are planned
and funded that would provide domestic water to the industrial area.
The Baker Flats Industrial area is located east of SR2/97 and west of the Douglas
County 115 KV Transmission Line. It exhibits some topographical changes, sloping
from east to west. The basalt cliffs serve as its eastern boundary while State Route
2/97 Highway serves as the western boundary. This site consists of some industrial
activities, orchards, and unimproved properties. This site makes an ideal location for
industrial activities due to its proximity to a major highway system, availability of
domestic water and location to service centers. In addition the area is buffered on three
sides by topographical features. Factors considered ranged for the location of major
orchards and agricultural activities to the north (Bray's Landing, Bridgeport, Chelan,
and the Okanogan Valley), lack of appropriately zoned industrial properties and the
need to preserve other prime agricultural lands.
This site should be developed as an industrial park. Design features should include
provisions for perimeter landscaping with a buffer strip adjacent to SR 2/97 and other
land uses. The buffer strip consists of a berm measuring a minimum of 30 feet wide,
10 feet high, and landscaped with trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Additionally, an
interim 100 foot buffer will be required adjacent to designated agricultural uses,
incumbent upon the industrial user. Access from SR 2/97 is limited with connection to
interior roadways. Ingress and egress along the designated industrial area is limited to
the interior roadway. Special site plan approval is required for all uses to ensure
proper linkages to the internal road network, intersection improvement, extensions to
existing roadways, adequate parking, landscaping, protection of sensitive area, and
continuity in overall project design. Industrial land uses should be permitted on the
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east side of SR 2/97 only, and at no time should industrial uses be allowed west of the
highway.
INDUSTRIAL --- GOALS AND POLICIES
GOAL:
Promote industrial development which contributes to economic
diversification, growth and stability of the community without degrading
its natural systems or residential living environment.
POLICIES:
I-1 Encourage the continued development of light industries that are agriculturally
related.
I-2 Encourage industrial development to locate in industrial/business park areas
adjacent to major street arterials, preferably on lands not suited for residential uses
or agricultural uses.
I-3 Encourage variety and innovative design in industrial site development and
encourage an attractive and high quality environment for industrial activities
through good landscaping, parking and building design where land uses of distinct
character or intensity adjoin.
I-4 Actively support economic development measures that serve to revitalize and
promote the growth of existing industrial locations.
I-5 Encourage air related industries and nonconflicting light industries in the Pangborn
Industrial Service Area.
I-6 Encourage, whenever possible, the extension of support facilities and services for
industrial activity.
I-7 Potential impacts on nearby properties and public facilities and services shall be
identified and mitigated when evaluating industrial development proposals.
GENERAL LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES
The following goal and policies recognize airports as essential public facilities under
the Growth Management Act and are intended to preserve Pangborn Memorial
Airport. The airport is located outside the East Wenatchee urban growth boundary;
however land uses within the UGA have the potential to impact and are impacted by
airport operations. These policies ensure that the airport can change with the
community to meet the needs of the region.
GOAL:
Provide state and federal system airports with reasonable protection
from airspace obstructions, incompatible land uses and nuisance
complaints that could restrict operations.
Policies
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LU -1 Ensure that public or private development around existing airports allows the
continued use of that facility as an airport. Land within aircraft approach and
departure zones will be protected from inappropriate development.
LU -2 Preserve the right of airport owners and operators to continue present
operations and allow for future air transportation and airport facility needs. It
is also important to consider the present and future use of private property
and the rights of private property owners.
LU -3 Douglas County will notify the airport operator, state and federal aviation
agencies, at the time of initial application, of any proposed actions or projects,
which would lead to development near an airport that is not compatible with
the airport’s operations. The airport operator shall notify Douglas County, and
potentially affected citizens, of any proposed operational changes which
would have a significant impact on existing land uses.
LU -4 Land use proposals, structures, or objects that would interfere with the safe
operation of aircraft will be examined for compatibility as defined in CFR Title
14, FAR Part 77 and FAA Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) Chapter
12, and WA 31. The object is to permit land uses which allow safe aircraft
operations as defined in the documents referenced above.
LU -5 Enact overlay zoning to protect the airspace around state and federal system
airports from airspace obstructions and incompatible land uses within the
approach, transitional, horizontal and conical surface zones, where such
areas have been established by the FAA.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE MAP
The Land Use Map illustrates the intended future land use pattern in the Greater East
Wenatchee Urban Area. The map is the result of analysis of the previously discussed
growth and development concept, existing land use patterns, development trends and
desirable growth and development goals.
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PANGBORN MEMORIAL AIRPORT
Pangborn Memorial Airport serves the counties of Chelan and Douglas, and portions
of Okanogan and Grant counties, with a service area extending north to the
Canadian border. The Airport provides both general aviation and commercial
aviation service. Pangborn is the Wenatchee Valley area’s gateway to the domestic
and international aviation system.
Formerly known as Pangborn Field, Pangborn Memorial Airport is dedicated to the
famous aviator, Clyde Pangborn, who landed at Fancher Field in 1931, to complete
the first nonstop transpacific flight. The Airport’s relationship to the national
economy and, access to air transportation is essential for local residents and the
local economy by facilitating faster access to other regions and markets. Pangborn
Memorial Airport is designated as an Essential Public Facility.
In April 2004 the airport, in conjunction with the Port Districts of Chelan and Douglas
Counties, prepared an updated Airport Master Plan. This master plan identifies and
plans for the needs of the airport and air service operations for the next 20 years.
As the airport continues to grow in its importance to Douglas County and the region;
it also grows in its impacts to the surrounding lands.
The Master Plan recommended that the main runway (Runway 12/30), be extended
to improve safety and better serve the airport traffic. This improvement was
implemented in 2006, resulting in the current runway length of 5,700 feet. The
Master Plan also recommended the relocation of Grant Road, which would give a
Runway 12/30 length of 6,300 feet.
That project has been funded and is intended to be completed in the next few years.
Pangborn Memorial Airport provides a critical link to the North Central Washington
Region, state and national transportation system. It provides for the efficient
movement of people, goods and services and serves as a commercial, cargo and
general aviation airport. The airport is classified as a primary commercial airport
within the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems and as a commercial airport
within the Washington State Aviation System Plan. .
Currently, the airport is ranked as the 6th largest commercial airport in the State of
Washington and enplaned 49,258 scheduled passengers in 2000. It is also one of
24 airports within the state that has air cargo service. The airport ranks 20th in the
state in based aircraft with approximately 122 based aircraft. Pangborn Memorial
Airport is serviced by Horizon Air which provides both passenger and air cargo
service while Airborne Express, FedEx, and United Parcel Service provide air cargo
service.
Land Use Compatibility
Over the last several decades, airports within the state and across the nation have
faced increasing problems with the encroachment of incompatible development.
Incompatible development can impact the operating capability of the airport as well
as endanger the lives of people in the air and on the ground. As the airport
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continues to grow in its importance to Douglas County and the region, steps need to
be taken to ensure that land use conflicts are minimized to the greatest extent
possible.
The airport is located approximately one mile from the East Wenatchee Urban
Growth Area (UGA)UGA boundary. Existing land uses adjacent to the airport are
predominantly large-lot agricultural with industrial designated lands located to the
north and east of the airport. The proposed amendment to the UGA would expand
the UGA in an easterly direction towards the airport cutting the distance separation
to within 2000 feet at its nearest point and to 4,600 feet at the farthest point. The
expansion does extend into a small area of Compatibility Zone 3 for the secondary
runway and the FAR Part 77 Surface for both runways.
To ensure that the function and value of the airport is maintained for future
generations, several tools have been identified. These tools should be used
together with the Airport Master Plan. Additionally, careful consideration should be
given to topographical constraints and the natural environment.
Height
To protect the operating airspace above and surrounding the airport, the State of
Washington adopted RCW 14.12 Airport Zoning, which gave local jurisdictions the
authority to regulate air space hazards. Air space hazards may endanger the lives
and property of users of the airport and of occupants of land in its vicinity.
Obstructions may also reduce the size of the area available for the landing, taking-
off and maneuvering of aircraft, thus tending to impair the utility of the airport and the
public investment.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established Federal Aviation
Regulations (FAR) Parts 77 Imaginary Surfaces. Development activity that
encroaches into the Part 77 surfaces may pose a hazard to navigation and reduce
the size of the area available for landing, taking-off, and maneuvering of aircraft,
thereby increasing the potential for an accident. If development activity is allowed
that does pose a hazard to navigation, then airport operation will be adversely
affected. Figure 1 shows the FAR Parts 77 Imaginary Surfaces.
Safety
The Airport Compatibility Zones were developed using information sources
recommended by the WSDOT Aviation Division. The Airport Compatibility
Zones do not encroach into the urban growth boundary.
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Figure 1 Pangborn Memorial Airport Compatibility Protection Zones and FAR
Part 77 Surfaces
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Noise
Noise is the single most significant “effect” from an airport and airport operations.
The best way to ensure compatibility is to reduce the number of people exposed to
noise generated by airport operations and to minimize the level of exposure.
Figure 2 identifies the noise contours that are expected by the planned level of
airport operations. In the areas most affected by noise, 65 dnl or higher, additional
precautions should be taken to minimize this impact.
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Figure 2 Pangborn Airport Noise Contours
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CHAPTER 4
HOUSING
INTRODUCTION
Every community desires to maintain the character and vitality of its established
neighborhoods. An important tool in maintaining the residential character of a
community is the adoption of a housing plan. The GMA requires a Housing Element
as part of every community’s Comprehensive Plan. The Housing Element should
beis closely tied to the Land Use Element. The Land Use Element designates the
proposed general distribution and location of the uses of land and one of the major
uses of land is housing.
A Housing Element’s purpose is to identify land areas that are suitable for housing.
The plan should contain policies regarding population densities, building intensities,
and future population growth, which shape the community growth and provide for all
economic segments of the population.
The Land Use Element of this plan provides for different types of housing, ranging
from low to high density. The Land Use Element policies encourage a mix of single
family and multi-family development, by providing a diversity of land use
designations throughout the planning area. A mix of housing is encouraged through
planned developments and through a variety of techniques, which would include
provisions for attached single-family units, duplex development, and smaller lot size
developments.
This housing element provides some data that is specific to the Greater East
Wenatchee Urban Area. Except where indicated, the remainder to of the information
and data provided is based on the larger Wenatchee Market Area or Douglas
County. The Greater East Wenatchee Area does not operate as a market within
itself and must be viewed in terms of the entire Wenatchee Housing Market area.
EXISTING CONDITIONSHOUSING INVENTORY AND CONDITIONS
The number of households in the Greater East Wenatchee Area grew by about 25%
between 1990 and 2000 (1990-7098, 2000-8909) compared to 8% growth in the
preceding 10 year period. In 1980, the average number of people in an East
Wenatchee Area household was 2.77, and in 1990 it was 2.71. For the 2000 Census,
the household size increased slightly to 2.73.
Housing trends observed over the past 30 years are expected to continue through the
20 years covered by the Comprehensive Plan.
Single-person households are expected to slowly increase over the next 20 years.
Households with children under 18 years of age are expected to decrease.
The Greater East Wenatchee Area has a larger proportion of single -family homes as
compared to other similar sized areas within the State of Washington. However the
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area exhibits a lower overall proportion of multi-family housing than the state. The
amounts and percentages of housing type according to State, and U.S. figures are
shown in the following table. The number of multi-family units in a planning area is a
significant factor in the affordability of housing. Pursuing opportunities to bring the
planning areas housing ratio more in line with the state and national ratio will
improve the affordable housing ratio.
The most current data on housing comes from the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau. Some
data was collected for the UGA, however most of the data available is for specific
places such as cities, census designated places, counties, and states. Information on
the value, sale price, and rental rates is included in the Housing Affordability section of
this chapter.
Table 4.1 lists the housing by type for Douglas County and the city of East Wenatchee
for 2000 and 2010 and the total number of housing units for the UGA for the years
2000 and 2010.
Single-family homes and manufactured homes make up 85% of the housing
stock in the county and 69% of the housing within the city.
Multi-family housing includes all structures with 2 or more units. Multi-family
housing makes up 15% of the housing in Douglas County and 31% of the
housing in the city.
Table 4.1 Housing Types
Greater East
Wenatchee
Urban Area
Washington State United States
Housing
Types
Units % of
Total
Units % of
Total
Units % of
Total
Single Family 7,759 83% 1,824,158 74.4% 85,355,248 73.6%
Multi-family 1,593 17% 626,917 25.6% 30,549,393 26.4%
Total 9352 100% 2,451,075 100% 115,904,641 100%
US Census 2000
*Note: Multi-family is defined as a building with three or more dwelling units.
Table 4.1 Housing by Type (units per structure)
Municipality Total HU 1 Unit 2+ Units MH/Spec
2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010
Douglas County 12,944 15,691 8,364 10,269 1,816 2,277 2,764 3,145
% of Total 65% 65% 14% 15% 21% 20%
East Wenatchee-City 2,429 5,133 1,382 3,239 820 1,588 227 306
% of Total 57% 63% 34% 31% 9% 6%
East Wenatchee UGA 8,175 10,187
Federal 2010 Census (Some 2000 data was adjusted by the Office of Financial Management)
Housing Stock
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The housing stock within the City tends to be older than in the County. As
demonstrated in Table 4.2, housing built before 1990 makes up 77% of the housing
stock in the City and 69% of the housing in Douglas County. By comparison, 67% of
the housing stock in the state was built before 1990.
Table 4.2 Year Structure Built
East
Wenatchee %
Douglas
County %
Washington
State %
Built 2005 or later 227 4.1% 984 6.2% 177,228 6.2%
Built 2000 to 2004 306 5.6% 1,340 8.5% 265,150 9.3%
Built 1990 to 1999 739 13.4% 2,600 16.5% 502,879 17.6%
Built 1980 to 1989 989 18.0% 2,336 14.8% 406,624 14.2%
Built 1970 to 1979 1,560 28.3% 3,721 23.6% 507,651 17.7%
Built 1960 to 1969 581 10.6% 1,429 9.1% 289,561 10.1%
Built 1950 to 1959 770 14.0% 1,798 11.4% 236,429 8.3%
Built 1940 to 1949 227 4.1% 572 3.6% 154,036 5.4%
Built 1939 or earlier 104 1.9% 1,007 6.4% 322,427 11.3%
Census ACS 2007-11
The growth rate for housing units is slightly higher than the rate for the population
increase within the East Wenatchee UGA. The population of the UGA increased
between 2000 and 2010 by 23.6%. During that same period the number of housing
units increased by 24.6%. That same trend continued through 2012. It should be
noted that the vacancy rate also increased from 5% to 6% between 2000 and 2012.
The East Wenatchee UGA had an lower vacancy rate than the City, County, and the
state (See Tables 4.3 and 4.4)
Table 4.3 Population, Housing Units, Occupied Housing and Vacancy Rate
East Wenatchee UGA Population HU
Occupied
HU
Vacancy
Rate
2000 21,208 8,175 7,751 5%
2010 26,221 10,187 9,640 5%
Change 2000-2010 23.6% 24.6% 24.4%
2012 26,496 10,312 9,726 6%
Change 2010-2012 1.1% 1.2% 0.9%
OFM Small Area Estimate Program
Table 4.4 Vacancy Rate
2010 East Wenatchee Douglas County Washington State
Vacancy Rate 7% 13% 10%
Census ACS 2007-11
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Households by Tenure
A “household” is an occupied housing unit. The City has a higher percentage or
rental housing than Douglas County, 39.6% compared to 28.1% for Douglas County.
That is typical of an urban area since multi-family housing is generally concentrated
in urban areas. The rate of renter occupied is still lower than the state average of
35.6%.
Table 4.5 Tenure of Occupied Housing Units
Type of Occupancy
East
Wenatchee
Douglas
County
Washington
State
Owner Occupied 60.4% 71.9% 64.4%
Renter Occupied 39.6% 28.1% 35.6%
Census ACS 2007-11
Low Income Housing
The Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee owns and
operates several housing complexes in the UGA that provide housing for farm
workers on a long-term and short term basis. Their various properties within the City
and the UGA provide 83 units of housing. In addition to the apartments that they
own, the Housing Authority operates the HUD Section 8 housing program that
provides rental assistance to eligible households residing in privately offered rentals.
The Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council owns a 32 unit low-income housing
complex in the city.
Senior Housing
There are a variety of options for seniors within the East Wenatchee UGA. Housing
is available that provide levels of care ranging from active seniors who are able to
live independently as well as for those that need more care and assistance. There
are several large complexes where seniors can move from a level of independent
living to a care unit within the same property as their needs change. There are also
several smaller assisted living facilities available in private homes.
Homeless and Other Special Needs Populations
Several group homes and homeless shelters also operate within the UGA. Those
facilities are distributed throughout the community. There are a variety of local
agencies that provide assistance to the homeless including homeless prevention
programs. Many of these activities assist the chronic homeless as well as veterans
and other persons with special needs.
Community Action Council, Salvation Army, First United Methodist Church,
YWCA of Wenatchee, Women’s Resource Center, and Serve Wenatchee
Valley provide financial assistance (e.g. rent and mortgage assistance, and
help with rental deposits, security deposits, and utility deposits), bus tokens,
laundry vouchers, utility payments, and rental counseling.
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Hospitality House Ministries, Solomon’s Porch (youth), operate homeless
shelters and provide meals for persons living on the streets from their facilities
in Wenatchee.
Lighthouse Christian Ministries operates a homeless shelter in East
Wenatchee and provide meals for persons living on the streets from their
facility in Wenatchee.
The Chelan County Regional Justice Center operates a community recovery
program to assist recently released offenders with their transition back to the
community.
In 2005, the Washington State legislature adopted the Homelessness Housing and
Assistance Act (ESSB 2163) which established a fee on documents recorded by the
county auditor as a source of funds for local and state programs to address
homelessness. According to the annual homeless counts, the largest portion of the
homeless population resides in the city of Wenatchee. Also most of the agencies
providing resources and assistance to the homeless are located in the city of
Wenatchee.
In 2006, the city of East Wenatchee, Douglas County, Chelan County, and the city of
Wenatchee entered into an interlocal cooperation agreement authorizing the city of
Wenatchee to administer the funds collected in accordance with ESSB 2163 for all
four jurisdictions. The agreement established a joint collaborative public process for
awarding those funds. East Wenatchee and Wenatchee staff work together on
funding programs related to ending homelessness using these available funds.
A few years ago, the Washington State Department of Commerce changed their
housing and assistance programs. To address those changes to funding sources
and programs, the parties to the previous interlocal cooperation agreement entered
into a new agreement to continue to work cooperatively in addressing homelessness
and housing needs.
The city of Wenatchee continues to administer the programs on behalf of the other
participating agencies by awarding the funds on a competitive basis to local
homeless service providers using a committee made up of representatives from the
community and from the local jurisdictions that are partner to the interlocal
agreement.
Tenure (owner vs. renter)
The following table tracks the changes in owner and renter occupied housing units between 1980 and
2000. The ratio of owner-occupied to renter occupied housing units shifted several percentage points
in favor of renter occupied. The most signif icant change in both the number and tenure of housing
came in the decade following 1980.
Table 4.2 Housing Units by Tenure
Owner
Occ.
%
Renter
Occ.
%
Total Change in
Total Units %
Change
1980 3119 79.5% 803 20.5% 3922
1990 5060 71.2% 2050 28.8% 7110 3188 81.3%
2000 6475 72.7% 2434 27.3% 8909 1799 25.3%
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Change 1980
- 2000
3356
1631
4987
% Change
1980-2000
108%
203%
127%
US Census
Type
The largest gain in housing type between 1980 and 2000, by a significant margin, was
manufactured homes (a 449% increase). Additionally, the percentage of multi-family
units increased approximately 3% in the past twenty years.
Table 4.3 Housing Units by Type
Single
Family % Multi-
Family % Manuf.
Home
%
Total
1980 3310 80% 576 13.8% 302 7.2% 4188
1990 4939 67.3% 1161 15.8% 1240 16.9% 7340
2000 6099 65.2% 1593 17% 1660 17.8% 9352
Change 1980-1990 1629 585 938 3152
% Change 49.2% 102% 310% 75.3%
Change 1990-2000 1160 432 420 2012
% Change 23.5% 37.2% 33.9% 27.4%
Change 1980-2000 2789 1017 1358 5164
% Change 84.3% 177% 449% 123%
US Census
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
WAC 365-195-310 requires that the Comprehensive Plan include a definition of
"affordable housing." This is difficult to define, since what is affordable for one family
can be drastically different from what is affordable for another family. The US
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) considers 30% of a family's
gross income to be available for mortgage payments or rent, including utility payments.
This chapter will use the 30% factor as a definition of “affordable housing”. If the
household is paying 30% or less for housing, including utilities, the home is considered
affordable.
WAC 365-195-310 requires that the Comprehensive Plan include a definition of "affordable housing."
This is difficult to define, what is affordable for one family can be drastically different from what is
affordable for another family. Because of this possible disparity, lending institutions use a definition of
affordability that is based on a percentage of gross income. The US Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) considers 30% of a family's gross income to be available for mortgage payments or
rent, including utility payments. This element will use the same definition of "affordable housing."
Table 4.4 4.6 Median Household Income
1990 2000 2010 2013
Washington State $31,183 $45,776 $54,888
Douglas County $32,200 $38,464 $46,159 $58,700
Greater East Wenatchee Area $29,776 $40,679 $49,701
US Census 2000for 1990, 2000, and 2010. Housing Finance Commission for 2013
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Table 4.7 Median Household Income for Renter and Owner Occupied Housing
Median Annual Household Income
Renter Occupied $35,641
Owner Occupied $65,237
Census ACS 2007-11
120% of the Median = $48,814 96%-120% = Middle Income
95% of the Median = $38.645 81%-95% = Moderate Income
80% of the Median = $32,543 51%-80% = Low Income
50% of the Median = $20,339 Less than 50% = Very Low Income [Poverty Level]
30% of the Median = $12,203 Less then 30% = Extremely Low Income
In the decade between 1990 and 2000, the number of households living at or below the poverty level
decreased from 22.9% to 21.2%.
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Owner Occupied Housing: According to the 2000 US Census, the median value of
an owner-occupied residence in Douglas County was $133,500 which almost
doubled the value from a decade earlier. According to the 2010 Census, the median
home price in Douglas County in 2009 was $222,600, a 67% increase from 2000.
The Pacific Appraisal’s Snapshot Yearend Report indicated that the average sale
price for homes in the Wenatchee Valley Market Area for 2012 was $235,429. The
Wenatchee Valley Market includes properties in Chelan County and Douglas County
in the Wenatchee/East Wenatchee vicinity.
Table 4.7 illustrates the affordability of the local homeowners: 26.5% of
homeowners in the City are paying more than 30% of their monthly income for
housing compared to 34.2% of the Douglas County homeowners and 40.7% of
homeowners in the state. This trend may partly be a result of the high concentration
of older housing stock available in the City as noted in Table 4.2.
Table 4.8 Monthly Owner Cost as Percentage of Household Income
Households Paying:
East
Wenatchee %
Douglas
County %
Washington
State %
Less than 20% 836 41.1% 2,263 34.9% 353,355 29.1%
20.0 to 24.9 percent 396 19.5% 1,091 16.8% 198,967 16.4%
25.0 to 29.9 percent 264 13.0% 916 14.1% 168,644 13.9%
30.0 to 34.9 percent 172 8.5% 624 9.6% 129,428 10.7%
35 percent or more 367 18.0% 1,593 24.6% 363,935 30.0%
Census ACS 2007-11
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Table 4.9 Affordable Home Purchase Limits Based Upon Income Levels
Income Grouping
2013
Annual
Income
Monthly
Income
Affordable
Housing
Cost @
30% Home $
Monthy
Payment
with
Taxes/Ins
1 Minimum Wage Earner $19,115 $1,593 $478 $75,000 $475
2 Minimum Wage Earners $38,230 $3,186 $956 $140,000 $950
Low-Income 30-50% of MHI $29,350 $2,446 $734 $100,000 $700
Moderate-Income 50-80% of MHI $46,960 $3,913 $1,174 $125,000 $900
Middle-Income 80-95% of MHI $55,765 $4,647 $1,394 $175,000 $1,175
100% of Median $58,700 $4,892 $1,468 $210,000 $1,450
30 year fixed; 5% Down; 4.5% interest; $250 Monthly Bills
Table 4.10 Comparison of Median Household Income to Affordable Housing
Costs
East Wenatchee 2010 Estimates
Annual
Income
Monthly
Income
Affordable
Housing
Cost @
30%
Affordable
Home Price
Median Household Income $49,701 $4,142 $1,243 $207,941
Renter Occupied MHI $35,641 $2,970 $891 $125,000
Owner Occupied MHI $65,237 $5,436 $1,631 $240,000
30 year fixed; 5% Down; 4.5% interest; $250 Monthly Bills
Table 4.10 Affordability Gap for Homeownership
Median Household Income $ 49,701
Affordable Home Price $ 207,941
Wenatchee Valley 2012 Average Sales Price* $ 235,429
Affordability Gap $ (27,488)
*Average Sales Price - Pacific Appraisals Snapshot Year End Report 2012
Tables 4.11 above demonstrates that there is a gap between what a median income
household can afford to buy and the average sale price of homes in the area. The
affordable home price for a median income household is $207,941 while the average
home sales price is $235,429. Table 4.8 shows that there is significant difference
between the average home price and what a low or moderate income household can
afford.
The median value of an owner-occupied residence for the 2000 US Census
amounted to $133,500 which almost doubled the value a decade earlier. However,
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according to the “Real Estate Snapshot Activity and Trends” reports published by
Coldwell Banker Davenport the average value of a home was $145,500 in 1999 in
the Wenatchee Valley Area.
Owner Occupied Housing.
The median household income in 2000 for the Greater East Wenatchee Area was
$40,679. The poverty level was $20,339 or 50 percent of the median income. Table
4.5 demonstrates home purchase affordability in the Greater East Wenatchee Area.
Table 4.5 Home Purchase Affordability For a Single Family Dwelling for
selected Households
Median Income Households ($40,679) w/Equity
Terms: Conventional 30-year loan, 20% down, interest rate = 6.5%
AFFORDABLE
AVERAGE
SALE PRICE
AFFORDABILITY
GAP
Wenatchee Market
Area
125,989 133,500 -7,511
First Time Buyer (at 80% of median income = 32,543 w/FHA loan
Terms: FHA 30-year loan, 3% down, and an interest rate = 5.625%
AFFORDABLE AVERAGE
SALE PRICE
AFFORDABILITY
GAP
Wenatchee Market
Area
94,216 133,500 -39,284
Lower Income Buyer (at 50% Median Income = $20,339) w/o Equity
Terms: FHA 30-year loan, 3% down, and an interest rate = 5.625%
AFFORDABLE AVERAGE
SALE PRICE
AFFORDABILITY
GAP
Wenatchee Market
Area
52,266 133,500 -81,234
Note: The Wenatchee Market Area includes parts of Chelan County and Douglas
County, generally in and around the Wenatchee Valley.
To exacerbate this condition, the average sale price for the Wenatchee Market Area
has significantly increased in the past 5 years.
Average Sale Price 2000-2004
2000 $151,943 2003 $156,745
2001 $155,015 2004 $173,508
2002 $154,486
NOTE: The averages are the year long average of homes sold
as listed in the Snapshot. The Wenatchee market Area includes
parts of Chelan County and Douglas County, generally in and
around the Wenatchee Valley.
Renter Occupied Housing. The 30% of income threshold is used for determining
affordability of rental housing as well as home ownership. The median household
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income for renters is $35,641 which is $2,970 per month. The affordable housing
price at 30% would be $891. Table 4.11 lists the rental rates for occupied units.
More than 17% of the units exceed the affordable rent of $891. As can be seen in
Table 4.12 below, there are a significant number of renters paying more than 30%
for rent: 45.8% of renters in the City and Douglas County.
Table 4.12 Gross Rent
East
Wenatchee %
Douglas
County %
Washington
State %
Occupied units paying rent
Less than $200 0 0.0% 43 1.2% 16,442 1.8%
$200 TO $299 9 0.5% 97 2.8% 21,459 2.4%
$300 TO $499 151 7.6% 378 10.7% 55,997 6.3%
$500 TO $749 854 43.0% 1,440 40.8% 180,116 20.2%
$750 TO $999 623 31.3% 966 27.4% 240,027 27.0%
$1000 TO $1499 293 14.7% 460 13.0% 253,959 28.5%
$1500 OR MORE 58 2.9% 142 4.0% 122,108 13.7%
Census ACS 2007-11
Table 4.13 Gross Rent as Percentage of Household Income
East
Wenatchee %
Douglas
County %
Washington
State %
Occupied units paying rent
Less than 15% 324 16.4% 634 18.1% 98,160 11.2%
15.0 to 19.0 percent 254 12.8% 487 13.9% 114,952 13.1%
20.0 to 24.9 percent 307 15.5% 490 14.0% 119,313 13.6%
25.0 to 29.9 percent 187 9.4% 288 8.2% 110,799 12.6%
30.0 to 34.9 percent 201 10.1% 358 10.2% 84,486 9.6%
35 percent or more 708 35.7% 1,249 35.6% 350,372 39.9%
Census ACS 2007-11
Table 4.14 Fair Market Rents – Chelan and Douglas Counties
Unit Size 2012
1 Bedroom $ 577
2 Bedroom $ 729
3 Bedroom $ 983
4 Bedroom $ 1,132
HUD FMR for Chelan Douglas Counties including the East Wenatchee/Wenatchee MSA
Many public agencies and housing analysts consider 30 percent of income to be a
standard threshold for affordability. Tables 4.6, 4.7, and 4.8 represents the
Household Income, Gross Rent of Occupied Housing Units and the Available Gross
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Rent as a Percent of Medium Income for the Greater East Wenatchee Area.
Approximately 78.8 percent of the occupied rents in the area are considered
affordable for households of a median income of 80% of median income or lower.
This is a slight improvement from 1990 when 76.6% was considered affordable.
For poverty level households their income is adequate for approximately 28% of the
occupied rents.
Table 4.6 Household Income in 1999 2000 U.S. Census
Income <$15K $15-19.9K $20-29.9K $30-34.9K ≥ $35
No. of
Households
14.1% 7.1% 15% 5.7% 58.1%
Table 4.7 Gross Rent --Renter Occupied Housing Units 2000 U.S. Census
Gross Rental <300 $300-
499
$500-799 $800-
999
$1000-
2000
No cash rent
%
Households
7.13% 20.5% 51.25% 10.25% 13.62% 7.25%
Table 4.8 Available Gross Rental Income as Percent of Medium Income
<30% of
Extremely
Low
Income
<50% of
Very Low
Income
51%-80% of
Low Income
81%-95%
Moderate
Income
96%-
120%
Middle
Income
Household
Income
$12,203 $20,339 $32,543 $38,645 $48,814
Gross Rental
(30%)
$305 mo. or
$3,660 yr.
$508 mo.
or $6,101
yr.
$813 mo. or
$9,762 yr.
$966 mo. or
$11,593 yr.
$1220 mo.
or $14,644
yr.
Table 4.9 Chelan/Douglas Market Rents
1 Bedroom $497
2 Bedrooms $600
3 Bedrooms $770
4 Bedrooms $877
5 Bedrooms $994
Source: Wenatchee Housing Authority
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LAND USE AND HOUSING
The Housing Element within the Comprehensive Plan is closely tied to the Land Use
Element. The Housing Element arises out of the Land Use Element and is
constrained by it. AThe land use element designates the proposed general
distribution and location of the uses of land; one of which is housing. Conversely,
the Housing Element provides guidance on the types and densities of housing to
meet the needs of the community. that is necessary to reach housing goals.
The inclusion of population densities, building intensities, and estimates for future
population growth stated in the land use element solidifies its relationship with the
Housing Element. Policies regarding population densities, building intensities, and
future population growth estimates all affect what is possible and desirable in terms
of housing goals and policies.
The Land Use Element provides for a variety of housing types and densities within
the residential designations and provides opportunities for mixed-uses where high
density housing and commercial uses can co-exist. In keeping with historic trends
and to insure the availability of housing at varying affordability levels , the land
capacity analysis shows an 83% designation for single-family and 17% for multi-
family. Policies in the plan recommend densities up to 8 dwelling units per acre for
single-family and a range of up to 15 to 24 dwelling units per acre for multi-family
and mixed use designations. Policies have also been included to encourage infill
development, increased density, and affordability affordable housing to meet the
needs of the community.
Beyond the connection between land use and housing policies, the Land Use
Element sets forthensures that there is an adequate proportion of land area
available to provide for the housing needs related to the twenty year forecast
population projectionand provide housing affordability. The availability of land is a
crucial factor in housing costs. The Land Use Element forecasts projects population
growth out to the year 20222035. These forecasts indicate the level of demand that
will likely be placed upon various land uses in the Greater East Wenatchee Area. A
summary of the Land Use Forecast is The Land Capacity Analysis is found in Land
Use Chapter of the Greater East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan. Sufficient
land has been is allocated for a range of housing needs and life styles within the
Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan. This equilibrium will work as a
hedge against high housing costs, and thereby somewhat contain the current
housing affordability gap.
GOALS AND POLICIES
The housing goals and policies are an integral part of maintaining the atmosphere
and quality of life within the Greater East Wenatchee Area. Policies are designed to
foster active neighborhood communities and strengthen existing neighborhoods. .
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GOALS:
1. To provide for a sufficient number of safe, attractive and affordable
residences for people of all income levels.
2. To maintain quality of life in residential neighborhoods by protecting
residential properties from excessive noise, visual, air and water pollution.
3. To provide for a variety of housing types and densities to ensure a range
of affordable housing options for all segments of the community.
4. To provide opportunities for a mixture of commercial and residential land
uses developed in a coordinated and complimentary manner in
designated mixed use areas.
5. To insure that public facilities and infrastructure are available to support
development at urban densities in advance of or concurrent with
development.
GOAL: To maintain quality of life in residential neighborhoods by protecting
residential properties from excessive noise, visual, air and water pollution.
GOAL: To provide for a variety of housing types and densities to ensure a range
of affordable housing options for all segments of the community.
GOAL: To provide opportunities for a mixture of commercial and residential
land uses developed in a coordinated and complimentary manner in designated
mixed use areas.
GOAL: To insure that public facilities and infrastructure are available to support
development at urban densities in advance of or concurrent with development.
POLICIES
H-1 Require residential development at urban densities to locate within urban
growth areas consistent with the comprehensive plan. If the property is located
outside of the service district boundary of a utility, annexation into the service
district must occur prior to development of the property.
H-2 Provide flexibility in the development regulations to encourage infill development
that is compatible in areas with adequate public services in a manner that
ensures compatibility with the character of the existing neighborhood and is
adequately served by public facilities and services.
H-3 Develop design standards that provide a transition between residential uses and
high intensity commercial or industrial developments.
H-4 Apply consistent standards in residential development to preserve residential
character.
H-5 Establish standards and an enforcement process to ensure maintenance of
vacant and developed lots in a clean and safe condition.
H-6 Require the construction of sound, safe, and sanitary dwelling units.
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H-7 Use the following criteria for the establishment of residential densities:
a. Adjacent to commercial development, residential development should
range from 8 to 24 dwelling units per acre and may include mixed-use
type projects.
b. Adjacent to the existing single-family districts, densities should range
from 8 to 15 dwelling units per acre.
H-8 Provide for multi-family densities near major waterfront activity centers, parks,
commercial, and business centers, that are adequately serviced by
transportation systems and utilities.
H-9 Design of development in or near shoreline areas shallmust be consistent with
the Shoreline Master Plan.
H-10 Provide standards for cluster style development that ensures adequate
provisions are made for open space and traffic circulation.
H-11 Provide incentives and opportunities for choices of housing types, styles,
quantities and innovative design including accessory dwellings and cottage style
housing in residential neighborhoods.
H-12 Development standards shall must address efficient transportation networks
and multi-modal opportunities for new development requiring the extension of
existing streets into and through developments and the provision of sidewalks
and trails for non-motorized modes of transportation.
H-13 New residential development in the urban growth area must be concurrently
served by a full range of urban governmental services. The City and County
should designate phasing of development areas not currently served by sanitary
sewer. On-site sewage disposal systems are a temporary option that should
only be available to properties located within these phasing areas in the UGA
when the developer:
a) Executes a formal development agreement, recorded and binding upon the
property, providing a financial guarantee to pay for the extension of sanitary
sewer with the creation of a utility local improvement district or other funding
mechanisms;
b) Installs “Dry lines” for centralized public collection are installed at the time of
development to facilitate eventual connection to sanitary sewer;
c) Guarantees connection to the sanitary sewer at the time a main line is
extended to service the property by recording a binding agreement on the
title of each lot or dwelling unit created requiring sewer connection, at the
property owner’s sole expense, when the main line is installed to service the
property; and
d) The development restricts the location of Designs and builds the project in a
manner that locates the homes and other uses on the property to which
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would facilitate infill development when the land area needed for the on-site
septic system is no longer necessary;
e) Other conditions and standards should be developed Includes a plan to
insure that sewer service is provided within a reasonable period of time.
H-14 Promote the construction of affordable housing to meet the needs of all
economic segments of the population by establishing incentives in development
standards that will increase the production of low and moderate priced housing
by private and public sector housing providers.
H-15 Encourage and support programs that provide low cost housing for permanent,
seasonal, and retirement residents of the area.
H-16 Provide flexibility in development regulations to insure encourage the provision
of housing for low- and very – low income households and for special needs
populations, such as senior citizens, physically challenged, assisted living
facilities, nursing home care, congregate care, emergency shelters, or
supervised environments.
H-17 Encourage and support the development of special needs housing, low-income
housing and quasi- residential support uses such as day care facilities
throughout the community.
H-18 Encourage the rehabilitation of aging housing stock.
H-19 Work with other local jurisdictions and housing providers to identify housing
needs in the planning area and develop strategies to provide for those needs.
H-20 Provide opportunities and incentives for individual property owners to meet the
housing needs of migrant agricultural workers.
H-21 If the property is located outside of the service district boundary of a utility,
annexation into the service district must occur prior to developme nt of the
property.
H-212 Residential development shall must meet the net density targets of 8 dwelling
units per acre for single-family and 12 dwelling units per acre for multi-family.
Net density shall does not include land set aside for public facilities, recreation,
or critical areas.
H-223 Development of residential uses within any of the protection zones identified
in conjunction with Pangborn Memorial Airport must consider the proximity to
the airport and will be required to comply with any height limitations and
should consider additional insulation from sound from the airport operations
and overhead flights.
H-234 Develop a program to retrofit existing neighborhoods with the addition of
sidewalks and street illumination.
H-245 Ensure that new developments provide adequate street illumination.
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H-25 Adopt zoning, subdivision and design regulations to guide and facilitate
development of mixed-use projects adjacent to and within commercial
designations.
PROJECTION OF RESIDENTIAL HOUSING NEEDS.
The land use projection demonstrates that approximately 5,172 new housing units
will be needed by the year 2028. Assuming that the amount of multi-family units will
remain at least at 17%; projected new single family units is 4,293 and new multi-
family 879.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
There is limited funding available for housing assistance. The existing housing
assistance resources in the Wenatchee Valley come from several sources, including
the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the United States
Department of Agriculture. Specifying specific programs in the Greater East
Wenatchee Area is difficult because of the fact that some residents are serviced by
programs that are region-wide, rural related or not specific to one municipality.
Listed below are some housing assistance funding programs.
Douglas County Regional Affordable Housing Program Fund
Douglas County and the city of East Wenatchee, along with other cities in the
county, collect housing assistance funds annually from the recording of documents.
This program was established by the state legislature in 2002 with the passage of
the Low-Income Housing Projects Program (SHB 2060). That program authorizes a
$10 surcharge on documents recorded through the County Auditor’s Office for the
purpose of providing funds for housing programs for extremely low and very low-
income persons.
Douglas County and the cities of Bridgeport, Rock Island, Mansfield, Waterville, and
East Wenatchee pooled these funds and created the “Douglas County Regional
Affordable Housing Program Fund”. The funds are awarded on an annual basis or
semi-annual basis depending upon the level of funding available. The Douglas
County Regional Council is the entity that awards the funds. This committee is
made up of the mayors of each city and the three county commissioners.
Community Development Block Grant Program
The city of East Wenatchee is an entitlement community under Title 1 of the Housing
and Community Development Act of 1974 and is eligible to receive Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funds annually from the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This eligibility is due to the
designation of the Wenatchee area as an urbanized area as a result of the 2000
Census. HUD provides guidance for the use of these funds by establishing three
broad goals that entitlement communities must pursue with their allocations:
Ensuring that the community’s low- and moderate-income residents have
access to decent and affordable housing
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Ensuring that the community offers suitable living environments
Expanding economic opportunities for the community’s low- and moderate-
income residents
The City completed a Community Development & Housing Consolidated Plan in
2010 that provides the guidance for the use of the funds. Each year an Annual
Action Plan is completed allocating the funds for specific projects based upon the
goals and objectives contained in the Consolidated Plan.
The City annually receives approximately $100,000. A portion of the funds have
been allocated for housing assistance programs. However, the majority of the funds
have been designated for sidewalk projects in low and moderate income
neighborhoods. The City determined that the best use of the funds was to improve
the living environment in the community’s low and moderate income neighborhoods.
State Housing Programs
Washington State Housing Finance Commission
The Washington State Housing Finance Commission develops and administers
financing programs for affordable housing and cultural/social service facilities
through public/private partnerships with lenders, developers, nonprofit organizations
and governments. The Commission has five divisions, Home Ownership, Capital
Projects, Tax Credit, Compliance & Preservation, and Administration.
WA State Department of Commerce (Commerce) Community, Trade and Economic
DevelopmentCommerce (CTED)
The Commerce housing division of CTED invests public resources to create,
preserve and enhance safe and affordable housing for Washington residents. The
Housing Trust Fund Program provides loans and grants to local governments,
nonprofit organizations and public housing organizations for very low income and
special housing needs. The department provides rental assistance through its
Tenant Based Rental Assistance and Transitional Housing, Operating and Rent
programs. Homelessness assistance is provided by the Emergency Shelter
Assistance Program in the form of traditional shelters, rent/mortgage assistance to
prevent eviction, first month’s rent/deposit assistance to move out of a shelter,
landlord mediation and case management services. The Farm Worker Housing
Program provides assistance via capital investments for permanent and seasonal
housing and emergency assistance for migrant farm workers that are homeless or
have been displaced.
Tax Exempt Revenue Bonds
The State of Washington has granted housing authorities the power to issue taxable
and nontaxable bonds to acquire, construct or otherwise develop housing for
ownership by the housing authority or to be owned directly by low income individuals
or by others on behalf of low income people.
Federal Housing Programs
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USDA Section 502 Guaranteed Housing Loans These loans require no down
payment and no monthly mortgage insurance and are loans made by approved
mortgage lenders to qualified low and moderate income individuals and families in
rural areas.
USDA Section 502 Direct Housing Loan This loan program provides very low and
low income families with financing to build, purchase, repair, or refinance homes and
building sites that meet local codes.
USDA Section 502 Mutual Self-Help Housing Loan Program This program is used
primarily to help very low- and low- income households construct their own homes.
USDA Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing Program This program provides low-
interest loans and grants to public and non profit agencies or to individual farmers to
build affordable rental housing for farm workers.
USDA Section 515 Rural Rental Housing Program. This program provides loans
with interest rates as low as one percent to developers of affordable rural rental
housing.
USDA Section 521 Rental Assistance Program This program provides subsidies to
some tenants in Rural Development rural rental or off-farm labor housing complexes
so that they do not pay more than 30 percent of their incomes for rent and utilities.
USDA Section 523 Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants This program is provided
to non-profit organizations, public bodies, or Tribes who in turn provide technical
assistance to low and very low income household to build their own homes via the
Mutual Self-Help Housing method.
USDA Section 538 Rural Rental Housing Guaranteed Loan Program This program
guarantees loans to develop affordable rental housing in rural areas. Apartment
units in this program are intended for families who earn less than 115 percent of the
median income of their areas.
HUD Section 8 Housing Vouchers. With funds from HUD, housing authorities can
guarantee landlords Fair Market Rents, while the tenant pays no more than 30% of
his or her income.
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CHAPTER 5
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION
INTRODUCTION
The Greater East Wenatchee Area is endowed with natural open space (shorelines,
wetland, hillsides and drainage corridors) and developed open space (parks, golf
courses, farm lands) that make it an attractive place to live and play. These open
spaces provide a variety of benefits to its residents as well as recreational users from
across the State. Open spaces have economic benefit and help conserve cultural
resources, natural resources, the natural landscapes of wetlands, the river corridor,
and floodplains. Greenbelt areas can separate incompatible land uses, link the
community and provide alternative transportation routes for pedestrians and bicycles.
Nearby trails and parks often enhance residential property values. Economic
development opportunities are also drawn to these areas because of the attractive
setting, recreational opportunities, and overall quality of life which they symbolize.
Recreational opportunities are provided by a mixture of agencies that include parks for
day-use activities and overnight camping, lake and river areas for boating and other
water sports, facilities and equipment for sports and play activities, and wilderness
areas and other open spaces for hiking, hunting, and horseback riding.
Park and recreational resources are provided by the Washington State Parks and
Recreational Commission and the Eastmont Metropolitan Parks District. Other
agencies providing park and recreational resources include public utility and school
districts. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife is concerned with
providing outdoor recreational opportunities that are consistent with healthy wildlife
habitat (e.g. camping, hiking, wildlife observation and regulated hunting). Some
unimproved lands in the Planning Area are owned and/or managed by federal and
state agencies for range land and other open space uses.
The Growth Management Act requires that the designation, proposed general
distribution, general location and extent of open space lands be identified in the
Comprehensive Plan.
PARKS/RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE
The vision of this plan relies on the integration of the Parks, Recreation, and Open
Space plan with the elements of land use, transportation, economic development, and
capital facilities planning for the Greater East Wenatchee Area. The benefits of
integrated implementation will enhance our community's quality of life through healthy
recreation opportunities for all citizens. It will increase personal mobility options thus
lightening the load on existing transportation systems. It will foster economic vitality
through pleasant and pedestrian friendly commercial, school and neighborhood areas.
It will increase commercial recreation revenue potential and tourism activities, and it will
demonstrate the scenic and recreational wealth of the community.
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EXISTING FACILITIES
The Eastmont Metropolitan Parks District owns and operates four developed park sites
in the East Wenatchee Urban Area. They are:
The Eastmont Community Park is located adjacent to Eastmont High School
with access from Grant Road. The 26 acre site provides a variety of sports
fields and facilities, trails, playground, an indoor pool and picnic sites.
Tedford Park is an 11 acre site located adjacent to Grant Elementary School.
This facility provides multi-purpose sports fields and a picnic site.
Kenroy Park is a 5 acre site adjacent to Sterling Middle School. This park
includes a skate park e site’sas well as fourtwo picnic tables/shelters and
playground facilities are used primarily by the adjacent neighborhood.
The Pangborn-Herndon Memorial Park is a .5 acre micro mini park overlooking
the Wenatchee River Valley and is located on Grand Avenue in Fancher
Heights.
The District also manages one baseball field and one soccer field on 9th Street NE that
is owned by the Eastmont School District.
The City of East Wenatchee owns three two small open space areas. They include the
Grant Road viewpoint and Misawa Park The Bridge of Friendship Garden which is a
pocket park developed in the style of a Japanese Garden and is associated with the
Sister City relationship that East Wenatchee has forged with Misawa City, Japan. The
City Hall campus grounds also serve as a passive park with benches, a time capsule,
and a bus stop with shelter. Ballard Park, at the intersection of Valley Mall Parkway
and Sunset HighwaySR 28, is located on private property but is maintained by the City.
The Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail is a four mile trail along the Columbia River in
East Wenatchee and Douglas County. The trail is located on approximately 174 acres
of WSDOT right-of-way and is part of a combined trail system that provides a 10 mile
loop with a 2.5 mile extension south to the Rock Island Hydro Park. The Loop Trail
that a non-motorized corridor between Wenatchee and East Wenatchee as well as
being an important provides recreational walking, biking, skating and horseback riding.
Connections to the trail are provided at selected locations along both sides of the river.
WSDOT is in the process of transferring has transferred ownership of the underlying
right of way to the City and County. Maintenance of the Loop Trail is currently provided
by the Metropolitan Park District as part of Interlocal agreements with the City and
County. Washington State Parks is currently working on a project that will extend the
trail system north to Lincoln Rock Park.
The Chelan County PUD owns and manages the 70 acre Kirby Billingsley Rock Island
Hydro Park located at the south end of the UGA along the Columbia River and SR 28.
That park includes three baseball/soccer fields, a boat launch and associated parking
facility, restrooms, several picnic shelters, and tennis courts.
The Eastmont School District provides approximately 160 acres of park and recreation
facilities within the planning area. The facilities include several multi-purpose sports
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fields, a football stadium with an outdoor track, and several playgrounds. These open
spaces, provided by the Eastmont School District, are used extensively by the
residents of the community during non-school hours.
There is one golf course located within the planning area. The Wenatchee Golf and
Country Club is a private golf course that encompasses 110 acres.
EASTMONT METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT
Management and ownership of the public parks within the UGA has evolved over the
years starting with a County Parks Department, then a recreation service area, and
finally the establishment of a metropolitan park district. The District’s service area
includes the East Wenatchee UGA and Rock Island.
In 2001, the Eastmont Recreation Service Area updated the 1991 plan that was written
by Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department. This That plan encompasses
the facilities in both East Wenatchee and Wenatchee. In 200420082014, the Eastmont
Metropolitan Parks District adopted an updated Parks and, Recreation, and Open
Space Plan Comprehensive Plan. The District is currently in the process of updating
their plan. was formed to better meet the parks needs of the urban area.
Rapid growth and increasing demand for recreational opportunities call attention and
concern to the dwindling availability of land for future park development and open
space. In order toTo plan for the recreational needs of the residents of the Greater East
Wenatchee Urban Area, several proposals have been madewere identified in the 2001
Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan. These proposals were based on
recommended standards by the IAC and current use levels. Additionally the plan
identifies needs for the entire Wenatchee Area. Thethe 20082014 Plan includesd an
extensive Six-Year Project a Park Amenity project lList totaling more thanwith costs
ranging from $4.5 million to $8.7 million dollars.The district’s predecessor, the
Eastmont Recreation Service Area, has identified the following facilities which are
necessary to meet the 20 year growth period.
Adoption by Reference. It is the intention of the City and the County to adopt by
reference any Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan park, and recreation
comprehensive plan updates adopted by the Eastmont Metropolitan Park District.
The following listsummary is from the 20012014 Plan and is provided here as a
description of park facilities and service levels.
Athletic Fields and Playgrounds
Description: Athletic fields and playgrounds are designed for intense recreational
activities like field and court games, playground apparatus and picnicking. A suitable
athletic field and playground site should be capable of sustaining intense recreational
development and be easily accessible to the population. The present supply should be
increased by another 75 acres.
Linear Bicycle/Pedestrian Trails, Jogging Trails, Equestrian Trails
Description: A variety of different types of trail systems should be provided. Trail
systems should be designed to accommodate high, medium and light use activities
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and be handicap accessible. They should also be designed to the level and type of
activity anticipated.
The current trail system should be increased to extend north to connect with Lincoln
Rock State Park. The equestrian trail system should be increased by 50 miles.
Property previously acquired by the Washington State Department of Transportation
(WSDOT) for the proposed Riverfront Highway project should be donated or sold to
Douglas County or the City of East Wenatchee in order to preserve regional trail
corridors, provide public access to the Columbia River, and to support local
economic development priorities, provided that:
a) Property necessary for the construction of road improvements consistent
with the provisions of this Comprehensive Plan may be retained by
WSDOT;
b) It is the intent of this comprehensive plan that a corridor plan be prepared
by the county and/or the city to guide the future use and development of
this property and adjoining parcels;
c) Stormwater facilities constructed by WSDOT should be designed to
accommodate runoff from neighboring property owners, support multiple
uses, and to enhance habitat values and f unctions. This may involve fair
share financial contributions from benefiting property owners.
Recreation Center/Swimming Pool
Description: Recreation centers and pools are indoor and outdoor facilities providing
swimming pools, physical conditioning, gymnasiums, classrooms, kitchen facilities and
other spaces to support public recreation programs.
The existing level of service would likely meet recreation center objectives when the
inventory includes indoor space provided by school district facilities. However, these
facilities are not available for use during school hours. Consequently, the present
supply should be increased by another 5 acres to include the possible acquisition of a
recreation center. The swimming pool capacity should be increase by the possible
addition of an aquatic facility at Eastmont Pool. The inventory of gymnasium space
and physical conditioning space should be increased by 27,000 square feet and 3,000
square feet respectively.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
Improved recreational parks should provide a wide variety and selection of facilities to
accommodate residents and tourists throughout the region. These facilities include
regional, community, neighborhood and micro parks which would provide active and
passive recreation opportunities. Within these facilities a range of activities should be
provided such as athletic fields, court and pool facilities, playgrounds, picnic sites, ORV
and water-related activities. Additionally, a range and variety of connecting trails should
be provided that connect the community, neighborhoods, commercial and industrial
areas. Trail systems should provide a range of options for the public including:
bicycle/pedestrian, jogging, equestrian, and hiking.
The Parks and Recreation maps denote general locations and types of parks in the
Greater East Wenatchee Area. The following descriptions are types of facilities
anticipated in the future to include needed recreation facilities:
Regional Parks
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Description: Regional parks or recreation sites provide active and passive recreation
opportunities and fee recreation, designed to accommodate residents and tourist from
throughout the region. Three general areas have been selected as being suitable for
regional park needs.
Base: These facilities should be designed with the following components:
Sixty acres or larger, depending on amenities and adjacent facilities
Highway or arterial access
Connecting paths and trail systems serving community access
Amenities: Components which may be included in this facility include sports complex,
campgrounds, water activities, recreation centers, performing arts centers, special
events, ball fields, boat launches or marinas, arboretums, and other special events or
tourist attractions. Multiple amenities should be clustered when such facilities are likely
to complement one another and as determined feasible and/or desirable at the site.
Community Parks
Description: A medium to large sized public park and/or recreation area which
accommodates heavy day-use recreation opportunities, structured and non-structured.
Primarily serves residents of the community. The standard level of service is one site
per 10,000 residents. Currently, Eastmont Community Park is the only community park
within the Greater East Wenatchee Area.
Base: The facilities should be designed with the following components:
20 to 60 acres recreational open space
Arterial road as needed to serve community wide access
Connecting paths serving community access
Internal path system
Developed and some undeveloped open space
Amenities: Components which may be included in this facility include soccer fields,
baseball and softball fields, basketball, volleyball, tennis, water-related activities, picnic
areas and areas for passive recreation use. Multiple amenities should be clustered
when such facilities are likely to complimentcomplement one another and as
determined feasible and/or desirable at the site.
Neighborhood Parks
Description: A medium sized public park and/or recreation area which accommodates
moderate day-use recreational opportunities, and some structured activities. Primarily
services residents of the neighborhoods within one mile radius. The standard level of
service is one site per 4,000 residents. There are a total of 5 sites within the Greater
East Wenatchee Area.
Base: The following items are the minimum components necessary for neighborhood
facilities:
5 to 15 acres
Access from nearby transportation corridors
Connecting pedestrian systems to the neighborhood
Amenities: Components which any may be included in any combination are
soccer/play field, baseball/softball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, picnic areas, water
related activities, and skateboard facilities.
Micro Park
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Description: A small public park and/or recreation area which accommodates light to
moderate day-use recreational opportunities. These areas primarily serve
neighborhoods within 1/4 mile radius. The standard level of service is one site per 750
residents, generally to be provided in new developments.
Base: The following facilities are minimum components necessary for micro parks:
1/2 to 5 acres
Off street access, minimal vehicle parking necessary
Connecting pedestrian systems to neighborhood areas
Amenities: Any combination of the following components may be included in a micro
park: multi-play field, basketball, volleyball, playground, and picnic sites.
Park Classifications
Park systems are comprised of several different types of parks, trails, and other
amenities. An optimal park system meets the needs of its residents by providing an
appropriate combination, distribution, and quantity of park amenities and facilities.
The industry accepted classifications below describe the types of parks and other
features included in such a system. The park classifications used to describe EMPD
facilities in this plan include:
Mini Park
Description: These are small public parks and/or recreation areas that accommodate
light to moderate recreational day-use. The standard level of service is one site per
750 residents or 30+/- homes. These mini parks primarily serve neighborhoods
within a quarter mile radius.
Base: The following metrics are typical for a mini park:
Up to 1 acre in size
Off street access, with no vehicle parking on-site
Connecting pedestrian/bike systems to the neighborhood
Amenities: Components that may be included in any combination are: gardens,
seating areas, scenic overlooks, turf areas, playground equipment and picnic sites.
Current EMPD Mini Parks:
Pangborn Herndon Park
Neighborhood Parks
Description: These are medium sized public parks and/or recreation area that
accommodate moderate recreational day use, and some programmed activities.
Neighborhood Parks primarily service residents who are within a walking distance
between ½ and 1 mile.
Base: The following metrics are typical for a neighborhood park:
5 to 15 acres of park land
Access from nearby transportation corridors
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Limited on-site and on-street parking
Connecting pedestrian/bike systems to the neighborhood
Amenities: Components that may be included in any combination are: soccer/play
field, baseball/softball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, picnic areas, water related
activities, and skateboard facilities.
Current EMPD Neighborhood Parks:
Tedford Park
Kenroy Park
Community Parks
Description: Community Parks are medium to large sized public parks and/or
recreation area that accommodate regular recreation day-use recreation, both
programmed and informal. Community parks typically serve the entire community.
The recommended demand standard is 1.45 acres per 1,000 residents. Community
parks typically serve a three mile radius.
Base: The following metrics are typical for a community park:
30-50 acres depending on district size and community need
Arterial road access as needed to serve the entire community
Adequate on-site parking supplemented by on-street parking
Connecting pedestrian/bike systems to the neighborhood
Internal path system
Developed and undeveloped open space
Amenities: Components that may be included in this type of facility include soccer
fields, baseball and softball fields, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, water-
related activities, picnic areas and areas for passive recreation use.
Current EMPD Community Parks:
Eastmont Community Park
Maps
Three maps extracted from the 2014 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
have been included in this chapter.
Map 1 shows the location of the Existing EMPD Parks.
Map 4 shows the Existing Service Areas by Park Type.
Map 5 shows the Proposed Park Areas
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
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The 2014 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan identifies the following
planned projects.
Park Amenity Cost Estimate
Range
Date
Install splash pad/wading pool at an existing EMPD park. $100,000 - $175,000 2017
Renovate/upgrade playground at Eastmont Community Park
Design to include equipment for a variety of age groups, increase
safety, and add shade.
$150,000 - $200,000 2017
Expand and/or add skate park facilities. $155,000 - $245,000 2018
Add dog park in an existing or future EMPD park. $40,000 - $60,000 2018
Add Recreation/Community Center to Eastmont Community Park. $4 million - $8 million 2019
OPEN SPACE/RECREATION --- GOALS AND POLICIES
GOAL:
PROVIDE RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, FACILITIES, AND
EXPERIENCES WHICH WILL ALLOW ALL INDIVIDUALS THE
OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THEIR LIVES, WHILE
PRESERVING AND ENHANCING THE EXISTING RESOURCES OF THE
AREA.
POLICIES
OS-1 Encourage coordination between parks, schools, and other agencies to develop
and maintain park and recreation sites that implement the goals of the regional
Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan.
OS-2 Acquire and develop parks to meet the needs of the community and
recreational visitors. Utilize public land close to prospective users and equitably
distributed throughout the community to the greatest extent possible.
OS-3 Provide a variety of programs and services that serve the general population of
the community, as well as meeting the special needs of youth, seniors and the
physically challenged.
OS-4 Provide quality public parks & and recreation opportunities for all residents,
while pursuing enterprising recreation activities which may capitalize on revenue
generating recreation methods.
OS-5 Support a region wide park and recreation plan.
OS-6 Provide adequate access for vehicles and pedestrians to public recreational
areas as appropriate.
OS-7 Provide a mechanism for stabilized long term funding of park operations,
maintenance, and services.
OS-8 Actively seek funding from a variety of public and private sources to implement
a park and open space capital financing program.
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OS-9 Seek out and encourage participation in revenue generating recreation activities
which are attractive to the area visitor or tourist.
OS-10 Develop Level of Service Standards based on current population information
and trends.
OS-11 Identify types, quantities, and associated criteria of facilities needed and
proposed candidate sites.
OS-12 Provide land use and transportation planning which supports the candidate
sites.
OS-13 Locate recreational trails on existing or proposed public lands such as utility
easements, storm drainage facilities, or irrigation ditches.
OS-14 Seek private dedication of land for parks and open spaces through a variety of
methods, including purchases, donations, easements, and through the
development review process.
OS 15 The city and county should consider providing density bonuses for
developments that provide open space and recreational facilities that are
available for public use.
OS-15 Public recreational areas should be located on public land which is readily
accessible and designated for public access via existing roads or where roads
can be reasonable extended to access the site. It should be located close to its
prospective users and accessible to living areas by pedestrian walkways.
OS-16 Investigate locating an athletic field in the vicinity of 32nd and Empire.
OS-17 Douglas County and the City of East Wenatchee should actively work with
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to preserve the
Apple Capital Loop regional trail corridor, to provide public access to the
Columbia River, and to support local economic development priorities.
OS-18 The city and county, to supplement this chapter of the comprehensive plan,
should usewith the Eastmont Metropolitan Park District “Parks and,
Recreation, and Open SpaceComprehensive Plan”.
GOAL: TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE OPEN SPACES THAT ARE
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE; SERVE AS BUFFERS BETWEEN USES AND
LINK OPEN SPACE AND PARK USES; AND HAVE SCENIC HISTORICAL OR
CULTURAL VALUE.
OS-19 Provide a coordinated and connected system of open space throughout the
planning area.
OS-20 Locate major parks and large open spaces to take advantage of natural
processes (e.g. wetlands and drainage) and unusual landscape features (e.g.
cliffs and bluffs) and to provide a variety of outdoor activities.
OS-21 Provide public access to shoreline areas when possible.
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OS-22Neighborhood and community parks should be linked by open space networks,
particularly in areas where significant growth is anticipated or where open space
for existing development is inadequate.
OS-23 Provide incentives for developers to link neighborhood and community parks
with open space.
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CHAPTER 6
CAPITAL FACILITIES
INTRODUCTION
The Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) is one of the elements of the Greater East
Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan that is required by Washington's Growth
Management Act (GMA). As a general definition,
Public Facilities include: "streets, roads, highways, sidewalks, street and road
lighting systems, traffic signals, domestic water systems, storm and sanitary
sewer systems, parks and recreational facilities, and schools."
Public Services include: "fire protection and suppression, law enforcement,
public health, education, recreation, environmental protection, and other
governmental services."
Urban services and facilities can be more efficiently and economically provided to
people in concentrated areas. Capital Facilities play an important role in realizing the
vision of compact development in urban areas to discourage urban sprawl, increase
public transportation usage, encourage sound environmental practices and preserve
single-family areas.
The Capital Facilities Element encompasses parks, libraries, police, fire, general
government, public health, and public schools. Transportation and utility related capital
facilities are addressed separately in their respective elements of this plan.
One of the principle criteria for identifying needed capital improvements are standards
for levels of service (LOS). The CFP contains LOS standards for each public facility,
and requires that new development be served by adequate facilities (i.e., the
"concurrency" requirement). The CFP also contains goals, policies and rationales that
guide and implement the provision of adequate facilities.
The purpose of the CFP is to use sound fiscal policies to provide adequate public
facilities consistent with the Land Use Element and concurrent with, or prior to the
impacts of development in order to achieve and maintain adopted standards for levels
of service, and to exceed the adopted standards, when possible. Concentrating
Capital Facilities is both efficient and cost-effective for those who provide them and
convenient for those who use them.
As with the other elements of this comprehensive plan, these capital facilities will be
integrated into growth areas as the development occurs. The Capital Facilities
Element, is a continuous process and is coordinated with the Land Use, Transportation
and Housing elements of the comprehensive plan. This element, through a financial
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capacity analysis and a 6-year financial plan, seeks to evaluate future revenue
resources to finance facility development and explores the possibility of new revenue
options. This plan will be continuously updated throughout the 20 year life span of this
plan in order to better develop 20 year cost estimates, identify future revenue sources
and re-assess the county's debt capacity. This financial plan also provides an
important "reality check" for the vision of the comprehensive plan.
Some of the key issues in the Greater East Wenatchee Area will be:
Meeting current needs for capital facilities
Providing capital facilities needed to serve future growth
Adequate funding for capital facilities
Capital Facility siting
Equity in public facility provision and financing
Keeping the plan current.
The CFP is the element that makes the rest of the comprehensive plan real. By
establishing levels of services as the basis for providing capital facilities and for
achieving concurrency, the CFP determines the quality of life in the community. The
requirement to fully finance the CFP (or else revise the land use plan) provides a reality
check on the vision set forth in the comprehensive plan. The capacity of capital
facilities that are provided in the CFP affects the size and configuration of the urban
growth areas.
It is important to realize that in the Greater East Wenatchee Area, the water, sewer,
school, fire district and PUD, are individual special purpose districts providing public
services and facilities providers. Each has its own set of commissioners as well as
their own budget. Therefore, each districts yearly budget will be developed and
reviewed in compliance with this element and with the comprehensive plan as a whole.
While this level of cooperation is expected, neither the County nor City has any
financial control over their budgets or level of service requirements. It is generally
considered that these agencies will require "concurrency" through project review and
monitoring. Therefore, essentially all agencies will be cooperatively planning on at least
an annual basis to assess if assumptions are accurate, and the community vision
maintained.
The City of East Wenatchee partnered with Douglas County, the East Wenatchee
Water District, the Douglas County Sewer District, the Port of Douglas County, and the
Pangborn Memorial Airport Governing Board to prepare a Combined Capital Facilities
Plan for the existing and proposed urban growth area. The efforts also included
coordination with the Eastmont Metropolitan Park District, the Douglas PUD, and the
Eastmont School District.
The planning area was divided into 5 Focus Areas. The capacity of the existing
infrastructure was analysed and various recommendations proposed to improve the
systems to serve existing and proposed growth in each of the Focus Areas. That
discussion will not be duplicated here. The results of that effort are included as
Appendix B to this document.
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OTHER PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICE PLANS
The following capital facility plans, as amended, are adopted by reference within this
CF Plan:
Douglas County Capital Facilities Plan, Adopted November 28, 1995 and
amendments through January 25, 20002009.
Douglas County Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program, annual
adoptions.
East Wenatchee Capital Facilities Plan, Revised 2010.
East Wenatchee Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program, annual
adoptions.
Park and , Recreation, & Open Space Comprehensive Plan. Eastmont
Metropolitan Park District, 20082014
General Sewer Plan Update for Douglas County Sewer District, February 2006
East Wenatchee Water District, 2005 2014 Comprehensive Water System Plan,
October 2005.
Confluence 2025, A Strategic Transportation Plan for the Wenatchee Valley,
Wenatchee Valley Transportation Council, August 2005
Douglas County Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan, March 1995
Eastmont School District Capital Facilities Plan
Pangborn Memorial Airport – Airport Master Plan, Ports of Chelan and Douglas
Counties, April 2004.
Greater Wenatchee Bicycle Master Plan, Wenatchee Valley Transportation
Council, May 2013
EXISTING CONDITIONS AND FUTURE NEEDS
DOMESTIC WATER
The East Wenatchee Water District provides domestic water service to the Greater
East Wenatchee Area from north of Baker’s Flat to past the Pangborn Memorial Airport
including urban and rural areas. The East Wenatchee Water District's (EWWD)
boundary currently includes all most areas within the Urban Area Boundary. The area
east and south of Canyon Hills is located outside the service district boundary. The
current District service area map is included in the Utility chapter that follows this
chapter.Additionally, the Water District has established a Benefit Area encompassing
approximately 800 acres in Baker Flats. This Benefit Area is utilizing domestic water
from the City of Wenatchee/Chelan County PUD's 30" Regional Waterline which
extends from Rocky Reach Dam north to the Odabashian Bridge south, parallel to the
Columbia River. The area's potable water supply system consists of the EWWD's eight
wells, nine storage reservoirs, eight booster stations, and approximately 172 miles of
transmission and distribution pipelines. Private wells serve residences outside the
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East Wenatchee Water District. The supply of water to the area provided by the wells
located within the District have a combined pumping capacity of 6005 gpm. The
reservoirs are estimated to have a combined storage capacity on the order of 4.76
million gallons.
The District utilizes over one billion gallons of water annually with a summer peak of 45
gallons per minute. There is an existing 5200 gallon per minute capacity. There are
currently 60 miles of substandard mains located throughout the District, with the
majority of the commercial core area and older sections of East Wenatchee in this
situation.
The East Wenatchee Water District projects that water use will increase because of the
expected increase in people and businesses within the service area. The District
projects it will need two to three additional major sources of supply to meet future
needs, for which water rights are required.
The following information was taken from the 2014 East Wenatchee Water District
Water System Plan.
All of the existing water supply is produced from the Wenatchee Regional Water
System (Regional Water System) located north of the District adjacent to the Rocky
Reach Dam. The District abandoned several of its wells (Nos. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, and 6).
Well Nos. 4, 5, and 7 were transferred to the Regional Water System and are
intended only for backup emergency supply. The District obtains all of its water
through the Regional Supply Station built in 2001.
The system is owned jointly by the City of Wenatchee, Chelan County Public Utility
District No. 1 (PUD), and the District. The Regional Water System source consists of
four groundwater wells with installed capacity of approximately 7.2, 11.7, 14.0 and
14.0, million gallons per day (MGD). The City of Wenatchee operates the Regional
Water System wells and manages all source water quality requirements.
The Regional Supply Station pumps directly into the 965 Pressure Zone. The upper
zones (1292, 1494, 1594, and 1768) are supplied by 5 booster stations and 11
reservoirs. The Reservoirs contain approximate usable storage capacity of 7.6
million gallons. There are also two large pressure reduced zones (1170 and 1350)
served by numerous pressure reducing stations. The distribution system contains
190 miles of pipelines with approximately 55 percent being ductile iron and 43
percent being steel. Approximately 40 percent of the piping is more than 40 years
old.
The evaluation of a water distribution system is based on providing a level of service
consistent with the DOH regulations, the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, and local
District resolutions and policies. The system is evaluated based on its ability to meet
current demands of the existing land use and future demands based on the City of
East Wenatchee (City) and Douglas County (County) Land Use Plans, prepared in
accordance with the requirements of the Growth Management Act. Forecast of
future demands is based on current demand characteristics. Level of service is
identified based on DOH regulations and the local ordinances setting requirements
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for fire flow in each land use classification as well as specific requirements for fire
flow to existing buildings. Evaluation of the system was conducted using computer
simulations to identify the ability to meet the level of service based on both current
and future system demands.
To evaluate the water system, the current Comprehensive Land Use Plans and
population data was used to calculate future water demand. A computer model of
the District’s water system was used to simulate future demands to evaluate whether
the system could handle future conditions. The computer analysis was used to assist
in identifying issues within the system and recommending improvements to address
them.
The District currently serves approximately 9,400 customers, over 90% of which are
residential. Other uses include commercial, institutional and industrial. Current water
use is approximately 3.3 MGD for average day demand and 5.8 MGD for maximum
day demand. Unaccounted-for water, which may include leaks, under-recording
meters and possible illegal connections, totals approximately 9% of system demand.
The service area of the District is comprised of both rural and urban areas. The
service area extends outside the Urban Growth Area (UGA). For those areas outside
of the UGA, the District has adopted a rural service standard which is to provide
domestic water service without fire flow capability. Within the UGA, the District has
adopted service policies consistent with the type and character of the land use.
However, there are areas within the UGA that the District cannot currently meet the
desired service levels for both the existing and planned land uses without
construction of additional water system improvements. For those areas, the District
has identified the required capital improvements necessary to provide the level of
service and has prioritized these improvements within its financial capabilities. The
Greater East Wenatchee Area Plan anticipates a development of larger portions of
the vacant (agricultural) lands over the next 20 years. It is anticipated that the
service population will increase from a 2012 population of 32,500 to 41,800 by the
year 2030, or roughly 1.3 percent per year. The expected time frame for the full
development of the service area is beyond the 20-year planning horizon.
There is a significant amount of land in the District that has very little domestic water
use. Undeveloped or underdeveloped land accounts for 5,600 acres, or almost 40%
of the total land area within the current service area. Much of this land is currently
used for commercial agriculture, or is vacant. The future service area is set by
contract with the Regional Water System and encompasses another 4,000 acres.
The District is a growing system with recent increases in service connections of
approximately 1 percent per year. This is a significant drop from prior growth rates of
3 to 4 percent, but growth is expected to increase slightly as the economy improves.
Because of this growth, it is inevitable that portions of the District’s system will reach
their maximum capacity within the 6-and 20-year planning periods.
The evaluation of the water system has identified four classifications of issues
relating to transmission, storage, pumping capacity and distribution system capacity.
Many of these issues are the result of land use changes to older areas of the District
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as the areas have converted from rural to urban service. Other issues result from
rapid growth in outlying areas and the need to serve those new customers. The
District has aggressively constructed new pumping capacity to supply those needs,
but only two new reservoirs have been built in the last 25 years.
The projected growth in demand of approximately 30 percent within the service area
over the next 20 years will impact the ability of the system to supply its customers.
As a result of the evaluation of the water system to meet both current and future
demands, the following issues have been identified.
Transmission
Storage
Pumping Capacity
Distribution System Capacity
RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS – 6 YEAR
Transmission Improvements
Extend the 24-inch transmission main from 19th Street NE to 9th Street NE to
provide adequate hydraulic balance between the 15th Street and Pearcot Reservoir
sites, improve supply capacity and reduce north-end pressure. Improve transmission
along South Nile Avenue if the City of East Wenatchee adopts the proposed UGA
expansion.
Storage Improvements
Adjust the District’s storage nesting policy to show adequate storage in the
965S Zone. Construct a 2.0 million-gallon (MG) reservoir in the 1292 Zone.
Construct storage in the 1592 and/or 1768 Zones to allow future growth,
though these projects may require developer funding.
Pumping Improvements
Construct a new pump station to supply the 1592 and 1768. Preferred
location would be adjacent to the 10th Street Reservoirs to maximize
hydraulic balance and promote redundancy. It is expected that this station will
be paid for by local development. Depending on development in the 1494
zone, it may be necessary to provide pumping capacity for fire supply, which
is expected to be paid for by local development.
Distribution Main Improvements
The District will continue the current policy of setting aside $150,000 per year
for replacing old and failing mains. The Plan also identifies a series of main
improvements necessary to serve the anticipated new growth within the
service area. These unfunded improvements are anticipated to be
constructed as developer funded extensions, as part of providing service to
currently un-served areas.
Estimated Capital Improvement Plan Costs
The 6-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) includes all of the improvements
recommended within the initial 6-year plan. These improvements were prioritized by
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the District to correct existing issues and correspond with other infrastructure
projects to make best use of cost sharing and minimize impact to the public. The
estimated costs based on 2013 construction estimates for the following 6 years are
as follows.
Projected
Year
Cost
Estimate
2014 $ 1,500,000
2015 $ 4,000,000
2016 $ 4,200,000
2017 $ 2,200,000
2018 $ 5,100,000
2019 $ 7,000,000
Developer $ 11,000,000
There is also potentially an additional $10,000,000 in projects that would be initiated
in conjunction with publicly funded road construction or improvement projects. Many
of those projects are on local transportation improvement programs but do not
currently have no funding. The District will coordinate closely with the City and
County to anticipate road construction projects.
SANITARY SEWER
The Douglas County Sewer District provides sanitary sewer service within the Greater
East Wenatchee Urban Area. They own and operate the only sanitary sewer plant that
serves this area. The boundary of the Sewer District encompasses the entire City of
East Wenatchee and areas immediately outside the city limits; however it does not
include the entire East Wenatchee Urban Growth Area. According to the 2006 General
Sewer Plan, the existing District service area encompasses included 5,430 acres or
approximately 63% of the urban growth area. Sanitary sewer services wereare
provided to approximately 3,400 acres or 63% of their service area and less than 44%
of the urban growth area. Over the past few years there have been several
annexations that have increased the service area of the District. The current District
service area map is included in the Utility chapter that follows this chapter. The
expansion of the UGA increases the land outside of the District’s service area
boundary by over 700 acres. The current District service area map is included in the
Utility chapter that follows this chapter.
The District is in the process of updating their General Sewer Plan and has completed
a rate study.
The sanitary sewer system includes the main plant located between SR 28 and the
Columbia River and a series of 10 existing lift stations. Increased capacity in several of
the lift stations will be necessary to accommodate existing non-served areas and areas
proposed for growth. There will also need to be additional lift stations built to serve
some of the existing and expanded UGA properties. The Combined Capital Facilities
Plan identified two lift stations to serve the properties south of 8th Street near the
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alignment of S. Kentucky Avenue, one to serve the area south of SR 28 near Nile
Avenue and one at the end of 15th St. NW.
During the analysis phase of the land capacity analysis, the District expressed concern
with the ability to serve the existing UGA. They indicated that connecting all of the
properties within the existing UGA would likely consume all of the District’s Capacity
(letter dated October 14, 2009).
LIBRARY
There is one library in the Greater East Wenatchee Area. That library is located in the
East Wenatchee City Hall Building. provided by the City of East Wenatchee through
the North Central Regional Library Service. Generally, library Library services are
provided by the North Central Regional Library System. Tax payers in the city and the
county contribute to the District. , whose The District’s headquarters library is located
in the City of Wenatchee. Libraries are also located in Cashmere, Entiat, Leavenworth,
Waterville, Chelan and Bridgeport. The regional library system provides the books and
the staff. The cities provide the space. An important service provided by the library
system is the inter-library loan service and mail order, besides providing services at the
Wenatchee site, provides a mail order library.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The East Wenatchee Urban Area public education services are provided by the
Eastmont School District. Eastmont became a district of the first class on July 1, 1968.
There are a total of seven nine schools within the District. The District maintains one
elementary school in Rock Island and four elementary schools in the East Wenatchee
Area. There is one junior high, one middle school and one senior high school
Eastmont High School
Eastmont Junior High School
Clovis Point Intermediate School
Sterling Middle School
Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School
Cascade Elementary School
Robert E. Lee Elementary School
Kenroy Elementary School
Rock Island Elementary School
All of the schools except Rock Island Elementary School are located within the East
Wenatchee UGA. The District also owns property on Fancher Heights that may be
needed for a future elementary school. The Eastmont School District has formed a
District Facilities Advisory Committee whose task is to review all available information
regarding the district's long-range student housing needs, and to make
recommendations to the Eastmont School Board, in regard to the district's prioritized,
facility needs.
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The Eastmont Junior High School and Clovis Point Intermediate School are fairly new
buildings. Over the past few years, the District has made major improvements to the
Eastmont High School, Sterling Middle School, and the Ulysses S. Grant Elementary
School. The District maintains its facilities and has been very successful in obtaining
funding from grant sources and the tax payers for building improvements.
PARKS
Eastmont Metropolitan Park District (EMPD) In 2004, the Eastmont Metropolitan
Park District was formed to better meet the park and recreation needs of the urban
area. Rapid growth and increasing demand for recreational opportunities call attention
and concern to the dwindling availability of land for future park development and open
space. In order to plan for the recreational needs of the residents of the Greater East
Wenatchee Area, several proposals have been made in the 200814 EMPD Park, and
Recreation Comprehensive and Open Space Plan. The EMPD is in the process of
updating their plan. Please see Chapter 5 Open Space and Recreation for a more
detailed description of the Park District services and facilities.
The Douglas County Park Board was formed and officially established in October, 1955. In the 1970's,
the County Commissioners approved the formation of a Recreational Service Area within the Eastmont
School District, including a part of the Town of Rock Island. The Park and Recreational Service Area
covers 31 square miles of the most densely populated area of the County. The Service Area population
is estimated to reach between 21,925 and 24,500 by the year 2000 based on the population projections
for Douglas County. The Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department is largely supported
through an annual levy. Residents within the vicinity of the Service Area are given an opportunity to vote
for or against taxes supporting the Department each year. Also refer to the Recreation Section of the
Land Use Element.
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
Essential Public Facilities goals, policies and process for their designations are set
forth in the 2012 Douglas County Countywide Comprehensive Plan 1995
Comprehensive Planand are adopted by this reference for use in the Greater East
Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan.
PUBLIC FACILITIESCAPITAL FACILITIES --- GOALS AND
POLICIES
GOAL: Insure that capital facilities are located, designed, and enhanced to
accommodate the changing needs of the area.
GOAL:
Ensure that adequate capital facilities and services are planned, located, designed
and maintained in an efficient manner that maximizes the use of existing facilities
and promotes orderly compact urban growth and development that is served with a
full-range of urban services.
POLICIES
POLICY CF 1: Promote the continuation of multi-jurisdictional coordination in facility
planning.
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RATIONALE: Efficiency can be increased and duplication reduced through the coordination and
cooperation between the respective agencies during the planning phases of providing and
maintaining public facilities, such as schools, public safety, etc.
POLICY CF 2: Encourage the multiple use of capital facilities.
RATIONALE: Most facilities are designed for a specific purpose which may be seasonal in
nature, such as schools. Using these facilities for other purposes increases their usefulness and
cost effectiveness.
POLICY CF 3: Encourage the location and expansion of public facilities in accordance
with projections for growth and development.
RATIONALE: Capital facility is most beneficial to the community and most economical when the
needs of the area are determined in order to establish facilities in the most appropriate location.
POLICY CF 4: Promote the consideration of energy efficiency and alternative energy
sources in public facility remodeling and construction.
RATIONALE: Since maintenance costs are a large portion of the operating budgets for many
facilities, the reduction of energy usage can save money and thereby increase available funds
for service functions.
POLICY CF 5: Ensure that capital facility planning is consistent with the
comprehensive plan.
RATIONALE: The location and design of public facilities should support the urban area
population and compliment development patterns. Facility planning must consider other related
goals and policies.
POLICY CF 6: Ensure that the location and design of capital facilities creates minimal
adverse impacts on the surrounding land use.
RATIONALE: To effectively support the study area population, capital facilities may be located
in areas that are otherwise residential in character and may create conflicts in use and intensity.
The location and design of new structures and the expansion of existing facilities must address
the mitigation of potentially adverse impacts of noise, traffic, aesthetics, water supply, police and
fire protection, sewage disposal, drainage, light and glare that may be disruptive to surrounding
activities.
POLICY CF 7: The phasing of growth & development within the Urban Growth
Boundary should be consistent with the priorities and capital improvement budgets
contained within the water and sewer plans.
RATIONALE: As new development within the UGA is dependent on being served by a full range
of urban services, it will be necessary to establish a phasing plan as an amendment to this
comprehensive plan.
POLICY CF 8: The facility plans for all service providers must be consistent with the
growth projections adopted by the city and county for the urban growth area.
RATIONALE: A full-range of urban services is necessary to support development at urban
densities. Since the city and county presently must rely upon special purpose districts to provide
these services, those districts must use the population projections established by the city and
county when planning infrastructure improvements.
CF-9: Plan for and provide capital facility improvements to correct existing
deficiencies and to accommodate existing and future needs.
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CF-10: The city and county should work with the service providers to support and
foster efforts to secure grants or other funds to finance improvements and
extensions of capital facilities throughout the urban area.
CHAPTER 7
UTILITIES
INTRODUCTION
The Utilities Element has been developed in accordance with Section 36.70A.070 of
the Growth Management Act to address utility services in the City of East Wenatchee,
adjacent urban growth areas and unincorporated areas of the Greater East Wenatchee
Area. It represents the community's policy plan for growth over the next 20 years. The
Utilities Element describes how the goals in the other plan elements will be
implemented through utility policies and regulations, and is an important element in
implementing the comprehensive plan.
"Utilities" or "public utilities” are defined as enterprises or facilities serving the public by
an integrated system of collection, transmission, distribution, and processing facilities
through more or less permanent physical connections between the plant of the serving
entity and the premises of the customer. Included are systems for the delivery of
natural gas, electricity, telecommunications services, and water and for the disposal of
sewage.
Utilities play a major role in orderly development of any urbanizing area. They are
critical to supporting urban uses and densities in a manner that promotes the public
health, safety, and welfare. This section will briefly describe the existing purveyors and
exiting services available to the area.
ELECTRICAL POWER
Douglas County Public Utility District (PUD) provides electrical power throughout
Douglas County, including the Greater East Wenatchee Area. Power is generated at
the PUD's own hydroelectric project at Wells Dam. The Wells project is operating
under a license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This license
expires in 2012. The dam has ten generating units rated at a combined 840
megawatts. Sufficient power is available to continue urban growth in the planning
area. Generally, the power distribution system lines and equipment are located in
public street and road right of ways or on private utility easements.
Several private utilities and providers have been investigating alternative sources of
energy in the County, which have included wind, solar and petroleum based
facilities. In order to prepare for the future of Douglas County it is important to
recognize that other power generating facilities may locate here in the future. Many
types and variations of power facilities exist including petroleum powered,
gasification, methane, ethanol, waste energy, thermal nuclear, hydroelectric, fuel
cells, wind and solar. These facilities may vary in scope, require certain resources,
or may be sensitive to land uses and infrastructure needs. Each type of facility may
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require different design criteria or placement criteria depending on the scope of the
project, impacts or cumulative impacts to the surrounding area.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Verizon frontier and Local Tel provide telephone services to the residents throughout
the East Wenatchee Urban Area, as well as to residents in the outlying areas of
Douglas County.
The Greater East Wenatchee Area is currently served by Air Touch cellularAT&T,
Beyond Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Verizon Wireless and Unicell. Cellular telephones
require a network of receivers (cell sites). Receivers are placed on tall poles, Lattice-
type towers or existing buildings. Siting and design of towers is regulated by the
Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Currently the Cellular telephone infrastructure serving the area is located in Douglas
County but outside of the planning area or in Chelan County.
The Douglas County Public Utility District has constructed a high-speed, broadband
fiber-optic telecommunications system. This system is called the Douglas County
Community Network (DCCN). The core backbone and high-speed routers are
primarily developed to facilitate the rapid communications between District substations,
communication sites, administrative offices and Wells Dam. This system has
additional capacity for high-speed information exchange. The current fiber backbone
included connections at Rock Island, East Wenatchee, Orondo, Waterville, Sun Cove,
Bridgeport and Mansfield.
CABLE
Charter Communications and Local Tel provides service to residents of the East
Wenatchee Area. In addition to cable television service, Charter Communicationsboth
companies also provides fiber optic internet service. Since the adoption of the plan,
the planning area has experienced the development and proliferation of small dish
satellite services.
NATURAL GAS
Cascade Natural Gas provides natural gas service to a limited number of residents in
the Greater East Wenatchee Area. Gas service is primarily located within the Central
Business Core.
WATER
Water service in the majority of the planning area is provided by the East Wenatchee
Water District. Those properties outside of the district’s service area receive their
water from on-site wells. The district’s area encompasses 27 square miles. Currently
593 acres in the Baker Flats region of the East Wenatchee Urban Growth Area is
outside of the district boundary.
The District’s water sources are the Regional Well Field, and wells at Kentucky St. and
19th St. The Regional Well Field is located in the planning area in the vicinity of Rocky
Reach Dam. The water district is a partner in the regional water supply with the City of
Wenatchee and the Chelan County Public Utility District. The regional water system
has rights for 40 million gallons per day (mgd). Those water rights were renewed for
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20 years in 1998. The District estimates that they have enough water rights for at least
15 years.
IRRIGATION WATER
Two irrigation districts serve the planning area: the Greater Wenatchee Irrigation
District and the Wenatchee Reclamation District. The Wenatchee Reclamation District
operates an open- ditch system to provide access to irrigation water. Individual pumps
and service lines take the ditch water to individual homes and developments. The
Reclamation District does not maintain the individual systems., while theThe Greater
Wenatchee Irrigation District uses a forced-main distribution system with its own water
source. This District controls and inspects all connections and distribution systems
providing service to the ratepayers.
SEWER
Douglas County Sewer District #1 provides sanitary sewer service throughout within
the Greater East Wenatchee Area. Those properties not receiving sewer service utilize
on-site sewage treatment systems. The district’s service area is currently 5430 acres.
This is 2370 acres smaller than the current East Wenatchee Urban Growth Boundary.
Developer funded extensions and utility local improvement districts (ULID’s) are the
predominant methods that the district relies on to expand it’s the collection system. At
this time the district does not anticipate serving 1691 acres of the UGB in the planning
period. These areas are predominantly north of Odabashian Bridge, east of Sunset
Highway and east of Nile St.
The sewer system consists of a collection system and a wastewater treatment facility.
The collection system consists of 270,991 feet of piping and 5 lift stationsmains,
laterals, and lift stations. The wastewater treatment facility is a class III activated
sludge plant with a discharge to the Columbia River authorized by a NPDES permit.
The facility is currently operating at 38% of maximum capacity (3.8 mgd). The current
NPDES permit requires that when 85% of capacity is reached for 3 consecutive
months, the district must submit a plan and schedule for maintaining capacity. The
district estimates that the system will reach the 85% threshold in 2016. The maximum
capacity of the facility utilizing all available land for plant expansion will be 5.2 mgd.
Based on current trends, this capacity is estimated to be reached in 2033.The District
is updating their General Sewer Plan.
STORMWATER
Douglas County and the City of East Wenatchee adopted the Douglas County
Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan (CFHMP) in 1995 and 1996
respectively. The Plan recommended several potential funding sources to pay for the
proposed improvements. One recommendation was that the City and County create
stormwater utilities with a fee schedule that could be used for administration,
maintenance, and capital improvement projects. The City and County created
separate stormwater utilities in 1998 that operate jointly under the umbrella of an
Interlocal Agreement. The boundary of the utilities approximates the Urban Growth
Boundary excluding the Baker Flats. The total land area within the utilities is 6,272
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acres.There is a map at the end of this chapter showing the extent of the boundary for
the Greater East Wenatchee Stormwater Utility.
The Greater East Wenatchee Stormwater Utilities are funded from service charges
collected from developed property within the utilities’ boundary. The service charge is
based upon an “equivalent service unit” (ESU) of 2,750 sq. ft. of impervious surface
area. The rate is $35 per ESU. There are 6,368 developed parcels within the
boundary of the utilities. The annual revenue from service charges is approximately
$640,000. The utilities have the ability to leverage the service charge revenue to
obtain grants and loans to fund projects. The utilities have set up emergency funds as
a reserve for significant damage resulting from major storm events.
That Plan contains a 20-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) of stormwater
improvement projects totaling nearly $14 million dollars. The Plan contains an
inventory of facilities and detailed capital project descriptions with cost estimates.
Many of the projects in the original CFHMP have been completed. Annually, as part of
the budgeting process for the stormwater utilities, the CIP is reviewed and projects
funded for that year depending upon available revenue. Major projects in the CIP
include Canyon A, Canyon B, and Sand Canyon. The Canyon A project was recently
funded with a Public Works Trust Fund Loan and design is currently underway for that
project. Construction is anticipated in 2005-2007.
Stormwater collection is accomplished with a combination of private stormwater
retention and detention systems for individual development and a series of retention
systems constructed and maintained by the Greater East Wenatchee Storm Water
Utilities. Conveyance is by way of a combination of several miles of surface ditches
and buried pipe. Douglas County, East Wenatchee and Washington State Department
of Transportation operate several outfalls to the Columbia River which are the final
points of conveyance for the stormwater management system.
As a result of the 2000 Census, the Wenatchee Valley was declared an urbanized area
which includes the cities of Wenatchee, East Wenatchee and Rock Island; Pangborn
Airport; and the urban areas surrounding those cities within Douglas County and
Chelan County. This designation requires those jurisdictions (except Rock Island) to
comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II
program for their municipal stormwater systems. NPDES is a federal program
administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE). The cities and
counties are required to develop a program for stormwater management and adopt
standards for development and redevelopment projects as well as the elimination of
illicit discharges to stormwater systems. DOE has drafted adopted an Eastern
Washington Stormwater Manual to serve as the development standards for Eastern
Washington communities subject to NPDES Phase II. The affected jurisdictions are
working jointly to accomplish the requirements of NPDES Phase II. This coordinated
effort is intended to provide fairly consistent development regulations within these
neighboring jurisdictions. Most of the requirements under NPDES Phase II for the
stormwater management program and design standards are anticipated to be adopted
within the next two years. Stormwater standards have been adopted by the City and
County. The jurisdictions are currently working on a comprehensive stormwater plan
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that will include the service area of the Greater East Wenatchee Stormwater Utilities
which coincides with the UGA boundary.
SOLID WASTE
Solid waste services in the Greater East Wenatchee Area are provided through
contract with Waste Management Inc., a private entity. Waste Management is
responsible for providing proper collection, hauling, and disposal of the solid waste of
its customers. Waste Management owns and operates the regional landfill.
In order to dispose of household hazardous-[s waste; the Chelan Douglas Solid Waste
plan has identified the need for a Moderate Risk Waste Facility in the planning area.
The Solid Waste Capital Facility plan anticipates construction of this facility by 2016.
GOALS AND POLICIES
GOAL 1: Facilitate the development of all utilities at the appropriate levels of
service to accommodate growth that is anticipated to occur in the Area, in a fair
and timely manner.
GENERAL POLICIES
UT 1: State agencies shall accommodate local issues and situations in the
development of policies and regulations.
UT 2: A full range of urban services shall be provided within the entire urban growth
area by promoting utility extensions to those areas needing urban services.
UT 3: Encourage development of vacant properties adjacent to established utility
systems, according to the appropriate zoning classification and/or land use
designation.
UT 4: Insure that development provides timely, adequate, and efficient utility systems.
UT 5: The cost of on-site utility improvements or site preparation for new and
redevelopments, such as surface drainage, utilities, and water and sewer
systems shall be the responsibility of private enterprise.
UT 6: Service boundaries within which utility services will be provided shall must be
consistent with the Urban Growth Area Boundary and the Capital Improvement
Program.
UT 7: Facilitate the provision of urban services to all areas in the urban growth area by
sizing and locating new services that will efficiently accommodate future service
extensions.
UT 8: Future utility system planning shall be coordinated with the comprehensive plan
of the city, county and other planning efforts pertaining to land use, other utilities
and other community facilities.
UT 9: Utility installations and system upgrades shall must be done in a manner
sensitive to the surrounding land uses, and as well as environmental and
hazard area considerations.
UT 10: Require the under-grounding of utility wires, where feasible.
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UT 11: Require timely and effective notification of interested utilities of excavation
projects to facilitate coordination of private and public utility trenching activities.
UT 12: Utility structures (e.g. substations, equipment cabinets) in urban areas shall
must have design and screening their facilities to insure that they are that is
compatible in bulk and scale with surrounding land uses.
ELECTRICITY
GOAL 2: Provide for the expansion of electric utility facilities to meet future load
requirements. Support conservation measures to aid in meeting future growth
needs.
UT 13: Douglas County users shall be the top priority for electric power generated
by Douglas County PUD.
UT 14: Recognize energy facility needs and future demand in the Greater East
Wenatchee Area. Ensure that facilities will be properly located to increase
effectiveness of the resource, protect the public, health safety and welfare,
address land use compatibility, and the environment.
UT 15: Develop standards and criteria for consideration when locating major types
of energy facilities in the County. Energy facilities and associated uses may
include a variety of differing energy facilities and needs including: solar, wind,
fuel cells, hydroelectric, thermal, waste energy, ethanol, methane,
gasification, nuclear and petroleum based facilities. Standards and criteria
should address, type, size or scale of development, classes of areas sensitive
to differing energy facilities, general layout, principles for assessment of
cumulative impacts and public input.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
GOAL 3: Provide reliable and cost effective telecommunications systems to
facilitate communication between members of the public, public institutions and
business.
UT 16: Development regulations shall be flexible and receptive to innovations and
advances in telecommunications technology.
UT 17: Minimize visual impacts when authorizing the siting of new telecommunications
facilities by encouraging low visibility technology.
SEWER
GOAL 4: Provide sewer service for the East Wenatchee Urban Growth Area.
UT 18: Plan future sewer line locations to developing areas of the Greater East
Wenatchee Area.
UT 19: In urban areas where sewer is not currently available, developers shall install
dry lines from the septic systems to the future sewer easement.
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UT 20: Periodically, as the City grows and develops, it should review its potential for
assuming Douglas County Sewer District #1 and the implications associated
with doing so.
STORMWATER
GOAL 5: Provide an efficient surface and stormwater management system that
serves community residences and business in a manner that makes efficient
use of limited resources and minimizes damage to public and private property
from flooding events.
UT 21: Recognize and respond to the need for flood control in both new development
and on an area wide basis, consistent with Comprehensive Flood Hazard
Mitigation Plan.
UT 22: Provide capital, maintenance, education, and enforcement programs as a
function of the stormwater utilities.
UT 23: Design, construct, and maintain stormwater facilities in a manner that
minimizes their impact on adjacent neighborhoods and business.
UT 24: Coordinate with public and private sectors to ensure cost-effective stormwater
management measures and equitable distribution of costs.
UT 25: Require new developments locate required stormwater management facilities
on-site unless a regional facility benefiting a drainage has been constructed with
sufficient excess capacity to serve the development.
UT 26: Design and construct flood hazard reduction projects that are permanent,
require minimal maintenance, and provide for water quality control and, when
possible, meet multiple needs of the community such as outdoor recreation and
attractive open spaces.
UT 27: Seek easements or title within major drainage channels to insure their continued
function and value for surface and stormwater management and flood hazard
reduction.
UT 28: Coordinate the development of surface and stormwater management
programs and design standards with adjoining jurisdictions.
UT 29: Stormwater facilities and infrastructure shall be of the type, nature and
location to facilitate ease of access for required inspection, maintenance and
operation. Stormwater facilities shall be located on a separate tract, where
feasible overflow and access is provided from a county or city right-of-way.
SOLID WASTE
GOAL 6: Provide reliable, safe, and cost-effective service.
UT 29: Continue multi-jurisdictional cooperation in solid waste management planning
and implementation.
UT 30: Provide opportunities for recycling to the public and commercial haulers at
transfer locations.
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UT 31: Evaluate new technologies for disposal of solid waste.
UT 32: Site and design solid waste facilities within the planning area proper
considering health and environmental impacts.
STREAMLINING
UT 33: State agencies should streamline their requirements for provision of services
by including flexible standards that are based on specific situations in specific
areas, as opposed to strict application of state-wide standards.
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CHAPTER 8
TRANSPORTATION
INTRODUCTION
The Transportation Element addresses the motorized and non-motorized
transportation needs of the Greater East Wenatchee Area. It represents the
community's policy regarding projected transportation needs (current and future),
location and condition of the existing traffic circulation system; the cause, scope and
nature of transportation problems, level of service standards, street classifications and
associated transportation problems the Area must address regarding growth in the
next 20 years. As specified in the Growth Management Act, new developments will be
prohibited unless transportation improvements or strategies to accommodate the
impacts of development are made concurrent with the development. Such
improvements and strategies must be in place or financially planned for within 6 years
of development use.
The type and availability of transportation resources are major factors in the
development of land use patterns, while conversely, the way land is used greatly
influences the need and location for new transportation. The relationship between
transportation and land use is one of continuous interaction and their planning must be
coordinated. The current land use plan, the future land use map and the transportation
element are highly dependent on each other and need to be carefully coordinated.
A major component of transportation planning for the Greater East Wenatchee Area
has resulted in the Confluence 2025 Plan. This effort brought together all of the major
governmental agencies in the region to jointly plan for transportation improvements that
affect the region. Coordination with adjacent jurisdictions on transportation issues is
essential to an efficient regional transportation system.
The Transportation Element addresses all roads located within the planning area
including those which are the responsibility of the Washington State Department of
Transportation, Douglas County, the City of East Wenatchee and any private roads
currently located or planned to serve future development. This element provides
information on existing roadway functional classifications and the level of service
standard established for each.
EXISTING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Roadways - Functional classification system
Classification of streets, roads and highways in the State of Washington is based upon
guidelines prepared by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administered
by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
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Location
A primary determination of the applicable portions of these Standards that must be
used is based on the location of the proposed road or street construction or
improvement. In most cases, the following will govern whether rural, urban or city
standards will apply.
Rural
A rural location is defined as that area not within a federally designated urban or
urbanized area or a designated Urban Growth Area as established by Douglas
County under the Growth Management Act.
Urban
An urban location is defined as that area within a federally designated urban or
urbanized area or a designated Urban Growth Area as established by Douglas
County under the Growth Management Act.
Function
Public Streets/Roads
Public streets/roads are those that are continuously open to general public travel
and have been accepted by the City or County into that jurisdiction’s transportation
system. Roads and streets that are dedicated to the public shall become City/County
streets/roads upon completion of the construction to the appropriate jurisdiction’s
Standards, acceptance of the completed construction by the jurisdiction, and
approval of the final plat or other instrument as appropriate by the jurisdiction. All
others must be put on the transportation system by means of the road establishment
process as specified in RCW 36.81 and be constructed to applicable Standards for
public roads.
Private Streets/Roads
Private streets/roads are all streets or roads not designated as public and not open
to general public travel.
Functional Classification - General
Rural Classifications
All county roads in rural areas are classified as Rural Local Access, Rural Collector
(Major and Minor), Rural Minor Arterial or Rural Major Arterial. New roads and
streets and any modifications to existing connector or frontage roads that may be
required as a condition of development approval shall meet the minimum design
requirements for rural roads as specified in these Standards. Different standards will
apply depending upon the forecasted traffic volumes and functional classification.
Urban Classification
All streets or roads in urban areas are classified as Urban Local Access, Urban
Collector, Urban Minor Arterial or Urban Principal Arterial. New roads and streets
and any modifications to existing connector or frontage roads that may be required
as a condition of development approval shall meet the minimum design
requirements for urban roads as specified in these Standards, provided however,
local access roads outside of Urban Growth Areas yet within a Federal Urbanized
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Area may use a rural standard. Different standards will apply depending upon the
functional classification.
Functional Classification – Descriptions
Principal Arterial (Urban & Rural) – Principal arterials permit traffic flow through and
between cities and towns and between major elements of the urban areas. They are
of great importance in the regional transportation system as they interconnect major
traffic generators, such as central business districts and regional shopping centers,
to other major activity centers and carry a high proportion of the total area travel on a
minimum of roadway mileage. Principal arterials frequently carry important intra-
urban as well as inter-city bus routes.
Many principal arterials are fully or partially access controlled facilities emphasizing
the through movement of traffic. Within the category are (1) interstates (2) other
freeways and expressways and (3) other principal arterials. Spacing of principal
arterials may vary from less than one mile in highly developed central business
areas to five miles or more in sparsely developed urban fringes and rural areas.
Principal arterials generally comprise 5-10 percent of the urban system and 2-4
percent of the rural road miles.
Minor Arterial (Urban & Rural) – Minor arterials collect and distribute traffic from
principal arterials to lesser-classified streets, or allow for traffic to directly access
their destination. In urban areas, they serve secondary traffic generators such as
community business centers, neighborhood shopping centers, multiple residence
areas, and traffic from neighborhood to neighborhood within a community. Urban
bus routes generally follow these facilities. Access to land use activities is generally
prohibited. Such facilities are usually spaced under two miles apart in urban fringes
and in core areas can be spaced 1/8 to 1/2 mile apart. In sparsely populated areas
of our rural counties, minor arterials may be widely disbursed or non-existent. Rural
minor arterials, in conjunction with rural principal arterials, are spaced at such
intervals that all developed areas of the state are within a reasonable distance of an
arterial highway. Rural minor arterials are expected to provide for relatively high
overall travel speeds with minimal interference to through movement. Rural minor
arterials generally comprise 4-8 percent of the system; whereas, in urban areas they
generally comprise 10-15 percent.
Collectors (Urban) – Urban collectors provide for land access and traffic circulation
within residential neighborhoods and commercial and industrial areas. They
distribute traffic movements from such areas to the arterial system. Half-mile
spacing is common in more developed areas. Collectors do not handle long through
trips and are not continuous for any great length. They generally account for 5-10
percent of the total street system.
Collectors (Rural) – Rural collector roads are classified as major collectors and
minor collectors. These routes generally serve travel of primarily intra-county rather
than statewide importance and constitute those routes on which (regardless of traffic
volume) predominant travel distances are shorter than on arterial routes.
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Consequently, more moderate speeds may be typical. Rural collectors, both major
and minor, generally constitute 20-25 percent of the rural road miles.
Rural major collectors provide service to any county seat not on an arterial route; to
larger towns not directly served by an arterial; and to other traffic generators of
equivalent intra-county importance, such as consolidated schools, shipping points,
parks, important agricultural areas, etc. Major collectors link these places with
nearby larger towns or cities or with routes of higher classification and serve the
more important intra-county travel corridors.
Rural minor collectors should be spaced at intervals, consistent with population
density, to collect traffic from local roads and bring all developed areas within a
reasonable distance of a collector road. Furthermore, minor collectors provide
service to the remaining smaller communities and also link the locally important
traffic generators with their rural hinterland.
Local Roads and Streets (Rural & Urban) – All public roads and streets, not
otherwise classified as an arterial or collector, comprise the local access system.
These roadways primarily serve local needs for access to adjacent lands, travel over
relatively short distances, and connections to collectors or other higher systems.
Local urban streets offer the lowest level of mobility and usually contain no bus
routes. Service to through traffic movement is deliberately discouraged. Local
streets usually account for 65-80 percent of the urban system. In rural areas, the
local roads generally comprise 65-75 percent of the road miles.
A See Figure 8.0 for a Circulation Plan map of the Transportation System showing
the classification of streets and roads within the East Wenatchee Urban Area. The
map also illustrates proposed street alignments. is found on Fig.8.0.
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Figure 8.0 Functional Classification and Circulation Map
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Public Transit
The Chelan-Douglas Public Transportation Benefit Area (PTBA), known as Link, is a
municipal corporation that began providing public transportation services in late 1991.
Link operates throughout Chelan County and most of Douglas County. The Greater
East Wenatchee Area is within Link’s service area. Currently, 18 routes provide
service connecting the region to the East Wenatchee area. Six routes operate directly
in the East Wenatchee area providing service to most areas hourly from 6:30 a.m. to
8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Link also provides ADA paratransit services to
all areas within ¾ mile of Link’s fixed routed service, as well as vanpool and ridematch
services. All Link buses are equipped (seasonally) with bicycle racks allowing transit
users to carry bicycles on busses to complete travel trips.
Nonmotorized Transportation
Existing pedestrian facilities in the planning area consist of sidewalks and pedestrian
ways associated with roadways. Pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks are largely
concentrated in the urbanized areas primarily within the Central Business Core and
within newer residential subdivisions.
Designated bicycle routes are also located within the urban area, however they are not
clearly marked. Link administers the BikeLink program, which is designed to
encourage joint use of bicycle and transit facilities. Cyclists may mount their
bicycles on racks on the front of Link buses that operate on intercommunity routes.
Air Transportation
Air transportation is available to East Wenatchee Area residents at the nearby
Pangborn Memorial Airport. Pangborn Memorial Airport serves the counties of Chelan
and Douglas, and portions of Okanogan and Grant counties, with a service area
extending north to the Canadian border.
The airport master plan update, completed in 2004, forecasts that the airport is
expected to experience an increase in total based aircraft, annual air operations and
annual enplaned passengers, as well as an increase in turbine-powered aircraft
throughout the 20 year planning period. Annual enplanements are forecasted to
double. Annual operations, such as commercial, general aviation, and military are
forecasted to increase from 48,800 to 86,400 per year. Additionally the number of
Instrument Approaches is expected to increase from 709 to 1210 per year.
To accommodate the forecasted growth, improvements have been planned completed
for airport facilities. These improvements includeincluding a new landing system to
improve landing reliability and an increase in runway length to accommodate changes
to commercial and general aviation operations. The relocation of Grant Road would
permit the airport to utilize its full-length runway.
The facility analysis for the master plan update indicated that the current runway length
requirements for aircraft which currently operate, and those which can be expected to
operate at the airport in the future, is generally sufficient to serve most aircraft on 500-
mile trips. However, these aircraft will experience some limitations during various
runway conditions. Additionally some aircraft will not be able to depart to locations
outside of the 500 mile range due to runway length limitations. The master plan
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recommends considering an increased runway length of 7,000 feet to serve growing
operational needs.
An instrument approach has been installed on Runway 12 to improve the reliability of
aircraft landing during low visibility weather conditions. The landing threshold has been
moved to the southeast in order for this instrument approach to clear existing
obstructions. In order to reach the desired 7,000 foot, Runway 12-30 will have to be
expanded to the northwest. This expansion will require the relocation of Grant Rd. and
Union Ave. in the vicinity of where these two roads intersect.
Passenger Rail and Rail Freight Facilities
Passenger rail service is provided by AMTRAK. The train station is located on
Kittitas Street in downtown Wenatchee. AMTRAK provides passenger transit
services to destinations east and west. Eastern destinations are via the Montana/St.
Paul line, which ends in Chicago, Illinois.
Rail freight service for Wenatchee and the surrounding areas is provided 24 hours
per day by Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Rail Road (BNSFRR). The rail freight yard
is located between Columbia and Worthen Streets in downtown Wenatchee.
Wenatchee is on the BNRR mainline between Everett and Spokane, Washington
and is also the location of train crew shift changes. Approximately 20 trains pass
through Wenatchee daily. Not all trains stop to load and unload; the number of
trains that stop depend, in large part, upon service demand and the destination of
goods. Cars are pulled daily for loading of freight that includes lumber, wood chips,
aluminum, and apples.
Rail lines run along the Columbia River and cross the river into Chelan County at
Rock Island.
TRANSPORTATION --- GOALS AND POLICIES
GOAL:
1. Provide a balanced transportation system that meets the needs of the
community by accommodating the movement of people, goods, and
services at an optimum level of safety, economy and efficiency.
2. To provide an effective transportation network with adequate capacity to
meet the adopted Level of Service (LOS) Standard and the travel demand
for the area.
3. Ensure adequate and safe access to property via a system of public and
private roads.
4. Ensure that adequate transportation systems are provided to support
growth.
GOAL: To provide an effective transportation network with adequate capacity to
meet the adopted Level of Service (LOS) Standard and the travel demand for the
area.
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GOAL: Ensure adequate and safe access to property via a system of public and
private roads.
GOAL: Ensure that adequate transportation systems are provided to support
growth.
POLICIES
T-1 Allow major land use changes only when those proposals are consistent with
the transportation system plan.
T-2 Coordinate the planning, construction, and operation of transportation
facilities and programs with members of the Metropolitan Planning
Organization as well as local utility providers.
T-3 Develop and maintain a comprehensive transportation system plan, showing
roadway classifications, roadway extensions, future facility locations and
right-of-way needs.
T-4 Permanent cul-de-sacs shall only be permitted in situations where it can be
demonstrated that the design provides an acceptable level of network
circulation and the prohibition of cul-de-sacs creates an unreasonable
economic burden.
T-5 Transportation facility connectivity may necessitate the continuation of road
systems to foster the long-range transportation objectives of the county and city.
As development occurs, require the extension of dead-end streets which
improve access and circulation.
T-6 As public and private development occurs, ensure that transportation systems
improvements have adequate streets, sidewalks and walkways; and are
consistent with the transportation and adopted system design.
T-7 Ensure that current and future developments provide proper, adequate and safe
access to the transportation system and facilities.
Provision for adequate parking must be included for all development
Natural and artificial landscaping should be considered in the design of
system facilities
Traffic calming techniques should be required when there are conflicts
between transportation modes.
T-8 Facilitate mobility for all residents within the Greater East Wenatchee Area,
including the elderly and persons with disabilities by providing accessible
transportation facilities.
T-9 Establish urban streetscape design criteria and natural landscape features
that are oriented toward pedestrian use and protecting residential
neighborhoods from arterial street functions.
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T-10 Encourage the development of a bicycle/walkway system for the City and the
East Wenatchee area to allow for non-motorized travel; including linkages to
transit routes.
T-11 Preserve right-of-ways for the future creation of non-motorized travel lanes
and trails.
T-12 Wherever possible, develop pedestrian and bicycle facilities separate from
the vehicle travel lanes.
T-13 Provide safe, well-marked walkways and trails with universal access features
between neighborhoods, commercial and employment centers, parks,
schools and community facilities.
T-14 Develop and implement a sidewalk capital improvement and monitoring
program to assist with the completion of pedestrian walkway linkages, and
inter-modal linkages.
T-15 Provide incentives to the public to reduce traffic by encouraging the use of
flextime and ride sharing, assisting and providing incentives to employers and
developers of property, and encouraging the development of transportation
information centers at all public places and major employment centers.
T-16 Design transportation facilities within the Greater East Wenatchee Area that
minimize adverse environmental impacts resulting from both their construction
and use.
T-17 Economic and residential growth decisions should be tied to the ability of the
existing transportation system to accommodate the increased demand, or new
transportation facilities should be provided concurrently with the proposed
development.
T-18 Allow land use changes only when proposals are consistent with the adopted
transportation level of service standards of the comprehensive plan.
T-19 Control the location and spacing of driveways and encourage the
development of shared driveways.
T-20 Provide suitable ratios of off-street and on-street parking based on land use
needs and the design character of each district of the Area.
T-21 Maintain a listing of prioritized road improvement needs based on the six year
TIP of the capital facilities element.
T-22 Review the adopted levels of service standards on a regular basis for
coordination with the capital facilities element and land use element.
T-23 Institute financing measures for major circulation elements that fairly distribute
the cost between private property owners and the public sector.
T-24 All road construction projected projects shall meet or exceed the minimum
requirements for stormwater runoff.
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T-25 Adopt an official right-of-way map identifying the location of existing right-of-way
as well as future right-of-way needs based on the transportation element.
T-26 Encourage public transportation-compatible infill development on bypassed
vacant parcels in developed areas adjacent to bus routes and stops.
T-27 All transit related decisions such as roadway access, projects, and pedestrian
linkages shall be consistent with the current adopted LINK service area
policies.
T-28 Coordinate with LINK to provide public transportation, which is affordable,
safe, convenient, clean, comfortable, accessible, well maintained and reliable.
T-29 The surface of a road shall not be disturbed for a period of 5 years for a new
or overlayed road and 2.5 years for a seal coated road.
T-30 Eastmont Avenue between Badger Mountain Road and the US 2/97 – SR 28
intersection is designated a controlled access road. Circulation systems for
residential and commercial development shall provide for connectivity to
adjoining uses and minimize and coordinate points of access to the Eastmont
Avenue corridor See Figures 8.1 and 8.2):
A. North of the Eastmont Avenue Bridge, access serving parcels east of
Eastmont Avenue shall be limited to total of two access points; one
located in the vicinity of Engineer Station 11+00(LT) to 13+00(LT) and a
second access (existing private road) located in the vicinity of Engineer
Station 38-00(LT) to 39+00(LT). The existing private road access shall be
improved to serve as one of the two approved access points;
B. South of the Eastmont Avenue Bridge, a total of one new access serving
parcels west of Eastmont Avenue may be permitted in the vicinity of
Engineer Station 58+00(RT) to 60+00(RT).
C. Access to parcels east of Eastmont Avenue, between Fancher Field Road
and Badger Mountain Road may be permitted via private roads. Private
roads shall be designed in accordance with the Road Standards and
provide for connectivity to adjoining parcels so as to minimize the number
of connections to Eastmont Avenue. A maximum of two private road
access points shall be permitted.
Ingress/egress to new developments, including short plats, subdivisions,
mixed-use, multi-family, and/or non residential projects shall be provided
by the project sponsor, at no-cost to the city or county, in accordance with
the following provisions.
1. Access to this segment of Eastmont shall be from collectors and
local access streets. No new driveway connections onto this segment
of Eastmont Avenue shall be permitted.
2. Collectors and local access roads shall be designed to
meet or exceed adopted road standards, including but not
limited to:
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a. Road geometric design;
b. Curb, gutter and sidewalk;
c. Site distance;
d. Intersection spacing;
e. Illumination; and
f. Signalization
3. Collector and local access roads shall be located and designed
to facilitate shared or joint use by neighboring properties and to align
with opposing roads and turning movements.
4. Access to Eastmont Avenue shall be prohibited within 900 feet
of the intersection of US 2/97 and State Route 28.
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Figure 8.1
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Figure 8.2
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T-31 The city and county should develop a circulation plan and street classification
system that reflects each roadway’s role in the regional and local
transportation network. Roadway standards should be based on the local
classification systems.
T-32 In consideration of their regional significance, arterial and collector road
classifications require connectivity to accommodate existing and future
growth. Examples include without exception:
the Empire Avenue connection to the Cascade interchange,
the 12th Street SE to Ward Avenue,
the Eastmont Extension to SR2/97,
and the future north south connector from the Airport industrial area to
SR2/97.
T-33 In consideration of the importance of the Apple Capital Loop Trail, as
demonstrated in the “More Than a Trail” survey, it is vital to ensure
connectivity to the trail from the city and county road systems.
T-34 Development shall provide improvements adjacent to their development in
accordance with adopted design standards and approved traffic studies.
Where deficiencies are present, these issues would have to be addressed
prior to development occurring in order to protect the public’s health, safety
and general welfare consistent with the policies of the comprehensive plan,
standard engineering principals, and adopted standards. Improvements
necessary to maintain adopted levels of service shall be in place at the time
of development, or a financial commitment agreed to by the city or county and
the applicant must be in place to complete the improvements or strategies
within six years.
T-35 Access to SR2/97 from the Baker Flats Industrial Urban Growth Area should
be limited to maintain adopted levels of service and a safe highway corridor
while providing efficient access points for industrial users with internal road
networks. Expansion and development of the Baker Flats Industrial Area
shall be accommodated by the access points identified during environmental
review by Douglas County and as approved by Douglas County or the City of
East Wenatchee, and the Washington State Department of Transportation.
T-36 The city will plan for, design and construct all new transportation projects to
provide appropriate accommodation for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users,
and persons of all abilities. Complete Streets principles will be incorporated
into city and county plans, rules, regulations and programs as appropriate.
T-37 Expansion of the UGA south or east of Canyon Hills subdivision must
consider removing the existing vehicular access from Badger Mountain Road
to Sand Canyon Road with a new access connecting to Wheatridge Drive.
Additionally, all internal roads within this area must be constructed in a
manner that facilitates extension and connection of the internal road to the
south, ultimately connecting to 10th St. NE between N. Lyle Avenue and N.
Nile Avenue.
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T-38 Expansion of the UGA to the east towards the Pangborn Memorial Airport
along the Grant Road corridor must incorporate development of an east-west
and north-south urban style roadway network to facilitate access and
connectivity.
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM ANALYSIS
This section provides a summary of the transportation system analysis that was
conducted for the Confluence 2025 Plan written for the Wenatchee Valley
Transportation Council. The Confluence 2025 Plan is the regional strategic
transportation plan. The plan was developed to analyze the Wenatchee Valley
Transportation System on a regional level, evaluate the transportation needs, and
identify regional priority projects to address the most critical problems. The City of East
Wenatchee and Douglas County are members of the Wenatchee Valley Transportation
Council and work with the other members to realize this regional transportation plan.
Safety
Roadway safety is a combination of street design and driver behavior. The Wenatchee
Valley Transportation Council conducted an analysis of collision locations using
WSDOT’s CLAS (Collision Location and Analysis System) database to identify safety
problem areas for the Confluence 2025 Plan. The results of this analysis are shown
below in Fig. 8.13.
Fig. 8.1 3 Safety Analysis
Source: Confluence 2025
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Level of Service (LOS)
LOS is a quantitative measure describing the roadway and transit system’s ability to
carry traffic. This Transportation element includes regionally coordinated arterial and
transit route LOS standards. Specific actions are required to be identified in order to
bring the transportation network into compliance with the defined LOS standards.
Future transportation system expansion or demand management strategies are
included in the Transportation Element to meet current and future needs.
‘Confluence 2025’ establishes several performance standards for the regional
transportation system. The standards relate to intersection mobility, travel time on
regional mobility corridors and non-motorized transportation. Any roadway or facility
that does not meet each of the three standards is considered “deficient”.
LOS Standard 1: Intersection Mobility
The assessment of intersection performance was measured by calculating the LOS at
the intersection. The methodology used is the Highway capacity Manual rating for
intersection LOS. This is based on the amount of delay experienced by vehicles
entering the intersection and is measured during the afternoon peak period. The
threshold was set at LOS D, which reflects the highest acceptable level of congestion.
Any intersection with an LOS of E or F was determined to be deficient.
Table 8.1 Intersection LOS and Delay
LOS
Signalized delay per Vehicle
(sec/veh)
Unsignalized Delay per Vehicle
(sec/veh)
A 0-10 0-10
B >10-20 >10-15
C >20-35 >15-25
D >35-55 >25-35
E >55-80 >35-50
F >80 >50
The existing traffic volumes and forecasts for the short-term (2010) and long-term
(2025) were used for this performance measure. The deficient intersection locations
for 2010 and 2025 are shown below.
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Fig 8.2 4 Intersection Deficiencies
2010
Source: Confluence 2025
2025
LOS Standard 2: Travel Time on Regional Mobility Corridors
The travel time performance measure was developed to identify locations where
congestion is causing drivers to spend excessive time traveling through high-use
corridors. Performance is measured by comparing forecasted travel times to the
maximum acceptable times in Mobility corridors. Thresholds are set at times
equivalent to LOS D for road segments in the Highway Capacity Manual.
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Table 8.2 Regional Mobility Travel Times
Existing Travel Time
Corridor Name and Limits
Length
In miles
Threshold
Time
Southbound/
Eastbound
Northbound/
Westbound
Sunset Highway 16 48 23 22
Eastmont Avenue 2 10 5 5
Grant Rd. 10 32 14 14
East Wenatchee Loop 4 18 9 9
Fancher Hgts: Badger Mtn. Rd 2 13 6 6
Cascade Avenue/19th 3 11 5 5
Valley Mall Parkway 2 7 4
Source: Confluence 2025
Mobility corridor performance was measured by comparing forecasted travel times to
the maximum acceptable times in mobility corridors. The Wenatchee Valley
Transportation Council reviewed the regional roadway system for the Confluence 2025
plan, identifying corridors based on commonly traveled routes. The “mobility corridors”
are shown on Fig. 8.35.
Fig. 8.3 5 Mobility Corridors
Source: Confluence 2025
Using the traffic model, existing travel times were determined for each corridor. The
threshold was then set at a time equivalent to LOS D. Two corridors were forecast to
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be deficient in the Greater East Wenatchee Area are the Sunset Highway Corridor and
Orondo Street, in Wenatchee to Grant Road, via the George Sellar Bridge.
Roadway Condition
Roadway condition measurement in Confluence 2025 is based on a methodology
created for the 1997 Wenatchee Area Transportation Study (WATS), with some
adjustments and updates. A score is based on three factors, each of which is
weighted equally: geometric rating, width rating and structural adequacy. Deficient
segments are those areas that have the lowest combined scores.
Fig. 8.4 6 Roadway Condition Deficiencies
Source: Confluence 2025
Sidewalks and Bike Lanes
The non-motorized performance measure was developed to identify locations where
sidewalks and bicycle routes should be located according to the standards that all
roadways classified as collectors or arterials should have sidewalks, and all bicycle
routes identified on approved plans should be in place.
For bicycle facilities, approved bicycle system plans will determine the bicycle routes
should be located. Currently neither the City of East Wenatchee nor Douglas County
has an approved bicycle plan.The Wenatchee Valley Transportation Council adopted
the Greater Wenatchee Bicycle Master Plan on May 9, 2013. That document will be
adopted by reference to supplement this chapter of the comprehensive plan.
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For sidewalks, roadways classified as collectors or arterials have been inspected for
sidewalks. A lack of sidewalks is determined to be a deficiency, with the exception of
certain sections of state highways where sidewalks are not recommended and
alternative pedestrian facilities are provided.
Fig. 8.5 7 Sidewalk Deficiencies
Source: Confluence 2025
Transportation System Management
Transportation System Management is applied to a wide range of transportation
system improvements that have low or no capital cost but address impediments to
efficient operation of the transportation system. Transportation system management
measures include:
Access Management
Sub-Area Planning
Integrating Multimodal Transportation and Land Use
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
Demand Management
Most solutions to traffic congestion involve increasing system capacity. However, in
some cases, reducing demand can relieve capacity shortfalls. Since capacity
shortfalls generally occur during peak morning and evening commute hours,
management strategies that focus on reducing trips can be particularly effective.
Strategies include; car/vanpooling programs, variable work hours, telecommuting,
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incentives for transit use, bicycling and walking. If transportation demand
management strategies such as these can be expanded, transportation system
demand can be reduced.
Concurrency Management
The Growth Management Act defines a concurrency management system (CMS) as
follows:
“Local jurisdictions must adopt and enforce ordinances which prohibit
development approval if the development causes the level of service on a
transportation facility to decline below the standard adopted in the Transportation
Element of the Comprehensive Plan, unless transportation improvements or
strategies to accommodate the impacts of development are made concurrent
with the development.
Concurrent with development implies that public infrastructure improvements and
strategies that are required to service land development be in place, or financially
planned for, within six years of development use.”
For the purposes of compliance with the Growth Management Act, “concurrency”
means that the transportation facilities needed to meet LOS will be in place within six
years of completion of the development that triggered the need for the
improvements.
PROJECT RECOMMENDATIONS AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
State law requires that each city and county annually prepare and adopt a
comprehensive transportation improvement program (TIP) for six calendar years.
Communities planning under the Growth Management Act are required to show that
the transportation program is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The TIP is a
planning document for local agencies to identify projects and estimate the costs to
help the city and county develop a funding strategy to pay for the improvements. The
TIP lists the projects providing a brief description, potential funding sources, and a
schedule for the phases of the project from design through construction. The road
projects are listed in priority order.
Classification of streets, roads and highways in the State of Washington is based
upon guidelines prepared by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and
administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation. Federal funds
can only be spent on roads that are classified as principal arterial, minor arterial, or
collector. All other roads are classified as local access and other funding sources,
typically local revenue, must be used for those roads. Any road construction project
that is to be considered for federal funding or Transportation Improvement Board
(TIB) funding must be listed on the TIP. To be eligible for allocation of half-cent gas
tax monies, projects must be listed on the TIP.
Once adopted, the TIP must be sent to the Secretary of Transportation and to the
Wenatchee Valley Transportation Council (WVTC). The WVTC is the metropolitan
transportation planning agency for the greater Wenatchee metropolitan area and is
the administrative agency for the North Central Regional Transportation Planning
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Organization (NCRTPO). The WVTC develops a Regional TIP based upon the
adopted city and county TIPs. Eventually projects that are eligible reach the State
Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
The jurisdiction must hold at least one public hearing before final adoption of the six
year TIP by the City Council or County Commissioners.
Adoption by Reference. The following documents are adopted by this reference.
County and City Transportation Improvement Program. Since TIPs are reviewed
and adopted on an annual basis, the City and County TIPs are adopted by this
reference into the Comprehensive Plan. Although the TIP is technically part of the
Capital Facilities Plan (CF Plan), GMA requires that transportation be addressed
through the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. For a list of current
projects, please see the most recently adopted TIPs for the City and County.
Confluence 2025 - A Strategic Transportation Plan for the Wenatchee Valley, prepared
by the Wenatchee Valley Transportation Council.
Greater Wenatchee Bicycle Master Plan, prepared by the Wenatchee Valley
Transportation Council.
Projects to address deficiencies
Table 8.3 City of East Wenatchee
Jurisdiction Project Description Project Cost Estimate
East Wenatchee 19th Street NE Reconstruction
(SR28 to Eastmont) Reconstruction/bike
lanes/sidewalk 1,700,000
East Wenatchee 19th Street: NW Cascade Ave -
SR29 Sidewalk - Transit 270,000
East Wenatchee Baker Ave & 19th Street: Signal Signal and Channelization 200,000
East Wenatchee Eastmont & 19th Street: Signal Signal and Channelization 200,000
East Wenatchee Eastmont Ave: 9th to Grant Rd. Reconstruction/bike
lanes/sidewalk 3,800,000
East Wenatchee Grant Rd & Rock Island Rd/Valley
Mall Parkway Create project EBL on Grant 100,000
East Wenatchee 9th Street & Valley Mall Parkway
Intersection Signal and NBR lane 300,000
East Wenatchee 11th: Eastmont - Hale Sidewalk 250,000
East Wenatchee Baker Ave & 11th Street: Signal Signal and Channelization 200,000
East Wenatchee Baker Ave & 9th Street NE: Signal Signal and Channelization 200,000
East Wenatchee Eastmont & 11th Street: Signal Signal and Channelization 200,000
East Wenatchee Eastmont Ave & 10th: Signal Signal and Channelization 200,000
East Wenatchee Eastmont & Grant Rd Enforcement education 50,000
East Wenatchee Grover Extension: 5th NE to 3rd NE Extension/Sidewalks/bikelanes 2,500,000
Source: Confluence 2025
Table 8.4 Douglas County
Jurisdiction Project Description Project Cost Estimate
Douglas County Eastmont Extension 40,000,000
Douglas County 3rd Street: Georgia - James Sidewalk - Transit/School 240,000
Douglas County 5th Street: Genesis - Kentucky Sidewalk - Transit/School 420,000
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Douglas County Baker Ave &23rd Street: Signal Signal and Channelization 200,000
Douglas County Eastmont Ave & Valley View Rd: Signal Signal and Channelization 200,000
Douglas County Eastmont: Badger Mtn Road - City Limits Sidewalk 150,000
Douglas County Rock Island Road: "other enhancements",
C/L to 3rd SE TWLTL sidewalks 750,000
Douglas County 10th SE: S Union - 8th SE Sidewalk 600,000
Douglas County 10th Street: 10th Place NE - Nile Sidewalk 440,000
Douglas County 10th: Iowa - Kentucky Sidewalk 220,000
Douglas County 23rd St NW: NW Alan Ave - Baker Sidewalk - School 150,000
Douglas County 23rd St NW: NW Cascade Ave - NW Alan
Ave Sidewalk 120,000
Douglas County 3rd Street: Kentucky - N Lyle Sidewalk 210,000
Douglas County 4th Street: Kentucky - S Union Sidewalk 1,030,000
Douglas County 4th Street: S Iowa - Kentucky Sidewalk - Transit 290,000
Douglas County 5th Street: Kentucky - N Lyle Sidewalk 130,000
Douglas County 8th SE: S Nile - S Van Well Ave Sidewalk 1,200,000
Douglas County 8th St NE: Nile to UAB Overlay only 350,000
Douglas County 8th: Iowa - Kenroy Terrace Sidewalk - Transit 250,000
Douglas County 8th: Kenroy Terrace - Nile Sidewalk 510,000
Douglas County Batterman Road: Planning Area Boundary
- Saunders Ave. Sidewalk 160,000
Douglas County Grant Rd. Realignment Relocate Grant Rd. to accommodate
runway/safety area extensions 3,000,000
Douglas County Highline Drive: Pace - Eller Sidewalk 170,000
Douglas County Kentucky: 4th - Rock Island Road Sidewalk 340,000
Douglas County Kentucky: 10th - 8th Sidewalk 120,000
Douglas County N Lyle: 8th - Grant Road Sidewalk 400,000
Douglas County N Nile Ave: 8th - S Perry Ave Sidewalk 1,000,000
Douglas County Rock Island Road: 2nd - Eller Sidewalk 280,000
Douglas County Rock Island Road: Eller - SR285 Sidewalk - Transit 1,900,000
Douglas County Rock Island Road: Grant Road - Douglas
Street Sidewalk - Transit 1,200,000
Douglas County S Iowa: Grant Road - 4th Street SE Sidewalk - Transit 280,000
Douglas County S Mary: 8th SE - Rock Island Road Sidewalk 250,000
Douglas County S Mary Ave: Canal Blvd to 8th St SE Overlay only 46,200
Douglas County Saunders Ave: City Limits to Batterman
Road Sidewalk 120,000
Douglas County Union: 3rd NE - 10th SE 800,000
Source: Confluence 2025
Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program
Projects and priorities listed above falling in the unincorporated portions of the planning area will be
combined with the information contained in the Douglas County Rural Transportation Element to
generate, on an annual basis, the County’s Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program. Projects
falling inside of the corporate limits of the City of East Wenatchee will be the basis for the City’s Six -
Year Transportation Improvement Program. Based on funding availability and other, qualitative
issues, the TIP is drafted, reviewed and approved through a public process.
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CHAPTER 9
CRITICAL AREAS ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
Natural environmental systems provide important beneficial uses to the residents of
Douglas County such as the supply of drinking water, management of storm water
run-off and flood control, support for a wide variety of fish and wildlife species,
contributions to air and water quality, and a sense of place that county residents
have invested in, enjoy, and expect. Environmental protection is a goal of the GMA.
Land use regulations and decisions should promote cluster development, natural
area preservation or other innovative mechanisms to retain critical areas whenever
possible and to facilitate the implementation of the goals and policies within the
Comprehensive Plan.
Critical areas are defined as:
Wetlands
Areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water
Frequently flooded areas
Geologically hazardous areas, and
Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas.
Many of the types of critical areas overlap each other and the intent is to be consistent
with applicable policies, and subsequent regulations, where these overlaps occur.
Best available science will be used when developing policies and development
regulations to protect the functions and values of critical areas. Special consideration
will be given for conservation or protection measures necessary to preserve or
enhance anadromous fisheries. The inclusion of the best available science in the
development of critical area policies and regulations is especially important to
salmon recovery efforts, and to other decision-making affecting threatened or
endangered species.
WETLANDS
Wetlands serve a multitude of functions that are crucial to human well-being and
ecosystem balance. They are a dynamic feature of the natural environment because
of their interconnectedness with the geology, climate, aquifers and a myriad of other
factors in a given area. Some of these functions include floodwater retention, sediment
entrapment, water purification, groundwater recharge, maintenance of stream flows,
shoreline stabilization, and habitat for fish and wildlife. It is the intent of these policies
to provide the maximum protection reasonable from the encroachment of land use that
would diminish the wetlands’ diversity of values or degrade their quality.
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Wetlands include areas that are inundated or saturated by ground or surface water
at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal
circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adopted for life in
saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, bogs, hydrophytic
plant communities and similar areas. Hydrophytic vegetation is defined herein as the
sum total of macrophytic plant life that occurs in areas where the frequency and
duration of inundation or soil saturation produce permanently or periodically
saturated soils of sufficient duration to exert a controlling influence on the plant
species present. Wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally
created from non-wetland sites, including, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage
ditches, grass-lined swales, canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment
facilities, farm ponds, landscape amenities, or those wetlands created after July 1,
1990, that were unintentionally created as a result of the construction of a road,
street, or highway. Wetlands do include those intentionally created from non-wetland
areas to mitigate conversion of wetlands as permitted by the County.
WETLANDS GOALS & POLICIES
GOAL1: Douglas County’s wetlands will be protected to the greatest extent
reasonable because they provide important functions that help define the quality
of life in Douglas County.
Policies:
CA-1. Protection of and preservation of wetlands shall be preferred to alteration and
mitigation of impacts to wetlands.
CA-2. Wetlands will be rated consistent with the Washington State Department of
Ecology’s (Ecology) Wetlands Rating System for Eastern Washington
(Publication Nos. 91-058 and 02-06-019, as amended).
CA-3. Wetlands will be identified according to the methodology described in the
Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual, 1997,
publication #96-94, as amended.
CA-4. When classifying and/or assessing a wetland area, historical information on
the area in question, as well as the dynamic nature of wetlands, will be
recognized and considered.
CA-5. Wetlands will be protected as much as reasonable from alterations due to
land use changes that may create adverse impacts to the wetland.
CA-6. Whenever feasible, innovative techniques that enhance a wetland and
promote it as a useful, functioning part of the development will be encouraged
during the development review process.
CA-7. Coordinate wetland preservation strategies and efforts with appropriate local,
state and federal agencies and private conservation organizations to take
advantage of both technical and financial assistance, and to avoid duplication
of efforts.
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CA-8. Encourage the development of an education program that promotes Douglas
County's value of wetlands and that promotes private stewardship of wetland
areas.
CA-9. Development proposals that encompass wetland areas will have a site-specific
review process required to determine the classification.
CA-10. Projects containing a wetland should submit a comprehensive wetland
mitigation plan that includes sufficient monitoring and contingencies to ensure
natural wetland persistence.
CA-11. Activities or uses that would strip the shoreline of vegetative cover, cause
substantial erosion or sedimentation, or significantly, adversely affect aquatic
life will be prohibited.
CA-12. A wetland buffer area of adequate width will be maintained between wetlands
and adjacent new development to protect the functions and integrity of the
wetland. The ultimate width of the established buffer should be based on the
function and sensitivity of the wetland, the characteristics of the existing buffer,
the potential impacts associated with the adjacent and proposed land use, as
well as other existing regulations which may control the proposed activity.
FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT CONSERVATION AREAS
Douglas County is fortunate to have natural resources encompassing a large variety of
environments. As demonstrated in national studies, many people participate in
recreational activities that involve wildlife, including hunting, fishing, photography of
wildlife, bird watching and feeding, among other things. Douglas County has recently
begun to capitalize on these numerous natural resources through promotion of the
area as a recreational paradise, and many of the smaller communities would like to
use recreation oriented tourist activities to promote economic development in their
area. It is the intent of these policies to recognize the importance of protecting fish
and wildlife habitat conservation areas and the natural environment to the quality of life
in Douglas County.
FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT CONSERVATION GOALS AND
POLICIES
GOAL2: Protect fish and wildlife habitat areas as an important natural resource
for Douglas County, particularly in regard to their economic, aesthetic and
quality of life values.
Policies:
CA-13. Identify and map critical fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas within the
County and maintain a database of independent studies conducted in
conjunction with projects, such as development proposals, road construction,
watershed plans and habitat conservation plans. Update maps, databases,
and plans as new information is received.
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CA-14. Impacts of new development on the quality of land, wildlife and vegetative
resources will be considered as part of the environmental review process and
require any appropriate mitigating measures. Such mitigation may involve the
retention and/or enhancement of habitats.
CA-15. The maximum amount of vegetation should be maintained in its natural state
and be disturbed only as minimally necessary for the development. Disturbed
areas should be re-vegetated with native vegetation as soon as possible. Re-
vegetation will be maintained in good growing conditions, as well as being kept
free of noxious weeds.
CA-16. If a development proposal is located in or near a habitat conservation area
shown on the reference maps, a consultation and subsequent mitigation
measures, if needed, should be encouraged from the WDFW or other
appropriate agency.
CA-17. Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas should be considered during the
review for development. Preservation of blocks of habitat and connectivity
between them and restoration of damaged habitat should be included as part
of the review. Where a development proposal involves more intense uses,
such as MPRs, all or part of the required open space (common and/or private)
will be dedicated to fish and wildlife habitat conservation based on the extent
and importance of the habitat.
CA-18. Access restrictions may be necessary to protect fish and wildlife habitat
conservation areas, particularly during critical times of the year. The applicant
and the County will agree to the access restrictions, with recommendations
from the WDFW.
CA-19. Proper riparian management that maintains existing riparian habitat and is
consistent with best agricultural management practices should be encouraged.
CA-20. Ensure that land uses adjacent to naturally occurring wetlands and other fish
and wildlife habitat areas will not negatively impact the habitat areas. If a
change in land use occurs, adequate buffers will be provided to the habitat
areas.
CA-21. Activities allowed in fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas and open
space will be consistent with the species located there, including all applicable
state and federal regulations and/or best management practices for the activity
regarding that species.
Designation
A. Designation of fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas will use the following
resources, as appropriate:
1. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Priority Habitat and
Species data and maps, as amended;
2. The Washington Department of Natural Resources Heritage data and maps,
as amended; and
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3. Other resources as they become available.
These data will be periodically updated in the Douglas County Geographic
Information System. Specific species and habitat types for designation should include
at a minimum: All threatened, endangered and species of concern in state and
federal lists and, open water, wetlands, riparian, island, cliff, talus slope, and shrub-
steppe habitats.
AQUIFER RECHARGE AREAS
Groundwater is an essential natural resource that the residents of Douglas County
depend on as their primary source of drinking water. One way to assure this
resource is adequately maintained is to protect areas that provide a critical
recharging effect to that groundwater resource. In Douglas County, the exact nature
of the aquifer(s) and their recharge areas is not fully understood. A Wellhead
Protection Study has been completed in the Greater East Wenatchee Area through
a cooperative multi agency effort. This study identifies the limits of the aquifers in the
East Wenatchee area that are currently being used for domestic water supply.
It is the intent of these policies to recognize the importance of protecting aquifer
recharge areas. Because of the inter-relatedness of the aquifers, population
increases and environmental concerns, it is necessary to protect all of the critical
aquifer recharge areas as they become known.
AQUIFER RECHARGE AREAS GOALS & POLICIES
GOAL 3: Douglas County will manage groundwater resources and aquifer
recharge areas to protect the quantity and quality of potable water.
Policies
CA-22. Aquifer recharge areas shall be designated and classified as set forth in
WAC 365-190-080 (2).
CA-23. Identify and map critical groundwater supply areas, aquifer recharge areas,
areas with a high groundwater table and/or unconfined aquifers used for
potable water.
CA-24. When aquifer recharge areas are identified, they will be considered for
classification as environmentally sensitive areas, and will be encouraged to be
incorporated as Groundwater Management Areas.
CA-25. Douglas County encourages the establishment of land use intensity limitations
in accordance with state and federal standards. Some types of developments,
such as clustered, may be encouraged to utilize community sewage disposal
systems instead of dispersed individual septic systems depending on the type
and potential impacts to the aquifer.
CA-26. The County prohibits the disposal of hazardous materials within an Aquifer
Recharge Area.
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CA-27. Agricultural activities, including commercial and hobby farms, are encouraged
to incorporate best management practices concerning animal keeping, animal
waste disposal, fertilizer use, pesticide use and stream corridor management.
CA-28. Fertilizer and pesticide management practices of schools, parks, golf courses
and other non-residential facilities that maintain large landscaped areas will be
evaluated at the time of development in relation to Best Management
Practices as recommended by the Cooperative Extension Service. Existing
facilities are strongly encouraged to also incorporate these BMPs.
CA-29. It is the responsibility of the developer(s) to prove that their proposal would not
adversely affect the recharge of an aquifer.
CA-30. Within aquifer recharge areas, short and long subdivisions and other divisions
of land will be evaluated for their impact on groundwater quality.
CA-31. Development which could substantially and negatively impact the quality of
an aquifer will not be allowed unless it can be demonstrated conclusively
that these negative impacts would be overcome in such a manner as to
prevent the adverse impacts. Alternative site designs, phased developed
and/or groundwater quality monitoring may be required to reduce
contaminant loading where site conditions indicate that the proposed action
will measurably degrade groundwater quality.
CA-32. Reduce danger to health by protecting surface and ground water supplies from
the impairment that results from incompatible land uses by providing safe and
sanitary drainage.
CA-33. Community/public sewage disposal and water systems are encouraged and
may be required where site conditions indicate a high degree of potential
contamination to groundwater resources.
CA-34. When wells are required to be abandoned, the applicant shall ensure that they
are abandoned according to the Washington State Department of Ecology
requirements.
FREQUENTLY FLOODED AREAS
Frequently Flooded Areas are defined as those areas that have a one percent or
greater chance of flooding in any given year. These areas may include, but are not
limited to, streams (including intermittent ones), rivers, lakes, and wetlands. The most
common flooding problems occur during extreme peak runoff events of short duration
in Douglas County. These peak flows will occur with very little warning from dry
canyons, intermittent streams and the few perennial streams in the County. They are
caused primarily by heavy rain on snow-covered, frozen ground in the spring, or from
severe thunderstorms during other times of the year. In 1972, 1989 and 1995 there
were significant events that caused extensive damage, primarily to agricultural lands
and operations, the County and City road systems and to private residences.
Two types of frequently flooded areas exist in Douglas County:
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1. The 100-year floodplain designations of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency and the National Flood Insurance Program.
2. Any areas that can be demonstrated as having been part of some significant
flooding event that are not included in the FEMA mapping effort.
The following categories of frequently flooded areas are established for the purpose
of classification:
Floodways - The channel of a stream, plus any adjacent floodplain areas, that
must be kept free of encroachment in order that the base flood be carried without
substantial increases in flood heights.
Floodplains - The floodway and the special flood hazard area.
Special Flood Hazard Areas - The area adjoining the floodway that is subject to a
one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year, as determined by
engineering studies accepted by Douglas County.
The intent of these policies is to promote an efficient use of land and water resources
by allocating frequently flooded areas to the uses for which they are best suited. It is
also important and necessary to discourage obstructions to floodways and flood flows
as well as prohibiting uses that pollute or deteriorate natural waters and watercourses.
FREQUENTLY FLOODED AREAS GOALS & POLICIES
GOAL4: Protect the frequently flooded areas of Douglas County that are known
to be critical parts of the natural drainage system by limiting and controlling
potential alterations and/or obstructions to those areas.
Policies:
CA-35. Map flood hazard areas that are currently part of the Federal Emergency
Management Act or Flood Insurance Rate Maps or depicted by other historical
evidence, as appropriate. Regulate areas of flood hazard by maintaining
compliance with the FEMA Model Ordinance required by FEMA and the State
of Washington to be adopted by Douglas County.
CA-36. Encourage planned development land uses that will not impede the flow of
floodwater or cause danger to life or property. This includes, but is not limited
to, filling, dumping, storage of materials, structures, buildings, and any other
activities that, when acting alone or in combination with other existing or future
uses, would cause damaging flood heights and velocities by obstructing flows.
CA-37. Permit and encourage land uses compatible with the preservation of the
natural vegetation to promote the maintenance of constant rates of water flow
through the year and that sustains many species of wildlife and plant growth.
CA-38. Encourage treatment of storm runoff of surface water from developed areas to
prevent pollution materials, such as motor oils, paper, sand, salt and other
debris, garbage, and foreign materials from being carried directly into natural
streams, lakes, or other public waters.
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CA-39. Prevent the development of structures in areas unfit for human usage due to
danger from flooding, unsanitary conditions, or other hazards.
CA-40. Encourage the retention of floodplains through conservation easements or
other mechanisms.
CA-41. Develop strategies to first eliminate and second to mitigate repetitive loss
properties.
Designation
All Douglas County lands, shorelands and waters that are identified within the 100 year
floodplain (Floodway and Floodway Fringe--or Special Flood Hazard Area) in the
federal Emergency Management Agency report titled "The Flood Insurance Study for
Douglas County" dated November 17, 1981, with accompanying Flood Insurance Rate
and Boundary Maps (as amended), are designated as frequently flooded areas. This
study is the best available science for designation of frequently flooded areas.
Additionally, any areas evidenced as having a history of flooding, particularly in 1972,
1989 and/or 1995 are also designated frequently flooded areas.
All development within designated frequently flooded areas shall comply with the
Douglas County Flood Damage Prevention Code, as it now exists or may hereafter be
amended, as well as be consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Flood Hazard
Management Plan.
GEOLOGICALLY HAZARDOUS AREAS
Geologically hazardous areas are defined as “areas that, because of their susceptibility
to erosion, sliding, earthquake or other geologic events, are not suited to the siting of
commercial, residential or industrial development consistent with public health or safety
concerns”. These hazardous areas pose a threat to the health and safety of citizens
when development is sited in areas of significant hazard. In some cases, the risk to
development from geological hazards can be reduced or mitigated to acceptable levels
by engineering design and modified construction practices. However, when the risks
cannot be sufficiently mitigated, development shall be prohibited. The particular
aspects of the different types of geologic hazards and summary descriptions are
provided below.
Erosion Hazard Areas. Erosion is a common occurrence in Douglas County, due to
hydrologic and geologic characteristics, vegetative conditions, wind and human land
use. Minimizing the negative impacts of human land use on these areas reduces the
damage to the natural environment as well as to human-built systems. The two major
factors for erosion in Douglas County are related to wind and water erosion
Landslide Hazard Areas (Steep Slopes). Landslide hazard areas are those areas
within Douglas County that are subject to potential slope failure. These include slopes
that are underlain by weak, fine grained unconsolidated sediments, jointed or bedded
bedrock, or landslide deposits, including the top and toe of such areas. It is necessary
to protect the public from damage due to development on, or adjacent to, landslides;
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preserve the scenic quality and natural character of Douglas County's hillsides and to
protect water quality.
Seismic Hazard Areas. Earthquakes cannot be eliminated. However, there have
been no specifically identified areas in Douglas County which would pose significant,
predictable hazards to life and property resulting from earthquakes and the associated
ground shaking, differential settlement, and/or soil liquefaction.
Mine Hazard Areas. Mine hazard areas are defined as "areas directly underlain by,
adjacent to, or affected by mine workings such as adits, tunnels, drifts, or air shafts."
Mine hazards may also include steep and unstable slopes created by open mines.
Because of the geology of Douglas County, there has been little or no historical
subsurface mining that could have left areas of Douglas County honeycombed with
abandoned mine tunnels. Similarly, any open mining is required to have both an
approved erosion control plan and an approved reclamation plan that will address
steep and unstable slopes.
Volcanic Hazard Areas. Volcanic hazard areas are defined as "areas subject to
pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and inundation by debris flows, mudflows, or related
flooding resulting from volcanic activity." Because there is no valley or river flowing
through Douglas County which heads on or near a volcano, there would be no
significant damage to people and/or property expected from debris flows, mudflows or
related flooding resulting from volcanic activity. If there were to be a significant ash fall
east of Glacier Peak, small debris flows would be possible in the rivers and valleys that
flow into the Columbia River. The County is also far enough distant from the nearest
volcano (Glacier Peak) to virtually eliminate the hazards of damage to people and/or
property resulting from pyroclastic flows, or lateral blasts.
The intent of the following goals and policies is to reduce the threat posed to the health
and safety of citizens in areas of significant geologic hazard by providing guidance for
reviewing a development proposal that may be near a geologic hazard. In addition to
having general statements that are applicable to all types of hazard areas, needed
protection elements for each different hazard type are also included to aid in
understanding their differences and providing specific measures to reduce the hazard.
Classification of these areas will be based upon the risk to development in geologically
hazardous areas for erosion hazard and landslide hazard areas.
A. Erosion hazard areas
Virtually any area in the County can experience soil erosion if subjected to
inappropriate grading or construction practices. The Natural Resource
Conservation Service Soil Survey for Douglas County has identified soils with
characteristics for erosion susceptibility if disturbed. Many of these soils may not be
suitable for various types, intensities or densities of development. However, the
criteria that follows, particularly the requirement for an erosion control plan
(including re-vegetation) will be applied as a standard to all construction projects
that involve grading and filling activities.
B. Land slide hazard areas
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These policies and implementation criteria will apply to areas subject to
landslides based on a combination of soil, geologic, topographic and hydrologic
factors, as determined by an appropriate, qualified person or agency. They
include any areas susceptible because of any combination of bedrock, soil, slope
(gradient), aspect, structure, hydrology or other factors classified by the Natural
Resource Conservation Service Soil Survey for Douglas County of the U.S.
Geological Survey.
GEOLOGICALLY HAZARDOUS AREAS GOALS & POLICIES
GOAL5: The County will provide appropriate measures to either avoid or
mitigate significant risks that are posed by geologic hazard areas to public and
private property and to public health and safety.
Policies:
CA-42. Potential impacts and alternative mitigation measures to eliminate or minimize
the impacts in identified geologic hazard areas shall be documented during the
review of development applications.
CA-43. Development proposals should be evaluated to determine 1) whether the
proposal is located in a geologic hazard area, 2) the project's potential impact
on geologic hazard areas, and 3) the potential impact of geologic hazards on
the proposed project.
CA-44. Where feasible, an adequate buffer of existing vegetation should be
maintained around all sides of geologic hazard areas to maintain the natural
integrity of the site and to protect the environment, and the public health and
safety.
CA-45. At such time there are volcanic or seismic hazards identified and mapped in
the County, any application for development in or near that area must show it’s
location in relation to the hazard area, and/or it must be designed so that it will
be as safe from any earthquake damage as a similar development which is not
located in a seismic hazard area.
CA-46. At such time there is a mine hazard identified and mapped in the County, any
application for development in or near that area must show it’s location in
relation to the hazard area, and/or it must be designed so that it will be as safe
from damage from the mine hazard as a similar development which is not
located in a mine hazard area.
CA-47. Identify and map all potential geologic hazard areas based on available
information from the U.S. Geological Survey, Natural Resource Conservation
Service Soil Survey of Douglas County and other agencies, as appropriate.
CA-48. Applications for development within or in close proximity of a geologically
hazardous area shall include preliminary information to assist the County in
determining the need for any specialized reports from a geologist or geo-
technical engineer. Review criteria will be established to assist county staff in
making said determination.
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CA-49. All proposed development projects located within a geologic hazard area, or
that have the potential to adversely affect the stability of one of these areas,
may be required to provide studies performed by qualified consultants
describing the existing nature of the hazard and necessary safety precautions.
The subsequent report from the geo-technical engineer and/or geologist
should clearly identify the risk of damage from the project, both on-site and off-
site, whether the proposal increases the risk of occurrence of the hazard, and
whether the proposal has incorporated measures to eliminate or reduce the
risk of damage due to the hazard.
CA-50. Any new residential subdivision or short plat that is determined to be in a
geologically hazardous area shall have a note placed on the face of the plat
and on the title report stating that the hazard is present.
Designation
Any land containing soils, geology or slopes that meet any of the following criteria
will be classified as having a known or suspected risk of being geologically
hazardous areas:
1. Areas identified by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural
Resources Conservation Service as having a “severe” rill and inter-rill erosion
hazard;
2. Areas potentially subject to landslides based on a combination of geologic,
topographic, and hydrologic factors. They include any areas susceptible because
of any combination of bedrock, soil, slope (gradient), slope aspect, structure,
hydrology, or other factors. Example of these may include, but are not limited to
the following:
a. Areas of historic failures, such as:
i. Those areas delineated by the United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service as having a "severe" limitation
for building site development;
ii. Those areas mapped as class u (unstable), uos (unstable old slides), and
urs (unstable recent slides) in the department of ecology coastal zone
atlas; or
iii. Areas designated as quaternary slumps, earthflows, mudflows, lahars, or
landslides on maps published as the United States Geological Survey or
Department of Natural Resources division of geology and earth resources.
b. Areas with all three of the following characteristics:
i. Slopes steeper than fifteen percent; and
ii. Hillsides intersecting geologic contacts with a relatively permeable
sediment overlying a relatively impermeable sediment or bedrock; and
iii. Springs or ground water seepage;
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c. Areas that have shown movement during the Holocene epoch or which are
underlain or covered by mass wastage debris of that epoch;
d. Slopes that are parallel or sub-parallel to planes of weakness (such as
bedding planes, joint systems, and fault planes) in subsurface materials;
e. Slopes having gradients steeper than eighty percent subject to rockfall during
seismic shaking;
f. Areas potentially unstable as a result of rapid stream incision, stream bank
erosion, and undercutting by wave action;
g. Areas that show evidence of, or are at risk from snow avalanches;
h. Areas located in a canyon or on an active alluvial fan, presently or potentially
subject to inundation by debris flows or catastrophic flooding;
i. Any area with a slope of forty-five percent or steeper and with a vertical relief
of ten or more feet except areas composed of consolidated rock. A slope is
delineated by establishing its toe and top and measured by averaging the
inclination over at least ten feet of vertical relief.
3. Areas subject to severe risk of damage as a result of earthquake induced ground
shaking, slope failure, settlement, soil liquefaction, or surface faulting. One
indicator of potential for future earthquake damage is a record of earthquake
damage in the past. Ground shaking is the primary cause of earthquake damage
in Washington. The strength of ground shaking is primarily affected by:
a. The magnitude of an earthquake;
b. The distance from the source of an earthquake;
c. The type of thickness of geologic materials at the surface; and
d. The type of subsurface geologic structure.
4. Other geological events:
a. Volcanic hazard areas shall include areas subject to pyroclastic flows, lava
flows, debris avalanche, inundation by debris flows, mudflows, or related
flooding resulting from volcanic activity.
b. Mine hazard areas are those areas underlain by, adjacent to, or affected by
mine workings such as adits, gangways, tunnels, drifts, or airshafts. Factors
that should be considered include: Proximity to development, depth from
ground surface to the mine working, and geologic material.
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CHAPTER 10
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PURPOSE
The State Legislature adopted the Growth Management Act (GMA) to guide the
development and adoption of local comprehensive plans and development
regulations. The GMA includes economic development as one of its thirteen goals
which states:
Economic development. Encourage economic development throughout
the state that is consistent with adopted comprehensive plans, promote
economic opportunity for all citizens of this state, especially for
unemployed and for disadvantaged persons, promote the retention and
expansion of existing businesses and recruitment of new businesses,
recognize regional differences impacting economic development
opportunities, and encourage growth in areas experiencing insufficient
economic growth, all within the capacities of the state's natural resources,
public services, and public facilities. (RCW 36.70A.020(5))
The health of a community is directly related to its economic vitality. To insure a
sustainable economy, communities need to stimulate economic development, but
these activities must be balanced with the need to protect the physical environment.
Economic development strategies must encourage the efficient use of land, the
availability of urban services, and the financing strategies necessary to pay for
infrastructure. The challenge to every community is to plan for their future and then
provide the zoning and regulatory environment to ensure that appropriate development
can occur. Good planning recognizes that while the public sector can shape and
influence development, it is the private sector that generates community growth.
ECONOMIC BASE
The East Wenatchee Urban Area is the major residential and employment sector in
Douglas County and a major regional retail destination. The East Wenatchee Urban
Area benefits from a favorable climate, an attractive setting, available land, a relatively
good ground transportation network, inexpensive utilities, and access to a commercial
airport. These are attributes that draw people and business to the area.
The Greater East Wenatchee Area has historically acted as a bedroom-community of
Wenatchee. To insure a vital community, this area needs to become a diversified,
full-service, and self-contained community. However, in doing so, it is important to
remember that East Wenatchee and its urban area is part of the larger Wenatchee
Valley economy, and therefore, this transformation will depend in large part on the
market forces at work within the greater region. To achieve this transformation, the
East Wenatchee Area must diversify its employment base by adding more
professional and managerial jobs, and by increasing the overall number of jobs in
order to improve the balance between jobs and households in the community.
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As a member of the greater community of North Central Washington, the East
Wenatchee Urban Area is influenced by many of the same trends that affect Douglas
County, Chelan County, and Okanogan County. Historically, the economic base of this
community and the North Central Washington region was primarily resource based.
Recent trends in agricultural production have decreased the reliance on agriculture in
the Douglas and Chelan County. This trend is directly related to increased competition
from international producers and the burgeoning fruit industry in Grant County. To
replace this important employment sector, we must look towards diversification of the
local and regional economy.
A Community Vision was developed in 2002 as part of an extensive citizen
involvement process. The Vision was modified slightly in 2003. The following excerpts
from that Vision Statement relate to economic development:
You will see:
A versatile and diverse economic base, which promotes desirable employment
growth and living wage jobs.
The Greater East Wenatchee Area has developed in an orderly and economically
feasible manner that makes best use of geographic, demographic, and human
resources this development:
- has created an area rich in destination tourism and recreation;
- protects and enhances residential neighbourhoods;
- includes commercial, industrial, agricultural activities; and
- complements the economic and cultural opportunities in the area.
Tourist activities located in appropriate places which may include river corridors
and in agricultural areas.
Farmland and agricultural activities sustained by allowing agricultural related
activities on premises including, for example: fruit stands, wineries and related
support services.
Commercial and industrial investment is attracted into the area through a
cooperative alliance among County, City and special purpose districts.
The City of East Wenatchee as the urban center of the Greater East Wenatchee
Area with an attractive Central Business District that is user friendly and meets
the needs of local residents and pedestrian oriented tourism.
Transportation systems that provide easy accessibility to the industrial,
commercial, recreational and residential assets of the community including: an all
weather airport, bicycle and pedestrian trails and facilities, roads and streets.
Guidelines are created and in place which acknowledge and respect private
property rights.
This Vision Statement recognizes the changing economy in this region and the need to
diversify and to attract other industries. Economic development efforts in the Greater
East Wenatchee Area will have to become more creative, innovative, and broader in
scope. The traditional focus on retaining and attracting businesses will not be
enough. New efforts, reaching into other economic sectors and using new and
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innovative strategies, will be necessary. To capitalize on the attractiveness of the
region and the varying climate, tourism and recreation have been stressed as an
economic sector that could compliment the business community in the area.
In the fall of 2004, East Wenatchee and Douglas County initiated a neighborhood
planning process with a series of meetings in the community. The outcome of that at
process demonstrated the community’s awareness of the trend away from reliance on
agriculture and expressed support for the development of a healthy economy which
should include tourism and recreation opportunities.
In 2004, a new North Central Washington Economic Development District (EDD) was
established. The development of this EDD resulted from the efforts of a group of
individuals representing the business community, city, county, and port districts in
Douglas County, Chelan County, Okanogan County and the Colville Confederated
Tribes. The North Central Washington Resource Conservation & Development
Council has provided staff and other resources to support the development of this new
EDD for the region. This group prepared a Comprehensive Economic Development
Strategy that provides a great deal of information about the characteristics of the
region, economic trends, and strategies. As a result of the EDD efforts, they have
been awarded grant funds to start up a process to seek grant funding for various
projects that have been selected by the EDD board.
The Trade Area for the commercial centers of greater East Wenatchee and
Wenatchee is a large geographic region which includes Okanogan County and
Grant County as well as Chelan and Douglas County. The total Trade Area
population in 20042012 is estimated at 220,500244,525 people. compared to
185,400 people in 1994 this is a 19% increase over that 10 -year period or 1.9%
annually. The State Office of Financial Management (OFM) high-range population
forecast estimates the Trade Area population to be 287,418 by the year 2014, an
increase of nearly 67,000 people over the 2004 levels. This forecast indicates that
the Trade Area's rate of population growth between 2004 and 2014 is anticipated to
be 3% per year.
EMPLOYMENT AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
One of the most important elements of an economic strategy for any community is
having a skilled available work force. The civilian labor force in Douglas County was
reported as 22,130 persons in January 2005 according to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics. This was up from 16,051 in 1992 and represents a 37.6% increase during
that period. As a comparison, population growth in Douglas County from 1992 to
2004 increased by 23%. This indicates that the labor force is increasing at a higher
rate than population. Based upon the 2004 population estimates this civilian labor
force participation rate is 64.6%. This means that 64.6% of the persons over 16 are
employed or actively seeking employment. This matches the civilian labor force
participation rate in neighboring Chelan County.
The average unemployment rate in May of 2004 for Douglas County was 5.7% and
for Chelan County it was 6.3% compared to the state average of 6.3%.
Unemployment rates in areas with heavy agricultural influences, as is the case in
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Chelan and Douglas Counties are somewhat misleading. However, even with the
agricultural influence, these counties compare well with the state average.
The 2000 Census showed that 57% of the working residents of Douglas County
commuted to jobs outside their county of residence. This compares to 11.6% of
Chelan County residents who commuted outside their county of residence. As
mentioned previously, the East Wenatchee Area has historically served as a
bedroom-community to Wenatchee. That trend is reflected in the commuter rate for
Douglas County. To offset that trend, it will be necessary for the East Wenatchee
Area to improve their market share of employment opportunities.
The 2000 average annual wage in Douglas County was $20,990 and $23,875 in
Chelan County compared to a state average of $37,070. In addition to the average
annual wage it is important to consider the median household income. OFM estimates
the median household income in Douglas County to be $41,705 and $39,737 in
Chelan County which is 81% and 77% of the state average respectively.
According to the 2000 U.S. Census both Douglas and Chelan County show similar
characteristics for Employment by Industry Group. There is a higher percentage of
employment in the Agriculture/Forestry industries in Douglas County with 12% of the
population employed in that sector compared to 9% in Chelan County. The largest
employment sector for both counties is Education/Health and Social Services with
over 20% of Douglas County employed in that sector compared to over 21% in
Chelan County. There is a slightly higher percentage of Retail Trade employment in
Douglas County at 13% compared to 11% in Chelan County.
The Washington State Employment Security tracks the trends in employment by
industry. The following table shows the percentage of persons employed in various
industries in East Wenatchee and Douglas County in 2000.
Table 12.1 Employment by Industry
Industry
East
Wenatchee
Douglas
County
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing 6.3% 15.9%
Construction 9.8% 7.7%
Manufacturing 5.1% 5.2%
Wholesale Trade 3.8% 4.9%
Retail Trade 14.4% 12.4%
Transportation, warehousing, and utilities 5.4% 5.9%
Information 0.6% 0.5%
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate 4.2% 4.8%
Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste
management services 6.8% 5.9%
Education, health and social services 25.1% 20.6%
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Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services 9.0% 8.7%
Other Services 5.5% 4.1%
Public Administration 3.8% 3.4%
Total
Census ACS 2007-11
Industry
Douglas
County
East
Wenatchee
Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing/Mining 12.2% 4.0%
Construction 7.1% 5.6%
Manufacturing 7.9% 11.3%
Wholesale trade 8.2% 10.6%
Retail trade 13.3% 14.3%
Transportation/utilities 5.5% 4.3%
Information 1.7% 1.1%
Finance/Insurance/Real Estate 3.8% 5.5%
Professional services 4.2% 4.7%
Social services 20.1% 22.2%
Arts/Recreation services 7.1% 8.0%
Other services 4.4% 4.6%
Public administration 4.6% 3.7%
One trend that the EED identified in the Comprehensive Economic Development
Strategy was the trend towards “non-employer” businesses. Their analysis identified
that 16% of the jobs in North Central Washington are self-employed persons. These
people are working in construction, retail trade, real estate, health care and other
service industries. This is a growing industry in North Central Washington.
RETAIL SALES
The East Wenatchee Area is the major retail center in Douglas County. There has
been significant growth in the retail industry since 1995. Retail sales increases are
reflected in the amount of retail sales and use taxes that are distributed to each
jurisdiction. Since 1995 the retail sales and use taxes distributed to Douglas County
has increased by 117% and by 33% to the City of East Wenatchee. Douglas County
attracted a large automobile dealership the area and the City has seen considerable
development of retail centers including the development of more than 260,000 square
feet of additional retail sales area with the expansion of the Wenatchee Valley Mall, a
new Fred Meyer store and smaller mini-mall developments.
The table below shows the change in retail sales and use tax distribution between
1995 and 2004 for Douglas County and the City of East Wenatchee.
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Table 12.2 Retail sales and use tax distribution
Distribution of Sales/Use Taxes by City and County 1995-2004
Douglas County East Wenatchee
Year Total % Change Total % Change
1995 886,624 1,196,828
1996 1,029,736 16% 1,208,542 1%
1997 1,094,384 6% 1,174,227 -3%
1998 1,082,944 -1% 1,291,322 10%
1999 1,097,168 1% 1,288,662 0%
2000 1,183,560 8% 1,411,290 10%
2001 1,240,394 5% 1,373,326 -3%
2002 1,510,845 22% 1,579,964 15%
2003 1,762,027 17% 1,546,306 -2%
2004 1,924,902 9% 1,587,919 3%
1995 to 2004 117% 33%
In addition to the increase in retail sales, the East Wenatchee Area has seen
expansion of existing health care services for the eastside Wenatchee Valley Clinic
complex and has attracted four new dental clinics. The area has also seen
significant expansion of financial institutions with new and expanded banking
options.
OPPORTUNITIES
With the close proximity of the Pangborn Memorial Airport and new sewer service to
the industrial center surrounding the airport, there are additional opportunities for
growth in those areas.
The new East Wenatchee Events Management Board has provided an opportunity
for more direct efforts to stimulate tourism and visitorship to the area. In concert with
the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitor’s
Bureau, these entities are working to capitalize on the recreational and cultural
activities that this region has to offer.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AN D CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROJECTS:
Economic development policies encourage collaboration between the public and
private sector to ensure the long-term economic health of the community. A healthy
economy provides jobs for local residents and a stable income base to help pay for
education, parks, transportation, law and justice facilities, and other services
necessary to foster and sustain a good quality of life for local residents. Projects
initiated by public agencies that support economic development are an important
component of good governance. Many of the funding sources that local
governments use to pay for such improvements require that they be listed in the
community’s comprehensive plan.
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The following list is intended to provide a framework for economic development
and capital improvement projects intended to improve the viability of the
community that could include public investment:
1. Street improvement projects that increase the functionality, life of the facility,
and capacity serving the commercial areas or providing a linkage between the
commercial and residential areas.
2. Improvements to Grant Road as the major connection to Pangborn Memorial
Airport.
3. Projects that market the community to attract or retain businesses.
4. Projects that promote tourism.
5. Projects that implement the Vision for the community and the goals and
policies in this element of the comprehensive plan.
6. Projects identified in the Rediscover Historic Downtown East Wenatchee plan
including those projects listed below.
Construction Projects
Description Planning Level
Estimate
1) City purchase of property on the southwest corner of Valley Mall
Parkway and 9th St. NE for open space and additional parking.
Create a gateway to the downtown area.
a) Property purchase (based upon comparable sales): $244,153 to $370,399
b) Conversion of service station building to other use (based
upon a similar conversion in Wenatchee):
$50,000 - $150,000
Depending on use
c) Landscaping improvement: $25,000
d) Art work or other amenities unknown
e) Gateway signage: $20,000
2) Complete sidewalks along Standerfer Street to provide a better
connection to the public parking lot on French Avenue and a
linkage between the Downtown and the Wenatchee Valley Mall
(360’ sidewalks on one side only @ $250/ft.):
$90,000
3) Improve Hamilton Avenue with curbs, gutters, and sidewalks,
with on-street parking and a walking path to the downtown area.
$400,000
4) Provide green open-space area near the parking lot $125,000 + property
purchase
5) Improvements to City Parking lot
a) Install landscaping and retaining wall $75,000
b) Provide better lighting: 3 new LED luminaires $7,500
c) Reconfigure to increase the number of stalls $5,000
d) Provide a dedicated location for solid waste containers $7,500
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6) Widen the sidewalks along Valley Mall Parkway, where possible,
to provide a more appealing walking path
unknown
7) Provide more on-street parking by reducing the number of travel
lanes and converting parallel to diagonal parking.
Completed
8) Provide vehicle loading area on Valley Mall Parkway between
Standerfer Ave. and 9th St.
Completed
9) Install full-control, traffic signal at Valley Mall Parkway/9th St.
intersection that is linked to the SR 28/9th St. signal:
$375,000
10) Expand the city parking lot to the south unknown
11) Improve the pedestrian/bicycle access between the Apple Capital
Loop Trail and Downtown.
Unknown – solution not
identified
a) Narrow driveways that connect to 9th Street NE between SR
28 and Valley Mall Parkway to improve access control and
reduce conflicts with pedestrian and bicycle traffic
unknown
b) Shorten the distance for crossing SR 28 or provide alternative
crossings
unknown
c) Explore grade separation across SR 28 unknown
d) Include way-finding signage along the trail to direct users to
the downtown
unknown
Enhancement Projects
12) Provide bicycle parking areas $2,600 typical corral
13) Provide street furniture such as planters, waste receptacles, and
benches along Valley Mall Parkway: 4 benches, 8 waste receptacles,
14 planters, 3 picnic tables ($650 per object)
$18,850
14) Art installations in public spaces – cost per average sized statue $10,000 - $15,000 each
15) Investigate conversion of street luminaires to LED variety and
install more lights along Valley Mall Parkway. 26 lights VMPkwy,
2 Hamilton, 2 Standerfer
$90,000
16) Use lane markings to identify and encourage shared bicycle/vehicle
lane use.
Completed
17) Install way-finding signage along 9th St., Grant Road, and Valley
Mall Parkway to direct traffic to the downtown area.
$15,000
Activities or Actions
18) Explore designating bus stop as taxi stand in the evenings
19) Work with existing owners of downtown parking lots to improve
their appearance and functionality and encourage their availability
for public use.
Staff time
20) Improve coordination and communication between the city and
downtown business and property owners. Explore the creation of an
association or other standing committee to facilitate involvement of
city representatives, business owners, property owners, and
residents.
Staff time
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21) Work with landowners to install and properly maintain landscaping
along street frontages.
Staff time
22) Explore Municipal Code amendments to allow sidewalk café style
seating and other uses of the sidewalk and unused right of way.
$5,000
GOALS AND POLICIES
GOAL: Diversity and strengthen the local economy to ensure a sustainable
community for present and future generations.
ED-1 Identify areas where future economic activity and growth is intended and
encouraged to occur.
ED-2 Support and encourage economic development that will increase personal
income by attracting a variety of business opportunities that provide family-wage
jobs.
ED-3 Enhance the economic base of our community through expansion and retention
of existing businesses.
ED-4 The provision of utilities and other supporting urban governmental services to
commercial and industrial areas should be coordinated with utility purveyors
and service providers and assigned a high priority for extension of service to
those areas.
ED-5 Develop a land use inventory for ongoing monitoring of commercial and
industrial development and available land supply that will help with monitoring
the local and regional trends to be able to adjust plans, policies and programs
to foster economic development.
ED-6 Develop specific and coordinated strategies for public and private investment
in the commercial and industrial areas.
ED-7 Develop a plan to transform the area along Valley Mall Parkway into a
pedestrian oriented downtown which will include professional offices,
specialty retail, food service, and entertainment opportunities.
ED-8 Support the establishment of a variety of uses in the community, including
additional lodging facilities, restaurants, and cultural-convention facilities that
improve the vitality of the area.
ED-9 Improve transportation systems that provide access to the commercial areas
by expanding multi-modal opportunities for pedestrians and transit facilities as
well as adequate parking for employees and customers.
ED-10 Create a pleasant and attractive identity for the commercial and industrial
areas through appropriate signage, art, landscaping, street lighting, and other
site design standards.
ED-11 Improve the visual appeal of the entrances to the urban area with attractive
use of landscaping and signage.
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ED-12 Coordinate economic development planning with other local jurisdictions by
participating in the North Central Economic Development District and other
agencies and organizations that support and foster economic development in
the region.
ED-13 Encourage and support efforts to promote tourism and visitorship to the area
on a year-round basis.
ED-14 Provide opportunities for home-based businesses while preserving the quality
of residential areas.
ED-15 Encourage and support the development of recreational and cultural facilities
and/or events that will bring additional visitors and/or increase visitor
spending in the East Wenatchee Area.
ED-16 Pangborn Memorial Airport is an essential public facility serving the needs of
the three-county area. The viability of the airport should be protected to
enhance its importance to regional economic growth and sustainability.
ED-17 Ensure an adequate amount of land is designated for commercial uses based
on site characteristics, market demand, community need, job creation, and
the availability of support facilities and services.
ED-18 Use public resources in support of economic development.
Ed-19 Identify financing tools that can be used to leverage public and private
investments for financing infrastructure and other improvements that will
foster economic development.
ED-19 Aggressively market the downtown as a place to live, shop, and do business.
ED-20 Encourage downtown business owners to remodel, rehabilitate, and enhance
the exteriors of their buildings and improve the appearance of landscape
areas where they are provided.
ED-21 Achieve a mix of uses in the commercial areas to improve the City’s tax and
employment base.
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GLOSSARY
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Affordable housing is generally defined as housing where
the occupant is paying no more than 28 30 percent of gross income for housing costs,
including utilities, and meets the needs of moderate or low-income households.
AGRICULTURE: Are lands which are not within an urban growth area and are
designated as agriculture on the land use map as lands having long term commercial
significance for the production of agricultural products, timber, or the extraction of
minerals.
ANNEXATION: The act of incorporation of an area into the domain of a city, county, or
state, or special purpose district.
CAPACITY: The ability to contain, absorb, or receive and hold employment or
residential development.
CAPITAL FACILITIES: As a general definition, structures, improvements, pieces of
equipment or other major assets, including land, that have a useful life of at least 10
years. Capital facilities are provided by and for public purposes and services. For the
purposes of the Capital Facilities Element, capital facilities are fire and rescue facilities,
government offices, law enforcement facilities, parks, open space, and recreational
facilities, public health facilities, and public schools.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP): A plan for future capital expenditures
which identifies each capital project, its anticipated start and completion, and allocates
existing funds and known revenue sources over a six-year period.
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT: The Central Business District (CBD) is the financial
and business hub of the community. It is the role of the CBD to be the center of the
major community business and should be developed as an aesthetically attractive area
of intense use. The CBD should encourage the development of retail shopping
facilities and major office complexes along with specialty retail and business support
services. Development must enhance people orientation, and provide for the needs,
activities and interests of the people.
CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT: A development design technique that concentrates
buildings in specific areas on a site to allow the remaining land to be used for
recreation, common open space, and preservation of environmentally critical areas.
COUNTY/CITY PLANNING: The identification by the community of desirable
objectives in respect to the physical environment, including social and economic
considerations, and the creation of administrative procedures and programs to achieve
those objectives. Matters embraced by the subject include land use, transportation,
employment, health, growth centers, population, environmental planning,
comprehensive planning, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, buildings codes,
growth management, parks and open space, wildlife habitat, pollution control
strategies, and environmental impact statements.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: A statutory document which sets forth a government's
major policies concerning the desirable future (of the area’s people) and physical
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development of its area; it states the desirable ends and not necessarily the means for
achieving them. A plan almost always includes the three physical elements of land
use, circulation, and community facilities. A plan may also contain an urban design
element, housing element, a renewal element, an open space element, and a historic
preservation element. The entire planning jurisdiction is covered and the different
systems represented of the various elements are all coordinated with each other.
District and neighborhood plans normally follow the comprehensive plan, amplifying its
features on a district-by-district or neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis.
CONCURRENCY: A GMA requirement that the transportation facilities needed to
maintain adopted level of service standards for arterials and transit routes are available
within six years of development.
CONSISTENCY: A measure of whether any feature of the Plan or regulation is
incompatible with any other feature or a plan or a regulation. The GMA requires that
the Plan be both internally and externally consistent.
COUNTYWIDE PLANNING POLICIES: As required by GMA, the Douglas County
Regional Council adopted a series of policies which embody a vision of the future of
Douglas County. These policies are intended to guide the development of the East
Wenatchee Urban Area Comprehensive Plan.
DENSITY: The number of families, persons, or housing units per unit of land usually
expressed as "per acre".
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS: In respect to any development, fixed requirements or
standards imposed by regulation or ordinance under environmental planning
legislation.
DOWNZONING: A change in the zoning classification of land to a classification which
requires less intensive development, such as a change from multi-family to single-
family or from commercial to residential. A change which allows more intensive
development is upzoning.
DWELLING UNIT: One or more rooms located within a structure, designed, arranged,
occupied or intended to be occupied by not more than one family and permitted
roomers, and boarders, as living accommodations, independent from any other family.
The existence of a food preparation area within the room or rooms shall be evidence of
the existence of a dwelling unit.
GREATER EAST WENATCHEE AREA (GEWA): The Greater East Wenatchee Area
is defined as the urban growth boundary of the City of East Wenatchee. This area
includes the City of East Wenatchee and portions of the unincorporated area of
Douglas County.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT (GMA): Refers to the 1990 State Growth
Management Act (ESHB 2929) and amended in 1991, requiring urban counties and
the cities within them to develop comprehensive plans to deal with growth in
Washington State over the next twenty years.
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INDUSTRIAL USE: Any use that engages in basic processing, manufacturing,
fabrication, assembly, treatment, packaging, as well as incidental storage, sales, and
distribution of such materials or products.
INFRASTRUCTURE: The system of essential services, utilities, public and community
facilities, e.g. water, sewage, power, roads, schools, health facilities and so on, which
are necessary to enable urban development to function.
LAND USE: A term used to indicate the utilization of any piece of land. The way in
which land is being used is the land use.
LAND USE CODE: Regulating body of language that implements the policy goals of
the Comprehensive Plan. The regulations define locations and building characteristics
of development in the Area.
LAND USE ZONING: A technical or physical approach to the segregation of
incompatible land uses, such as housing and industrial, through systems of land use
and development controls. More recently, some techniques have emphasized
reinforcing positive relationships between compatible land uses such as residential and
neighborhood commercial. The contemporary approach also emphasizes the closer
relationship between transportation and land use to more effectively respond to
accessibility, reduction of infrastructure costs, urban design, air, noise, and water
pollution, energy conservation, and conservation of resource lands.
LEVEL-OF-SERVICE (LOS): A qualitative rating of how well some unit of
transportation supply (e.g., street, intersection, sidewalk, bikeway, transit route) serves
it is current or projected demand.
MIXED USE: The presence of more than one category of use in a structure or located
on the same parcel, for example, a mixture of residential units, recreational uses,
offices, and commercial uses.
MULTI-FAMILY USE: A structure or portion of a structure containing three or more
dwelling units.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL PLANNED: A Neighborhood Commercial Area is
designed to serve the immediate needs of the neighborhood and not promote regional
traffic. This site should be kept small and should provide convenience goods and
services. The overall design should be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood,
have limited advertising display, include intensive landscaping and open areas, and
have direct access to an arterial. The overall site should be designed as a node or
cluster and should not promote strip development.
OPEN SPACE: Land and/or water area with its surface open to the sky or
predominantly undeveloped, which is set aside to serve the purposes of providing park
and recreation opportunities, conserving valuable resources, and structuring urban
development and form.
PEDESTRIAN AMENITIES: Features of the built environment that improve the quality
of foot or wheelchair travel, including ground floor retail uses in adjacent buildings,
landscaped walkways, limited interference from automobiles, street furniture, etc.
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PEDESTRIAN-ORIENTATION: An area where the location and access to buildings,
types of uses permitted on the street level, and storefront design are based on the
needs of the customers on foot.
PLANNED COMMERCIAL: The Planned Commercial Area should be designed as a node or cluster
development. This area includes general commercial uses. Uses should be designed consistent with
the comprehensive plan development criteria and gateway theme. An adjacent high residential area has
also been designated adjacent to low residential as a transition buffer area.
PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS (PD): A planning technique that provides increased
flexibility for the developer in exchange for a higher quality of development. Usually
used for residential or commercial multi-unit parcels. PD’s are characterized by a
focus on overall project design rather than lot-by-lot zoning, setbacks, and placement.
Mixed-use, commercial, industrial, innovative housing types, open space and
recreational facilities are often included. The process typically involves two-way
communication between the developer and the community concerning design
compatibility. Planned developments are used in residential, multi-family, commercial,
and industrial areas.
PLANNED RECREATION TOURIST COMMERCIAL: The Planned Recreation Tourist Commercial area
is designated as a mixed use area and allows recreational commercial opportunities, RV camping, hotel,
motels, office, multi-family development as well as small retail commercial and services oriented
businesses. This area should be designed consistent with the comprehensive planned commercial
criteria.
RESIDENTIAL: An area designated on the land use map that allows a range of
residential density levels from 1 unit per acre up to 6 units per acre. Residential
densities will vary depending on their location, character of the neighborhood, lot sizes,
density, available infrastructure, and natural topography.
RURAL LANDS: Are lands which are not within an urban growth area and are not
designated as natural resource lands having long term commercial significance for the
production of agricultural products, timber, or the extraction of minerals.
STREETSCAPE: The visual character of a street as determined by elements such as
structures, access, greenery, open space, view, etc.
TRANSITION (BUFFER): The transition (buffer) areas are used to separate more
intensive land uses or categories from less intensive land uses or categories. The
transition area can be a combination of intensive landscaping, open space, and parks.
and less intensive land use categories between a low intensive and high intensive land
uses.
WETLANDS: An area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater
at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that, under normal
circumstances, does support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in
saturated soil conditions, commonly known as hydrophilic vegetation.
ZONING MAP: The official Land Use Map that classifies all land within the Planning
Area in accordance with the comprehensive plan.
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APPENDIX A
GREATER EAST WENATCHEE URBAN GROWTH AREAS
EAST WENATCHEE URBAN AREA DESCRIPTION
Beginning at the left shore of the Columbia River at a point which is a southerly
extension of the westerly line of Lot 41 of the East Wenatchee Land Company Plat
of Section 20, Township 22 N., Range 21 E.W.M., Douglas County, Washington;
thence north along said southerly extension to the southwest corner of said Lot 41;
thence easterly along the southern line of Lot 41 to the southeast corner of said Lot
41; thence north along the easterly line of Lot 41, Lot 40, Lot 25 and Lot 24 of said
East Wenatchee Land Company Plat to the centerline of the Wenatchee
Reclamation District Canal; thence westerly along the centerline of the canal to a
point which is the southerly extension of the east line of Lot 4 of the Sun Crest Short
Plat recorded under AFN 3019982; thence northerly along said southerly extension
to the southeast corner of Lot 4 of said short plat; thence northerly along the east
line of Lot 4 to the southerly boundary of Lot 2 of said short plat; thence east along
the south line of Lot 2 of said short plat and its extension thereof to the west line of
Lot 2 East Wenatchee Land Company Plat in Section 19, Township 22 N., Range
21 E.W.M.; thence northerly along said west line to the south line of Section 18,
Township 22 N., Range 21 E.W.M.; thence westerly along said section line to the
quarter corner common to sections 18 and 19, Township 22 N., Range 21 E.W.M.;
thence northerly along the west line of the east ½ of said Section 18 to the south line
of Section 7, Township 22 N., Range 21 E.W.M.; thence easterly along said section
line to the corner common to Sections 7, 8, 17 and 18, Township 22 N., Range 21
E.W.M.; thence easterly along the south line of Section 8, Township 22 N., Range
21 E.W.M. to a southerly extension of the eastern line of the Lancaster Short Plat
recorded under AFN 196211; thence north along the east line of said short plat and
its extension to the northeast corner of the Dolan Short Plat recorded under AFN
206563; thence east along the south line of the northwest quarter of said Section 8
to a point that is the southerly extension of the easterly line of Baber’s Short Plat
recorded under AFN 3023955; thence northerly to the northeast corner of said
Baber’s Short Plat; thence west along the north line of said short plat to the
southeast corner of the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of the northwest
quarter of said Section 8; thence northerly along the easterly line of said subdivision
to the south line of Section 5, Township 22 N., Range 21 E.W.M.; thence east along
said section line to a point which is a southerly extension of the east line of Parcel B
as described under AFN 3068952; thence northerly along said extension and said
easterly line to the northeast corner of said Parcel B; thence southwesterly along the
north line of said Parcel B to a point that is 300 feet northerly of the south line of
Section 6, Township 22 N., Range 21 E.W.M.; thence westerly parallel to and 300
feet north of the south line of said Section 6 to the east line of a parcel as described
under AFN 128798; thence northerly along said easterly line to the northeast corner
of a parcel as described under AFN 107666; thence westerly along the north line of
said parcel to the east line of Section 1, Township 22 N., Range 20 E.W.M.; thence
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northerly along said section line to the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of
the southeast quarter of said Section 1; thence west along the north line of said
section subdivision to the southeast corner of the northwest quarter of the southeast
quarter of said Section 1; thence north along the east line of said section subdivision
to the northeast corner of the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of said
Section 1; thence north along the west line of northwest quarter of the northeast
quarter of said Section 1 to the south line of Section 36, Township 23 N., Range 20
E.W.M; thence west along the south line of said Section 36 to the southeast corner
of the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of said Section 36; thence north
along the east line of said section subdivision to the northeast corner of the said
section subdivision; thence west along the north line of said section subdivision to
the easterly right of way line of Badger Mountain Road; thence northwesterly along
said right of way line to its intersection with the west line of the southeast quarter of
Section 36; thence north along the west line of the southeast quarter of said Section
36 to the southwest corner of the northeast quarter of said Section 36; thence
easterly along the south line of the northeast quarter of said section 36 to the
southwest corner of the parcel as described in AFN 103173; thence northerly along
the westerly and northerly lines of said parcel to the east section line of said Section
36; thence northerly along said section line to the southeast corner of Section 25,
Township 23 N., Range 20 E.W.M.; thence westerly along the south line of the
southeast quarter of said Section 25 to the southeast corner of the southwest
quarter of said Section 25; thence northerly along the east line of the southwest
quarter of said Section 25 to the south line of the north half of the southwest quarter
of said Section 25; thence along the south line of said section subdivision to the west
line of said Section 25; thence north along the west line of said Section 25 to the
centerline of Canyon B; thence northwesterly along the centerline of Canyon B to the
south line of Parcel G as described in Book M239 of Deeds, Page 517; thence
westerly along said south line to the east line of the west half of Section 26,
Township 23 N., Range 20 E.W.M.; thence north along said east line to the
southeast corner of the southwest quarter of Section 23, Township 23 N, Range 20
E.W.M.; thence northerly along the east line of said section subdivision to the
northeast corner thereof; thence westerly along the north line of said section
subdivision to the southwest corner of the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter
of said Section 23; thence north along the west line of said section subdivision to the
south line of Tract A as shown on Blue Rock Estates Phase 1 as recorded under
AFN 308870; thence easterly, northerly and westerly around said Tract A to the east
line of said Blue Rock Estates subdivision; thence northerly along the east line of
Phase 1 and the east line of Phase 2 as recorded under AFN 317348 to the south
line of a parcel as described in Book M457 of Deeds, Page 501; thence easterly and
northerly along said parcel to the south line of Section 14, Township 23 N., Range
20 E.W.M.; thence west along said section line to the centerline of the Transmission
Line Easement, AFN 160434; thence continuing in a north/northeasterly direction
along the centerline of said easement to the south line of the north half of the
southeast half of Section 2, Township 23 N., Range 20 E.W.M.; thence east along
said south line to the east line of the southeast quarter of said Section 2, thence
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north along the east line of said Section 2 to the south line of a parcel as described
under AFN 159187; thence westerly along said south line to the east right of way
line of Old Sunset Highway as granted in Book 52 of Deeds, Page 257; thence
southerly along said right of way to the south line of the north half of the south half of
said Section 2; thence westerly along said line to the easterly right of way of line of
SR 2/97; thence southerly along said right of way line through Sections 11, 14 and a
portion of 23 to the southwest corner of Lot 46, Blue Rock Estates Phase 2 as
recorded under AFN 317348; thence southwesterly to a point that is the intersection
of the west right of way of SR 2/97 and the south line of a parcel as described as
Tract 2 under AFN 3009806; thence westerly along said south line and its westerly
extension to the east line of Section 22, Township 23 N. Range 20 E.W.M.; thence
northerly along said east section line to the centerline of that certain vacated road
lying between lots 16 and 17 of East Wenatchee Land Company Plat, part of Sec’s
22 and 23, T 23 N., R. 20 E.W.M.; thence west along said centerline to the
southeast corner of Lot 15 of said East Wenatchee Land Company Plat; thence
continuing west along the south line of said lot 15 and its westerly extension to the
left shore of the Columbia River; thence southerly down the left shore of the
Columbia River to the Point of Beginning.