SEPA Announcement - Olsen Shoreline Exemption - Comments due 5/23/2026

https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/separ/Main/SEPA/Record.aspx?SEPANumber=202601797

New ADU State Laws are Coming Soon

Chelan County Community Development encourages people with unpermitted, detached accessory dwelling units (ADU) that are outside an urban growth area to come in and talk with them before new state laws go into effect on July 1.

A bill recently passed by the state Legislature will impose higher fines and after-the-fact permitting fees on detached ADUs that are unpermitted and outside an urban growth area. The bill also includes several new regulations.

“We want to work with people before these new regulations and fines go into effect,” Community Development Director Deanna Walter said. “Come talk with us before you must abide by these new state-mandated rules. We will try to work with you to get you permitted and built to current compliance before the new rules hit.”

In an effort to ease the state’s housing crisis in rural areas, the state Legislature passed HB 1345, which allows one ADU, either attached or detached, on one parcel of land located outside an urban growth area, or UGA. Unincorporated Chelan County has allowed ADUs to be built on properties since 2011, so the implementation tools are already in place.

“The new legislation intended to spur more housing options for people, but some of these new regulations are going to be costly for people found out of compliance after July 1,” Walter said. “If you own an unpermitted, detached ADU in one of our rural areas, don’t wait to contact us. We may be able to help you.”

For a summary of the new regulations and the fines, go to our website. Or call Community Development at 509-667-6225.