Q: What kinds of land use related regulatory changes should I anticipate if my property is annexed?

A: To be considered for annexation into city limits, your property must be located within the existing urban growth boundary (UGB).  The city and the county have agreed to coordinate planning efforts within the UGB.  Chelan County has agreed to adopt city zoning and development codes and maps within the UGB.  As annexation is located in the city of Wenatchee Urban Growth Area (UGA) a version of certain city codes adopted by Chelan County currently apply to your property including:

• Zoning map
• Zoning codes
• Subdivision codes
• Street and sidewalks codes

Chelan County’s adoption of amendments to city development standards may at times be delayed. Please coordinate with Chelan County Community Development staff at 509-667-6225 to determine the most recent adopted city code standards that apply outside of city limits. The county will continue to use an older version of city development codes in the unincorporated areas of the UGA until adoption of more recent city codes has occurred. If you have questions about recent City Code adoptions and how they may differ from the current adopted versions by the county, please contact Matt Parsons by phone at (509) 888-3253 or by email at mparsons@wenatcheewa.gov. 

Regardless of Chelan County’s adoption of city development codes, a city of Wenatchee business license will be required for all businesses once they are under city jurisdiction.

Q: What services are provided by the city?

A: The following are provided to city residents:

• Extended 24/7 Police protection.

  The Wenatchee Police Department maintains a well-staffed department to provide an urban level of service within the city. While your area is currently being served by Wenatchee first responders, it is not included in standard patrol routes. Upon annexation, standard patrols throughout your neighborhood will be added.

• Sewer service

• Extended city street maintenance
  • Inclusion in city street sweeping routes
  • Inclusion in city snow plowing routes
  • Availability of city pavement and repaving services
• Inclusion in city negotiated garbage plan. Please contact Waste Management for details.
• Extended Humane Society City services
  • The city has a full level of animal control services. For more information regarding animal control and Humane Society services please visit their website at www.wenatcheehumane.org.
• City Parks and Recreation
  • Resident price at the city pool
  • Park rentals
  • Youth programs
• Community Development (building permits, code enforcement, planning)
  • The city office at 1350 McKittrick Street is open Monday-Friday from 7am-5:00pm (excluding holidays).
  • The department provides next-day building inspections and issues same-day building permits for minor projects.
  • The city maintains full-time code compliance staff that investigates complaints regarding potential code violations.

Q: Can I have farm animals?

A:

• If you currently have farm animals nothing will change when annexed.
• If you do not currently have farm animals, the city has provisions to allow some livestock, poultry, and bees.
• Livestock / poultry standards in your area of the county are the same as the city’s.

Q: Will my rural setting change?

A: The city respects your rights as a property owner and annexation will not require you to develop your property. Your property is already located in the urban growth area, where urban scale development is permitted whether you are annexed into the city or remain in the county.

Q: If my property is annexed, will I be required to connect to sewer?

A: 

• No, but you will be permitted to connect to sewer. Please note that unincorporated properties in the UGA north of the Wenatchee River are already able to connect to sewer.
• If a sewer main is not in your street, please contact the city Public Works Department for more information on gaining access to sewer. Contact information is provided below.
• If a sewer main is already in your street, then connection to sewer is easily accessible.
• Please contact the Public Works Department at (509) 888-3229 for more information.

Q: Will my taxes / utility rates change?

A: 

• The total taxes a residential property owner would pay if their property were annexed are generally very similar to those already being paid in the county.
• Tax structures are different in the city and the county, please refer to the sample for these differences.
• City utility tax will apply to water, sewer, storm, garbage, power, gas, phone, and TV.

Q: If annexed, do I obtain building permits from the county or the city?

A: After annexation, building permits will be obtained from the city and not the county.  If you already have a building permit, the city will honor the permit you have obtained from the county.  In your area, the city and the county building codes are the same.

Q: Does the city provide animal control services?

A: Yes, the city works closely with the humane society in order to provide a full level of animal control services.

Q: If annexed into the city, how is my agricultural operation impacted?

A: Agriculture is a permitted use in all residential zones by the city code. You will be able to continue to farm as long as you choose.

Q: If annexed, will my zoning change?

A: In most cases, no. The county adopts and administers the city of Wenatchee zoning map designations in the unincorporated areas of the UGA. At times their adoption of zoning map amendments can be delayed. See contact information above to determine the current zoning designation for your property.

Q: Will annexation change school district boundaries?

A: No, annexation will not change any school district boundaries.

Q: I have a concealed weapon permit. If I annex, would I have to go to the Wenatchee Police Department to renew it?

A: No, you would not be required to process a new or renewed concealed weapon permit through the Wenatchee Police Department. You may do so at any law enforcement agency in the state. 

Q: Would annexation trigger a requirement to install curbs, gutters, and sidewalks?

A: No. Curbs, gutters, and sidewalks are triggered with substantial redevelopment.  In your area, city and county development standards regarding this topic are the same.

Q: When are City Council Meetings?

The Wenatchee City Council meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month at 5:15pm in the City Council Chambers at 301 Yakima St in Wenatchee.

Q: Will my business need to obtain a business license?

A: Yes, in accordance with WCC5.76 and 5.12, all businesses will need to obtain a business license before operating in the city of Wenatchee. City business licenses are acquired through the Washington State Department of Revenue at DOR.WA.GOV. Please contact the Finance Department at (509) 888-6229 for more information.

Q: Will anything be different when I renew my vehicle registration?

A: Yes, the city of Wenatchee has a Transportation Benefit District to help pay for transportation facilities. The district charges a $20 fee per vehicle for vehicle registration.

Q: What city utility tax rates should I expect?

A: The following are rates in the city of Wenatchee as defined in Chapter 5.84 of the Wenatchee City Code:

• Water - Estimated 16%
• Sewer - Estimated 16%
• Stormwater - Estimated 16%
• Garbage: - Estimated 16%
• Power: Estimated 6%
• Gas - Estimated 6%
• Phone - Estimated 6%
• TV - Estimated 5% Franchise Fee and 5% Utility Tax

For the latest rates, please either refer to Title 5 of the Wenatchee City Code or contact the Finance Department at (509) 888-6200.

Q: How will my participation in government change?

A: You will be represented by the Mayor and Wenatchee City Council. You will be able to vote in the next upcoming election. In addition, many of the city’s Advisory Boards have requirements of city residency and now you can volunteer. Advisory Boards include: Arts, Recreation, and Parks; Cemetery; Civil Service; Code Enforcement; Historic Preservation; Lodging Tax; Planning; and Tourism Promotion Area. Finally, after one year of residency, you can run for Mayor or City Council.