Douglas County to launch mobile permitting office for Chelan Hills fire recovery

ORONDO — Douglas County is launching a mobile planning and permitting office to assist residents affected by the Chelan Hills Fire with rebuilding and recovery efforts.

The Douglas County Land Services Department will debut its Planning, Permitting & Land Use Mobile Office on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Douglas County Fire District No. 4 parking lot, 13984 U.S. Highway 2 in Orondo.

The mobile office will allow fire-affected residents to meet with county staff for assistance with planning, building permits and land use requirements without traveling to the Land Services office in East Wenatchee.

“We want to make the rebuilding process as accessible and straightforward as possible for residents affected by the Chelan Hills Fire,” said Kazi Haque, Douglas County Land Services director. “By bringing our staff and resources directly into the community, we can help residents understand the permitting process, answer questions and provide assistance as they move forward with rebuilding.”

County staff will be available to discuss individual rebuilding needs, answer permitting questions and explain the steps involved in the recovery process.

Some permits and applications may require additional review, but staff will work with residents to help them navigate the process, according to the county.

Following the Oct. 22 launch, the mobile office is expected to operate on the third Thursday of each month, depending on community demand.

The county may expand the schedule and operating hours if additional services are needed.