If the property you select has no utilities installed, you should make your decision to purchase contingent upon the approximate costs for drilling a well, installing a septic system, and getting power to the building site. Our agents can assist you in this process, acting on your behalf or as a contact.

Land Use Restrictions. A good portion of the Methow Valley is listed as critical area habitat for endangered plants and/or animals. Some of the most attractive features of a piece of land can also complicate its development. Parcels adjacent to bodies of water might have restricted use based on the Shoreline Management Act. There may be special restrictions due to a property’s proximity to wetlands, topography, or type of resources. The Okanogan County Department of Planning will conduct a preliminary site analysis for a nominal fee. The analysis can answer questions that buyers have about development.

Drilling a Well. Competent, experienced local companies can give you the estimated depth, flow and cost to drill a well on the property you have selected. Our agents can direct you to local drillers you can contact directly and will show the driller the exact location of the property if necessary.

Septic Systems. Our agents will coordinate with Okanogan County Health Department inspectors and a local excavator to evaluate the property for a septic system. You can apply for a Site Evaluation or a Septic Permit.

Septic Permits. If you decide to purchase a property and plan to install the septic system within two years, it is most cost effective to apply for a septic permit. A septic permit expires after one year, but may be renewed once.

Electric Power. The Okanogan County Electric Co-op or Okanogan County PUD will give you an estimated cost of bringing power to the property you have chosen. Underground power can be slightly more expensive than overhead lines, but it does not obstruct the view and there is less maintenance.

Fire Prevention. The risk of fires can be reduced by clearing your land of burnable ground material. Thinning trees and clipping lower branches where needed also helps to prevent the spread of plant disease.

Roofs and Snow Load. One of the most important considerations when planning your home is where the snow will unload. Design rooflines to shed snow safely into planters and landscape and away from doors and decks when possible. Roofs should be designed to carry a maximum seasonal snow load and to insulate and isolate the snow pack to prevent melting and the formation of ice dams.

Blending in with the Valley. Bright roof colors and shiny metal stand out. Look at the surrounding natural colors at your building site and pick stain and roof colors that blend in with the scenery. Use natural materials as much as possible.

Protecting our Air Quality. Energy sources that minimize pollutants will keep our air quality good. Inefficient wood burning devices can have an adverse effect on air quality, especially during temperature inversions.

Protect Your Views of the Night Sky. Consider the use of outdoor lighting with shields and lower-wattage lights closer to the ground for illuminating walkways and grounds.

Deer and Development. The Methow Valley is home to Washington State’s largest migratory mule deer herd. The Forest Service has an excellent publication called “Living With Mule Deer in the Methow Valley.” It discusses excavation, building placement, fencing, dogs, recreation, vegetation, and much more to help reduce the impact of humans on the mule deer herd. Copies are available from the Winthrop and Twisp Ranger Districts, and Methow Valley Information Center (next to The Barn).

Landscaping. Plan your yard and gardens with water conservation in mind. Consider minimizing disturbance of the land and re-vegetating the soil with native plant species wherever possible.

Building on Open Hillsides. For aesthetics, think about building with a low profile if the hillside is bare. Earth berming insulates the home and helps regulate inside temperatures.

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