CITY OF CHELAN

STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT

DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE

Date: June 16, 2025          

Lead Agency: City of Chelan

Agency Contact: Monica Libbey, mlibbey@cityofchelan.us (509) 682-8037

Lead Agency File Number: SEPA2025-06

Project Applicant: Molitor Development LLC for WA Chelan Apartments LLC

Project Location: 100, 103, 105, 107, and 114 Golden Ave, and 111 N Apple Blossom Dr, Chelan, WA 98816.   Tax Parcel Numbers: 272318627016, 272318627012, 272318627175, 272318627150, 272318627009, 272318627007

Project Description: An application for a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Threshold Determination has been submitted in advance of applying for building permits for the Weidner Chelan Apple Blossom Center Apartments and Commercial/Retail Site.  The project consists of one commercial/retail site and two phases of apartment construction.  

The apartment construction includes 13 separate three-story buildings, a combination clubhouse/rental office, and associated parking and amenities. There are anticipated to be a total of 426 apartments, including up to 15% micro units (which are calculated as half a unit each), located across the following five properties: 111 N Apple Blossom Dr, 114 Golden Ave, 100 Golden Ave, 105 Golden Ave, and 107 Golden Ave. These parcels cover approx. 15.27 acres. Parking options will include surface lots, some with carports, as well as garages and on-site vehicle circulation. 

The commercial/retail site is proposed at 103 Golden Ave and covers 1.8 acres. The commercial/retail property will have its own parking, but a portion of the apartment parking will be located on the commercial/retail site.

Proposed construction timing is as follows: 

Phase 1: 

•    Offsite utility work scheduled to start in Summer 2025. 

•    Anticipated to be buildings A, B, I, J, K, L, M, Clubhouse, and associated parking/amenities: Goal is to begin earthwork in Fall/Winter 2025, Occupancy in Summer 2028.  This includes 114 Golden Ave, 105 Golden Ave, 107 Golden Ave, and a portion of 100 Golden Ave.

•    Commercial/Retail Site (103 Golden Ave): Southeast Corner of site; building and parking. The goal is to begin earthwork in Fall/Winter 2025, obtain occupancy in Summer/Fall 2027. 

Phase 2: 

•    Anticipated to be buildings C, D, E, F, G, H and associated parking and amenities: Goal is to begin construction early 2028 and occupancy in Mid 2030 (estimate only, pending lease-up on Phase 1). This includes 111 N Apple Blossom Dr, and a portion of 100 Golden Ave.

The City of Chelan has determined that this proposal will not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment.  An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030. This determination is based on the review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with the lead agency. The information may be reviewed on the State SEPA Register or at City Hall, Department of Planning & Community Development, 135 E. Johnson Avenue, Chelan, WA, during regular business hours.

This determination is based on the following SEPA Conditions:

1.    Project shall comply with applicable provisions of the Apple Blossom Center Development Agreement with the City of Chelan.

2.    Carefully follow an Inadvertent Discovery Plan for the project.

3.    Soil cleanup is required prior to occupancy under the Model Toxics Control Act.

This DNS is issued under WAC 197-11-340(2) and the comment period will end on July 1, 2025.  Comments must be submitted to:  mlibbey@cityofchelan.us or by mail to: City of Chelan Planning, c/o Monica Libbey, P.O. Box 1669, Chelan, WA  98816

Responsible official: John Ajax - 135 E. Johnson Avenue/PO Box 1669, Chelan, WA  98816

Position/title:  Community Development Director    Phone: (509) 682-8017

Appeal process: Any interested person may appeal an administrative threshold determination to the Hearing Examiner pursuant to the procedures set forth in Chelan Municipal Code 14.06.290 and in Chapter 19.34.  A notice of appeal must be filed within 14 days following the issuance of the decision.