Mossquatch Resort Reaches Compliance Agreement with Clallam County

Published 1:30 am Thursday, June 18, 2026

Mossquatch Resort owner Jerry Leppell has entered into a voluntary compliance agreement with Clallam County after county officials determined the popular camping destination had been operating without meeting numerous conditions required under its original permit.

The resort, located at 583 Wentworth Road, offers a unique camping experience featuring themed cabins, glamping tents and other outdoor accommodations.

According to county documents, on April 2, 2026, a staff member with the Clallam County Department of Community Development (DCD) alerted code enforcement that a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) issued by a hearing examiner on June 17, 2021, had expired in June 2024.

Subsequent review by county staff found that several conditions of the permit had not been completed or approved. Among the items identified were building permits for structures, a stormwater management plan, septic or alternative wastewater permits, public water supply approvals, a fire protection plan, lighting plan and signage plan.

County officials concluded the resort had been operating for several years without satisfying numerous permit requirements.

On May 26, Leppell and engineer Tyler Kerschner met with DCD Director Bruce Emery, Building and Fire Official George Bailey and Code Enforcement Manager Diane Harvey to discuss entering into a voluntary compliance agreement to address the violations.

Under the agreement, several resort amenities and accommodations will be temporarily restricted until permits and approvals are obtained. Certain cabins may not be rented, the resort’s sauna building may not be used until a building permit is secured, and several glamping tents cannot be rented until permits for their platforms are approved. Outhouses must be regularly pumped and maintained, and guest use of onsite water, including showers, is prohibited until the water system is approved.

The food preparation area is also restricted from use.

During the May 26 meeting, Leppell indicated that an inspection by Clallam County Fire District 6 had been conducted in May.

The agreement requires Leppell to submit an application for a new Conditional Use Permit by Sept. 30, 2026, and work with county staff to evaluate critical areas on the property. County officials noted that some glamping tents may have been placed within critical area buffers.

If Leppell fails to complete the requirements outlined in the agreement, fines totaling approximately $26,000 could be imposed. However, if all corrective actions are completed, the fines will be waived.

Leppell recently addressed members of the West End Business and Professional Association, expressing frustration with what he views as excessive engineering and permitting requirements. He noted that much of the resort was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic when obtaining engineering services was difficult.

Among his concerns were requirements that tent platforms receive engineering review and building permits, as well as restrictions on the use of reclaimed lumber that he believes is of higher quality than many modern materials.

Last week, Leppell informed WEBPA members that he had agreed to sign the compliance agreement and intends to work with county officials to resolve the outstanding issues.

In a social media post, Mossquatch Resort announced that it will remain open during the 2026 season despite the restrictions.

The resort said guests with reservations in certain cabins and tents may be contacted to relocate accommodations while county officials verify permit compliance and critical area setbacks. The resort also announced that showers and the sauna will be unavailable for the season and that food service amenities will be limited. Drinking water and towels will continue to be provided.

“We understand that these changes are very inconvenient and we sincerely apologize,” the resort stated. “We are also frustrated with a number of the County’s requirements, but we are excited to be able to host our amazing guests, even if it is in a more traditional campground fashion.”

The resort added that it is working to restore all amenities as quickly as possible and thanked guests and community members for their continued support.