Regulatory History of Marijuana-Related Activities

History

On November 13, 2013, the Snohomish County Council adopted code regulations in Chapter 30.22 of the Snohomish County Code for marijuana-related facilities. The regulations address processing, production, and retailing of recreational marijuana allowed by Initiative 502, as well as medical marijuana collective gardens, collective garden dispensaries and access points.

Recent Changes

On May 6, 2015, the Snohomish County Council adopted Ordinance No. 15-009 (PDF), amending the Snohomish County Code. The changes prohibit recreational marijuana production and processing in the R-5 zone and prohibit medical marijuana collective gardens, collective garden dispensaries and access points, as well as recreational marijuana retail facilities in the CRC zone. Councilmembers also voted in favor of prohibiting all marijuana-related facilities on lands within the exterior boundaries of the Tulalip Indian Reservation, regardless of zoning. These changes came into effect on May 24, 2015.

June 2016 Update

Snohomish County recently adopted two proposals updating regulations for marijuana-related facilities. Stay tuned to the Active Code Projects (PDF) webpage to check the status of the Medical Marijuana and the 2016 Marijuana Amendment project proposals.

Applications

Find general information about the county's current regulations for marijuana-related activities on the Marijuana-Related Activities webpage. Current and prospective applicants for a marijuana-related facility with permitting questions can contact the PDS Customer Support Center or submit a question online through Ask Permit Tech.

Process for Adopting Recent Changes

November 18, 2014 – Planning Commission Briefing – The Planning Commission discussed council’s draft proposal, Motion No. 14-318 (PDF), directing PDS to revise the permanent regulations for marijuana-related facilities.

December 16, 2014 – Planning Commission Public Hearing – The Planning Commission held a public hearing where public testimony on proposed code revisions was accepted. Following the hearing, the Planning Commission made a recommendation to the County Council.

March 4, 2015 – County Council Public Hearing – The Snohomish County Council held a public hearing on March 4, 2015, to consider revisions to marijuana regulations. Following public testimony, councilmembers voted to continue the hearing on Ordinance No. 15-009 to March 25, 2015. Council also voted to adopt Ordinance No. 15-012 (PDF) and Ordinance No.15-013 (PDF) to extend interim official controls for up to six additional months.

March 25, 2015 – Continued Public Hearing – At the public hearing on March 25, 2015, councilmembers voted to continue the public hearing on Ordinance No. 15-009 to April 15, 2015.

April 15, 2015 – Continued Public Hearing – At the public hearing on April 15, 2015, councilmembers took public testimony on Amendment Sheets to Ordinance No. 15-009 and voted to continue the public hearing to May 6, 2015.

May 6, 2015 – Council Action – At the public hearing on May 6, 2015, councilmembers took action on Ordinance No. 15-009 (PDF). With new regulations in place, council voted to repeal the interim official controls in Ordinance Nos. 15-012 and 15-013.