Code Development Projects

Purpose of Code Projects

To simplify development codes and streamline permitting processes in accordance with existing policies. Business processes will ensure that code accomplishes its intended purpose, can be effectively administered, and are consistent with the Snohomish County Comprehensive Plan. Code development projects also include code interpretations pursuant to Snohomish County Code (SCC) Chapter 30.83 and the development of rules pursuant to the rule making procedures of Chapter 30.82 SCC.

Active Code Development Projects

There are several code projects underway that address a variety of issues from recreational uses in forest lands to building codes. We seek your input on our code projects and invite you to contact the staff identified below if you have specific questions on a particular project.

Remanded Code Development Projects

County Council will at times return a project back to the Planning Commission for further study and discussion.

Public Meetings for Planning Commission and County Council

Public feedback is critical to the success of code development project. Follow the links below to learn about future and past public meetings held by the Planning Commission and County Council:

Recently Adopted Code Projects

Project TitleStaff Contact

Personal Wireless Service Facilities Update (Formerly Known As Update Cell Tower Regulations) 

Proposed code amendments to reflect recent changes in federal law, clarify collocation, and address related issues.

On March 21, 2018, the Snohomish County Council adopted Amended Ordinance No. 18-011 (PDF), revising regulations concerning personal wireless service facilities. The effective date of the ordinance is May 20, 2018.		Email Kristen Holdsworth

Updates to the County's Construction Codes

This project updated the County's Construction Codes as contained in subtitle 30.5 of the Snohomish County Code (SCC) for consistency with the adopted 2015 Washington State Building Codes (effective July 1, 2016).

On October 18, 2017, the Snohomish County Council adopted Ordinance No. 17-057, 17-058, and 17-059.		Email Eileen Canola

Security Devices

This project will focus on modifications to the security devices chapter, which is contained in Chapter 30.84 SCC.

On March 28, 2018, the Snohomish County Council adopted Ordinance No. 18-018 (PDF). The ordinance became effective on April 9, 2018. To learn more about the project, visit the project web page.		Email Stephen Fesler

Streamlining the Final Plat Process

This project would revise the final plat approval process for subdivisions. The purpose of the project is to consider procedural changes that could streamline final approval of long plats in response to Senate Bill 5674.


On August 2, 2017, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers approved Amended Ordinance No. 17-045 (PDF). The ordinance became effective on August 12, 2017. To learn more about the project, visit the project web page.		Email Stephen Fesler

Pedestrian Facilities

This project made code amendments to provide additional clarity regarding internal pedestrian facility and expand applicability of adequate routes to schools/school bus stops to all residential development.

On March 28, 2018, Amended Ordinance No. 17-061 was adopted by the Snohomish County Council. The ordinance became effective on May 27, 2018.		Email David Killingstad

Urban Residential Development Regulations

Proposed code amendments to several related code sections for townhouse development as well as other types of urban residential development. Proposed code amendments are designed to provide new development options, remove certain regulatory barriers, and improve the quality of townhouse development.

The ordinance became effective on December 17, 2017. To learn more about the project, visit the project web page.		Email Stephen Fesler

Active Code Projects

Project TitleStaff Contact

Biennial Update to School Districts' Capital Facilities Plans (CFPs)

Every two years school districts in the County submit a six-year capital facilities plan (CFP) for eligibility to participate in the County’s school mitigation impact fee program, as established in Chapter 30.66C of the Snohomish County Code and authorized by the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA). Under the GMA, impact fees for schools can be assessed from new development for impacts that are reasonably related to the new development to help finance system improvements such as capital projects needed to serve the growth from the new development.

Project status: The project has commenced. To learn more about the project, visit the project webpage.

Reforming Ground Disturbance Provisions

This project will focus on issues with existing ground disturbance provisions under Chapter 30.63B SCC by considering modifications to standard setbacks for grading activities.


Project status: The project has commenced. To learn more about the project, visit the project webpage.		Email Stephen Fesler

Subdivision Alterations

Potential code amendment to provide consistency in code, and with state law, on process for approval of subdivision alterations. Amendment would remove requirement to send a recommendation to the Hearing Examiner.

Project status: The project has commenced, please check back for updates.		Email David Killingstad

Commercial and Industrial Standards Part II

This project will focus on: modifying bulk requirements to height, setbacks and lot coverage; modifying performance standards to maintain a natural buffer between uses and zones, which will still provide for optimum use of properties; revising parking options to maximize site utilization; revising residential uses in commercial zones; and revising process improvements for the review and approval process for commercial and industrial development.

Project status: The project has commenced, please check back for updates.
Council Review: Informational Briefing 6/6/17		Email Richard Craig

Remanded Code Development Projects

Project TitleStaff Contact

Rural Craft Breweries/Distilleries/Wineries

The intent of this project is amend title 30 of the Snohomish County Code to establish land use and development regulations to address the use of rural craft breweries, distilleries and wineries on land zoned Rural Business, Rural Industrial, Rural-5 Acre, and Agriculture-10 Acre.

Project Status: The County Council considered Ordinance No. 15-066 at several public hearings in 2016. The Council remanded the Ordinance to the Planning Commission on September 21, 2016, for further study and discussion of the proposed regulations and related issues. The Planning Commission held a study session on October 25, 2016. Other code development projects have been given a higher priority at this time and there is no set schedule for the Planning Commission to reconsider this topic.