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1. How can the public participate?

The UDC Update Project website is the primary source for public information and is updated regularly with public meeting dates, news, project, documents, project team and contact information, a feedback form for comments and questions, and additional information as needed.

Interested individuals can also sign up for monthly e-mail notices, a quarterly e-news, and updates on specific topic areas.

Monthly public forums will present issues for public discussion and review. Details about the forums as well as special topical workshops will be posted on the website.

2. What does the Update encompass?

Development codes will be reviewed for consistency, relevance, appropriateness, and flexibility by Snohomish County staff and advisory groups, with extensive input from the public and stakeholders.

3. Who is involved?

Snohomish County and its cities, citizens, and business communities; in essence, anyone who lives, works or plays in the county is affected by the Unified Development Code and may be involved in some way. Snohomish County Planning and Development Services staff will lead this multi-year effort, with participation by other county departments, consultants, and stakeholders.

4. What is a Unified Development Code?

The Unified Development Code (UDC) is an integrated set of standards that regulate building and land development within unincorporated areas of Snohomish County. The UDC is a component of the Snohomish County Code (SCC), the larger body of law that governs a wider array of public and private activities.

5. Why is it being updated?

Development code chapters were consolidated in 2002. Now it’s time for a comprehensive review and substantive update of the UDC. The project will align development regulations with Comprehensive Plan policies and changing state and federal laws, provide for flexibility and innovation in development while protecting the environment, and public health and safety, anticipate issues and problems related to changes in development industry trends and practices, reflect current and anticipated land uses not currently accounted for such as wineries and espresso stands, and more clearly articulate the laws relating to such things as density and building height.

6. What will be the end result of the UDC Update?

The county will have a modernized, easy to use and interpret, community-reviewed code. The update will align regulations, policy direction and permit processes with adopted county policies, promote sustainable community development, have broad support from cities, citizens and stakeholders, allow for greater innovation and advances in technology, and be fair and equitable, with more predictability and flexibility for better development.