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1. How does the county get involved in annexations?

Once a city or district proposes an annexation in Snohomish County, the annexation is submitted for review and approval by the Boundary Review Board (BRB) and/or the county legislative authority. The role of Snohomish County in annexations is to review the annexation proposal submitted to the BRB.

The county considers how the proposed annexation meets the factors and objectives of the BRB (RCW 36.93.170 and 180). The County Council could either oppose or not oppose the annexation and invoke the jurisdiction of the BRB. Other jurisdictions (e.g., special purpose districts, cities, etc.) and citizens can also invoke the jurisdiction of the BRB.

2. What is the Boundary Review Board?

The Boundary Review Board (BRB) is a five-member board whose primary purpose is to guide and control the creation and growth of municipalities in metropolitan areas to avoid problems arising from fast growth, haphazard extension of municipal boundaries, adverse impacts on municipal services, adverse impacts to the financial integrity of local governments, and from disorganizing effects of annexation competition on land use.

3. What does “invoking jurisdiction” mean?

When jurisdiction is invoked, the Boundary Review Board (BRB) sets up a public hearing to hear testimony for and against the proposed annexation. After hearing all testimony, the BRB makes a decision to approve the annexation, deny the annexation, or approve the annexation with specified changes. The BRB decision can be appealed with the Snohomish County Superior Court and can be subject to referendum.

4. Who do I contact about wanting to annex?

Property owners who are interested in annexing to a neighboring city should contact the planning department of that city. Property owners who are interested in annexing to a special purpose district should contact the district directly. County staff is available to answer questions on annexations in general or on annexations under review by the county.