Planning
The Planning Division’s charge is to ensure that the vision and values of the community are reflected in the city's Comprehensive Plan and appropriately implemented. The division develops and implements the following processes:
- Conducts design reviews
- Evaluates land use proposals
- Develops long range planning policies
- Oversees enforcement of zoning regulations
- Provides planning and zoning assistance to citizens and developers
- Undertakes land use studies
Long Range Planning
The Planning Department's long range responsibilities include preparing amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, Shoreline Master Plan, and Land Use Regulations contained within Title 14 of the Snohomish Municipal Code.
Current Planning
Current (project) planning responsibilities include public counter inquiries, development and land use permit review, processing of annexations, and development monitoring and data collection.
Planning Division Links
-
Historic District
The Historic District has special standards to preserve the presence and character of the old commercial and residential structures downtown.
-
Pilchuck District
The Pilchuck District was created by the City in 2011 with a vision of transforming this part of the City into a walkable neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial uses.
-
Midtown District
The Midtown District was created by the City in 2022 and is the portion of Avenue D from sixth Street north to SR 9 that was previously zoned Commercial. The purpose and intent is to implement the goals and policies of the Snohomish Comprehensive Plan, enhance Midtown’s visual and pedestrian-oriented character, promote a diverse mix of retail, housing, office, and civic land uses and a genuine sense of place, encourage development that is pedestrian-oriented and human-scale in an aesthetically attractive, energy efficient, easily accessible, and economically healthy environment, and include diverse retail and service uses, higher density residential housing, a network of pedestrian-oriented streets, and a high degree of connectivity for all modes of travel.
-
Comprehensive Plan
View information about the City's Comprehensive Plan, and learn how amendments to the Plan are processed.
-
Code Amendments
The Planning Department is responsible for amending and updating the City's land development regulations. Anyone can request a change to the code.
-
Annexations
View information about annexations to the City and how they are processed.
-
Housing
Information about housing supply and demand in the City of Snohomish, housing policies, affordable housing (and groups working to provide affordable housing), and fair housing rules.
-
Flood Insurance Rate Maps
-
Shoreline Master Program
Information about the Shoreline Management Act, and the update to the City of Snohomish Shoreline Master Program
-
Climate Change and the Waste Water Treatment Plant
The capstone project by John Calvin and Paige Hazen investigates the impacts of climate change on the City’s waste water treatment plant and offers policy recommendations.
-
Design Review
Information about design review in Snohomish, including adopted design standards.
-
Subarea Studies
Information regarding the North Lake, North Corner, and Central West Subareas studies, set to begin in 2022.
-
Park Planning
- How do I find out if my property is within Snohomish City limits?
- How close to the property line can I build?
- Can I raise chickens on my property?
- How do I find out my zoning?
- Do I need City approval to cut down a tree on my property?
- What uses are allowed on my property?
- What types of proposals require design review?
- Who do I contact with questions about the permit application process?
- Can I subdivide my property?