Code Amendments
Code Amendments
The Planning Department is responsible for amending and updating the City's land development regulations. Development regulations in the Snohomish Municipal Code are found within Title 14.Development regulations are intended to implement and be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan goals and policies. Proposed amendments to the development code are first considered at a public hearing by the Planning Commission, which makes a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council typically holds a second public hearing before taking action on a code amendment. All development code amendments are adopted by City Council ordinance.
Amendments to the development code may be initiated by the City Council, the Planning Commission, staff, or citizens.
Find links to our current codes on the Code Compliance page.
Site Development Plans (SDP)
The Planning Commission is reviewing a proposal to amend Chapter 14.65 SMC, Site Development Plans. The proposal would modify the applicability for project types that require the SDP process prior to building permit. As currently adopted, anything that isn't a single-family home on an existing lot requires an SDP. This process can be onerous and costly, especially for minor projects. As proposed, residential projects of four or more units would require an SDP, and commercial projects that involve a new building or convert vacant, open space, or required parking require the SDP.
The proposed amendments would also add a purpose statement, and a process for modifying an approved SDP.
See the proposed code language here.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed language at their regular meeting on May 3, 2023. Visit the Agenda Center for more information, including how to attend the meeting.
Concurrency Determinations and Street Conditions
The Planning Commission is reviewing a proposal to modify SMC 14.295.100, Level-of-Service Requirements and Concurrency Determinations, to clarify confusing language, make the code match the policy and process, and also to insert the word "street" throughout. This small change will allow the City Engineer to require developers to make off-site street improvements if their development will cause or worsen an inadequate condition in the street system.
See the proposed code language here.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed language at their regular meeting on May 3, 2023. Visit the Agenda Center for more information, including how to attend the meeting.
Code Interpretations
The Land Use Development Code, Title 14 of the Snohomish Municipal Code (SMC), authorizes the Planning Director to interpret the code where it is unclear or contradictory. The Director is also authorized to determine whether a land use is allowed when that land use isn't specifically listed in any land use table.
The Director must issue a written interpretation to formalize that determination in order to establish a clear precedent. This authority and relevant rules for code interpretations are found in SMC 14.05.050 and SMC 14.207.060.