Code Enforcement

City Codes & Standards

The Planning & Development Services Department is charged with enforcement of the following codes and standards.

• Snohomish Municipal Code Title 14, Land Use
• Snohomish Municipal Code Title 19, Building
• Snohomish Municipal Code
• City of Snohomish Comprehensive Plan
• Shoreline Management Master Program
• General Design Standards
• Historic District Design Standards
• Pilchuck District Design Standards

Noise Complaints

The City regulates construction noise, loud music, equipment noise, and other sounds that could create a "public disturbance" via Chapter 8.16 SMC, Public Disturbance Noise.

Equipment Noise

No construction or home maintenance noise such as hammering, lawn mowing, or heavy equipment is allowed outside the hours of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Private Property and Public Right of Way 

Streets and sidewalks are for everyone's use. They add value to private property by providing access to the property and a way to get to other places in the city. 

When property is developed, property owners dedicate part of the land as "public right-of-way" for streets, sidewalks, utilities, and similar public uses. 

What some property owners do not realize is that they are responsible for maintaining part of the right-of-way next to their property, including the sidewalk and planting strip, or the roadway shoulder if unimproved. Property owners are also responsible for maintaining and keeping the alley next to their property clear of obstructions. 

Sidewalks 

Property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their property.  This includes clearing snow and ice in the winter, so it does not pose a hazard to pedestrians. Cracks and other damage are also the responsibility of the property owner. 

If a property owner installs a new concrete sidewalk, the owner or the contractor is required to obtain a permit to make sure the sidewalk meets the City's current standards, including wheelchair ramps at street corners and proper drainage of the street area. 

Driveways 

Property owners are responsible for providing a temporary or permanent driveway so that vehicles do not drive over sidewalks, planting strips, or curbs. The construction of driveways requires a permit. 

Streets and Alleys 

While the City, Snohomish County, and other agencies like WSDOT maintain roadways that are open for travel, property owners are responsible for any unopened street areas next to their property. 

Property owners also maintain unpaved or unopened alleys, and alleys not paved to City standards.  

The City oversees all public rights-of-way and may close any of these areas that become unsafe. 

Safe Use of Street Areas 

Construction in, on, under or above a street area requires a permit. A street area includes sidewalks, alleys, and planting strips. Examples of construction which affects street right-of-way areas are signs, reader boards, fences, flag poles, awnings, rockeries, steps, decorative elements, driveways, hedges, and street trees. It may also include home repairs, such as roofing or sewer, where right-of-way is used for the staging or storage of equipment. Use of street areas for other activities may require a permit, such as a block party (special event permit) or sidewalk cafe (sidewalk cafe permit).  

Street Trees 

Street trees planted by the City will be maintained by the City. All other trees are to be maintained to approved standards by the abutting property owner. 

In most cases, trees interfering with vehicle visibility can be trimmed by the property owner to eliminate the problem. All trees must be maintained to provide 9 feet of clearance above sidewalks and 12 feet above roadways. 

Complaints about tree overgrowth on private property should be reported to Code Enforcement.  

Weeds, Debris, and Garbage 

To protect the health and safety of the public, it is important to keep streets, alleys, and sidewalks free of obstructions, litter, and other material. 

Property owners are required to prevent trees, plants, shrubs, vegetation, or debris from extending from their property and obstructing streets, alleys, or sidewalks, or posing a fire hazard. Complaints about vegetation on private property should be reported to Code Enforcement. 

Vegetation One Sheet  

Property owners must also prevent rubbish, garbage, or waste material from accumulating on their property, sidewalks, or planting strips, regardless of who put the material there. Complaints about garbage and debris on private property should be reported to Code Enforcement. To report illegal dumping, call the Snohomish Police Department non-emergency line at 425-407-3999.