Parking & Business Improvement Area (PBIA)

What is a PBIA?

A Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) program assesses a fee to businesses within a given area and returns those funds to the business community in the form of neighborhood improvements, promotional opportunities, and business support. In Snohomish, the PBIA is congruous with the Historic Business District (HBD). Fees are collected by the City of Snohomish and then distributed to the Historic Downtown Snohomish Association (HDSA).

The goals of this partnership are to:

  • Promote economic development and neighborhood revitalization
  • Assist trade, economic viability, and livability
  • Finance improvements of the City's downtown district
  • Meet City Council priorities to "promote and expand economic adaptability, vitality, and diversity," and "preserve and enhance Snohomish's quality of life"

For more information, review the PBIA Memorandum of Understanding.

What does HDSA use PBIA funds for?

PBIA funds support projects and initiatives such as:

  • Beautifying public spaces with decorations, landscaping, and maintenance
  • Hosting and promoting events that drive foot traffic to businesses
  • Supporting safety and security measures in shared areas
  • Providing professional management and stewardship of the downtown district
  • Strategic marketing to promote downtown Snohomish as a destination and attract customers
  • Business advocacy to represent and support the interests of local businesses
  • Economic development efforts to drive growth and sustainability for downtown retailers

PBIA ratepayers are also gifted basic membership in HDSA (register here). For more information about current projects, initiatives, or additional membership opportunities, please contact HDSA directly.

Is my business located within the PBIA?

In Snohomish, the PBIA is congruous with the Historic Business District (HBD). If you're unsure whether your business is within the PBIA/HBD, please enter your business address into the search bar of our interactive zoning map. If the parcel is pale pink, it's in the PBIA/HBD.

The following businesses are exempt from PBIA:

  • A sole proprietor or self-employed individual as defined by RCW 48.43.005 operating within another physical business location, such as salon technicians, tattoo artists, and realtors, who are not the primary tenant of that location.
  • A corporation that holds a current tax-exempt status as provided under 26 USC Section 501(c) 1-27 and/or nonprofit corporations organized pursuant to Chapter 24.03 RCW.
  • Governmental agencies and offices.
  • Private residences and apartments.
  • Home-based or home occupation businesses.
  • Sponsors, concessionaires, and/or vendors conducting business under a special events permit as provided under Chapter 5.10 SMC.

How do I pay my PBIA fee?

Businesses located within the PBIA are assessed a PBIA fee on an annual basis, which is separate from your business license fee. Please note that you will be invoiced for the PBIA fee directly by the City, not the Washington Department of Revenue (where you pay your business license fee). 

As of 2025, all businesses subject to the PBIA fee are billed a flat fee of $150. To pay, return the invoice or pay online.