North Lake Annexation
The City of Snohomish is considering an annexation of the North Lake Urban Growth Area (UGA), an area north of the existing city boundary on the east side of SR-9. An urban growth area is land that is currently unincorporated, meaning it’s in the jurisdiction of the county, but it is meant to someday become part of the city through annexation. The boundaries were identified in the 1990s as part of the Snohomish County comprehensive planning process.
The North Lane Annexation is the next step in process that began about four years ago with the identification of the three subareas: North Corner, North Lake, and Central West. The subareas were first analyzed for land use and economic potential to understand what could and should occur within each area. After that, the City began reaching out to residents within each subarea to talk about what they envisioned for the future of their neighborhoods. Of the three subareas, the North Lake subarea residents had the most interest in growth potential and housing opportunities. Find more information about the background on the Subarea Studies page.
Where is North Lake?
The North Lake UGA is generally north of 22nd Street and east of SR-9.
What is the timeline?
Engagement with the community has already begun, and will continue through the Spring and Summer of 2025. It is anticipated that the necessary public hearings with the City Council and County Council will be held in the late Summer of 2025.
Do I have to connect to City utilities after annexation?
No. Connection to the City sewer system is not required unless you develop your property, or your septic system fails and the sewer main is available within 200 feet of your property. Maintaining an existing septic system is allowed after annexation.
How will the annexation occur?
There are several annexation methods available by state law. The City is anticipating the interlocal agreement method (ILA) with Snohomish County, as it will result in the most logical boundary, and will not leave behind any "islands" of unincorporated areas, which can cause confusion, complication, and delay for residents to receive municipal services in the future.
Do I have to connect to City utilities after annexation?
No. Connection to the City sewer system is not required unless you develop your property, or your septic system fails and the sewer main is available within 200 feet of your property. Maintaining an existing septic system is allowed after annexation.
How will the annexation occur?
There are several annexation methods available by state law. The City is anticipating the interlocal agreement method (ILA) with Snohomish County, as it will result in the most logical boundary, and will not leave behind any "islands" of unincorporated areas, which can cause confusion, complication, and delay for residents to receive municipal services in the future.
What is allowed in the City compared to the County?
The zoning differences are slightly complicated, as there is a bit of overlap in this area. The map below illustrates this complexity. Even with the City's recent rezone efforts in 2024, there remain some areas that would have increased land use potential after annexation - no properties would be "downzoned".
There are three different County zones in this area (Low Density Multiple Residential, Residential with minimum lot size 7,200 sq. ft., and Residential with minimum lot size 9,600 sq. ft.). County Health Department regulations for septic systems may result in lots larger than 9,600 square feet. The City’s planned zoning for this area is single family with a minimum lot size of 7,200 square feet (six units per acre), multi-family at a density of 18 dwelling units per acre, and a small area of multi-family with a density of 12 units per acre.
When would development occur?
The City's Planning and Development Services Department has received inquiries from parties interested in developing in the area, but any development requires sanitary sewer availability. The Northeast Trunkline of the City's sewer system is anticipated to be constructed this summer. The Trunkline will make sewer service available to the annexation area and will terminate near Lake Mount Drive on the east side of Blackmans Lake. Sewer main extensions beyond the terminus into the annexation area will need to be built by developers, so it is difficult to estimate a timeline for when these extensions would occur.
How does annexation affect property taxes?
The County Assessor’s methodology for determining assessed value does not change with annexation. The City’s property tax levy rate is $9.712 and the County’s (in this area) is $9.9812 so initially property taxes should decrease. However, increased development potential could result in higher assessed property values. As upward trends appear in property sales, the Snohomish County Assessor will adjust the assessed property values in the area. If more units are built, the amount of property tax levied could be spread among more taxpayers, potentially lowering each individual tax bill.
How do I comment on the annexation?
There will be lots of opportunities to talk to City staff, City Council, and the Planning Commission about the North Lake Annexation. Staff is planning several community events such as open houses, a barbeque at Hill Park, and other meetings near you. The City has worked to ensure that the community in the annexation area is well-informed and in agreement with the annexation plans. We want to make sure you have every opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. Please email any questions or concerns.