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.  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 current codes on the Code Compliance page.

Accessory Dwelling Units and Detached Dwellings

This item was added to the work program by the City Council with Ordinance 2525. The Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations that were adopted by the City Council in September 2024 are being revised to be in alignment with Washington State condominium law, RCW 64.90. The Planning Commission is also discussing how to streamline and simplify these regulations, in addition to the development regulations for detached dwellings and cottage housing.

Review the draft code revisions at the links below.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 4th and recommended approval to the City Council.

Planning Commission meetings are open to the public. Submit a public comment on this project to staff via email or visit the Agenda Center for details on how to attend the meeting.

Boundary Line Adjustments

A Boundary Line Adjustment (BLA) is a minor alteration, relocation, reorientation, or elimination of a property line between two lots. A BLA is an administrative process and involves a recorded survey. Regulations addressing BLAs can be found in SMC 14.215.130. This item will add clarity to this section, including review criteria and process, to provide full transparency and predictability for applicants.

Review the draft code revision at the link below.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 4th and recommended approval to the City Council.

Planning Commission meetings are open to the public. Submit a public comment on this project to staff via email or visit the Agenda Center for details on how to attend the meeting.

Child care centers and Adult family homes

The Planning Commission will discuss amendments to the Land Use Code related to commercial child care centers for consistency with SB 5509, which requires them to be permitted uses in all zones except Industrial and Open Space. Adult family homes will also be discussed to evaluate whether the definition should be adjusted to allow a maximum of 8 residents.

Review draft code revisions at the links below.

The Planning Commission will discuss this item at their meeting on April 1st. Planning Commission meetings are open to the public. Submit a public comment on this project to staff via email or visit the Agenda Center for details on how to attend the meeting.

Other Projects on the Horizon

The Planning Commission will be discussing the following items in 2026:

  • Unit Lot Subdivisions
  • Cannabis retail facilities
  • Signs
  • Pilchuck District development regulations

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.

Recent Code Interpretations