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1. How do I obtain an animal license?

Access the animal license application.  For spayed and neutered pets, the lifetime license fee is $25,  For unaltered pets, the fee is $36. Dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs are to be licensed annually for a fee of $100.

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1. What is a UBI number?

The State of Washington Business License Service defines a UBI number as “a 9-digit number that registers you with several state agencies and allows you to do business in Washington State. A UBI number is sometimes called a tax registration number, a business registration number, or a business license number.”
• Visit State of Washington Business Licensing Service to print an application form or apply online for a UBI number.
• If your business qualifies, the State also offers a temporary UBI number. More information can be found at State of Washington Department of Revenue.

2. Is my business Resident or Non-Resident?

• A Resident business maintains a store front or office in the City limits. Farmers Market Vendors, in-City salon chair rentals, and in-City mall spaces are Resident businesses.
• A Non-Resident business is physically located outside the City limits, but has sales or services performed inside the City by the physical presence of business representatives.

3. I am no longer doing business in Snohomish. How do I cancel my license?

Please contact the State of WA Business Licensing Division to close your City of Snohomish  business license account. 

4. I decided not to do business in Snohomish/I was only in your town for a short period of time. Will you refund my application/renewal fees?

No; City of Snohomish business license fees are non-refundable.

5. Are short-term, vacation or transient rentals allowed in Snohomish?

Yes, per Snohomish Municipal Code 14.207.070, short-term, vacation or transient rentals are allowed in the City of Snohomish.

Short-term rentals are a type of lodging sometimes called vacation rentals. A house, condo, or apartment (or a part of one) that is rented for a fee for fewer than 30 consecutive nights is a short-term rental. Examples of short-term rentals are those rented through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. 

Short-term rentals are allowed in any zone where dwelling units are allowed (e.g. Single-family, all three multi-family zones, Commercial, Historic Business District, Business Park, and Midtown District). This reflects the current situation where digital platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo show rentals of rooms within a house, entire houses, and multi-family units. Short-term rentals are not allowed in commercial spaces (although they may be allowed in housing units within commercial zones).

To ensure compliance with the City and State regulations, all short-term rentals within the City must:

1. Have a business license to operate
2. Pay transient rental, hotel/motel, lodging, and other taxes as required for transient accommodations in the city pursuant to WAC 458-20-166.
3. Not use commercial spaces for short-term rentals.
4. Not provide any services beyond housekeeping between visits.
5. Not be rented to the same party for more than 30 consecutive days.
6. Only be rented to a single party. A party is a group of persons gathering for the same social purpose.
7. Be for the entire structure or for a self-contained living space within a structure. Only one self-contained living space within a detached single-family residence shall be rented at a time.

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1. What utility services does the City of Snohomish provide?

The City of Snohomish provides water, sewer, and storm drainage services.  Garbage, recycling, and yard waste services are provided by Republic Services.

2. What are my payment options for paying my utility bill?

We provide several payment options, you can pay: - In person at City Hall located at 116 Union Avenue (cash or check), - Through the drop box located on the south side of City Hall, - By phone at 877-621-9831, - By mail – P.O. Box 1589, Snohomish, WA 98291 - Online through Paymentus payment link - By automatic withdrawal through your bank.

3. How can I make changes to my account (i.e. name changes, address changes)?

To request changes to an account you can call City Hall at 360-568-3115, submit the change request located on the back of your utility bill or go to the Account changes page. Changes to an account may include, transferring an account to a new owner, turning services on/off, new mailing address, level of garbage service change, etc.

4. How often am I billed/is my meter read?

The City of Snohomish bills on a bi-monthly basis. Meters are read every other month. City meter readers use a hand-held device to record the readings. They read meters through a manual read, touch read, or radio read. The device then imports the information into the City’s computers making the meter reading faster and more accurate.

5. Am I still billed if I am gone and no service is used?

Yes, base utility rates continue to accrue even if a property is vacant. An abandoned occupant rate is available to customers where no usage of water is anticipated for a continuous period and where no human habitation or active business operations is occurring. The abandoned rate is only available upon prior written notice to the city.

6. When is my utility bill due?

Utility Bills are due by the 20th of the month following the close of the bill (for the billing period of January 1 – February 28, bill is due March 20th). Payments not received by date specified on the bill will receive a $20 late fee.

7. I’m concerned about a possible leak, what should I do?

The City is responsible for repairing water meters and all pipes that lead to our meters. Pipes from the water meter to a residence or business are the responsibility of the property owner.
Test for leaks: Turn off all faucets and appliances using water. Check to see if the meter’s low flow indicator (dial, small red or black triangle) is moving and record the reading. Without using any water, recheck the meter in one hour. If the low flow indicator is moving or the reading has changed, water is running through the meter and may indicate a leak.
If you find and repair a leak, you can turn in a request for a water leak adjustment.

8. What day is my garbage pickup?

Republic Services provides solid waste, recycling, and yard waste pick up for weekly residential customers is every Thursday.

9. What do I do if my garbage can is not serviced?

Contact Republic Services for any questions you have about your garbage service.

10. How are my water and sewer charges calculated?

Both water and sewer charges are calculated based on the water consumption. Consumption is billed in hundreds of cubic feet. One cubic foot equals 7.48 gallons.

The base rate for each service includes 4 units (400 cubic feet). One unit equals 748 gallons. Each unit above the allowance is billed at the overage rate.

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1. What is the sales tax rate in Snohomish?

The retail sales tax rate is currently 9.3% for most purchases and 9.5% for vehicle sales/leases.

2. What are my payment options for paying my utility bill?

Payments can be made online at https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/snohomishwa, by phone at 1-833-501-5730, by mail to City of Snohomish, P.O. Box 1589, Snohomish, WA 98291, or at the payment drop-box located at 116 Union Avenue, Snohomish, WA 98290. Payments can also be made through your personal bank bill pay.

3. How can I make changes to my account (i.e. name changes, address changes)?

To request changes to an account you can call City Hall at 360-568-3115, submit the change request located on the back of your utility bill or go to the Account changes page. Changes to an account may include, transferring an account to a new owner, turning services on/off, new mailing address, level of garbage service change, etc.

4. How often am I billed/is my meter read?

The City of Snohomish bills on a bi-monthly basis for water, wastewater, and storm utility. Meters are read every other month. City meter readers use a hand-held device to record the readings. They read meters through a manual read, touch read, or radio read. The device then imports the information into the City’s computers making the meter reading faster and more accurate.

5. Am I still billed if I am gone and no service is used?

Yes, base utility rates continue to accrue even if a property is vacant. An abandoned occupant rate is available to customers where no usage of water is anticipated for a continuous period and where no human habitation or active business operations is occurring. The abandoned rate is only available upon prior written notice to the city.

6. When is my utility bill due?

Utility Bills are due by the 20th of the month following the close of the bill (for the billing period of January 1 – February 28, bill is due March 20th). Payments not received by date specified on the bill will receive a $20 late fee.

7. I’m concerned about a possible leak, what should I do?

The City is responsible for repairing water meters and all pipes that lead to our meters. Pipes from the water meter to a residence or business are the responsibility of the property owner.
Test for leaks: Turn off all faucets and appliances using water. Check to see if the meter’s low flow indicator (dial, small red or black triangle) is moving and record the reading. Without using any water, recheck the meter in one hour. If the low flow indicator is moving or the reading has changed, water is running through the meter and may indicate a leak.
If you find and repair a leak, you can turn in a request for a water leak adjustment.

8. What day is my garbage pickup?

Solid Waste, Recycling, and Yard Waste pick up for weekly residential customers is every Thursday by Republic Services.

9. What do I do if my garbage can is not serviced?

Contact Republic Services online or call 425-788-0188.

10. How are my water and sewer charges calculated?

Both water and sewer charges are calculated based on the water consumption. Consumption is billed in hundreds of cubic feet. One cubic foot equals 7.48 gallons.
The base rate for each service includes 4 units (400 cubic feet). One unit equals 748 gallons. Each unit above the allowance is billed at the overage rate.

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1. How do I contact a city department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. What is a MFTE?

The Multi-Family Housing Property Tax Exemption (MFTE) program began in Washington State in 1995, codified as RCW 84.14, to incentivize multi-family residential development in “residential targeted areas,” for Washington’s cities. All cities in Snohomish County may offer an MFTE. The MFTE is an optional tool; developers are not required to request it.

The state program authorizes 8-, 12- and 20-year property tax exemptions to encourage the development of multi-family housing. Staff’s recommendation will be to amend the code so that to qualify for the 8-year exemption at least 10% of the units must be affordable to low-income households (households that earn 50-80% of the Area Median Income). Staff will also be recommending amending the code so that to qualify for the 12-year exemption at least 10% of the units must be affordable to low-income households and 10% of the units must be affordable to very-low-income households (households that earn 30-50% of the Area Median Income). Staff are not recommending a 20-year exemption. 
 
The MFTE only exempts the value of the new multi-family portion of construction from being taxed during the term of the exemption. The value of the land (which will increase with the new development) and the value of the commercial construction are still taxed at the regular rate. The MFTE is temporary and when the exemption expires, the property and improvements are taxed at their fully assessed valuation.

2. Does a MFTE designation create housing projects?

A MFTE does not result in low-income housing “projects.” Through planning and land use regulations, it ensures units are built to meet specific design standards and are integrated with market rate units, a model recognized as being the more successful approach towards addressing housing affordability.

3. Does a MFTE increase taxes?

It is difficult to project exactly how an individual property owner’s property taxes will be impacted given the various taxing districts and levy rates within the City of Snohomish. 

Here’s what we do know. In an annual report released by the Washington State Department of Commerce, 20 cities across the state issued MFTE certificates in 2021. The total exemption for one year ranged from $13,000 to $2.6M per city, with the average exemption being $823,382. Based on information  provided by the Snohomish County Assessor’s Office, city staff calculates that for every $1 million of exemptions approved, the average valued home in Snohomish ($468,700 in 2022) would see an estimated increase of 50 cents per year on the property tax bill. As a reminder, the MFTE only applies for the 8 or 12 years authorized per development.

4. Why is the City rushing to create an MFTE in Midtown?

Discussions about affordable housing and incentives to provide and encourage the growth of affordable housing options have been underway in the City for several years and the Pilchuck District was already designated as an MFTE in 2011. The City has been reviewing options to ensure any  incentives are not too generous to a developer, resulting in what may be viewed as a “give-away.” Council and City staff have studied and are learning from other Washington communities that have implemented a successful MFTE program, and consulted with the Snohomish County Assessor and the Alliance for Housing Affordability to understand how affordable options would affect the City’s tax base and taxpayers. City leadership is also working to ensure transparent and open communication with the public about the proposed MFTE.

5. I bought my house in Snohomish 15 years ago and prices seemed affordable then. Why is the City talking about affordable housing?

The housing market has been rapidly changing in our City for the same reason we all love to call Snohomish home: beautiful surroundings, robust economy, great schools, a vibrant and tight-knit community, a bustling historic district, and an easy commute to the area’s major employers. The following is a snap-shot of just how things have changed:

• The average home sales price in Snohomish in 2021 was $628,000 according to the Alliance for Housing Affordability, a 50% increase in just two years compared to the 2019 average home sales price of $417,194.  
• The average rent in the City of Snohomish is $1,452/month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,570/month for a 2-bedroom apartment.
• The household income required to afford (not cost burdened; not spending more than 30% of gross income on rent) to rent in Snohomish is $63,520/year for 1-bedroom, $77,600/year for 2-bedrooms.
• The estimated household income of at least 40% of Snohomish residents is less than $50,000/year.

Independent of the affordability issue, there are simply not enough apartments for rent in the City currently.   For example, on Aug. 21, 2022, only five apartments were up for lease in the city.  Three were 2-bedroom units and two were for 1-bedroom units.

6. Doesn’t affordable housing create blight?

The term “blight” has evolved from its genesis in the early 1900s to describe the spread of slums and disease. Blight also has a long-term racial legacy as the legal touchstone for many eminent domain actions that broke apart predominately BIPOC communities throughout hundreds of American cities. In short, blight today is defined as a physical space or structure that is no longer in acceptable or beneficial condition to its community. The City’s thoughtful approach to creating long-term, sustainable affordable housing solutions are working to combat future blight by ensuring the design of livable communities for all Snohomish families.

In addition, the MFTE will have a positive impact on the City’s finances because it will cause certain revenue sources to increase, including:

• Sales tax from the construction
• Permit and other development-related fees including utility connections
• Sales tax generated by new residents
• Increased utility tax revenues
• New utility customers
• Real Estate Excise Tax (REET)

7. How many 5-story mid-rise multi-family apartment or condo units that can be built per acre in Snohomish under an MFTE?

How much new development will occur in the Midtown District -- with or without the MFTE -- is extended there is merely speculative because there is no guarantee on the quantity and type. Ultimately, market forces will determine what happens in Midtown, such as the rental income a developer can expect to collect for their new project. Projects must “pencil out” to be built so developer’s costs are a factor. The current rental market means the most likely development in Midtown will initially be 3-4 story wood frame construction. This is supported by a market study conducted by the County for the Avenue D property. The 3-4 story wood frame construction is less expensive to construct than the speculated 5-story construction and results in much less dense development.

Additionally, there are approximately 19 acres in the Midtown District that currently have redevelopment potential. Even if all of those acres are redeveloped with 3-4 story wood frame construction, the result would be about 570 new units.  However, this will not happen all at once (if it ever does) and construction would be spread out over many years. The land use restrictions for building in Midtown, including streetscape design that incorporates wider sidewalks and planting strips, adequate parking, and preferred architectural requirements reduces the amount of land that can be developed solely for housing.

Using the MFTE numbers reported by the Washington State Department of Commerce, the best case scenario for cities like Snohomish will likely be about 25-50 units built in any given year. The only cities in 2021 that built even close to 1,000 units were Seattle, Spokane, Kirkland, and Tacoma. That same year, the cities of Bellingham and Bremerton, which are much larger than Snohomish, built a little over 40 units each.

8. Why does Snohomish need a multi-family tax exemption for developers?

Commercial developers will not build any affordable units without the MFTE. Given that so many of the City’s neighbors have already established an MFTE, the City will be at a competitive disadvantage in attracting multi-family developers to build in Snohomish without the MFTE. The MFTE is a strong incentive for developers that can be the tipping point to greenlight a project. The MFTE is optional so some developers will choose to do their projects without it.

9. The Bottom Line about a future Midtown MFTE

Rapid growth in the city and county has made housing rapidly unaffordable for young adults and families. The objective of adopting a MFTE is to provide affordable housing options for future generations to ensure the city remains vibrant, resilient, and retains the community’s reputation for providing a wonderful quality of life. It is also to provide an incentive to developers to build multi-family units in the Midtown District, which would increase the multi-family housing stock and add to the housing options available in the city, while stimulating development in the Midtown District.

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1. How do I find out if my property is within Snohomish City limits?

There are several ways to determine whether your property is located within the City limits of Snohomish, or in unincorporated Snohomish County. Do not rely on your mailing address; many "Snohomish" addresses are for properties that are actually in unincorporated areas. Check the Snohomish County Assessor's website or your property tax bill. If property taxes are paid to the County or a different jurisdiction, then the property is not in the City of Snohomish.

You may also click the link below to view the map of Snohomish City limits. If the property is outside the shaded area, it is not in Snohomish.
Snohomish City limits

2. How close to the property line can I build?

Setbacks are different in different zones. The Planning Department should be contacted to determine the setback requirements for a specific location. You can reach them by telephone at 360-282-3167. The building codes also have restrictions on property lines and construction requirements.

3. What is the purpose of a building permit?

The purpose of a building permit is to obtain plan review and inspections for compliance with the codes adopted by the City of Snohomish.

4. Do I need a building permit?

A building permit is required for any new construction, remodel, repair, demolition, change in use or conversion. Other than finish work, such as carpet or paint, generally a building permit will be required. In brief, you need a permit for most work to your property. When in doubt, call the Permit Center at 360-282-3156. Remember, a building permit is required before any construction or work begins.

5. How much will my building permit cost?

Permit fees are collected at the time of submittal, and include a plan check fee and a small state surcharge. Fees are based on the estimated value of work, which is provided by the applicant or the contractor, or is calculated using the square footage of the project. The plan check fee is 75% of the building permit fee calculation. Some permit types include a base charge as well. In addition, impact fees to schools, parks, and traffic may apply. 

For an estimate of permit fees, use the Fee Estimator tool on the SSPP or call the Permit Center at 360-282-3156.

6. Who do I contact with questions about the permit application process?

We are available to help answer questions about the permitting process. Contact the Permit Center at 360-282-3156 or stop by City Hall.  If you have already submitted a permit application, you can check the status online using the SSPP.

7. What is required for permit submittal?

Each type of project has separate permit submittal requirements which have been summarized on checklists for permit application. Access submittal checklists on the Forms page.  An abbreviated list is also available during the submittal process online using the SSPP. In all cases, if you have a question about whether something on the checklist applies to your project, ask staff before submitting your application.

8. Do I need to hire a professional to do the plans?

The plans for most small residential projects, additions, garages and remodels can be done by the homeowner, providing that the drawings comply with the prescriptive requirements of the codes listed on the residential checklist for permit application. Residential or commercial buildings that require engineering, exceed four residential units or exceed 4,000 square feet will require a licensed Washington State architect. Additionally, engineering calculations are required for single family residential plans that do not meet the prescriptive requirements for lateral bracing, have other than conventional wood frame construction, are of unusual shape, or have complex supporting structure or site conditions.

9. Can I act as my own contractor?

Owner-builder is basically a situation in which the homeowner becomes the general contractor. As an owner-builder, you assume all responsibility for the overall job, which may include such things as state and federal taxes, workers compensation and other legal liabilities. Unless you are experienced in construction, it may be best to leave these matters to a contractor.

10. How do I request an inspection?

Inspection requests can be made online using the SSPP.  Go to My Work and click the Request Inspections tab, then submit a request for the date and time you would like.  Inspections are not conducted on weekends or federally observed holidays.

Online Inspection Request Form

11. When does my building permit expire?

Your permit will be valid provided you begin construction within 180 days, do not suspend construction for more than 180 days, and have required inspections at least every 180 days until the project is completed, or your permit will expire. If it appears that 180 days will pass without a required inspection, a request for an extension must be made in writing prior to the expiration date, stating why it is needed. The building official may grant one extension. If you do not request an extension, the cost to re-activate a permit within one year of the expiration date will be one-half the original cost of the permit. If the expiration date is older than one year, new submittal fees apply.

12. How long does it take to get a permit?

Some permits, such as miscellaneous plumbing, and mechanical permits, can be issued over-the-counter or as soon as fees are paid. The time required to obtain permits other than the over-the-counter permits varies with the plan reviewer's workload. You can call the Permitting center and inquire about the approximate review time for specific types of projects.

13. What should I do with my permit?

Your issued permit and approved plans must be kept on site at all times.

14. Do I need to get a permit for a fence?

Fence permits are only required for certain zones. If your property is zoned Single Family, then a building permit is not required to build a fence. However, the fence must comply with code regulations pertaining to height and location.

15. What is the SSPP and how do I use it?

SSPP stands for Self-Service Permit Portal, and it is how all permit applications are submitted and processed.  More information including user guides can be found on the SSPP webpage, or go directly to the SSPP and create an account.

16. How do I find out if my neighbor has a permit?

Use the search function of the SSPP if you notice work going on in town and want to know whether it is permitted.  Open the SSPP and click Search Public Records.  Enter the address, street name, keyword, or type of work in the search bar for a list of permits, both issued (dating back to 2019) and in review.  More detailed instructions on how to search public records can be found here.

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1. How do I find out if my property is within Snohomish City limits?

There are several ways to determine whether your property is located within the City limits of Snohomish, or in unincorporated Snohomish County. Do not rely on your mailing address; many "Snohomish" addresses are for properties that are actually in unincorporated areas. Check the Snohomish County Assessor's website or your property tax bill. If property taxes are paid to the County or a different jurisdiction, then the property is not in the City of Snohomish.

You may also click the link below to view the map of Snohomish City limits. If the property is outside the shaded area, it is not in Snohomish.
Snohomish City limits

2. How close to the property line can I build?

Setback requirements differ by zones. The Planning Department should be contacted to determine the setback requirements for a specific location. You can reach them by telephone at 360-282-3167 or email at planningdept@snohomishwa.gov. Building codes also have restrictions relating to property lines and construction requirements.

3. Can I raise chickens on my property?

Generally, if your property is 5,000 square feet or larger, you are allowed to have up to five hens. See our Chickens & Livestock web page for more information. Animal regulations are included in Chapter 7.04 of the Snohomish Municipal Code.

Chapter 7.04

4. How do I find out my zoning?

Click to open up the interactive zoning map. Enter your address in the search bar or navigate to the area on the map. Match the color of the property to the "Zone" legend. Zoning designations correspond to the regulations of the Snohomish Municipal Code, Title 14.

5. Do I need City approval to cut down a tree on my property?

If you live on a single family lot that is not large enough to subdivide, then prior City approval is not necessary to cut down a tree. For other circumstances, call the City prior to cutting the tree.

6. What uses are allowed on my property?

The City's land use tables are in Chapter 14.207 of the Snohomish Municipal Code.

7. What types of proposals require design review?

In general, most exterior building modifications require design review, except in the Single Family designation outside the Historic District and the Pilchuck District. In the Historic District, design review is done through the Design Review Board, an advisory body that meets monthly. Outside the Historic District, design review is done administratively by City Staff.  Check the applicable design standards for your project.  Historic District, Pilchuck District, General Design Standards.

8. Who do I contact with questions about the permit application process?

We are available to help answer questions about the permitting process. Contact the Permit Center at 360-282-3156 or stop by City Hall.  If you have already submitted a permit application, you can check the status online using the SSPP.

9. Can I subdivide my property?

Subdivision, or "platting" is a way to create new lots to be sold individually.  For most residential properties, the minimum lot size for a standard subdivision is 7,200 square feet.  So your property would need to be at least twice that (14,400 square feet) in order to get two lots.  You can find more information in the Plat FAQ and Chapter 14.215 SMC.

The platting process generally follows these steps.

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1. What is the schedule for fingerprinting or apply for a Concealed Weapons Permit?

Snohomish Police provide fingerprinting services to city residents on a by appointment basis on Wednesdays. Please call the office to make an appointment. Concealed Weapons Permits are also by appointment Monday through Friday.

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1. What does this mean for the City’s current Public Works Shop site, or potential development of “the pit” on City property located off Three Lakes Road?

This is still to be determined. A feasibility study of “the pit” is nearing completion and the City plans to review that information with staff and Council soon. The City would like to move as many of its operations to one location as possible to better serve residents.

2. What are the benefits of a shared campus?

Locating fire suppression and police services in one area will improve public safety by allowing for a combined emergency response. Consolidating city services in the same area will be more efficient for the public and cost-effective for taxpayers. The City currently has staff and equipment scattered across a half dozen locations, some in facilities that are over a century old. The infrastructure no longer meets the service needs of our growing community. The maintenance costs are significant, which reduces the amount of revenue the City has for programs and services people want. Sharing space means residents can access all the services they need in one area. In addition, all three agencies would be located in a facility that is more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Several other cities in Snohomish County have recently moved to—or are in the process of developing—a similar model, including Granite Falls, Marysville, Lake Stevens, and Mountlake Terrace.

3. How will it be paid for?

The two agencies will develop an updated interlocal agreement that addresses shared expenses and long-term repayment for the purchase and construction. Both agencies are also working on a variety of funding options for construction, including requests for funding in the state’s capital budget, low interest loans, debt bonds, and use of internal reserves set aside for public projects like these. 

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1. How are the traffic signals in town timed? Why aren't they synchronized?

Synchronizing traffic signals is complicated. 

The only signals in the City that are interconnected are on Avenue D, at First Street and Second Street. This upgrade was just completed in summer 2017. These signals are also connected to the Snohomish County traffic signal at Airport Road/Lowell-Snohomish Road on the south side of the Snohomish River. These traffic signals can be adjusted remotely if needed by Snohomish County. 

Other City traffic signals are controlled by clocks and sensors (traffic loops and video detection). Signal cycle lengths are determined based on typical traffic flows through the day and are programmed into a clock to synchronize the traffic signals. However, the clocks at the various intersections run independently and when the individual clocks  run a bit too fast or too slow,  then the synchronization of traffic signals can be thrown off.

At a few of the traffic signals along Second Street, GPS clocks have been installed that will reset the clocks to resynchronize the traffic signals. If the sensors at an intersection detect a high number of vehicles, additional green time may be given at that intersection - which may throw off the synchronization.

Traffic signals also allow pedestrians to cross streets safely – this may require extra time when the pedestrian button is triggered.  Anytime the synchronization is thrown off, it will take a few cycles to resynch.

2. Who is responsible for cleaning up the leaves in fall? My driveway is flooding.

During the fall season a large amount of leaves fall on streets and private property throughout the City of Snohomish. We need help from residents to make sure those leaves don't clog street drains or cause other hazards. 

• Rake leaves out of neighborhood streets to prevent problems. 
• Do not deposit your leaves in City streets or right-of-way. It's illegal to do so.

During leaf season, each week on Tuesday mornings the City of Snohomish  Public Works crew will use available equipment  to remove leaf debris from streets. In addition to our seasonal leaf removal, the Public Works Department  contracts with a private street sweeping service for normal street  sweeping services throughout the year.  All City streets are swept in their entirety every 5 to 7 weeks. This means that all City streets are  swept a minimum of 7 times per year. 

If an emergency situation arises elsewhere in the City and Public Works crews are pulled away from street sweeping, they will return to normal leaf removal duties as soon as staff is available.

If street debris or flooding are causing an immediate hazard, please contact Public Works, 360-568-3115 or after hours at 360-563-2012.

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1. Do I really need a Solicitor/Canvasser license?

• If you are traveling in any manner from place to place within the City and you are actively engaging Snohomish citizens in an attempt to interest them in your business or the company you work for, you need a City of Snohomish Solicitor/Canvasser license.
• If you are scheduling or attempting to schedule return visits with Snohomish citizens in order to provide a demonstration or more detailed information about your company’s products or services, you need a Solicitor/Canvasser license.
• If you are driving around the City selling a product from your vehicle (an ice cream truck or similar business), you need a Solicitor/Canvasser license.

2. What are commercial and non-commercial handbills?

• A commercial handbill is any printed or written matter (leaflet, pamphlet, paper, booklet, etc.) or any sample or device which advertises something for sale; generates interest in a business or commercial establishment for the purpose of promoting sales; directs attention to or advertises any meeting, performance, exhibition, or event for which an admission fee is charged for the purpose of private gain or profit (See SMC 8.20 for exceptions); or which is distributed or circulated for advertising purposes even though it doesn’t initially appear to be an advertisement.
• A non-commercial handbill is any printed or written matter (leaflet, pamphlet, paper, booklet, etc.), any sample or device, or any other printed or otherwise reproduced original or copies of any matter of literature that is not included in the definition of a commercial handbill and is not a newspaper.

3. Can I knock on a door or distribute a flyer to a property with a “No Soliciting,” “No Trespassing,” or similar notice posted?

No; the City of Snohomish prohibits Soliciting/Canvassing or handbill posting at properties which have indicated a wish to remain undisturbed.