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- Native Growth Protection Areas
NGPAs and CAPAs are areas with critical areas, buffers, or both, which are permanently protected. Critical areas include wetlands, lakes, streams, rivers, and geologically hazardous areas. NGPA/CAPAs are established through the process of permitting development on properties with critical areas and their buffers. These designations help protect the areas around these critical areas, which helps to prevent the loss of the functions and values that these areas provide and to protect life and property.
Areas protected prior to 2007 are referred to as NGPA and areas protected more recently are referred to as CAPA. NGPAs and CAPAs can occur both on multi-residence developments and single-lot developments.
Phone: 425-388-3311
Email: askpermittech@snoco.org
Online Form: Ask Permit Tech
Many common questions about NGPA/CAPA regulations are answered in the FAQ section of this webpage.
NGPA/CAPA Violation Reporting:
Phone: 425-388-3650
Online Form: Violation Investigation Request
Pollution Reporting:
Snohomish County Surface Water Management
Phone: 425-388-6481
Online Form: Water Quality Complaint Form
Snohomish County Surface Water Management Watershed Stewards
Phone: 425-262-2466
Email: alex.pittman@snoco.org
Online Form: Site Visit Request Form
If your NGPA/CAPA is in unincorporated Snohomish County, sign up to schedule a free site visit with a Watershed Steward!