Policy Amendments
Snohomish County is updating its Comprehensive Plan to help create a resilient, vibrant, and inclusive future so that all residents can thrive. Between now and December 2024 the Plan will go through revisions, and we are seeking your input on potential policy amendments.
The 2024 Comprehensive Plan will include 12 topical elements. The policies within each of the elements are being reviewed to better align with state laws and public input. This webpage is the most updated location for the public to review drafts of potential policy revisions for each element.
Each element is listed below with links to the preliminary draft policy amendments. The drafts will be released in phases beginning in November of 2022. This is an early opportunity to review these preliminary draft policies, and there will be further opportunities to review through the Planning Commission and Council public hearing. The posted preliminary draft policies are not finished products. We would like your help to review these drafts so that they can be improved and better serve Snohomish County.
Announcements
The opportunity to provide input on elements included in Phase IV will be available from March 1st to March 31st, 2023. Learn more about what amendments are being proposed and how to provide comment by viewing the Policy Amendment Summaries and visiting the comment form links below.
There are two ways to provide comments about the preliminary draft policy amendments:
- Provide general comments utilizing the comment form link below
- Send an email to 2024update@snoco.org
Thank you for your time and valuable input on the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update.
Timeline
| Phase | Elements | Comment Period* | Policy Amendment Summaries | Comment Form |
| Phase I |
| November 1 - November 30, 2022 | Population and Employment (PDF) Economic Development (PDF) Interjurisdictional Coordination (PDF) | *Closed |
| Phase II |
| December 30, 2022 - January 31, 2023 | Land Use - PDF | *Closed |
| Phase III |
| February 1 - March 2, 2023 | Natural Environment - PDF Parks and Recreation - PDF | *Closed |
| Phase IV |
| March 1 - March 31, 2023 | Urban Core Subarea - PDF Housing - PDF Urban Tree Canopy Policies - PDF | Phase IV Comment Form |
| Phase V |
| March 31 - May 1, 2023 | PDF (coming in Spring 2023) | Phase V Comment Form - (coming March 31, 2023) |
| Phase VI |
| May 1 - May 31, 2023 | PDF (coming in Spring 2023) | Phase VI Comment Form (coming May 1, 2023) |
*Dates subject to change
How to Submit Comments
We value receiving comments from the communities we serve. A comment can express support or disagreement, provide suggestions for a specific draft policy amendment, or be more general. Public input will help shape the policy amendments that county staff refine and present to the Planning Commission and County Council.
Brief Description of Comprehensive Plan Elements
| Element | Description |
| Population and Employment | The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires that the county designate Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) based upon the 20-year population projection made for the county. This element focuses on goals, objectives, and policies around growth targets and long-term monitoring. |
| Interjurisdictional Coordination | Policy direction for planning coordination with the cities and towns of Snohomish County as well as the region as there are many opportunities and issues that cross jurisdictional boundaries. |
| Economic Development | Economic development is the combination of jobs, services, facilities, urban design, and other features that contribute to the ability to make a living wage, and the desire to want to live and work in Snohomish County. The Economic Development element compiles strategies to further the economy in Snohomish County. |
| Land Use | Outlines a broad vision for development in urban and rural areas, which includes setting guidelines for area density and determining where various uses (e.g. residential, commercial, industrial) will be allowed. |
| Housing | Sets the goals and policies for the preservation, development, and renovation of housing for current and future county residents of all income levels. |
| Natural Environment | Establishes a framework to protect the natural environment. |
| Climate Change | Our world and Snohomish County are changing. This element aims to provide policy direction around how the county can both adapt to and mitigate against these changes in long and short term weather patterns. |
| Urban Core Subarea Plan | Provide the detailed land use, zoning, and capital facilities analysis for a portion of the unincorporated Southwest Urban Growth Area where light rail stations are planned. |
| Tribal Coordination | The land that makes up Snohomish County is the ancestral home of several Tribal nations that still live, work, and play throughout the region. There are opportunities and issues that cross jurisdictional lines and it will be beneficial to have policy direction to help coordination. |
| Transportation | Sets a plan for transportation facilities and services, including for freight, public transit, vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, to support the needs of current residents and projected population in 2044. |
| Parks and Recreation | Establishes a plan for park and recreation facilities and services to promote access and opportunity for Snohomish County residents to enjoy open space. |
| Capital Facilities and Utilities | Provides a long-term plan (inventories, forecasts of needs, funding) for public facilities in Snohomish County, both those provided by the County and non-County service providers. On an annual basis and as a part of the budget, the County’s Capital Improvement Program reviews a 6-year funding plan for capital projects and programs. |
Title VI / ADA
Interpreter and translation services for non-English speakers, and accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Please make arrangements in advance by emailing the project contact at 2024Update@snoco.org. For questions regarding Public Works’ Title VI Program, contact the Title VI Coordinator via e-mail at spw-titlevi@snoco.org, or phone 425-388-6660. Hearing/speech impaired call 711.
Para solicitar esta encuesta en español, envíe un correo electrónico con el siguiente asunto: "2024 Update - Spanish Translation Request" y enviarlo a 2024Update@snoco.org desde la cuenta de correo electrónico a la que usted desee que respondamos. Asimismo, puede ponerse en contacto con el Coordinador del título VI del Condado de Snohomish al teléfono 425-388-6660.
이 설문 조사를 한국어로 요청하시는 경우, 당사에서 회신해 주기를 바라는 이메일 주소인 2024Update@snoco.org 로 "2024 Update - Korean Translation Request" 이라는 제목의 이메일을 보내 주시기 바랍니다. 또는 425-388-6660 번으로 전화하면 Snohomish County Title VI 코디네이터와 상담을 할 수 있습니다.