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A - Info Directory

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1. Animal Services

The animal services division is where you can license your pet, report a lost or missing pet, license your kennel or animal business and report an animal nuisance. Use this link to learn more.

2. Birth Certificates

Washington State birth certificates are available from the Snohomish County Health District for births registered from 1921 to present. Use this link to learn how to obtain a birth certificate.

3. Court Date

Use this link to find out when you need to appear in district or municipal court. The search tool returns a case summary and, where applicable, calendar information and a list of case activities (docket).

4. Driving Record

Use this link to learn how to request a copy of your driving record.

5. Energy Assistance

The Energy Assistance Program provides a one-time per heating season assistance in paying the heat bill for eligible households. Use this llink to learn how to apply.

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Animal Services - Private Kennels

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1. Why do I need a private kennel license?

With a private kennel license, you are demonstrating that you are a responsible pet owner and neighbor. Private kennel owners work with Animal Control Officers to ensure that all animals in unincorporated Snohomish County are well-cared for and responsibly bred.

See SCC Ch 6.06 for more information.

2. Do puppies count when determining how many dogs I own?

Dogs under the age of six months aren’t required to be licensed and don’t count toward the number of dogs in a private kennel.

3. Someone I live with also owns dogs and altogether there are four dogs on the property. Do we have to get a private kennel license?

Yes. Private kennel licenses are required if there are four or more dogs being kept on a single property, regardless of the number of owners or their relationship.

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Animal Services FAQ

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1. What type of animal complaints does Snohomish County Animal Services respond to?

Snohomish County Animal Control Officers respond to the following complaints associated with dogs, cats and livestock. 

• Dangerous dogs
• Animal welfare or cruelty
• Dog bites or attacks
• Stray and abandoned animals
• Sick or injured animals
• Livestock at large
• Leash law violations

If you reside in unincorporated Snohomish County, you may file a complaint regarding the following issues here. For complaints regarding barking dogs, please click here.

2. When should I call 911 with an animal complaint?

Call 911 anytime there is a life-threatening emergency in progress (i.e. livestock in the roadway, injured animal, dog attack in progress, animal left in hot vehicle). If the complaint is not in progress or life threatening, please complete the online animal complaint form or you may call Snohomish County Animal Services at 425-388-3440 Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Calls received after business hours, on weekends or holidays will be returned on the next business day. 

3. How do I file an animal complaint?

For barking dog or other animal noise complaints click here. For all other complaints you may file an on-line complaint or call Snohomish County Animal Services at 425-388-3440 Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Calls received after business hours, on weekends or holidays will be returned the next business day. 

4. Can I file an animal complaint anonymously?

No. Your name and contact information are needed to complete a thorough investigation into the complaint. Under the Public Records Act chapter 42.56 RCW, the information provided on a complaint investigation request form is subject to public disclosure.  However, information revealing the identity of persons who are witnesses to crimes or who file complaints with investigative agencies may be withheld from disclosure if you as complainant indicate a preference not to reveal your identifying information. The preference you indicate on the complaint form shall govern whether such identifying information will be disclosed or withheld in response to requests for public records. 

Please note, if your case is filed in court you name must be disclosed if you are a witness in the case. 

5. Why do you need my name and contact information to file a complaint?

Animal Services may need to contact you regarding your complaint. 

6. How do I get a copy of an animal-related complaint made against me?

Public record requests may be made here. 

7. Is there a leash law in unincorporated Snohomish County?

Yes. The leash law (SCC 9.14.030) requires any dog off the property of its owner be under the control of a responsible individual. 

8. Is there a scoop law in unincorporated Snohomish County?

No. However, parks, recreational areas and dog leash parks may have their own scoop requirements and we encourage you to be a responsible pet owner by picking up after your pets. 

9. Who do I contact regarding an injured animal?

Please call 911. 

10. How do I know if my pet needs a license?

All dogs and cats, including indoor only and pets confined to fenced yards, that are six months of age or older residing in unincorporated Snohomish County must be licensed. You can license you pet here. If you live within city or town limits, please contact your city hall or town hall for pet licensing requirements.

11. How much does a pet license cost?

Pet license fees can be found here.  

12. What are the benefits of a Snohomish County pet license?

1. A pet license lets Animal Services know your pet has an owner. Animal Services staff will attempt to deliver your pet home to you immediately, skipping a trip to the animal shelter.
2. Found pets can be quickly reunited with their owner because any finder can look up the tag number to locate the owner's contact information, 24/7.
3. Pet license fees help pay for investigations for animal cruelty, neglect and abandoned animals. 
4. A pet license is inexpensive and you will avoid a costly fine. The fee for a first time offense for failure to license a pet is $100.
5. Licensing your pet is quick, easy and shows you are a responsible pet owner. 

13. How do I know if I reside in unincorporated Snohomish County?

Use our map tool here.

14. Do I need a license for my pet-related business?

Please visit our kennel and animal businesses page for details on what licenses are required. 

15. What do I do if my pet is licensed in Snohomish County and I move?

Please call 425-388-3440 or email animalservices@snoco.org and we will update your records for you. 

16. Where does Snohomish County Animal Services take loose or stray dogs and cats?

Animals are taken to the Everett Animal Shelter.

17. What should I do if I have found or lost livestock?

If you have lost or found livestock (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs) in unincorporated Snohomish County, contact Animal Services at 425-388-3440, Option 9 or email animalservices@snoco.org. 

18. What should I do if I see an animal left in a hot vehicle?

Please call 911. 

19. Who do I contact to report a dead animal on the road?

If the animal is on a road in unincorporated Snohomish County, please call Snohomish County Public Works Road Maintenance at 425-388-7500. 

20. Who do I contact regarding wildlife issues?

Please contact the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife at 425-775-1311 for wildlife related issues or questions. 

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Assessor's Office - Mapping

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1. I can't find my parcel when I put in the address. Why not?

The property information applications search for the physical or situs address of the property in our database. Common reasons why the address may not be able to be located are:

• The address does not exist in the property information database.
• Address is new construction and has not been captured by our office (Addresses are not assigned by the Assessor's office so they do not show up in our system immediately).
• Address is one of multiple on a single parcel. (Assessor tracks one address per parcel.)
• Address does not exist within Snohomish County.
• Address is for vacant land (Assessor does not maintain addresses on vacant land).
• The address is incorrectly entered in our database or the address tables are not synchronized so that the address is available to the search mechanism.
• You have entered more data than necessary, entered an incorrect street number, or misspelled the street name.
• The address in our database may be incorrect due to changes that we were not notified of.
• In some cases an address may not show up in our database quickly because the information we maintain is only complete for the current tax year. There are cases where a parcel may not be taxable until a future year so our database may not have an address entry until the parcel becomes taxable.

2. I put an address into one of the many online mapping services. It found a location for the address, but when I search your system or use your map it can't find the address. Why not?

Most of the online mapping services match the information the user enters against a theoretical address range and then place the location where the address might possibly exist. They generally do not verify that the address does, in fact, exist; only that it could possibly exist near the location shown on their map.

3. Do your parcel maps show my legal property ownership?

Parcel maps do not show ownership even though the terms owner and ownership are often used when talking about the maps. The parcel maps depict boundaries of legal descriptions of record in the assessment roll. These legal descriptions are not limited to legal ownership and may be for administrative purposes only. Accurate property ownership boundaries can be determined by a licensed professional land surveyor.

4. How accurate are your maps?

The maps are as accurate as available resources allow us to make them. The Assessor's office has no ability to field verify location information when conflicts exist with written source documents. Many areas have limited information available that can be used to construct the maps. This can cause the accuracy of the maps to vary depending on location. The parcel maps are not surveys and should not be used as a definitive source of property ownership boundaries. Accurate property ownership boundaries can be determined by a licensed professional land surveyor.

5. When I look at the aerial photograph of my property on your map it looks like my neighbor is on my property. Is this correct?

The aerial photographs and parcel lines do not have the level of accuracy to determine if one property owner is encroaching on another. It may be necessary for a licensed surveyor to make this determination.

6. If the maps and aerial photographs are not accurate enough to determine property boundaries, why do you allow them to be shown together?

Viewing the parcel lines with the aerial photo can be beneficial for many purposes. Among these uses are:

• Determining how to gain access to a parcel
• Locating a parcel by its relationship to known structures
• Determining if a parcel has structures on it and determining if a parcel is cleared or wooded

7. Can you give me the GPS coordinates for my property corners?

Snohomish County does not maintain coordinates for locating property corners. Although this information could be generated from the computerized mapping data known as GIS that the county uses, the level of accuracy of the data is not sufficient to be used to definitively locate property boundaries. Even if absolutely accurate GPS coordinates could be provided, most commonly available lower cost GPS devices do not have sufficient positional accuracy for the purpose of locating property boundaries. They are generally designed only for navigational purposes. Accurate property ownership boundaries can be determined by a licensed professional land surveyor.

8. When I look at the aerial photograph of my property on your map, my property lines do not match up with the fence lines that can be seen on the photograph. Will you fix your map so that they match?

We compile the parcel lines from documents of record and do not change them to match property boundaries visible on aerial photography. The aerial photographs and parcel lines are compiled using different sources and methods and their accuracy standards are not the same.

9. Can you give me the exact dimensions of my property?

The Assessor's office can provide estimated dimensions for many properties based on the legal descriptions contained in our assessment roll and parcel maps compiled from these legal descriptions. Dimensions for properties that have been through a formal subdivision process may also be available from the Auditor's recorded document search application.

10. I measured from the painted stripe on the road and it looks like the road/my neighbor is on my property. What do I do?

Roadways that include the traveled road pavement, parking strip, curb, gutter, and sidewalk generally reside in a corridor of land known as a right of way. Roadway improvements and rights of way are distinctly different entities. Typically roadway improvements do not utilize the entire width of a right of way corridor. Roadway improvements like the painted stripe may also not be located in the center of the right of way corridor. Measuring from the painted centerline of the roadway may not provide a correct interpretation of where the edge of the right of way is located. Accurate property ownership boundaries can be determined by a licensed professional land surveyor.

11. My neighbor has put up a fence that I think is on my property. What can you do to help me?

The Assessor's Office has no ability to define, determine, or locate property boundaries. The Assessor's Office staff cannot provide legal advice on how to resolve a boundary dispute. We can provide any documentation that is generally available under applicable public disclosure laws such as our parcel maps and legal descriptions. You may need to seek legal counsel.

12. I am in a dispute with my neighbor regarding our property line. Can you suggest an attorney or surveyor to contact?

The Assessor's office cannot provide referrals to specific attorneys or surveyors. Many are listed in the yellow pages.

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Assessor's Office - Park Model Trailers

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1. What is a "park model trailer"?

"Park trailer" or "park model trailer" means a travel trailer designed to be used with temporary connections to utilities necessary for operation of installed fixtures and appliances. The trailer's gross area shall not exceed four hundred square feet when in setup mode. "Park trailer" excludes a mobile home.  RCW 46.04.622

2. Are park model trailers real property?

When a 'park model' has substantially lost its identity as a mobile unit by virtue of being permanently sited in location and placed on a foundation of either posts or blocks with connections with sewer, water, or other utilities for the operation of installed fixtures and appliances the "park model" meets the definition of "real property".  RCW 82.50.530

3. Do I have to pay property taxes on my "park model" if it's licensed?

If the "park model" meets the definition of "real property", property taxes are assessed even if the "park model" is licensed.

4. Do I have to pay real estate excise tax on a "park model" that is being assessed as "real property"?

Yes.  An excise tax is imposed (or due) on the sale of real property. Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 82.45.060 Tax on sale of property.

(1) "Real estate" or "real property" means any interest, estate, or beneficial interest in land or anything affixed to land, including ownership interest or beneficial interest in any entity which itself owns land or anything affixed to land.  The term includes used mobile homes, used park model trailers. RCW 82.45.032

5. Why is my "travel trailer" taxed and my neighbor's is not?

Travel trailers that meet the definition of a "park model" and which meet the definition of "real property" are subject to property tax. Travel trailers that do not meet these definitions are not.

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Assessor's Office - Taxes and The Assessment Program

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1. What laws affect how the assessor appraises my property?

Washington State law requires assessors to appraise property at 100% of its "true and fair market value" in money according to the "highest and best use" of the property. That means the assessor must first know what similar properties are selling for, what it would cost to replace it, and what the current interest rates are for borrowing the money to buy or build properties like yours. There are three basic approaches to the valuation of real property:

1. Market or sales approach: comparison of a property with the characteristics of similar properties that have recently been sold.
2. Cost approach: estimate of the replacement cost of a structure and adjusting that estimate to account for depreciation.
3. Income approach: analysis of a property's value based on its capacity to generate revenue for the owner.

2. What is market value?

It is the amount of money that a willing and unobligated buyer is willing to pay a willing unobligated seller. In other words, it is the price most people would pay for your property in its present condition.

3. Can I appeal my new assessed value?

Yes. If you disagree with the value of your property, call the Assessor's Office phone number listed on your change of value notice and ask to talk to an appraiser. The appraiser will be glad to answer your questions and examine the valuation of the property. If you cannot come to an agreement, the appraiser will explain how to appeal with the Snohomish County Board of Equalization (BOE). You must file a completed petition with the BOE within 60 days of when the change of value notice was mailed or by July 1st, whichever is later. Appeal forms are available from the clerk of the board at 425-388-3407. The appeal process does not require an attorney, but you will need to present evidence that the assessor's value is incorrect.
Read the appealing your property assessment document for more information.

4. Why do we have property taxes?

Taxing authorities such as school districts, park districts, and city councils adopt their budgets and levy taxes to deliver the services that taxpayers want and authorize.  Taxing authorities require money to provide those services.  Property taxes are also used to pay for special voter-approved measures such as school enrichment levies, bonds, and emergency medical levies.

5. If assessed value increases, do taxes have to increase?

No. Raising property values does not increase taxes. Taxing districts' budgets are limited by how much their budgets can increase under the 1% levy limit.

For example, let's say a portion of your tax bill is for a city:

• The city taxing authority decides how much money the property tax has to collect that year, say $1 million.
• Assessors estimate the total assessed value (A/V) of all taxable property within the city, say $500 million.
• A tax rate (levy rate) is calculated by dividing the amount of tax to be raised by the total A/V of the city: $1 million/$500 million = $2 per thousand dollars of A/V.
• If your home's assessed value is $100,000, your share of the taxes will be: .002 x 100,000 = $200.
• If the assessed value of property within the city doubles to $1 billion, and the amount to be raised stays the same, the tax rate will be: $1 million/$1 billion = $1 per thousand dollars of A/V. Your taxes, if your home doubles in value, will still be $200: .001 x $200,000 = $200.

6. If assessed value decrease, do taxes have to decrease?

No, not unless the decrease in assessed value for a taxing district causes the taxing authority to exceed the statutory limit for its regular levy rate. Read examples in the examples of assessed value document.

7. Is it possible to make a "ballpark estimate" of how much the taxes will be on a piece of property that I am thinking about buying, or a structure that I might build?

Yes.  The average 2022 tax rate in Snohomish County is about $9.30 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.  Rates vary from area to area and from year to year, but multiplying the number of thousands of dollars of price or cost by $9.30 will provide a rough estimate of taxes.   Tax rates ranged from a low of $5.4711 to a high of $11.4908 depending on where you live in the county.

8. How does Washington State rank in terms of property tax collected per household when compared to other states?

View the national governments chart regarding property taxes.

9. What are tax code areas and taxing districts levy limits?

View the Levy Limits & Taxing Districts page for more information.

10. What is a taxing district?

"Taxing district" means the state and any county, city, town, port district, school district, road district, metropolitan park district, regional transit authority, water-sewer district, or other municipal corporation, having the power or legal authority to impose burdens upon property within the district on an ad valorem basis, for the purpose of obtaining revenue for public purposes, as distinguished from municipal corporations authorized to impose burdens, or for which burdens may be imposed for public purposes, on property in proportion to the increase in benefits received.  

11. How do I contact a city, fire district, school district or other taxing district?

City page

Fire District page

School District page

Other Taxing District page

12. How can I determine city and subdivision boundaries?

View the City Taxing Districts page for more information.

13. When will the assessor update assessments?

Snohomish County updates all taxable real and personal property assessed values annually as of January 1 of each year. The Official Notice Of Assessed Value will be mailed for most properties in June of that year and the property value will be taxed in the following year. The dates are set by state law and apply whether property values are decreasing and increasing.

For example, Properties are assessed as of January 1, 2022. The 2022 Official Notice Of Assessed Value are then mailed in June 2022. The values in the June 2022 notice are used to calculate property taxes owed in 2023.

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Assessor's Office - The Assessment Process

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1. What does the County Assessor do?

Washington State law requires assessors to appraise property at 100% of its “true and fair market value” in money according to the “highest and best use” of the property. The Assessor also sets the levy rates based on taxing district budget requests, statutory limits, and property values. Note: Market sales, assessed value history, and tax history are available on our website.

2. Can you explain how the property tax system works?

Several publications are helpful in explaining how the property tax system works. You may want to start by viewing the Washington State Legislative Guide to Property Taxes. Another helpful document is the Homeowner's Guide to Property Taxes. The Levy Division provides more localized information, including the Assessor's Annual Report.

3. What are the important dates of the assessment process?

View the important dates page.

4. What is real property?

Real property includes all land and any improvements. For example, buildings attached to the land count as real property. Manufactured homes and mobile homes and park model trailers are also assessed as real property.

5. How is residential property appraised?

View the residential property assessment process.

6. How is commercial property appraised?

View the commercial property assessment process.

7. Who should I contact for more information about my assessed value?

If you have questions regarding your property or disagree with the assessed value, please call our Residential Appraisal Department at 425-388-6555 or our Commercial Appraisal Department at 425-388-3390. Staff will be glad to answer your questions and examine the valuation of the property.

8. When did the assessor's office change to an annual revaluation cycle?

The change to an annual revaluation began with the 2004 assessment for taxes payable in 2005. All property will be appraised annually and updated to reflect the current market value. This will result in smaller increases in assessed value than Snohomish County property owners have experienced in the past with the 4-year revaluation cycle. It will also allow us to adjust property values downward if there is a change in the market, instead of the value being "fixed" for a 4-year period.

9. Why did the Assessor's Office change to an annual reevaluation?

We changed in 2004 to improve levels of assessment, uniformity, and predictability. The level of assessment improves when the tax burden is distributed more equitably. This is particularly important for countywide levies such as the state school levy and county levies. Predictability improves because increases in values that result from a 4-year cycle are difficult for taxpayers to understand and accept and results in the area that has just been revalued carrying a larger share of some taxes than the other 3 areas. Uniformity improves because all property is assessed every year at market value. This is particularly important if market values begin to decline. Assessed values are no longer "fixed" for 4 years.

10. When was my property last appraised by the Assessor's Office?

View the explanation with a map.

11. What is personal property?

Generally, personal property is business equipment and portable property used in conducting a business. Business inventories are exempt from the property tax, as are household goods and personal effects.

Taxable personal property includes (but is not limited to): office machinery, and equipment as well as supplies, and materials which are not held for sale or do not become an ingredient or component of an article being produced for sale. Also assessable as personal property are: furniture, fixtures and equipment in commercial use; leased equipment, certain leasehold improvements, manufacturing machinery, and equipment; agricultural machinery and equipment, contractor's, sawmill and logging machinery, and equipment.

12. How is personal property appraised?

View the personal property assessment process.

13. How often does the Snohomish County Assessor value personal property?

Annually. Personal property listings, which list taxable property by category, cost, and the acquisition dates are filed with the Assessor’s office each year by the taxpayer and are due by April 30. The affidavits are used by the Assessor to value property for taxes due in the following year. Visit personal property forms to find out more about personal property and to download forms.

14. What tax relief programs are available?

There are several exemption programs and special classifications available that provide tax relief.

• Open space classification for agricultural land, timberland, and natural preserves
• Designated forest land classification for timberland parcels 20 acres or more
• Historical restoration exemption for historical significant property undergoing restoration
• Improvement exemption - single family dwellings a temporary exemption of valuation of additions to single-family dwellings
• Destroyed property claim adjustment to the valuation of destroyed property. Please note this program is handled by the Admin department, for further information please contact them at 425-388-3038
• Property tax exemptions for senior citizens and disabled persons
• Full tax deferrals for senior citizens and disabled persons
• Exemptions for qualifying property owned by non-profit organizations
• Property tax deferral for those with limited income

For further information about any of these exemptions, contact the Exemption Department at 425-388-3540.

15. What tax relief programs are available for lower income seniors and disabled persons?

The senior citizen or disabled person exemption program is available. If you own and occupy a residence or mobile home and were 61 or older by December 31, 2012 or are retired because of disability you may qualify for an exemption or a reduction of your 2013 property tax. The total combined, gross household income limit (including social security and / or disability payments) for the program is $35,000 or less. For determining eligibility we must use your total combined income, which is your income from any source, less veterans’ disability, survivors’ dependency, or indemnity compensation. This is not the same as the “taxable income” used for federal income tax purposes.

Property Tax Exemptions

Also available is a senior citizen or disabled persons tax deferral program. To qualify you must be 60 years of age or disabled from working, with a gross income less than $40,000. The State of Washington will pay your property taxes. This must be re-paid upon the transfer of ownership, if the property is no longer your primary residence, or upon death of the applicant. A lien is placed on the property.

16. I already have a senior citizen or disabled person exemption and my taxable value is "frozen", will the new assessment affect my taxes?

Individuals qualifying for a senior citizen or disabled persons exemption are taxed on either the market value of the property on the date of qualification (“frozen value”) or on the new market value - whichever value is lower. Annual changes in levy rates may affect your taxes.

17. How are my taxes calculated?

Property taxes in Washington State are budget based. Each individual taxing district, such as cities, county, schools, fire, library, ports, etc., decides how much money to levy or budget each year for their regular levies, voter approved levies or both. Regular levies are limited to a 1% increase annually without going to a vote of the people. There are several different limits on how levies can increase. For detailed information on levies view our levy presentation. Your share of the tax is determined by a simple formula:

• Taxes to be collected for the district divided by the total assessed value of a district times 1000 = the levy rate.
• The levy rate times the assessed value divided by 1000 = the taxes owed.

18. Can I appeal my assessed value?

Yes. If you do not agree with the value set by the assessor, you can file a petition for a hearing before the Snohomish County Board of Equalization (BOE). The petition must be filed with the BOE within 60 days of when the value notice was mailed or by July 1 whichever is later.  The appeal process does not require an attorney, but you will need to present evidence that the assessor’s value is incorrect. Appeal forms are available from the clerk of the board at 425-388-3407 or online.

19. Can I appeal the amount of taxes I will pay or the percentage that my assessment increased or decreased?

No. The Board of Equalization cannot consider appeals on this basis. If you have concerns over the amount of taxes you are paying, you need to take them up with the taxing district officials who determine the budgets for their districts. You can also work for efficiency in government by attending budget hearings and calling or writing the taxing authorities with your concerns and ideas. Please refer to your local phone book for contact names and numbers of each taxing district.

20. How much will my taxes increase or decrease in 2023?

Information on how much you will pay in property taxes won’t be available until the taxing districts adopt their budgets at the end of the year and any voter approved taxes are added or dropped in 2022.  In early 2023 levy rates will be calculated and tax statements will be available. New tax amounts are usually available from the County Treasurer’s office in February of each year.  Please visit us at: www.snohomishcountywa.gov/AssessorAnnualReports for detailed information regarding tax rates and distributions.

21. What percentage of my taxes are voter approved?

Last year, 4 of 5 ballot measures were approved by voters.  Your assessed value determines your share of the taxes to be collected which are: voter approved taxes, typically for 34% to 39% of your tax bill and / or the amount levied each year by each individual taxing district allowed by law without going to a vote of the people.

22. When will the 2021 sales affect my assessed values and taxes?

Sales that occur in 2021 will be used to set the January 1st, 2022 assessments which will be used to calculate taxes due in 2023. Washington State law requires assessors to assess property according to the property tax calendar. This law applies whether the real estate market is increasing or decreasing. The following calendar of events helps explain this lag: 

New assessment notices will be mailed in June & Sept. 2022 after revaluation & new construction are complete. 

After notices are mailed, property owners have 60 days to appeal their value with the Board of Equalization. 

Taxing districts receive their certified assessed values in October or November and set their budgets in November 2022 for taxes due in 2023. They may or may not also ask voters to approve ballot measures in 2022 that will affect taxes due in 2023. 

Levies are calculated in January 2023 using the January 1st 2022 certified assessed values for revaluation and the July 31st, 2022 certified values for new construction. Tax statements will be mailed by the Treasurer in February 2023 for taxes due in April and October 2023.

23. How do I change the owner, taxpayer, or address information?

View the owner, taxpayer and address changes page for information.

24. Where do I find forms, publications, and reports?

View the forms, publications, and reports page.

25. Does the assessor publish raw data?

Yes. View the assessor’s raw data online.

26. What kind of services are offered online through the Assessor Department?

• The assessor has a considerable amount of information available for public review. Our available information listing provides a quick look at the type of information available from our office.
• There are many forms and publications available on our site to help inform you about Washington’s property tax system or assist you with filing for or requesting a service.
• The Interactive County Property Map from Snohomish County Online Property Information (SCOPI) enables the retrieval of a significant amount of property information by simply clicking on a map.
• Property Summary Information is a tool that allows the user to query property information by entering a parcel number or physical street address.
• Standard Parcel Map Images are available for review and printing. They can be selected by the township, range, and section of interest. If you don’t know the township, range, and section, the Property Summary Information provides this and a direct link to the parcel map image in the map information section of the page.

27. I recently short platted or divided my property. How do I get a new tax parcel number?

You will be notified of your new tax parcel numbers by mail when our office has updated your records. Please contact the Land Segregation Department at 425-388-3525 for more information.

28. I just purchased a lot in a new formal plat / subdivision. When will my new tax parcel number be assigned?

New parcel numbers for the individual lots in new formal plats are assigned for the future revaluation cycle. The set up and assignment time will vary depending on where we are in the revaluation cycle. The current year's tax and possibly an advance tax to cover the following year are paid prior to the formal plat recording.

29. Whom should I contact for more information?

View the assessor's contact information.

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Board of Equalization

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1. What type of appeals may be brought before the board?

The board’s jurisdiction involves appeals of assessor determinations including:

• Change in real and personal property values* [RCW 84.48.010]
• Denials of senior citizen/disabled persons exemptions [RCW 84.36.385]
• Denials of home improvement exemptions [RCW 84.36.400]
• Decisions regarding historic property [RCW 84.26.130]
• Forest land classification determinations [RCW 84.33]
• Current use determinations [RCW 84.34]
• Destroyed property determinations [RCW 84.70.010]
• Claims for either real or personal property tax exemptions [RCW 84.36.010]

*There is no provision in state law to directly appeal the amount of your property taxes.

2. How do I appeal?

File an original completed petition form with the board. Submit separate petitions for each parcel. There is no charge for filing an appeal. A petition form is available on the BOE web page or by calling 425-388-3407.

3. When must I appeal?

Petitions must be received by the board on or before July 1 of the assessment year* or within 60 calendar days after the date of the value change notice (or other notice of determination) - whichever date is later (WAC 458-14-056(2)). If submitted by mail, petitions must be postmarked by the post office no later than the filing deadline (WAC 458-14-056(4)).

*Assessment year is the year before the tax is due. It is shown on the value change notice. Under very limited conditions, late petitions or appeals for previous assessment years may be accepted (WAC 458-14-056; 458-14-127).

4. What information is required to file an appeal?

The board cannot consider incomplete petitions. A complete, separate petition for each parcel must include the following information:

• Assessor’s parcel number
• Taxpayer name and address
• Taxpayer’s representative, if applicable (must include power of attorney)
• Property description to include property address, parcel size, zoning, and general building information
• Value as listed by the assessor
• Your opinion of the value
• Specific reasons why you believe the assessor’s value does not reflect the true and fair market value of your property. Your petition must include sufficient information or statements to apprise the board and the assessor of the reasons why you believe the assessor’s determination is incorrect. Matters unrelated to market value such as assessment comparisons of other properties, percentage of value increases, personal hardship, amount of tax, etc., cannot be considered (WAC 458-14-056(5))
• Taxpayer’s signature and date
• A copy of the assessor’s revaluation change notice or other determination notice

5. What types of evidence should I provide?

Remember, the issue before the board is the market value of your property. Accordingly, you will need to furnish evidence that demonstrates that the assessor’s valuation exceeds your property’s fair market value. State law requires the assessor to value all taxable property at 100% of its true and fair market value in money, according to the highest and best use of the property. Market value is the amount of money that a willing and unobligated buyer is willing to pay a willing and unobligated seller.

Successful forms of evidence include:

• Comparable sales and/or sales of the subject property
• Contractor estimates of costs to repair building or land defects
• Letters or documents from government agencies and/or experts regarding development limitations
• Deeds describing easements that impact value
• Independent appraisals
• Photographs of features or conditions you believe diminish your property’s market value
• Maps showing proximity to high traffic areas, access limitations, etc.

When gathering evidence and formulating arguments, it is important to keep in mind that, by law, the assessor is presumed to be correct. The burden of proof is on you to show that the assessor’s determination is incorrect. Evidence must be “clear, cogent, and convincing” (WAC 458-14-046(4)).

6. Why should I include comparable sales and how do I find them?

Sales of the subject property and/or comparable properties are the foundation of our state’s market value standard. Accordingly, comparable sales typically provide the best indicators of market value [RCW 84.40.030]. This is particularly true for residential properties. The best comparables are sales located in your neighborhood, with similar land and improvement features, which sold close to the valuation date at issue (before and not after). The assessor’s website, realtors, and title companies may be resources. A typical comparison or appraisal will have three or more comparable sales.

7. What is meant by the valuation date?

According to state law, the assessor must base assessed valuations as of January 1 of each assessment year. For example, if you are appealing a 2016 assessment year valuation, for taxes payable in 2017, the assessment date is January 1, 2016. From a market value standpoint, the board gives sales occurring closest to this date the most weight (WAC 458-14-087(3)).

8. What if there are no sales comparable to my property?

Comparable properties do not have to exactly match your property. Look for sales that are most similar, note their differences, and identify superior and inferior property features. This comparison process should enable you to determine whether your property would sell for more than or less than the price paid for each selected sale, leading you to a market value estimate.

9. What if I don’t have time to gather all the evidence by the petition deadline?

For the purposes of filing a timely appeal, as long as your petition includes sufficient information or statements to apprise the board and the assessor of the reasons why you believe the assessor’s determination is incorrect, it is not necessary to include all the evidence you intend to use at your hearing. It is recommended that you provide the evidence you will use as early as possible. Additional evidence may be submitted up to twenty-one business days before your hearing (WAC 458-14-056(5)).

10. When will I have a hearing?

The scheduling of your hearing will depend on the volume of appeals and the timing of your petition filing. An assessor’s representative will review your petition and may contact you at your daytime phone number. Also, you may initiate contact with the assessor’s representative at the number listed on your “Assessor’s Notice of Real Property Value Change” form.

If you are able to reach agreement on the true and fair value of the property, you will be offered a Stipulated Agreement form to sign that establishes the new value and withdraws the petition. In this case, you will not have a board hearing. However, if you cannot come to an agreement with the assessor’s representative, then you will be scheduled for a board hearing. You will be notified by mail of your hearing date approximately 60 days in advance. The time between filing your appeal and the scheduled hearing may take between 6 and 18 months.

11. What can I expect at the hearing?

The hearing is an informal review where property owners may represent themselves without having to pay someone to argue their case. You will have the opportunity to give oral testimony and review your previously submitted arguments and evidence. During some board hearings, an assessor’s representative may also give testimony and review the material previously submitted to you and the board. Each party will have the opportunity to question and rebut the other party’s arguments and evidence. Board members may also question either you and/or the assessor’s representative.

12. May I submit additional information at the hearing?

Documentary evidence (comparable sales, appraisals, contractor estimates, pictures, site plans, maps, etc.) must be submitted to the board at least twenty-one business days before the hearing. Narrative testimony or videos used to clarify your previously submitted evidence may be presented during the hearing.

13. When will I receive a decision?

Decisions are typically mailed within four to six weeks of the hearing.

14. What if I am not satisfied with the board’s decision?

Either the appellant or the assessor may appeal the board’s decision to the State Board of Tax Appeals. An appeal must be filed with the state board within 30 calendar days of the mailing date of our board’s decision. Appeal forms are available in the board’s office.

15. What if my taxes are due before I have a hearing or receive a decision?

It is important to pay your taxes by the deadline in order to avoid interest and penalties.

16. If the board decreases the value of my property, how will that affect my taxes?

If the board decreases your property value, the assessor’s records will be adjusted, and the treasurer’s office will either send a revised tax statement if the decision occurs before October 31 of the tax year, or issue a refund if your full year’s taxes have already been paid (WAC 458-14-116(3)). This process may take a few months to complete.

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Census 2020 Questions and Answers

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1. Why does the U.S. Census Bureau ask the question it asks?

Why we ask [PDF]

2. Are my answers safe and secure?

The Census Bureau collects data for statistical purposes only. It combines your responses with information from other households or businesses to produce statistics, which never identify your household, any person in your household, or your business. Your information is confidential. By law, the Census Bureau will never identify you individually.

Title 13 of the U.S. Code protects the confidentiality of all your information and violating this law is a crime with severe penalties. In addition, other federal laws, including the Confidential Statistical Efficiency Act and the Privacy Act, reinforce these protections. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both.

Read more about the Census Bureau's legal requirements to safeguard the confidentiality of your responses and your obligations under Title 13.

3. How do I distinguish between an authentic U.S. Census Bureau contact & fraudulent activity & scams?

The U.S. Census Bureau will never ask for:

•     Your Social Security number
•     Your mother’s maiden name
•     Money or donations
•     Credit card or bank account information
•     Your personal information through email

If a field representative comes to your home, he or she will always have official Census ID.

•     How to identify a Census Field Representative
•     How to identify a call from an interviewer
•     How to detect and report phishing and scams

4. What does "residence" mean & how do I count the "residents" in my house?

The general rule of thumb is to count people at their usual residence, which is defined as the place where they live and sleep most of the time. Still, in today’s world where everyone is on the go, sometimes that simple definition is not enough. See the document below for answers to many questions about how and where to count: people away from their residence on census day; people who live or stay in more than one place; college students; people in health care facilities; foreigners and visitors; U.S. military; homeless; and so many more residency situations.

•     2020 Census Residence Criteria and Residence Situations [PDF]

5. Do I have to respond to the census?

Simple answer: 

                           Yes.

More complex answer: Respond when contacted the first time – if only to save taxpayers’ funds.

If you are living in the United States, you are legally required to respond to the U.S. Census and could be subject to a fine or limited prison term for non-compliance or false answers. However, the U.S. Census Bureau is not a prosecuting agency; and failure to provide information is unlikely to result in a fine. Instead, Census Bureau staff work to achieve cooperation and high response rates by helping the public understand that responding to the Census is a matter of civic responsibility and that data from the census has benefits that span across government, industry, and profession.

Moreover, your quick response to the Census will ensure cost-efficiency in the use of taxpayer funds for the conduct of the Census. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimated that, in 2010, it cost the Census Bureau approximately $0.42 per housing unit if the household returned the survey that they received in the mail. On the other hand, if the initial survey was not answered, the Census Bureau had to spend another $98 per housing unit (or $57 per person) to collect the data.

So help the Census Bureau keep its costs down—and save the taxpayers’ dollars—by responding to the first mail contact.

6. How will the U.S. Census Bureau contact me & how am I to respond?

For the 2020 Census, you can respond online, by mail, by phone, or through an in-person interview.

Starting in March 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau will begin to contact households through a series of mailings:

•     March 16-23 Mailing 1: Letter with information to take survey online will be sent to a majority of people, while about 20-25 percent of the population (with specific demographic characteristics and lower internet connectivity) will receive a letter and paper survey.
•     March 20-27 Mailing 2: Letter to non-respondents
•     March 30-April 6 Mailing 3: Reminder postcard to non-respondents
•     April 12-19 Mailing 4: Letter and paper survey sent to non-respondents.
•     April 23-30 Mailing 5: “It’s not too late” postcard to non-respondents

The Self-Response Mail Strategy from the 2018 end-to-end test is a good graphic illustration of how the process of Internet First and Internet Choice will look.

If you do not respond to these mailings, then beginning in early May 2020, U.S. Census Bureau will send enumerators out to knock on the doors of households who have not yet responded. This operation, called Non-Response Follow-Up (NRFU), will begin on April 9 for colleges and universities in order to capture student data before the spring term ends.

7. I already filled out a survey from the Census Bureau last year! Why have I been contacted again?

The U.S. Constitution mandates that a census or count of the population be conducted every 10 years. The 2020 Census consists of 11 quick and easy questions per household member. In between each decennial census, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts more than 100 surveys of households and businesses across the nation each year. A full list of the bureau’s surveys can be found on their website.

One of the surveys that is often confused with the decennial census is the American Community Survey (ACS). This annual survey reaches one out of every 480 households each year and asks very detailed questions on topics such as employment, income, housing, and place of birth.

State and local governments use data from both the decennial Census and the ACS to plan and fund such things as school construction, transportation systems, public housing, policy and fire precincts, and future utility needs. Participation in both the decennial census and the ACS is required by law.

8. What happens in communities where residents may have limited English-speaking abilities?

The U.S. Census Bureau will make the census questionnaire and other materials available in multiple languages based on its understanding of populations in the United States with limited English-speaking households.

The Census questionnaire will be available in Spanish as a print version, as well as on the enumerators’ tablets as options when doing field enumeration.

When responding online, the Internet Self-Response Instrument will be available in 12 non-English languages, which include Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Japanese.

The Census Bureau will provide Census Questionnaire Assistance by phone in 12 non-English languages, including Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Japanese, as well as in American Sign Language.

The U.S. Census Bureau will also produce a glossary of census terms, a card for enumerators to identify the language of the household, and video and print guides will be available in the 59 non-English languages listed below:

Spanish

Italian

Khmer

Tamil

Croatian

Chinese

Farsi

Nepali

Navajo

Bulgarian

Vietnamese

German

Urdu

Hungarian

Twi

Korean

Armenian

Romanian

Hebrew

Lithuanian

Russian

Hindi

Telugu

Malayalam

Yoruba

Arabic

Ukrainian

Burmese

Swahili

Czech

Tagalog

Bengali

Punjabi

Yiddish

Igbo

Polish

Greek

Lao

Indonesian

Marathi

French

Amharic

Hmong

Serbian

Sinhala

Haitian Creole

Somali

Albanian

Tigrinya

Slovak

Portuguese

Thai

Turkish

Ilocano

American Sign Language

Japanese

Gujarati

Bosnian

Dutch

 

For populations that speak languages beyond the 59 supported languages, the U.S. Census Bureau plans to create video shells and print templates for adaptation.

Below is a useful graphic to summarize the non-English language support:

9. What if I still have questions or concerns?

As we get closer to Census 2020, The Washington State Office of Financial Management [OFM] will add FAQs with details of the process for the upcoming count. If you have additional specific questions, please email Lisa McLean, Complete Count Coordinator, at Lisa.McLean@ofm.wa.gov 

10. How will people experiencing homelessness be counted?

Answer Here:

https://www.ofm.wa.gov/washington-data-research/population-demographics/decennial-census/2020-census-everyone-counts/2020-census-what-you-need-know/hard-count-population-2020-census/counting-people-experiencing-homelessness-during-2020-census

11. What does Language Assistance look like in the 2020 Census?

Answer here:

https://www.ofm.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/dataresearch/pop/census/2020/language_in_the_census.pdf

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Corrections

Show All Answers

1. How can I be notified if somebody is released from jail?

Snohomish County offers a Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) service. This service can call you to provide notification of a change in custody status for specific offenders. View the VINE webpage for more information.

2. How do I know if someone is in jail?

To see if someone is in jail visit the jail register.

3. How can I get a protection order?

To get a protection order visit clerk services.

4. How do I block my phone from receiving calls from the inmates in the jail?

To learn how to block your phone from receiving calls, view available inmate phone information.

5. What phone privileges do inmates have?

View more information about inmate phones.

6. How do I put money on an inmate's commissary account?

Find out how to put money on an inmate's commissary account (JPAY) online.

7. Where is the jail?

The jail can be found at:
3025 Oakes Ave.
Everett, WA 98201

8. What are the visiting rules and guidelines?

Find out about visiting an inmate online.

9. How do I post bail?

Information about posting bail with the Snohomish County Jail can be found online.
Bail Information online.

10. How do I send a letter to the jail?

Find out how to send a letter to the jail.

11. What employment opportunities are available?

View current employment opportunities online.

12. Who was released in the last 24 hours?

To view a list of inmates released in the last 24 hours, visit the register.

13. Who was booked in the last 72 hours?

To view a list of inmates booked in the last 72 hours, visit the register.

14. How can I voice a concern or ask a question?

Email us to voice a concern or ask a question.

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DEM

Show All Answers

1. We currently do not have any FAQs, please stay tuned.

TBA

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District Court - FAQ 2

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1. District Court resumed normal operations on February 5, 2019 @ 10:00AM. Pursuant to GR 3 filing any document for Monday February 4, 2019 shall extend to 4:30PM, on February 5, 2019.

District Court resumed normal operations on February 5, 2019 @ 10:00AM. Pursuant to GR 3 filing any document for Monday February 4, 2019 shall extend to 4:30PM, on February 5, 2019.

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FAQs Example

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1. This is a question

Answer

2. This is a question

Answer

3. This is a question

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4. This is a question

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5. This is a question

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6. This is a question

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Finance - Purchasing

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1. Who should I contact if I want to sell my products and/or services to the County?

Please contact the Purchasing Division. The Purchasing Division assists all suppliers in registering with the County and ensuring requirements are met to be a County supplier.

2. Are purchase orders required for all purchases?

All purchases over $5,000 require a purchase order and all purchase of controlled commodities including technology and furniture require purchase orders.

3. Does the County give preference points to local firms?

The County does require most service providers and many product distributors to be located within the County or close to the County to ensure fast and flexible service and locally stocked supplies when needed. The County does not have a preference point system.

4. Does the County have a minority or disadvantaged business preference?

The County does not have a preference program for DBE or MBE business. However, some of the County’s projects may have federal funding and goals for DBE and MBE participation. Additionally, the County has a strong outreach and training program that encourages, tracks, and seeks to improve the participation of DBE, MBE, WBE, VOB, LGBT, and SBE suppliers.

5. What rules govern the County's purchasing practices?

The Purchasing Division is governed by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), the Snohomish County Charter, the Snohomish County Code (SCC), Purchasing Policy and Procedures, and any other federal or state regulations that may be applicable based on funding and other factors.

6. Does the County offer training for new businesses on how to do business?

The County works closely with the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) on training. Several times each year, the County and PTAC collaborate on training events. PTAC also offers training every month. For information, contact PTAC at snohomish@washingtonptac.org.

7. How can I set up a meeting with a buyer?

Call or email the buyer directly or email the Purchasing Division at purchasing@snoco.org and we will respond. Additional contact information is available on the main Purchasing home page at http://snohomishcountywa.gov/186/Purchasing

8. Can I fax my bid to you?

If the bid document requires a sealed bid no fax bids will be accepted. Quotes and informal solicitations may allow faxed bids. Bidders should follow the instructions within the bid documents.

9. Am I supposed to include tax in the price on a Request for Quotation?

Requests for Quotations are used for purchases between $35,000 and $50,000. Due to the fact that there are different tax rates within the county, the solicitation document may or may not ask for tax to be included. The county is not exempt from paying sales tax and will either make payment to the vendor or directly to the state as a use tax. Bidders should follow the directions on the solicitation.

10. How can I register for the County’s bid list?

If you would like to register to do business with Snohomish County we have an online vendor registration system called the Purchasing Portal. Snohomish County has a partnership with eBid eXchange, a web based e-Procurement service for this process.

11. If I'm not registered on the Purchasing Portal, am I still able to submit bids to the county?

Yes. However, in order to receive bid notifications and download solicitation documents from the Purchasing Portal you need to be registered as a Snohomish County vendor.

12. Who in your office can I call to speak with about the commodity or service I have to offer?

Please visit the Selling to the County link on the Purchasing page or contact the Purchasing Division at the number listed above.

13. How can I find out which services or commodities are currently available for bidding?

Visit our Current Bid Opportunities page or stop by the Purchasing Division.

14. Can I be automatically notified of bid opportunities or do I need to keep watching the legal ads section?

Yes - you will receive bid notifications from Snohomish County once you register on the Purchasing Portal and select the commodities or services you wish to sell to the County.

15. Where do I send my bid?

Bids / proposals shall be received by the Purchasing Department at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Administration East Building, Sixth Floor, Everett, Washington 98201, or mailed to 3000 Rockefeller, M/S 507, Everett, Washington 98201. Bids / proposals must be received by the date and time cited in the solicitation document.

16. How can I get a copy of the tabulation of bids on a particular bid?

Visit our Bid Tabulation page for more information. Within one hour after the bid opening the county will post the preliminary bid tabs, which have not yet been reviewed or verified. Once available, the final bid tabs will be posted.

17. With whom, in the county, do I contact to get payment for my invoice?

All invoices should be mailed to the ship to address as shown in the Header of the purchase order or as shown under “Special Instructions” in the body of the purchase order, if so noted. For professional or technical contracts invoices should be mailed to the county contact person provided in Section 7 of the contract.

18. Are departments allowed to make their own purchases?

The majority of all purchases are either made or approved by the Purchasing Division through the use of purchase orders. County departments are permitted to make small purchases for items costing less than $5,000 by the use of a county issued P-Card or by a warrant.

In the event that a good or service is requested by a county representative without an approved purchase order, please contact the Purchasing Division. Purchase order numbers can be verified by contacting any member of the Purchasing Department.

19. What is a pre-bid / pre-proposal conference?

The pre-bid / pre-proposal conference is a meeting held to discuss the specific Invitation to bid (ITB), Request for Proposal (RFP), or Request for Qualifications (RFQ) document. This meeting gives you the opportunity to ask questions and to request clarifications in the documents. Pre-bid / pre-proposal conferences are held for most formal ITBs or RFP / RFQs solicited by the county. The pre-bid / pre-proposal conference is usually not mandatory, but suppliers / contractors are strongly encouraged to attend.

20. What criteria are used to award bids and proposals?

Bids are awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder(s) meeting the bid requirements. RFP award recommendations are based on other criteria in addition to price. The solicitation document will specify the method of award.

21. What about bond and insurance requirements?

Bonds and insurance may be required for various procurement. The county attempts to only require bonds and insurance in order to meet statutory mandates or when warranted to protect the county's interests. Bond and insurance requirements are specified in the solicitation document.

22. How can I thank an employee of the Procurement Department for their help?

Employees of the Purchasing Department are prohibited from accepting gifts, meals, trips, or any other items or services from a vendor. A simple thank you"or a short letter is acceptable.

23. How often does the county hold auctions?

For more information, please visit our Surplus page.

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Finance - Risk Management - Damage Claims

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1. Do I have to submit a Claim for Damages Form to make a claim?

Yes, this requirement is mandatory by state law to start the claim process.

2. What happens after I submit the Claim for Damages?

You will receive a letter acknowledging receipt of your claim. The claim is assigned to the appropriate handler who will investigate the circumstances to determine if the county will accept or deny the claim.

3. If I have damage to my vehicle or property, do I need to submit more than one repair estimate?

Typically, two repair estimates should be submitted. If you have already paid for repairs, please submit the bill and paid receipt.

4. Who do I contact when I have claim related question?

If it pertains to a third party claim (a claim against the county), direct your questions to risk management claims adjuster, at 425-388-3956. If your question pertains to a worker’s compensation claim, contact Lisa Scalf at 425-388-3475.

5. How long does it take to settle a claim?

It varies depending upon the amount of investigation required. You may request a status from the risk management claims adjuster at 425-388-3956 at any time.

6. What recourse do I have if my claim was denied?

Although we can not provide legal advice, if you do not agree with the denial, you can contact the person who denied the claim to express your concerns, or you can contact County Risk Manager Sheila Barker directly at 425-388-3726. You also have the right to consult an attorney of your choosing and at your own expense.

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Finance - Risk Management - Workers' Compensation

Show All Answers

1. May I choose my doctor?

Yes, you may choose any doctor who is qualified to treat your condition and is reasonably convenient to you. As of January 1, 2013, after your initial visit, any additional treatment must be made with a qualifying, contracted L&I provider.

2. Who do I contact when my doctor takes me off work?

You will need to contact your supervisor and Risk Management at 425-388-3475 immediately and provide an Attending Physician’s Form from your physician stating that you are unable to return to work. Time is of the essence. Your supervisor needs to provide you with the Pay Acknowledgement Form for you to complete. It is critical that you complete this form to ensure your paycheck is calculated correctly.

3. What is time loss compensation?

If you are unable to work as a result of your injury or occupational disease, you will be paid a portion of your regular wages. The time loss compensation payments will not provide you with the same income you earned when you were working. Time loss compensation is calculated on a standard formula established by law.

4. How do I qualify for time loss compensation?

Your doctor must determine that your injury or illness is work-related and provide objective findings to support their certification that you are unable to work. Time loss certifications must be made prior to time missed from work. Backdated Time Loss certifications are not permitted. Time missed for follow up doctor appointments is not covered under time loss and should be applied to the employee’s personal (sick) leave bank.

5. How long do I have to be off work to qualify for time loss compensation benefits?

These benefits are paid if you are unable to work for more than three days immediately
following the date of your injury. The first three days may be compensated by your sick leave
accruals.

6. How long will I receive time loss compensation benefits?

You will receive time loss compensation payments approximately twice a month as long as your doctor verifies (prior to missing time from work) that your condition prevents your return to any work. Without this information, your time loss compensation check could be delayed or stopped.

7. How are my ongoing prescriptions paid?

Pharmacies may bill Modern Medical (card located in packet), or, send their billings directly to:
Eberle Vivian
206 Railroad Ave. North
Kent, WA 98032.

8. Who do I contact when I have questions?

Direct your questions to Lisa Scalf, Industrial Insurance Coordinator. Lisa can be reached at 425-388-3475, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Finance-Purchasing Apprenticeship

Show All Answers

1. Why does Snohomish County require 15% apprentice utilization?

The intent of the apprentice utilization is to ensure there are always qualified workers to construct quality projects in the County and Washington State.

2. What labor hours are to be counted?

Labor hours are the total hours performed by all workers (apprentice or journeyman) receiving an hourly wage who are directly employed on the project site including hours performed by workers employed by the prime contractor and all subcontractors. Labor hours do not include hours worked by foremen, superintendents, owners and workers who are not subject to prevailing wage requirements. Be sure to take this into consideration when filling out the Apprentice Monthly Utilization Report.

Truck drivers should only be reported if they spend the majority of their shift (4 or more hours) on the project site. You do not track how many hours a driver was on or off site, simply report all hours for drivers that spend most of their time on site and exclude all hours for truck drivers that spend most of their time off site (on their way to/from the job). You will only report hours for employees working on the project site. The owner/operator would not be included. Any employees receiving an hourly wage would be included.

3. What is a State-Approved Apprenticeship Program and how can I find one?

A State-Approved Apprenticeship Program is a program that has been approved by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council. There is a listing of State-Approved Training programs on the website of the Department of Labor & Industries:

www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Apprenticeship/Programs

You cannot use a program that is not State-Approved toward meeting the 15%. You’ll need to utilize an existing State-Approved program or other contractors on the job will need to make up for the shortfall in utilization caused by you not using a State-Approved program.

4. What is the purpose of the Apprentice Utilization Plan and what is the County looking for in the plan I turn in?

The prime contractor is responsible for developing and implementing a plan to achieve the 15% apprentice utilization. The prime contractor alone may not be able to meet the 15% and should subcontract with companies who may provide apprentice hours sufficient to meet the 15% for the project overall. The plan is a tool for both the Contractor and the Project Manager that shows how and when the Contractor intends to meet the 15% apprentice utilization. The plan should be based on the total hours and apprentice hours the Contractor and any subcontractors expect to achieve. The County is looking for a plan that is realistic and can be used to determine if the Contractor is on track to meet the 15% apprentice utilization. The Contractor is responsible for updating the plan as changes occur that would affect the Contractor’s ability to meet the requirement and communicating this information to the Project Manager. The Contractor should compare the plan periodically to the monthly statements to determine if the apprentice utilization is on track to meet the project’s established 15%. For projects with a short number of days for project completion, the Contractor should monitor the plan to actual labor hours more frequently. The Contractor shall provide the County with the Apprentice Utilization Plan prior to execution of the contract.

5. My plan shows that I can’t meet the apprentice utilization requirement-what should I do?

You will certify in your bid and in your Apprentice Utilization Plan your commitment to attaining the 15% apprentice utilization. Keep the 15% in mind as you put your bid and subcontractor team together. The easiest way to avoid problems with the 15% apprentice utilization is to plan for it early in the process. At the time you submit a bid, you should have a very good idea of the level of apprentice participation you and all subs can attain. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to take action as soon as it becomes evident that meeting the 15% apprentice utilization will be a challenge. First, review your work plan to determine if there are any areas where you or your subs have the ability to increase the utilization of apprentices or other areas in which apprentices can be employed. If there are not, you will need to collect documentation demonstrating that you made a good faith effort to meet the requirement. If you cannot meet the 15% apprentice utilization or demonstrate that you made a good faith effort to meet the 15% you are not in compliance with the contract. SCC 3.05.070 states: “Failure by a contractor to comply with established apprenticeship requirements, unless otherwise waived or excused in writing by the executive pursuant to SCC 3.05.040, shall be deemed a breach of contract for which the county shall be entitled to all remedies allowed by law and under the contract. Failure to comply with the apprenticeship requirements may also be considered evidence bearing on a contractor’s qualification for award of future contracts with the county.” If you have questions about a particular situation you encounter, contact your Project Manager for guidance as soon as the situation arises.

6. What does a documented Good Faith Effort look like?

Your Good Faith Effort (GFE) will be documentation of the efforts you made to utilize apprentices. You can add a narrative to describe the situations encountered and how they impacted your ability to meet the 15% apprentice utilization; however it is the documentation demonstrating your efforts to utilize apprentices that is necessary to confirm you met the requirement through good faith.

This documentation could be in the form of:
1. Letters or e-mail correspondence from apprenticeship programs or contractors
2. Documents showing you or your subcontractors participate in State-Approved Apprenticeship Programs
3. Lists or L&I ARTS printouts showing the availability or lack of State-Approved Apprenticeship Programs
4. Agreements, contracts or subcontracts
5. Photographs
6. Payrolls, timecards and schedules
7. Spreadsheets or data from company systems
8. Logs of phone calls with names, dates and outcomes

7. What situations meet the intent of the contract in terms of the Good Faith Effort?

In most cases the GFE will be documentation demonstrating that you or a subcontractor participates in State-Approved Apprenticeship Programs but no apprentices were available or not enough apprentices were available during the project. It is expected that contractors participate in apprenticeship programs for occupations where they have employees being trained. If apprentices are not available for dispatch at the beginning of a long-duration job, the contractor is expected to check back with the program periodically to see if apprentices are available.

It is not the intent of the County to require the County’s 15% apprentice utilization if there is also a Federal requirement. If a conflicting Federal requirement such as TERO, Federal Training or DBE goals affected your ability to utilize apprentices, this will be accepted as long as it is determined that conflicting requirements (or other acceptable efforts) are attributable for the entire shortfall in apprentice hours and provided that you met the Federal requirement.

The intent of the 15% apprentice utilization is not for contractors to lay off their apprentice workers as soon as they journey out. If you have a small workforce and no hiring opportunity exists, this will be accepted as long as it is determined that this accounts for the entire shortfall in apprentice hours. You’ll need to demonstrate through documentation that your company has a history of hiring apprentices from State-Approved Apprenticeship Programs or enrolled your unskilled new-hires in these programs. You should also document any apprentices retained by your company and provide information about your project workforce and company workforce, such as how long your workers have been employed, if they were hired as journeymen or apprentices, and whether or not they graduated from State-Approved programs.

Other unique situations may come up. If you have questions about a particular situation you encounter, contact your Project Manager for guidance as soon as the situation arises.

8. What situations DO NOT meet the intent of the contract in terms of the Good Faith Effort?

Keep in mind that the intent of the 15% apprentice utilization is to utilize State-Approved Apprenticeship Programs to train apprentices. Very few situations where a contractor does not use State-Approved Apprenticeship Programs to meet the requirement will be accepted. The following examples do not meet the requirement: - Falling short of the requirement due to subcontractors not using apprentices. - Not using a State-Approved Apprenticeship Program . . .while you are trying to get your own program approved by the WSATC . . .due to cost. . . .because you are an out-of-state contractor - Not replacing an apprentice that quit or was fired. - Not using enough apprentices because certain work is too dangerous or the apprentices do not have the appropriate skills. There are circumstances where a level of experience that workers must have to perform certain types of work is specified. In these cases, track the hours where experienced workers must be used and the Project Manager will subtract them from the total journeymen hours to see if the requirement was met without them. There are State-approved non-union apprenticeship programs. They can be found at the Labor and Industries web address cited above. A resource list is provided at the end of this handout. Non-union contractors can also use union apprenticeship programs to train their employees. You do not have to sign a union agreement to utilize a union program and state law prohibits programs from asking you to join the union. State approved programs can be utilized as a Training Agent. If you are asked to join the union or told you must do so to utilize the program, please contact your regional L&I Apprenticeship Coordinator. 

9. How will the Good Faith Effort be evaluated?

The Project Manager will review your GFE documents to determine that:

The situation(s) documented qualify as a GFE (meets the intent of the contract requirement and the spirit of the law)

AND

The entire shortfall in apprentice participation can be attributed to the situations documented in your GFE.

Your submittal will be evaluated based on your attempts to utilize apprentice labor. The Project Manager will also evaluate the situation/s documented to determine if what you have documented is solely responsible for the entire shortfall in apprentice hours.

The Project Manager will submit the request with a recommendation to the Purchasing Department for final review and determination. The final determination will be issued in writing.

10. What are the consequences of not meeting the apprentice utilization requirement?

If you do not meet the requirement through apprentice utilization or by a demonstrated Good Faith Effort, per SCC 3.05.070:

“Failure by a contractor to comply with established apprenticeship requirements, unless otherwise waived or excused in writing by the executive pursuant to SCC 3.05.040, shall be deemed a breach of contract for which the county shall be entitled to all remedies allowed by law and under the contract. Failure to comply with the apprenticeship requirements may also be considered evidence bearing on a contractor’s qualification for award of future contracts with the county.”

Failure to meet the requirement can result in debarment from County contract work for a period of time.

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Fleet Services Division

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1. How do I report a complaint about a driver using a County vehicle?

Call Fleet Management at 425-388-6060. Your concern will be forwarded to the appropriate management personnel.

2. Where can a citizen purchase a surplus county vehicle?

Used county vehicles are sold at eight annual auctions held by the James G Murphy Company located at:
18226 68th Ave. N.E
Kenmore, WA 98028.

Visit the auction website or phone 425-486-1246 or 800-426-3008.

3. How do I file a claim for a rock chip?

Call Road Maintenance at 425-388-7500 with the vehicle number, time, and location of the incident. Your claim will be forwarded to the appropriate person for assistance.

4. What is Snohomish County doing to save energy / gas and to keep the environment clean?

Snohomish County is purchasing fuel efficient vehicles from Washington State Office of Procurement contracts to include hybrid vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles. We have received grants to retrofit diesel engines to reduce diesel emissions, and are using biodiesel and low sulfur diesel fuel to reduce diesel emissions and reduce our reliance on crude oil. Our remodeled fleet maintenance facilities provide better spill protection and improved maintenance capabilities.

5. How do I get on the Snohomish County vendor list to offer automotive equipment, products, and services to the county?

Call Purchasing at 425-388-3344 or Fleet Management at 425-388-6060 for an appointment.

6. How does my government agency contract for maintenance services with Public Works Fleet Management Division?

An intergovernmental agreement enabling Fleet Management to provide these services must be approved by the county executive and County Council as well as the management of the agency requesting services.

7. What kind of jobs are there at Fleet?

Automotive and diesel mechanics, storekeepers, traffic sign specialist, radio technicians, crew chiefs, equipment maintenance supervisors, secretarial staff, and a financial systems coordinator.

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Focus on Farming - Farming Information

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1. I’ve heard about the ‘Right to Plow’ and the ‘Right to Farm’; can you tell me what these terms mean?

The Right to Plow Initiative (Initiative 01-02) was approved by voters of Snohomish County in the General Election on November 7, 2001 and became effective on December 1, 2001. The initiative resulted in the language that is now codified in SCC 30.32B.230 ‘Right to farm’: “Normal agricultural activities shall not be regulated like development activities by the grading or drainage code on property where commercial agriculture is a lawful use, except when the activities include development requiring another permit.”

There are other right-to-farm type provisions regarding notice to buyers of property adjacent to farmlands, required by RCW 36.70A.060, that can be found in SCC 30.32B.210. There are other state laws on nuisances which are related, but not in our code.

2. Would remodeling a “farm kitchen” require a residential building permit or a commercial building permit?

Most Snohomish County farms are in an A-10 zone, where remodeling a farm kitchen would require a commercial building permit from PDS, (see definition of farm kitchen below, which refers to the preparation of food for distribution, sale or consumption); applications are available online. Approval from Snohomish County Health Department (SHD): PDS coordinates with the SHD by sending them a copy of the application and plans after submittal to be reviewed concurrently with PDS review. Please contact Robert Hoppa of SHD at 425-339-5250 to determine what their agency requires for submittal to PDS. A Certificate of Occupancy, subject to a yearly inspection, will be issued by PDS after the building permit has been obtained and work has been completed according to current codes. Supplemental information / definitions from Snohomish County Code: Farm kitchen: “..a room or area on a farm site used, intended to be used, or designated to be used for the cooking or preparation of food for distribution, sale, and consumption of agricultural products at least a portion of which are produced or grown on the farm site, or within Snohomish County or the Puget Sound Fresh region, provided it contains any two of the following: a kitchen-type sink, refrigerator, range, or 220 H2 outlet.[ SCC 30.91K.055 Added Amended Ordinance 04-074, July 28, 2004, Effective date Aug. 23, 2004] Food establishment: “Food establishment” means any restaurant, drinking place, grocery, food, meat and seafood market, and itinerant food handling establishments as hereinafter defined. Food establishment shall not be construed to mean those establishments or vendors which sell or deliver only packaged foods which are not removed from their original containers from the time of processing and packing in an approved plant until reaching the ultimate consumer. Foods sold or delivered by the establishments and vendors shall be kept in clean containers or cabinets so constructed as to prevent contamination by dust and insects. Foods which are perishable or which will support the growth of organisms which will produce illness or disease shall be kept at a temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or less. [SCC 7.12.010 (1)]

3. Can I have a farm dwelling unit, if I am in an AG-10 zone, and is there a limit on square footage of the farm dwelling?

County Code (SCC 30.22.110) allows for farm dwelling units to be constructed on a parcel zoned AG-10. There is no limit on the square footage of a farm worker dwelling. The code also requires that

(a) At least one person residing in each farm worker dwelling unit shall be employed full-time in the farm operation.

(b) An agricultural farm worker dwelling unit affidavit must be signed and recorded with the county attesting to the need for such dwellings to continue the farm operation.

(c) The number of farm worker dwellings shall be limited to one per each 40 acres under single contiguous ownership to a maximum of six total dwellings, with 40 acres being required to construct the first accessory dwelling unit. Construction of the maximum number of dwelling units permitted shall be interpreted as exhausting all residential potential of the land until such time as the property is legally subdivided.

(d) All farm worker dwellings must be clustered on the farm within a 10-acre farmstead which includes the main dwelling. The farmstead’s boundaries shall be designated with a legal description by the property owner with the intent of allowing maximum flexibility while minimizing interference with productive farm operation. Farm worker dwellings may be located other than as provided for in this subsection only if environmental or physical constraints preclude meeting these conditions.

4. My property is within the jurisdiction of shoreline regulations. Do I need a Shoreline permit to build any type of structure on my property?

A Shoreline permit is not required if the cost of building the structure is below $5,000.00 and the development (your new structure) does not materially interfere with the normal public use of the water or shores of the state.

If your building falls in this category, it is not considered a “substantial development” therefore does NOT requiring a Shoreline permit. (SCC 30.44.110)

5. Do I need a building permit for an agriculture storage shed?

A building permit is not required if the shed is under 400 square feet and used for storage only. (SCC 30.52A.070 (1) (iv). However, if your property is located in a Flood Hazard Area, you are still required to obtain a Flood Hazard Permit and flood-proof the building. (SCC 30.65).

6. Can I have a campground / resort in an AG-10 zone?

No, a campground or resort is only allowed in the Forestry and Recreation (F&R) zone with the approval of a Conditional Use. (SCC 30.22.110)

Note: Conditional Uses are land uses that must undergo a special review and permitting process to ensure compatibility with surrounding allowable agricultural uses before they are allowed to occur. Conditional Use permit decisions are determined by the hearing examiner after a public hearing.

7. How can I get help creating a Farm Plan?

Contact Bobbi Lindemulder at the Conservation District, 425-335-5634, ext. 109.

8. Can I have a Home Occupation in the AG-10 zone?

Yes, a Home Occupation is an allowed use in the AG-10 zone, following the guidelines under SCC 30.22.110 (Rural and Resource Use Matrix), SCC 30.22.130 (11) (reference notes for use matrix) and SC 30.28.050 (general standards for home occupations). Please note if the Home Occupation will be conducted in the residence, no Certificate of Occupancy is required by PDS. (SCC 30.28.050 [1]), and if the home occupation is in a garage or accessory building, a Certificate of Occupancy is required by PDS. The review would require a Change of Use Application to be submitted to PDS. (SCC 30.28.050 [3])

If you need a Certificate of Occupancy and your property is in a Flood Hazard area, there may be additional requirements. Please contact Roxanne Justice, Agriculture Planner, at 425-388-3411, ext. 2240.

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GIS - GIS Data & Products

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1. Why can't I download data from the FTP site?

If you have difficulty downloading the data, it is recommended that you check your security software to see if it is set for passive FTP, is blocking ZIP files, set to allow only small amounts of data to be downloaded, or if the county FTP address is being blocked.

2. What formats are the County's GIS data available in?

Snohomish County’s vector GIS data is primarily shared in a shapefile format.
Shapefile is a mostly open GIS specification developed and regulated by Esri and comprised of at least three mandatory files (.shp, .shx, .dbf). Other optional files may relate to the data’s projection, metadata, indexes, etc, however shapefiles cannot store topological information.

Additional County vector data may be shared in a file geodatabase format. The file geodatabase was developed by Esri and is a collection of various types of GIS datasets (feature classes) held in a file system folder.

Most downloadable maps on Snohomish County's website are provided in the Adobe Portable Document Format (.PDF) and can be viewed in Adobe Acrobat Reader or other .PDF viewer. Most .PDF viewers and Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded for free online.

3. What is a .ZIP file?

A .ZIP file is a lossless archive file format for sharing collections of files as a single compressed folder. Access to files within the zipped folder has been included in most modern operating systems and also through free utilities available on-line.

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GIS - Maps & GIS

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1. What is GIS?

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system for managing, sharing and utilizing geographically referenced information.

More than 75% of all local government data has a geographic reference. Some examples are: land parcels, survey control points, road improvement and traffic data, public facilities and improvements, utilities, drainage features, political boundaries, planning and zoning designations, police and fire service areas, economic and demographic data, environmental conditions, land development projects and business locations, and street address information.

These features are kept in data "layers" and can be linked to information in public agency and department databases. This makes it possible to provide convenient access to public information and services from a personal computer (PC).

Some information about businesses, individuals, or public health and safety services is protected from disclosure by state law or by contractual agreement. Protected information will not be distributed.

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Human Resources - Supported Employment FAQ's

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1. What is a developmental disability?

Developmental disabilities affect between 1 and 2% of the population in most western countries. Developmental disability means a disability that is manifested before the person reaches 22 years of age and includes a diverse group of chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. Developmental disabilities can be detected early on, and do persist throughout an individual's lifespan. They may be physical, such as blindness. They may affect mental ability, such as learning disorders. Or the disability can be both physical and mental, such as Down syndrome. Additional terminology you might hear: intellectual, cognitive, and developmentally delayed.

2. What is supported employment?

The Supported Employment Program provides paid, competitive employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in integrated work settings with appropriate ongoing support from a job coach. The program offers a creative and cost-effective approach to meeting business needs and including people with developmental disabilities in the workforce. Each job is customized by bundling entry-level tasks that match the skills of the supported employment candidates.

Departments at Snohomish County will use the job title Supported Employment-Office Assistant I, which is designated for employees within the Snohomish County Supported Employment Program. This title intentionally has no job description associated with it in order to allow for maximum customization of each position.

Supported Employment candidates are part of the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), as defined in RCW 71A.10.020(0). Their participation in DDA is verified through Snohomish County Human Resources and the Human Services Department.

A requirement of the Supported Employment Program is that each supported employee and hiring department work with a job coach. These professionally-trained vocational counselors are sent from local agencies in order to serve the employment-support needs of persons with developmental disabilities. Each job coach assists with the individualized training and long-term supports (at no cost to employers) which allows supported employees to maximize their job performance.

3. What is a job coach?

A job coach is a professionally trained vocational counselor who is skilled in on-the-job training for people with developmental disabilities as well as workplace support strategies. The job coach is at no cost to employer and is available to provide:

• Assistance with initial and ongoing training of the supported employee


• One-on-one and group training for supervisors and coworkers about workplace support strategies for the supported employee


• Creative self-management tools for the supported employee to increase efficiency


• Problem-solving and support to workplace and supported employee as needed

The job coach will continue with regularly-scheduled visits with the department and your supported employee to assure that everyone is pleased with the situation. The goal is to have the job coach fade when the supported employee has learned the position and found natural supports from other coworkers.

The job coach remains a resource to you and your employee for the length of your supported employee's employment. This means that if tasks ever change or new coworkers or supervisors need training or if something arises, then the job coach is your resource.

4. What is the benefit of Supported Employment?

By creating entry level jobs, and hiring supported employees to do those tasks, the workload of your specialized FTEs is freed up, allowing them to be more efficient, cost effective and productive with their time. 

Departments will have the job coach and the Supported Employment Coordinator to support them with all of the steps of hiring and maintaining a Supported Employment employee. The department and staff will not be alone in the process.

The County continues to strive for a diverse work force that reflects the diverse population throughout Snohomish County.

5. Additional questions/comments

Contact Human.Resources@snoco.org

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Human Resources-Direct Deposit common FAQ's

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1. What is direct deposit?

Direct deposit is a convenient method of receiving your pay by having it deposited directly into your checking or savings account to a bank or credit union of your choice. You benefit from the convenience of not having to make a trip to the bank to deposit your payroll check. It will automatically be deposited even if you are sick, on vacation, or away on a business trip. In addition, you can easily access your money using your bank debit card to withdraw money from Automated Teller Machines or make purchases as of the morning of payday.

2. Who can participate?

All Snohomish County employees including employees of Junior Taxing Districts whose payroll is processed by the County can participate in direct deposit.

3. Can I deposit my check in any bank?

Yes, you can have your check directly deposited into any account within the United States. The Direct Deposit Enrollment Form allows direct deposit into four different accounts.

4. Can I have a portion, either a fixed dollar amount or a percentage, of my net pay deposited into any bank?

Yes, we can transmit a fixed amount or percentage of your net pay to SnoCope Credit Union or any other bank.

5. When can I access the money deposited into my account?

Your money will be available to you on payday. In most cases, your money will be deposited even before your bank opens for business. This is quicker than if you deposit a check with a teller.

6. How will I know how much will be deposited to my account?

You will receive a direct deposit payment advice instead of a paycheck and stub on pay day. You will find the amount deposited to each account in the Payroll Net Pay Distribution box in the middle of your direct deposit payment advice.

7. How can I be assured unauthorized charges will not be made against my account?

Electronic transactions are protected by Federal Regulation E and are subject to stringent safeguards. If you discover a transaction you have not authorized, you have up to sixty days to contact your financial institution, let them know you have not authorized the transaction and receive restitution.

8. How do I sign up?

Complete a Direct Deposit Enrollment Authorization form available through your Payroll Representative, EMSS, SnoCope Credit Union, Finance web site or at G:\forms\finance\payroll\DD enrollment form. Return the completed authorization form to the Payroll Division at M/S 610.

9. How soon will my direct deposits begin?

In most cases, a direct deposit will be processed within two payroll cycles from when we receive the form. SnoCope Credit Union deposits will be processed within the next pay cycle.
The reason it takes two pay cycles for most direct deposits to begin is because new enrollments or changes require an account verification process called a pre-note. This verification process ensures the accuracy of the bank routing number and the account number you have provided on your form. Pre-notes to your accounts will be shown with zero amounts in the middle box on your pay stub labeled Payroll Net Pay Distribution.
If the deposit information is rejected by the bank, Payroll will contact you and your enrollment will be delayed until the correct information is obtained and re-processed.

10. Can I call the Payroll Division, my bank, or my credit union to make changes to my deposit authorization?

No. Phone calls do not give the County the required authorization to make enrollments, changes, or cancellations to your direct deposit. All information must be submitted in writing by using the Direct Deposit Enrollment Authorization form. Forms are available from your Payroll Representatives, in EMSS, on the Finance web site or at 'G:\forms\finance\payroll\DD enrollment form'. All completed forms must be returned to the Payroll Division at M/S 610.

11. Am I required to sign up for direct deposit?

No. This service is offered for your convenience. You always have the option of receiving a check.

12. Can I have a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of my pay go to a bank and the remainder of my net pay issued to me as a check?

Yes, complete sections for Account 2, 3, or 4 with a fixed dollar amount or a percentage.

13. If I already have a set amount going to my savings account at SnoCope Credit Union, can I have the remainder of my check deposited to another financial institution?

Yes. You are allowed to have a fixed dollar amount sent to SnoCope Credit Union and the net (or remainder) of your earnings deposited to another bank account or credit union account of your choice. In this case, complete the Primary Account section of the enrollment authorization form marked Net Pay Remaining.

14. The form indicates “Savings” only for SnoCope; will it go to my checking account?

Yes, it will if you made this arrangement with SnoCope Credit Union.
Snocope Credit Union offers its members more flexibility in processing their direct deposit payment. By sending your pay to a Savings account at SnoCope, it allows their system to automatically allocate this amount to the various accounts authorized by the member; this can include savings, checking, loan payments, etc. Please complete your direct deposit form at SnoCope Credit Union so your direct deposit is allocated to the accounts you choose.

15. Can I have my pay deposited to a savings account or must it be a checking account?

You may have your pay directly deposited to either a checking or a savings account. In some cases, your financial institution may offer additional distribution services as well.

16. What if I want to cancel my direct deposit?

You may cancel your direct deposit authorization by completing and submitting the Direct Deposit Enrollment Authorization form and selecting “Cancel” for any deposits you wish to stop. Your cancellation will occur within 15 days of receipt of your written notice.

17. What happens if I move my account to another bank or my bank changes my account number?

You will need to notify the Payroll Division by completing a new authorization form indicating the new bank and account number. Attach a voided check from your new bank account. A voided temporary check is also acceptable.
Usually, when banks change blocks of account numbers, they send us the updated account information via an Automated Clearing House Returned Items Report. If your bank has changed your account number, please check with the Payroll Division to ensure your account has been updated.

18. Will my bank charge me for this service?

Banks do not charge for electronic deposit and most encourage direct deposit.

19. When I separate from employment, will my paycheck be deposited?

No. Your separation payroll check will not be deposited into your bank account or credit union accounts. Our policy is to issue a regular check when an employee separates.

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Human Services - Long-Term Care & Aging - Ombudsman Program

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1. What is the Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Program?

The LTC Ombudsman Program is intended to improve the quality of life for residents of long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, boarding homes, adult family homes, and state operated veterans’ homes. The purpose of the program is to promote and protect the rights of residents in long-term care facilities.

2. What is the legal authority of the LTC Ombudsman Program?

The federal Older Americans Act requires all states have a LTC
Ombudsman Program and outlines the authority of LTC Ombudsmen. In
Washington State, RCW 43.190 and WAC 365-18 outline the laws and
regulations of the program. In addition, federal law and Resident Rights
statute RCW 70.129 provide Ombudsmen with unrestricted access to long
term care facility residents.

3. Why haven’t I heard about the LTC Ombudsman Program before?

about the LTC
Ombudsman
Program before?


The LTC Ombudsman Program has been in Washington State since 1978
and the Snohomish County Program was established in 1997. It is a
requirement that all licensed nursing, boarding and adult family homes
display a yellow poster with the Ombudsman Hotline number posted. Our
program does its best to visit as many residents and facilities as possible,
but we find we don’t have enough resources to visit all facilities regularly.

4. What does a LTC Ombudsman do?

LTC Ombudsmen investigate and resolve complaints on behalf of residents;
make regular visits to long term care facilities to educate residents, families
and staff about residents rights issues; work to educate the community
about residents rights and long term care issues; act as problem solvers
when conflicts arise; work to advocate for more resident-focused services
and policies and make referrals to other community resources.

5. Do you only visit facilities when you have a complaint?

No. One of the goals of our local LTC Ombudsman Program is to have a
Volunteer Ombudsman assigned to every long term care facility in the
County (over 475 facilities!). The idea is to develop relationships and trust,
not just to look for problems or complaints. Also, at times residents call on
an Ombudsman to discuss private matters that are independent of the
services and care received at their facility.

6. How does someone become a Volunteer Ombudsman?

The LTC Ombudsman Program relies heavily on the work of trained
volunteers. These volunteers are community members from a variety of
backgrounds and experiences who are dedicated to helping older and
disabled persons in long term care. All volunteers are required to complete
an application process that includes an interview with members of the LTC
Ombudsman Program Advisory Council, reference checks and a
Washington State Patrol Background Inquiry. . In addition, all volunteers must
complete 36 hours of free classroom training before being assigned to a
long term care facility. Ombudsmen are then required to attend monthly in-service trainings and to visit their assigned facilities four hours a week.

7. Does the LTC Ombudsman Program report all complaints to DSHS?

No. One objective of the program is to try and resolve problems at the
lowest possible level - that is we want to work directly with providers and
residents (or their representative) to address identified problems. However,
if we are unable to reach a resolution, we may refer the complaint to the
Department of Social and Health Services if we have resident consent.

8. Who should I call if about Residents Rights or if I think a resident’s rights are being violated?

Call the Snohomish County LTC Ombudsman office at 425-388-7393 or the
WA State Ombudsman 800-562-6028. Your DSHS Area Manager can also
answer questions related to Residents’ Rights at 866-656-4752.

9. Who should I call if I have a concern about a Volunteer or Regional Ombudsman?

The Regional Ombudsman in Snohomish County is responsible for
supervising the work of the volunteers. If you have a question or concern
about a volunteer, call the County LTC Ombudsman office at 425-388-7393.
We want to know where we need to improve. If you have a complaint about
a Regional Ombudsman, please contact the WA State LTC Ombudsman
Office at 800-562-6028.

10. What are the most common complaints the local Ombudsman Program receives about long term care facilities?

Many common complaints we have received include: quality of care
concerns, complaints related to transfer/discharge, lack of meaningful
activities, concerns about adequate staffing, staffing training and
qualifications and food complaints.

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Human Services - Long-Term Care & Aging - Programs & Services - Adult Day Health

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1. How many days a week does your program run?

Our program runs five days a week. Participants are enrolled a minimum of two days
a week and a maximum of five.

2. What are your hours?

Our hours are from 10:30am - 3:00pm, with a therapy hour from 9:30am-10:30am.
Drop off begins at 9:30am and pickup begins at 2:30pm.

3. How much does your program cost?

The cost of our program is $43.07 per day for a full day. We take Medicaid and
County Respite clients, and we also utilize a sliding fee scale.

4. Q: Is transportation provided?

Adult Day Health utilizes DART, Everett Transit, TAP, Escort and Medicaid
Brokerage. Unless the client is on Medicaid, the client/caregiver, with assistance from
the Social worker, is responsible for setting up transport.

5. How do I go about getting my loved one into the program?

The Social Worker will take down general information about the potential participant
and, if appropriate, a lunch visit will be scheduled. After the lunch visit, assuming the
potential participant is appropriate, an intake will be done by the Social Worker and four
trial days will be set up. If the participant is appropriate, as agreed upon by all staff, they
will be enrolled on a continuing basis.

6. My loved one is on a special diet. Will we need to provide his food and drink?

No. All dietary needs and concerns are made known to the cook and staff upon
enrollment, and we have the ability to follow most dietary regiments. Some examples
are: Cut up, processed or pureed foods, thickened liquids, low salt, low sugar, lactose
free, no caffeine, Ensure, etc.

7. What would my loved one do at your program?

We do a variety of activities throughout the day and keep them to approximately 45
minutes each in order to maintain the clients' attention span. We often splinter activities
from 1-4 at a time, due to the variety of levels our clients are at and the need for small
group interaction. Our activities include, but are not limited to, written activities, low-impact exercise, board games, active games, arts and crafts, entertainment, informative lectures, modality groups, and various therapies.

8. Do you take people who have health concerns?

We are able to handle a variety of diagnoses, including dementia/Alzheimer's,
cardiac involvement, strokes, diabetes, and various other medical concerns. We are
always monitoring and evaluating our clients' progress and will inform the
family/caregiver when our services are no longer adequate for the amount of care the
client requires.

9. I am interested in getting my loved one into some type of day care service, but I am not sure which program is appropriate.

The Social Worker will help you make that determination during your initial inquiry.
The appropriateness of our program will depend on the extent of your loved ones'
diagnosis, their ability to socialize, and the family's home and financial situation.

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Human Services - Long-Term Care & Aging - Programs & Services - Legal Services

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1. How do I find out if I can get help for my civil (not criminal) legal problem?

If you live in Snohomish County and are age 60 or older, contact Columbia Legal Services at 425-259-3421 or 800-822-0225. You do not need to be low income to be served. If you live in Snohomish County and are age 59 or younger, contact CLEAR at 888-201-1014. To qualify, you must be low-income or your problem must be about a program based on need.

2. What kinds of problems does legal services handle for senior citizens?

Columbia Legal Services provides legal services for problems regarding government financial assistance (such as SSI, Social Security, Food Stamps); Health Care (eligibility for Medicaid, COPES, nursing home care, and other programs, as well as health care access and quality); Housing problems (such as foreclosures, evictions from subsidized housing, utility shutoffs); and abuse and neglect issues (such as concerns about a guardian ship or power of attorney).

3. What kinds of problems does legal services handle for younger (age 59 and below) people?

CLEAR gives basic information and advice to low-income people about a wide variety of civil legal problems. CLEAR also has a computerized system for identifying whether a free legal services program is currently accepting cases concerning a particular issue. When a resource is available, CLEAR arranges the referral to the appropriate program which can provide the most extensive service available.

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Human Services - Long-Term Care & Aging - Programs & Services - Nursing Services

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1. Who pays for the oversight nurse?

State and federal dollars fund the program. There is no charge to eligible participants.

2. What is the role of the oversight nurse for people receiving care on the Medicaid Personal Care Program and the COPES Program?

The nurse will review the service plan and instruct the MPC or COPES worker in how to perform authorized tasks. The nurse will ask some questions regarding the client's health, but will not do hands on care like a Home Health Visiting Nurse does.

3. How can a person get a Home Health Visiting Nurse?

Home health services such as a registered nurse (RN), physical therapist (PT), or occupational therapist (OT) that come to your home are ordered by your doctor. These services are usually temporary and must require the skill of the RN, PT, or OT. Your doctor must also document why it is difficult for you to leave your home.

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Human Services - Long-Term Care & Aging - Programs & Services - Respite Care Program

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1. Why might I need help from the Respite Care Program?

Being a caregiver can be a full-time job and it requires time off for rest and relaxation. It's important to take care of your own needs and health.

2. My loved one pays me for the care I provide - it isn't very much. Am I eligible?

No, caregivers may not receive any financial compensation for the care provided.

3. My loved one can manage at home alone while I am at my full time job. How much care should I be providing in order to be eligible?

Caregivers should be providing continuous care and/or supervision for their loved
one.

4. What kinds of help can my loved one receive?

Companionship, supervision, meal preparation, help with walking, eating, dressing,
personal care and other activities.

5. Who actually provides this help - are the workers trained?

All workers are trained for this work and are supervised by agencies and
organizations which have been providing similar services in the community.

6. How often can I receive help at home from the Respite Care Program?

Services are usually scheduled one time weekly for up to several hours each time.

7. My family member is interested in attending an adult day program near us. Can Respite help?

Yes, we may be able to help pay for your loved one to attend one of many day
programs located throughout our area.

8. How much will this service cost me?

Your cost is based upon the income of the person receiving care, applied to a sliding
fee scale. Those with modest incomes may not have to pay at all.

9. How do I apply for this program?

Call Senior Information and Assistance at 513-1900 and a staff person will assist
you. If you are eligible, a case manager will contact you to schedule a home visit.
Together you will plan a program to meet your needs and the needs of your loved one.

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Medical Examiner

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1. On what types of cases are autopsies performed?

The Medical Examiner takes jurisdiction over a wide variety of cases including unexplained, unexpected and violent deaths. The level of investigation and involvement of the medical examiner's office depends on the scene and circumstances of each death. It is up to the discretion of the Medical Examiner on which deaths an autopsy is performed. An autopsy is not usually required when there is adequate medical history to presume that the death is the result of natural causes and there is no evidence of foul play.

2. What is done during a forensic autopsy?

It is a specialized and complete autopsy done by a forensic pathologist on deaths that have legal significance. An autopsy is the postmortem examination that begins with a close external examination and description of the body. Photographs and x-rays are taken, and evidence is collected before a surgical opening the body and removal of organs. A systematic dissection and study of all the organs as well as chemical and toxicological studies of the tissues and body fluids are completed to determine the cause and manner of death. When the examination is complete, the death is certified and a written report is issued.

3. Who gives permission for the autopsy to take place?

The medical examiner's office is given authority to investigate sudden and unexpected deaths that occur in Snohomish County by the state of Washington, (RCW 68.50.010) and Snohomish County (Code 2.74.060). Permission from the family is not required.

4. What is the cost of an autopsy and who pays?

Snohomish County bears the entire cost of the death investigation and autopsy. There is a small fee for a copy of the autopsy report for those entitled to a copy.

5. Who is the next of kin?

Next of kin refers to the blood relatives of the decedent and becomes important in making decisions about funeral arrangements and personal property. The next of kin is the (a) surviving spouse, or such person as he or she may request to have appointed; (b) child or children; (c) father or mother; (d) brothers or sisters; (e) grandchildren; (f) nephews or nieces.
Note: Usually, Guardianship and Power of Attorney cease at time of death.

6. Can the next of kin prevent an autopsy?

No. The medical examiner's office will work with a family that presents a strong objection to an autopsy and may choose not to perform an autopsy in certain situations. However, the Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy when it is necessary to certify a death as per RCW 68.50.

7. Who has the responsibility to make the funeral arrangements for the deceased?

Under RCW 68.50.160, the right to control the disposition of the remains of a deceased person and the liability for the cost for the preparation, care, and disposition of the remains follow the order: (a) the surviving spouse; (b) the surviving adult children of the decedent; (c) the surviving parents of the decedent; (d) the surviving siblings of the decedent, (e) a person acting as a representative of the decedent under the signed authorization of the decedent.

8. Will the Medical Examiner Office recommend a funeral home?

No. The Medical Examiner Office neither recommends nor discourages the selection of any funeral home or crematorium. Links are provided under "Shortcuts - Related Links" to a listing of Washington State licensed funeral directors and establishments, as well as the telephone directory for funeral home services in Snohomish County.

9. What if they can't afford the arrangements?

In a very limited number of deaths where no family is found and no one is able to make funeral arrangements, Snohomish County has very limited funds to cremate the body. If a family is unable to pay for funeral arrangements and abandons the body ignoring their legal obligation under RCW 68.50.160, the Medical Examiner is forced to take action. In these instances the body will be cremated at county expense, but the family will have no right to make funeral arrangements. The remains will then be held for 1 year and a day in an effort to locate next of kin.

10. Is it necessary to come to the M.E. office to identify the body?

No. In most instances positive identification is established at the scene or by fingerprints, dental or medical x-rays. Rarely a family member or friend is asked to make an identification at the medical examiner's office.

11. What happens during the death investigation?

A death investigation has many components and can involve many different agencies depending on the scene and circumstances of the death. Usually law enforcement and the medical examiner's office are involved but the FBI, the prosecutor's office, coast guard, fire department, hospital, health department and many other agencies may be involved. It should be remembered that the medical examiner's office is a separate, independent agency from the law enforcement and the prosecutor's office.
From the medical examiner's office perspective, death investigation centers around the scene and circumstances of the death. Where did this person die and what were the events that led up to the death? Investigators from the medical examiner's office will talk to family and friends, neighbors, physicians, and law enforcement about the circumstances surrounding the death. Medical records will also be examined for information relevant to the death. A scene visit will be made by an investigator from the office to evaluate pertinent findings and gain a better understanding of the physical location of the death. In instances of homicide or suspicious death, one of the pathologists will accompany the investigator to the scene.
Examination of the body is also important to the investigation and is usually performed by one of the pathologists. This examination may or may not include an autopsy. Autopsies are performed at the medical examiner's office and the investigator transports the body from the scene to the medical examiner's office where the autopsy is performed. Following completion of the autopsy, the death is certified, although this can take up to six to eight weeks while waiting for toxicology results. An autopsy report is then written
The purpose of this process is to determine the cause and manner of death to a reasonable medical certainty and to prepare an unbiased record of the medical findings for a potential civil or criminal adjudication.

12. If the cause of death is obvious, why would the M.E. investigate?

The cause of death may seem obvious but it is often not the case. Even in hospitals with sophisticated diagnostic methods and technology, the diagnosis of a disease or the cause of death is wrong in an estimated 10%-15% of cases.
Autopsy means, "to see for oneself". An autopsy provides information that can be reliably obtained in no other way. It is especially important in those deaths that may wind up in civil or criminal proceedings. The autopsy provides for an unbiased, independent record of the anatomic findings made by a physician specifically trained in death investigation.

13. What happens to the personal effects of the deceased?

The medical examiner's office collects only the personal effects that are on the body at a scene. All other effects are left at the scene. The effects that are brought in are cataloged and held at the medical examiner' office until the next of kin can be contacted. If no family is found after 30 days, the effects are turned over to the Snohomish County Treasurer's office for disposal. Weapons that accompany the body are turned over to the investigating law enforcement agency.

14. Can the family view the body at the M.E.Office?

The medical examiner's office does not have the staff nor the facilities to prepare a body for viewing by the family. We understand you may wish to see the decedent as soon as possible. In consideration of this fact, we work with the funeral home of the families choice to expedite the release of the decedent for viewing purposes. You can then work directly with them to arrange the service. Rarely, a family member or acquaintance will be asked to make an identification of the decedent. Most identifications are made by fingerprints, dental or medical x-rays.

15. How do I make arrangements for the release of a body from the M.E.?

The medical examiner's office will release the body to the funeral home the family chooses. We need to hear directly from the family and not the funeral home. The body will not be released until the family's preference is known.

16. Who has access to the autopsy and investigative reports?

According to RCW 68.50.105, autopsy reports are confidential and can be obtained only by the family, attending physician, prosecuting attorney, law enforcement, public health officials or the department of labor and industries in cases in which it has an interest.

17. How can I obtain a copy of the autopsy report?

Autopsy reports will be released only to those that are authorized to have them. This includes family, attending physician, prosecuting attorney, law enforcement, public health officials or the department of labor and industries in cases in which it has an interest. They can be obtained by making a request to the medical examiner's office in writing or by phone. The request must indicate who is making the request and their relationship to the decedent. When the autopsy is ready, it can be picked up at the medical examiner's office in person by showing proper identification.

18. Is there a cost involved in obtaining reports from the M.E. office?

Yes, there is a cost. For autopsy reports, there is a $2.00 charge for the first page and $1.00 for each subsequent page. Autopsy reports are generally 9-10 pages but may be longer

19. Who can I speak to if I have questions about the reports I received?

The medical examiner's office is open to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, except for holidays. If you have questions you can call the office and ask to talk with the investigator on the case. If they are not available, someone else will be able to help you.

20. How can I get a copy of the death certificate?

The Office of Vital Statistics, a division of the Snohomish County Health Department, and not the medical examiner's office issue death certificates. Death certificates can be obtained by calling vital statistics at (425) 339-5280.

21. What is the difference between a Coroner and a Medical Examiner?

A coroner is an elected official who may or may not have any training in death investigation or medicine. A Medical Examiner is a physician, a forensic pathologist, and in Snohomish County, a board certified forensic pathologist specifically trained in death investigation.

22. What is forensic pathology?

Forensic pathology is the study of unexpected, unexplained, or violent death. Many of the deaths examined by a forensic pathologist are natural in origin but are of an unexpected nature. Most of the other deaths examined by a forensic pathologist involve violence of one kind or another. The violence may be self inflicted or be inflicted by someone else. There may be evidence of physical violence in the form of injuries or chemical violence in the form of licit or illicit drugs. Forensic pathology involves the examination, documentation and interpretation of the findings on the body.

23. What are the requirements for board certification in forensic pathology?

To become a forensic pathologist, one needs to first become a physician. This means at minimum an undergraduate B.A. or B.S., good board examination scores, and some practical experience in medicine. Medical school includes 4 years of training; 2 years in didactic training, basic sciences, and 2 years of clinical training including various clinical rotations in medicine, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, and psychiatry.
Upon graduating from medical school, one needs to complete 4 or 5 years of residency training in anatomic and/or clinical pathology. During this time, in order to practice medicine, one has to pass the National Boards in Medicine. One of the years in residency is spent in research, internship in clinical medicine or other related clinical practice.
After completing residency in pathology, one needs to complete at least one year of fellowship training in Forensic Pathology. Some programs have a 2nd year of fellowship. Following completion of fellowship, in order to be a board certified forensic pathologist, one needs to pass board examinations in Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Pathology. The minimum time from graduation from college is 9 years.

24. Can I request that an autopsy be performed?

The Medical Examiner's Office does not do autopsies on demand. If a death falls under the medical examiner's jurisdiction the possibility of an autopsy will be considered. However, it is up to the pathologist's discretion to decide if an autopsy is performed or not. If the death does not fall under the jurisdiction of the office, an autopsy will not be done.

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NEOGOV Online Application

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1. What is NEOGOV?

NEOGOV is an online application system designed for public sector employers. It allows Snohomish County government to fully automate the recruitment and selection process. NEOGOV is also known as "GovernmentJobs.com".

Once you have set-up a NEOGOV account, you can use the same account at any agency that uses NEOGOV for their online application system.

2. Are all Snohomish County positions posted using NEOGOV?

Yes, as of January 2, 2013 all of the job openings are using NEOGOV.

3. How do I apply for a job?

Go to Snohomish County Career Opportunities

Search for desired job

Select job and apply

Sign-in or Create an account in NEOGOV

Complete the application

4. Can I create a NEOGOV account before I apply for a job?

Yes, you can create an account without applying for a job.

Go to Snohomish County Career Opportunities

Select Sign In in the upper right hand section of the page

Select Create an account

Enter your account information

5. What if I don't have a computer / internet access?

There are a number of ways to access Snohomish County Government’s online hiring database:

• Your local WorkSource may have computers that you can use. In Everett they are located at the Everett Station: 3201 Smith Ave, Suite #330, Everett, WA. Go to their website for other locations: Work Source locations map.

• You may use the public computers located at most libraries such as Sno-Isle Regional Libraries and the Everett Public Library.

• Family and friends may also have internet access available for your use.

6. Can I apply for a Snohomish County job by e-mail?

No. The Snohomish County Government recruitment process is fully automated. Applicants must login to the Snohomish County web site, Snohomish County website, to apply for Snohomish County Government positions. Applications submitted via postal mail, email, fax or hand-delivered will not be accepted for jobs that are opened through NEOGOV.

7. Can I apply with a resume instead of an application form?

No. A resume will not be accepted instead of an application form. A resume may be attached to our required online application form if there is a section called “Attachments”; however, it may not be used as a substitute for completing any part of our application package.

8. How do I get help if I am having a technical or Log-In issue with NEOGOV?

NEOGOV has an Online Application Guide

NEOGOV FAQs

NEOGOV Help Desk – (855) 524-5627

Snohomish County Human Resources - (425) 388-3411 during regular business hours: Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

9. Can I apply for more than one job?

Yes. You can apply for each position that you are interested in and for which you think you are qualified.

10. What is the deadline date to apply for a job?

Each position will be posted with a specific deadline date to apply or as an open "continuous” process. In the posting you will find that there is also a time listed for the close of the job. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline date and time. If the position you are applying for is open “continuous”, you may submit your application any time. However, that job may close at any time without warning. If you’re submitting your application form on the advertised deadline date, please give yourself enough time to update your application materials, answer the required agency-wide questions and supplemental questions prior to the stated deadline. Submission of your application materials will take approximately 1 minute; however, if the system is slow due to lots of activity, it may take longer. We suggest you try to submit your application an hour before the deadline. If the deadline is reached before your application has reached the employer's server, it will be lost. There is no way to recover the application at that point and you would not be considered for that particular job.

11. Can I add additional information to my application after the deadline date?

No. You can only make changes to your profile – address, telephone, email address. No other changes will be accepted.

12. How will I know whether I am being considered for the job?

You may check the status of your completed application by signing into your NEOGOV account

The department that is doing the hiring may also be sending notices (e-mail notices) to you during the process.

13. How do I access my on-line account once it has been established?

Once you have established your account, you may Sign In to your NEOGOV account

You may check the status of your applications(s), update your account, create a new application and view all jobs that you have applied for through Snohomish County.

To view jobs and applications with other agencies, go to www.governmentjobs.com.

14. Can I create more than one account with the same email?

No. If you created an account before, you cannot use the same email address again to create a new account. The email value must be unique.

15. When I try to create an account or update my email address, I get the message Email not available!. What does that mean?

If you receive this message, it means that there is an account associated with your email address. You may have previously applied with an organization that is a NEOGOV customer. You can retrieve your credentials resetting your password.

Click on Reset Password. On the next page, enter your email address, answer the security question, and click on Reset Password. An email is sent with a link to reset your password. Once you click on the link, you are directed to a page where you can create a new password.

16. When is the Job Opportunities list updated? I don't want to miss my chance to apply.

The list may be updated every business day. Some contracts require posting jobs for 7 to 10 days. Seasonal and temporary jobs will have shorter recruitment periods and can open and close at any time.

HINT: If you don't want to miss an opportunity sign-up for Job Notifications.

17. How do I sign up for Job Notifications?

Go to the Snohomish County Job Notifications page.

Select categories of interest and then subscribe

Enter your information and submit

You will start receiving email notifications the next day after a job has been posted in one of your categories.

18. Can I apply for a job that isn't advertised right now?

No, we are only able to process application information submitted in response to a specific advertised vacancy.

If you wish to receive email notifications when a job you are interested in becomes available, sign-up on the Snohomish County Job Notifications page.

19. When a job is "Open Continuous", what does that mean?

Jobs may be listed as “Continuous” if there are on-going vacancies or if the job is historically difficult to fill. Testing or interviews may begin right away when a “Continuous” recruitment is posted, and continue day-by-day until the vacancies are filled. When the position is offered to a candidate, the recruitment is closed out and no further interviews are held. If a job that interests you is listed as “continuous”, apply right away!

20. How are volunteer activities and/or experience considered when rating applications?

Volunteer activities and/or experience will be considered for meeting the minimum qualifications of the job the same as paid work as long as the duties performed meet the requirements of the job applied for.

21. Will you hold any application on file for future vacancies?

No, your application becomes part of the records for the hiring process in which you have applied. However, at the discretion of the hiring department, candidates on the Eligible List from a hiring process may be contacted in future months regarding related employment opportunities with Snohomish County Government in that department.

22. What is an Eligibility List?

All applicants who meet the requirements for the position they applied for, including passing any associated examination process are placed on the Eligibility List for that position. It may be used just to fill one position, or a series of positions. The same job title may appear as an opening for a different department even though there is an existing eligibility list in effect for a department. If the job title appears again as an open job posting, it means that you must re-apply to be considered for that new job posting.

23. Will the Eligibility List be used for other Snohomish County Government departments?

No. At Snohomish County each department handles their own recruitment process. That means that similar jobs may be posted for different departments and there are separate eligibility lists for each job opening. For instance, you may apply for a job in “Department A” and not be considered unless you apply again for a job with the same title in “Department B”.

24. I've applied for other jobs using NEOGOV that weren't with Snohomish County. Do you have access to those applications and information?

No. Snohomish County Government only has access to applications that are submitted to Snohomish County.

25. Can I apply for a job shown under County Employees Only?

Only current Snohomish County Government employees that are working in a regular, budgeted position (not temporary or seasonal) may apply for County Employees Only jobs.

26. Will Snohomish County Government pay my relocation costs or reimburse me for travel expenses?

No. Snohomish County Government will not pay for relocation costs or reimburse for the cost of travel required to attend an interview.

27. How do I apply for Snohomish County PUD or the Health District?

The Public Utility District of Snohomish County (PUD) is an outside agency and they handle their own employment processes. Also, Snohomish County Health District, various water, sewer or fire districts handle their own employment processes. You will need to contact them directly for information about their job openings.

28. What are "Civil Service" Opportunities?

All classified jobs in our Sheriff’s office, including the Corrections Bureau, fall under Civil Service rules. The Civil Service rules may be found here under Union Contracts on our website. Scroll down the list to find Civil Service Rules.

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OPD-Office of Public Defense-District Court

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1. What do I do if my name or the name of someone I know is on the list?

Contact the District Court.

2. How do I contact the District Court?

The main number is (425) 388-3331. Each of the four divisions also has contact information.

3. What do I do if I know I have a warrant and my name is not on the list?

If you know you have a warrant and your name is not on the list, your warrant might have been issued by the Superior Court for a felony offense or for a support enforcement obligation. If that is your situation, call your attorney. If you do not have an attorney, call the Office of Public Defense at 425-388-3500.

4. What are the codes I see on the Outstanding Warrant Inquiry list?

The LEA (Law Enforcement Agency) codes identify the law enforcement agency that issued the complaint and/or citation. The Court codes identify the District Court division where your case is filed. For a full description of each of the codes, see Code Definitions page.

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OPD-Office of Public Defense-Superior Court

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1. What do I do if my name or the name of someone I know is on the list?

Contact the Superior Court Clerk for more information OR to resolve the warrant you may follow the instructions for Clearing My Warrant.

2. How do I contact the Superior Court Clerk?

The main number is (425) 388-3466 and the email address is contact.clerk@co.snohomish.wa.us .

3. What do I do if I know I have a warrant and my name is not on the list?

If you know you have a warrant and your name is not on the list, your warrant might have been issued by the District Court. You can check the Misdemeanor Outstanding Warrant List - District Court. If you are still not able to locate your warrant on either list, call your attorney. If you do not have an attorney, call the Office of Public Defense at 425-388-3500.

4. Why are there multiple charges listed within a single case?

In Superior Court, an individual can be charged with multiple felony violations within a single case or cause number. This website lists the first five charges (violations) for each case noted but any case may have less than or more than five charges. Contact the Snohomish County Clerks for more detailed information on an individual case.

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PDS - 236th Street Improvements

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1. I have concerns with regards to effect on private dug wells in the vicinity of the project

This concern will be evaluated as part of the application review process. Water quality will be reviewed under Snohomish County Code and the Drainage Manual. More information about water quality stormwater requirements can be found here. The subject application was routed to the Snohomish County Health Department (SHD) for comment. SHD will assist the County by providing records related to existing wells and associated well protection zones. All comments will be provided to the applicant to address and provide responses back to the County.

2. I have concerns about wildlife, water quality, and quantity of receiving tributary to wetland/lake system south of 236th that is a tributary to the Stillaguamish River.

The project will be reviewed for compliance with Snohomish County Critical Area Regulations (chapters 30.62A, B, and C) dealing with wetlands, streams, wildlife, geologically hazardous areas, and Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas.  In addition, compliance with chapter 30.63A SCC drainage will be evaluated.

3. Has an environmental study been done?

Environmental review by Snohomish County is ongoing. The Stillaguamish Tribe has indicated on their SEPA Checklist that the following environmental information was prepared for the project:  December 22, 2017 Geotechnical Engineering Report, October 2017 Purdy Restoration Site Preliminary Advanced Mitigation Credits Calculation and Monitoring Plan, December 2013 Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination and Wetland Delineation, May 2017 Technical Memorandum, Additional 236^th Street NE Improvement Project, July 24, 2017 Archaeological Investigation Report 236^th NE Improvement Project, and 018 Biological Evaluation.  Snohomish County received the following environmental information with the current LDA submittal: March 19, 2019 Critical Areas Report update by Cardno, February 13, 2018 Geotechnical Engineering Report by Geotest, November 2019 Drainage and Erosion Control Plan by SCJ Alliance, June 6, 2019 Groundwater Monitoring and Supplemental Explorations Memorandum by Geotest, June 2018 Intersection/Gap Analysis by Gibson Traffic Consultants, Inc., and November 2019 Illumination Design Report by SCJ Alliance.

4. What does de-watering of the stream mean?

De-watering of a stream typically is a construction method to isolate the work area within the stream corridor when stream flow is diverted around the construction site as to maintain stream flow while protecting water quality.  This is typically employed when stream culverts are being replaced under the roadway.

5. Who is in charge of making sure the project is constructed to follow environmental laws, engineering practices, and BMP’s?

Snohomish County, Washington State agencies such as Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), and the Department of Ecology with jurisdiction are involved.  During construction the site will be inspected frequently to ensure the project follows the approved plans.

6. What is the construction timeline?

The Stillaguamish Tribe has a timeline posted on their web site at www.stillaguamish.com.   Timelines are often in flux given other authorizations required from agencies and their timelines and in-water work windows.

7. Has there been a traffic study?

Yes. A June 2018 Intersection/Gap Analysis by Gibson Traffic Consultants, Inc. was included in the LDA submittal. 

8. Are there school bus considerations?

Yes. Upon submittal of the LDA application to Snohomish County notice was given to the school district requesting comments. Any concerns from the district will be evaluated.

9. Will there be an Endangered Species Act analysis?

Yes. ESA consultation will occur with the ACOE as a Nationwide Permit 14 will be required.  Additionally, chapter 30.62A SCC (Critical Area Regulations) involves review for any ESA species located on-site.

10. Are there possible effects of placing underground utilities on a stream flow?

Stream flow and hyporheic groundwater interception is reviewed as part of the application when utilities are proposed adjacent to a waterbody.

11. Will there be accessibility to and from neighborhoods utilizing 236th Street during construction?

Accessibility and access for emergency vehicles will be reviewed with the application by our Traffic Operations Group in Public Works.  A road closure plan is required.  In the process of evaluation.

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PDS - Building Inspection

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1. What do I need to schedule an inspection?

To schedule an inspection, you will need your permit number (e.g.,17 123456 RK) OR site address of the project AND the name of the inspection you want to schedule. (Located on your inspection record)

2. How do I schedule an Inspection?

Go to www.mybuildingpermit.com and do the following:
(1) Click on “Schedule Inspections”; 

(2) Select “Snohomish County” from the jurisdiction dropdown list,

(3) Enter your permit number (e.g. 16 105414 RK) and click SEARCH,

(4) Select the inspection by choosing the date (You may schedule your inspection for up to 3 business days in the future), 

(5) Enter any instructions or information for the inspector, 

(6) Enter site contact information, and 

(7) Submit request.

3. What if the online SEARCH cannot find the permit number?

If the permit number entered cannot be found, verify the permit number and re-enter. If you still cannot find your permit in the search, call our Customer Support Center at 425-388-3311.

4. Who is my inspector and what time will he be here to conduct my inspection?

You may go to www.mybuidlingpermit.com and click on "Schedule Inspections." Then click on "Today’s Inspections." Locate the scheduled inspection for your permit.
Next to your scheduled inspection is the inspector’s name and cell phone number. The inspector cannot give you an exact time; however, you may call to get an approximate time of arrival.

5. What inspections do I need before I can get my final inspection?

All conditions of your permit must be met before a final inspection can be completed. Refer to the conditions on your permit for details. Some conditions, if not completed, will prevent you from scheduling a final inspection. For example, on a Residential Building Permit, a final inspection cannot be scheduled if there are related open Land Development Activity (LDA), Driveway/Access/Culvert (D1), Trail (D4), Fire Systems (FSYS), and Flood Hazard (FH/FHZ) permits. You will receive an error message indicating which permits need to be closed before a final can be scheduled.  There are other conditions on related permits that may prevent you from scheduling certain types of inspections. One example is that certain inspections on a related Flood Hazard permit must be completed before certain building permit inspections can be done. Also, if you have unpaid fees, you will not be able to schedule an inspection on that permit.

6. What documentation is typically required at the job site?

1. The permit and inspection record 2. Full-sized Approved Plans and Engineering 3. Any additional Engineering and/or Geo-Tech Reports 4. Site Plan and/or Plat Map 5. Drainage, Grading and Landscape Plans 6. Special Conditions information 7. Prior correction notices

7. How do I get an Electrical Inspection in Unincorporated Snohomish County?

Snohomish County Planning and Development Services does not administer electrical permits. For design, installation or modification to electrical wiring in unincorporated Snohomish County, contact the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L & I). The website is listed here.

8. What is the deadline for requesting an inspection?

To obtain an inspection for the same day, you must request the inspection prior to 6:00 am.

9. How do I schedule a re-inspection?

If an inspector has been out to do an inspection and it was not approved for any reason, you will be required to schedule a re-inspection. There are no separate codes for re-inspections. To schedule a re-inspection, please follow the instruction for scheduling an inspection.

10. Am I penalized for re-inspections after correction notices are issued?

The code provides for a re-inspection fee of $140. This is generally assessed when a re-inspection has been requested and corrections have not been made.

11. When do I get my Certificate of Occupancy?

For Residential Permits:  The signed final inspection card is your Certificate of Occupancy.

For Commercial Permits:  After final inspection approval, the inspector will start the process for the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Generally, the inspector will deliver the issued Certificate of Occupancy to the site. The Fire Marshal’s Office issues Commercial Certificates of Occupancy. Contact 425-388-3557 for further information.

12. Do I need to be there when the inspector comes?

You do not have to be there when the inspector comes, but you must make provisions to allow for inspector entry (i.e., instructions regarding locked doors, key location, etc.). This information can be communicated through www.mybuildingpermit.com when you schedule your inspection. Also be sure to have all required documents, including plans, onsite for the inspector to review.

13. Who is responsible to schedule inspections?

In accordance with the provisions of the International Building Code (IBC), the person doing the work is responsible. However, you should check your permit and make sure final approval to occupy has been given, prior to moving in.

14. I had an inspection scheduled and the inspector didn’t show up?

If the building inspector ran out of time to complete all of his assigned inspections, inspections he was unable to get to are held over until the next business day. You may go to MyBuildingPermit.com and check the inspection status by clicking on "Scheduled Inspections" on the Today’s Inspections button. Then select "Snohomish County" as your jurisdiction. Locate your permit number and check the inspection results. If the result is "Hold Over" then the inspector was not able to get to your site that day.

15. I was notified that my permit will expire, what do I do?

If all work has been completed, you may go to MyBuildingPermit.com to schedule a final inspection.
If the work cannot be completed by the expiration date, the permit may be granted a one-time (1) only extension for the same period of time as originally issued. Please contact PDS's Customer Support Center at  Services at 425-388-3311 for more information including the renewal fee amount. You must apply for the extension prior to the permit expiring. After a permit expires, you may need to get a new permit to continue work.

16. How can I find out the results of my inspection?

You may find the results byYou may go to MyBuildingPermit.com and check the inspection status by clicking on "Scheduled Inspections" on the Today’s Inspections button. Then select "Snohomish County" as your jurisdiction. Locate your permit number and check the inspection results.  

In addition, on most inspection types, you should receive an email with the inspections results. If an inspection was approved, you will receive a brief approval email. If there are deficiencies, you will receive an email with an attachment explaining the deficiencies. Upon an approved final inspection, you will receive a copy of your final inspection card. Emails are sent to the email address provided when scheduling that inspection.

17. What does my inspection result mean?

Guide to Inspection Results

APPROVED: Work is approved; OK to proceed with additional work.

APPROVED WITH CORRECTIONS: Inspection is approved and builder may proceed, but correction will need to be checked again at the next required inspection or as noted. Do not cover or conceal items that need re-inspection.

NOT APPROVED/CORRECTIONS ISSUED: Inspection was not approved, corrections have been issued, and work must be checked again prior to additional construction. Do not cover or conceal. This inspection must be scheduled again when corrections have been completed.

PARTIALLY APPROVED: A portion of the inspection or building was approved, but that inspection cannot be signed off due to incomplete work.

NO INSPECTION DONE: The inspector arrived at the site; however, an issue existed that prohibited inspection (e.g., no access or no plans onsite).

HOLD OVER: Inspector was not able to complete the inspection and it will be automatically scheduled for the following business day.

CONTINUE WORK: Typically for site development projects, where inspections happen progressively until project completion.

STOP WORK: Activity causing violation at the site must stop until corrective measures are taken and permission to proceed is given by PDS.

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PDS - Code Enforcement

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1. What will PDS do about my complaint?

See Bulletin 51 (PDF), Reporting Code Violations for further information.

2. Once my complaint is received, how long does the enforcement process take?

See Bulletin 51 (PDF), Reporting Code Violations for further information.

3. What is junk and/or a junkyard?

Call 425-388-3311 for junk and/or junkyard information.

4. How many travel trailers and/or recreational vehicles can be stored on a lot?

See Bulletin 53 (PDF), Recreational Vehicles for further information.

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PDS - Demographics

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1. What is Snohomish County's current population and growth rate?

The total population of Snohomish County was estimated to be 757,600 as of April 1, 2015, according to the Washington State Office of Financial Management. This includes a total unincorporated population estimate of 330,260 (44% of total county population) and a total incorporated (city) population estimate of 427,340 (56% of total county population).
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Total population in Snohomish County has increased by 44,265 (6.2%) since the 2010 US Census showed a total population of 713,335 for Snohomish County. This translates into an annual average population growth rate for the county of 1.2% since 2010.

2. How many residential building permits have been issued?

During 2014, residential building permits were issued for a total of 3,494 new housing units countywide (including single family units, duplexes, multi-family units and mobile homes). Of this total, 1,981 (57%) were issued by the county in unincorporated areas, while the cities issued permits for 1,513 units (43%) in incorporated areas.
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The annual volume of residential permits issued in Snohomish County has increased since 2010 when 2,279 new housing units were permitted, of which 1,955 were single family detached units. Since 2010, the overall increase in housing production can be almost entirely attributed to multi-family permit activity. The volume of multi-family units permitted countywide reached a 13-year high in 2013, with 2,112 units permitted. Most recently, the number of multi-family units permitted fell slightly in 2014, to 1,331 new units.

3. What are the population and job forecasts?

The population forecast for Snohomish County for the year 2035 is 955,257. This number represents the total future population that Snohomish County and its cities have planned for in their comprehensive plans. The employment forecast is for 396,373 jobs in 2035, an increase of 147,383 (59%) from the countywide 2011 employment estimate of 248,990 jobs.

4. How many jobs are in Snohomish County?

Nonagricultural wage and salary employment in Snohomish County as of November 2015 totaled 284,500 jobs, according to the Washington State Employment Security Department. This amount was up by 7,600 jobs (2.7%) compared with the November 2014 total of 276,900 non-agricultural jobs.

5. What is the unemployment rate?

The November 2015 unemployment rate was 5.0% for Snohomish County, matching the county’s unemployment rate of 5.0% in November 2014, according to the Washington State Employment Security Department. Snohomish County's current unemployment rate is down considerably from the highest unemployment rate recorded during the past ten years, 11.2% in January and February 2010, but up from the post-recession low of 3.6% recorded in April 2015

6. What is the minority and racial makeup of Snohomish County?

The 2010 Census showed that Snohomish County's population was 74% white and non-Hispanic, while 26% was a racial or ethnic minority. Among the minority groups, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Asian populations were the largest, with each group individually representing 9% of the county's total population.
In 2000, by comparison, Snohomish County's population was 83% white and non-Hispanic, while 17% was a racial or ethnic minority. Hispanic and non-Hispanic Asian populations were the largest minority groups at that time as well, accounting for 5% and 6%, respectively, of the county's total population.
White non-Hispanic population growth accounted for 23% of the county's total population growth between 2000 and 2010, while minority population growth accounted for 77%. In particular, most minority population growth was either Hispanic or non-Hispanic Asian population growth, with these two groups representing 33% and 26%, respectively, of Snohomish County's total population growth during this time period.
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In 2000, by comparison, Snohomish County's population was 83% white and non-Hispanic, while 17% was a racial or ethnic minority. Hispanic and non-Hispanic Asian populations were the largest minority groups at that time as well, accounting for 5% and 6%, respectively, of the county's total population.

White non-Hispanic population growth accounted for 23% of the county's total population growth between 2000 and 2010, while minority population growth accounted for 77%. In particular, most minority population growth was either Hispanic or non-Hispanic Asian population growth, with these two groups representing 33% and 26%, respectively, of Snohomish County's total population growth during this time period.

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PDS - Divisions - Permitting - Proposed Developments

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1. How can I get more information on a particular development?

You can get more information on a particular development by:

View the Hearing Examiner agendas or decisions.

Use permit search to locate a development by parcel number, address, or project number to retrieve project information, find out who is the project manager, and view the project on a map.

Use the staff directory to contact the project manager.

View the entire project file during regular office hours a:

Department of Planning and Development Services
Second Floor
County Administration Building
3000 Rockefeller Ave.
Everett, WA 98201

2. How can I become a Party of Record?

To become a Party of Record for a specific project, send a letter or an email to the project manager listed on the public notice and include the project file number, project name, and your name and address.

3. Who qualifies as a Party of Record?

The definition of "Party of Record" is found in SCC 2.02.165(1). It includes: (a) The applicant/appellant; (b) All persons, county departments and/or public agencies who testified at the open record hearing; (c) All persons, county departments and/or public agencies who individually (emphasis added) submitted written comments concerning the specific matter into the hearing record prior to the close of the open record hearing (excluding persons who have only signed petitions or mechanically produced form letters); (emphasis added) and (d) All persons, county departments and/or public agencies who specifically request notice of decision by entering their name and mailing address on a register provided for such purpose at the open record hearing

4. What is the comment and/or the appeal period for a Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) determination?

Comments or appeals of a determination of nonsignificance (DNS) must be received no later than 14 days after the date of action, which includes the issuance of the threshold determination, publication of notice, and posting of property, whichever occurs later.

5. I would like to attend a hearing but require ADA accommodations; do you have the proper facilities?

Yes. Snohomish County facilities are wheelchair accessible. Accommodations for persons with disabilities will be provided upon advance request. Please make arrangements one week prior to a public hearing by calling the Hearing Examiner’s Office, 425-388-3538, or 425-388-3700 TDD.

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PDS - Long Range Planning - Annexations

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1. How does the county get involved in annexations?

Once a city or district proposes an annexation in Snohomish County, the annexation is submitted for review and approval by the Boundary Review Board (BRB) and/or the county legislative authority. The role of Snohomish County in annexations is to review the annexation proposal submitted to the BRB.

The county considers how the proposed annexation meets the factors and objectives of the BRB (RCW 36.93.170 and 180). The County Council could either oppose or not oppose the annexation and invoke the jurisdiction of the BRB. Other jurisdictions (e.g., special purpose districts, cities, etc.) and citizens can also invoke the jurisdiction of the BRB.

2. What is the Boundary Review Board?

The Boundary Review Board (BRB) is a five-member board whose primary purpose is to guide and control the creation and growth of municipalities in metropolitan areas to avoid problems arising from fast growth, haphazard extension of municipal boundaries, adverse impacts on municipal services, adverse impacts to the financial integrity of local governments, and from disorganizing effects of annexation competition on land use.

3. What does “invoking jurisdiction” mean?

When jurisdiction is invoked, the Boundary Review Board (BRB) sets up a public hearing to hear testimony for and against the proposed annexation. After hearing all testimony, the BRB makes a decision to approve the annexation, deny the annexation, or approve the annexation with specified changes. The BRB decision can be appealed with the Snohomish County Superior Court and can be subject to referendum.

4. Who do I contact about wanting to annex?

Property owners who are interested in annexing to a neighboring city should contact the planning department of that city. Property owners who are interested in annexing to a special purpose district should contact the district directly. County staff is available to answer questions on annexations in general or on annexations under review by the county.

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PDS - Permitting - Commercial

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1. How do I count square footage for a sign?

Sign area is computed by identifying the square footage of the smallest rectangle or circle that encloses the total message. The sign structure, architectural embellishments, framework, and decorative features that contain no written advertising copy shall not be included in the sign area. Refer to Snohomish County Code (SCC) Figure 30.27.090(1), (2) and (3).

2. How do I know how much signage is allowed?

In most cases, Chapter 30.27 SCC is your best resource. Remember that the information gives the number of square feet of signage for the entire site. This means that the allowable signage is reduced by the signs already on the property. In some cases, the property owner has submitted a specific sign design plan to the county. The sign design plan states how much signage is available for each unit. If there are a number of signs on the property, ask the owner if he or she has submitted a sign design plan. If no specific plan has been submitted, it will be necessary for the applicant to count the total square feet of signs already installed.

3. How do I know what zone my property is in?

There are two ways to obtain zoning information. The first is to view Snohomish County zoning maps which are available online. Permit Zoning Map will find the zoning for your property it is necessary for you to know either the complete site address or the property tax account number. Permit Zoning Map

4. How do I know which section of the code applies?

SCC 30.27.010 gives general requirements for all signs. SCC 30.27.060 speaks to particular uses. SCC 30.27.070 SCC deals with political signs. SCC 30.27.080 deals with billboards. The rest of Chapter 30.27 SCC states sign regulations for the various zones.

5. What are the rules for signs for home occupations?

Residential zone requirements are covered in SCC 30.27.020 SCC. Additional information is provided under SCC 30.28.050(1)(f), which states that "signs in connection with the occupation shall be unlighted, shall not exceed two square feet, and shall be attached flat to the building."

6. What section of the Snohomish County Code deals with signs?

Chapter 30.27 SCC in the Snohomish County Code deals with signs.

7. What is a billboard?

Snohomish County defines a billboard as a sign or structure designed for advertising purposes that are not related to things principally located, produced, or existing on the same property as the billboard. Billboards are allowed only in the following zones: General Commercial (GC), Light Industrial (LI) and Heavy Industrial (HI) zones. Billboards are counted as "advertising" and must be accounted for when tallying signs. Additional billboard information is available in Chapter 30.27.080 SCC. Also, refer to the Signs Submittal Checklist.

8. What is the difference between Identification and Advertising?

Identification is the legal business name and registered logo of the company. Advertising is everything else. Billboards are always counted as advertising. On double-sided signs, only one side is counted for "identification" signs while "advertising" signs are counted on both sides.

9. What is the height limit for a sign?

Allowable sign height is based on the zoning. Height is measured from the grade to the top of the sign. To find the maximum allowable height for a sign, go to the chart in Bulk Regulations, Chapter 30.23.030 SCC. The maximum building height in the chart is the maximum height for a sign, unless there is a restriction in another section of subchapter 30.2 SCC.

Below is a summary of the information.

Zone Height
Freeway Service (FS) 35
Neighborhood Business (NB) 25
Planned Community Business (PCB) 40
Community Business (CB) 35
General Commercial (GC) 45
Industrial Park (IP) 65
Business Park (BP) 50
Light Industrial (LI) 50
Heavy Industrial (HI) 65
Rural Business (RB) 35
Rural Freeway Service (RFS) 35
Rural Industrial (RI) 50

10. What is the setback for a sign?

Where sign setbacks are not otherwise stipulated, signs may extend to the front property line in all zones. Signs cannot be constructed in easements. Signs on corners must follow the sight corner as described for fences in SCC 30.23.100(3).

11. What particular uses are addressed?

SCC 30.27.060 covers signs for particular uses. Sections (1) and (2) cover residential subdivision signs. Section (3) covers schools, churches, community clubs and public structures / buildings. Section (4) covers bed and breakfast.

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PDS - Permitting - Subdivisions - Short Plats

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1. What is a Short Subdivision?

A Short Subdivision, also called a Short Plat, is the division of the property into 4 (or fewer) lots in a rural area, and the division of the property into 9 (or fewer) lots in urban areas.

2. Do I need to get the County's approval for a Short Subdivision?

Yes.

3. Can I divide my property into more than 4 rural lots or into more than 9 urban lots?

Yes. However, the process is termed a Subdivision. A Subdivision requires a public hearing and a SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) determination.

4. What is the short subdivision approval process?

Most short subdivisions are processed through Chapter 30.41B SCC. If the parcel being divided was created within the last 5 years or if a new public road is being established, then the project must be processed as a formal subdivision under Chapter 30.41A SCC.

5. What steps are involved in the Short Subdivision process?

Any land division is a legal process that establishes new lots. It is beyond the capabilities of most laymen to undertake the process. Anyone considering any division of land is strongly encouraged to contact a professional land use consultant that is familiar with Snohomish County regulations.
The basic process is: contact a professional land use consultant. Through that consultation, determine if it is feasible and cost effective to pursue a Short Subdivision on the property. The land use consultant will develop the required submittal materials. When all of the submittal materials are prepared, call 425-388-3311 ext. 2790 to schedule a submittal appointment. Upon submittal, the project materials will be routed to relevant state and county agencies for review and comment. The project also will be reviewed by Planning and Development Services for compliance with the zoning, critical areas, land disturbing activities, and traffic regulations. After the project has been determined to meet the regulatory requirements, the project is granted Preliminary Approval. The next phase of development is the Construction Plan review and approval. After construction plans have been submitted and approved, the physical construction of the project begins. This is the phase when the roads, drainage facilities, and utilities are installed. Upon completion of construction, and approval of the As-Builts (the drawings of what was actually constructed on the land) the project moves into the final plat process. This is the legal process of establishing legal lots. The end of the final plat process is recording of the final short plat. After the recording of the final short plat, the lots are legally established and ready to be sold.

6. How long does the process take?

If the applicant has provided all of the required materials, and the submitted materials satisfy the regulatory requirements, then the process may be as short as 6 - 9 months. A typical short subdivision takes 12 - 18 months to final recording.

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PDS - Public Records Requests

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1. Are all public records available for inspection?

All public records are available for public inspection, unless the law specifically exempts them. The Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) and other statutes, list types of documents or information that is exempt from public inspection and copying. If only a portion of a record is exempt from disclosure, a Public Records Specialist or designee will redact the exempt portions before providing the record. Should any information not be produced, an “Exemption Log” will be provided with the responsive records. Public Records Act (RCW 42.56)

2. Are there any fees associated with a Public Records Request?

There are no fees associated with inspecting public records; however, there may be costs associated with:
Photocopying – actual cost of black and white, color, or large format copying.
Mailing – actual cost of postage and shipping container.
Multimedia – actual cost of producing records on DVD-R or other electronic storage devices.

For large requests, Snohomish County may:
Require a deposit of up to 10% of the estimated cost before making copies.
Provide copies in installments.
Require advance payment before providing further installments.

Payments can be made by cash, check, or money order, made payable to “Snohomish County.”

3. Are there any special considerations that I need to be aware of?

If you have not reviewed or claimed responsive records within 30 days of being notified that the information is available or have failed to make payment, the Public Records Specialist may close your request. WAC 44-14-040b. If the requested records contain information that may affect the rights of others, before providing the record, the Public Records Specialist or designee may give 3rd party notice and allow time for action by other parties. After a request has been filled, if the Public Records Specialist or designee becomes aware of any additional documents existing at the time of the request, the documents will be provided to you on an expedited basis. WAC 44-14-040b

4. How can I make a Public Records Request?

Snohomish County has available a standard form for submitting public records request. Alternatively, you may submit a request by mail, telephone, fax, or email to one of the following:
Snohomish County PDS
ATTN: Public Records Specialist
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, M/S 604
Everett, WA 98201
Telephone: 425-388-3622
Fax: 425-388-3682
Email: publicdisclosure.pds@snoco.org
All requests must contain the name and contact information of the person making the request. Reasonable notice that the request is for the disclosure of public records, pursuant to the Public Records Act. Identification of the requested records by reference to names, title, subject matter, and time frames, or some other means that is adequate to support the location of the requested records.

5. What happens next?

Within five business days of receipt of the request, a Public Records Specialist or designee will acknowledge the request and complete one of the following:
Provide a reasonable time estimate for when the records will be available.
Contact the requester to seek clarification regarding the records requested.
Make the records available for inspection or copying.
Send copies of the records to the requester if payment has been submitted and received.
Deny the request, citing reason for denial.

6. What if my request is denied?

If your request is denied, you may send a written petition to the Snohomish County Public Records Officer in order to have the denial reviewed. The Public Records Officer may be contacted by mail, phone, fax, or email at: Public Records Officer 3000 Rockefeller Avenue Everett, WA 98201 Ph: 425-388-7011 Fx: 425-388-3985 Email: publicrecordsofficer@snoco.org

7. What kinds of records are available at PDS?

PDS creates and maintains records that are related to land and property development in unincorporated Snohomish County, including land use records, including subdivisions, short plats, shoreline management, and commercial projects. Permit histories organized by Property Tax Account Number, Flood Hazard Permits, Forest Practice Permits, and Code Enforcement Files.
For general property, permit, or zoning questions, please contact Ask Permit Tech.
For records and information pertaining to as-built drawings for septic and well systems, please contact the Snohomish County Health District at 425-339-5250 or visit their website at www.snohd.org.
Hazardous spills, please contact your local Fire District.
Sewer systems, please contact your local Sewer District.

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PDS - SWUGA

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1. Is the County proposing an expansion of the Southwest Urban Growth Area into the study area?

Not as part of this study.  There is currently a proposed minor expansion adjacent to the UGA (Urban Growth Area) for the North Creek High School that is being considered under the County’s “docket” process.  Under the docket, groups or citizens can propose amendments to the County’s Growth Management Comprehensive Plan. 

Under existing policy, before any UGA expansion, it needs to be demonstrated that the land capacity of the UGA is insufficient to accommodate the projected future population and employment needs.  Also, there needs to have been consideration of alternatives to UGA expansions to accommodate the deficiency of land capacity in the existing UGA.  This includes, for example, a review of opportunities for increasing densities within the existing UGA through “up-zoning”.

This study will not be generating this level of detailed analysis. If a UGA expansion is warranted in the future, more rigorous analysis and modeling of alternatives with environmental review under the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) will need to be completed. This is the process that the County undertakes with amendments (through updates) to the County’s Growth Management Act (GMA) Comprehensive Plan.  Minor adjustments to the Urban Growth Area boundary do occur from time-to-time.  More major adjustments are less common.

2. Does this mean if there is a UGA (Urban Growth Area) expansion, this area will be where it expands first?

While there is clearly substantial growth occurring in the unincorporated parts of the Bothell and Mill Creek MUGAs (Municipal Urban Growth Areas), there currently is no area identified in the County where the UGA should be expanded to first, if an expansion is warranted. This study may be used to help inform future discussion on UGA sizing, but will not be providing priority areas nor the level of analysis required for a UGA expansion.  We are studying this area because there has been recent interest in expansions of the UGA here, and, given the areas proximity to the job markets in King County, we expect that there will be continued interest, particularly for construction of single family homes.

3. If UGA expansions are not currently warranted, why is the study area so large?

The proposed study area has many natural and human-made features that constrain growth. This includes Little Bear Creek and its buffers, and a sole-source aquifer. Parts of the study area are existing parks, open space and rights-of-way. For this reason, it is prudent to look at a reasonably large area for the purposes of this high-level study of opportunities and challenges with continuation of existing and changed land use patterns adjacent to the eastern portion of the SWUGA boundary.  

4. Is the County revising its growth strategies or how it is allocating growth?

No, not at this time. The County is still required to plan for growth in accordance with the Growth Management Act (GMA), and continues to adhere to the adopted Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Regional Growth Strategy, VISON 2040, and the position that the Snohomish County Tomorrow (SCT) has recently taken on the scoping for PSRC’s VISION 2050.

In recognizing that there is likely to be continued interest in the alignment of the UGA boundary in this area of high growth, the SWUGA Boundary Planning Study is only collecting data and information that will help inform future decisions, and not making recommendations on revisions to the growth strategies.

5. Will there be similar studies for the other UGAs?

At this time, there is no plan to do other studies like this for the other UGAs.

6. What is the relationship between this project and the Maltby Area Advisory Group (MAAG)?

The MAAG is a recently-formed “ad hoc” advisory group intended to provide advice to the county on development and planning issues facing the Maltby area. As the scope of the SWUGA Boundary Planning Study is refined, one of the areas that will need to be considered is how the two initiatives can complement each other.

7. How do I stay informed as this project progresses?

Click on the link below to sign up for the emailing list for this project. You will be notified of any public meetings and draft reports for public review or as they are developed.

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PDS- Right of Way Use

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1. Do I need an access (driveway) permit?

Yes. If your property fronts on a county right-of-way and you wish to create a driveway that will connect to the public road, you must obtain a county access permit.
Yes. If you have an existing, non-permitted driveway and no structures on your property, and are coming to the department for development permit(s), you will be required to obtain a permit to bring your driveway access up to current standards.
Yes. If you, or a commercial logger, are performing a logging activity and the logging truck(s) will access onto a county road.
Yes. If you will be accessing from a private road that does not exist, a right-of-way use construction permit will be required to construct the private road intersection to the county road.
No. If you access your property from an existing private road.

2. Do I need a permit to install a private water line or private sewer effluent line across or along a county road?

Yes, please contact Shawn Toevs, Permit Assistance Coordinator, (425) 388-3311 ext. 2208 for details.

3. How do I submit commercial general liability insurance documentation to Snohomish County for my work in the right-of-way for my land development project?

Submitting insurance to Snohomish County.

4. How much will my right-of-way use permit cost?

Contact (425) 388-3385 for an Access / Culvert Enclosure Permit Application. The permit fee is $82.40.

5. What if property ownership changes during my land development activity?

Change of Property Ownership and Re-issuance of Project Permits

6. What is a trail permit?

Occasionally, the owner of a legal lot can only obtain access to the nearest maintained county road by crossing county road right-of-way where no road presently exists. The condition constitutes an "unopened" right-of-way. In order to obtain a building permit, a property owner desiring access via an unopened county right-of-way must provide or improve a road to a minimum county standard. Snohomish County Engineering Design and Development Standards, Drawings 3-070 and 3-075 provide such a standard for up to 8 lots using the unopened right-of-way. For 9 lots or more, the County Engineer will evaluate each request for trail access on a case by case basis.

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Planning & Development Services

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1. What is my zoning?

The interactive zoning map allows you to determine the zoning designation of your property. Please read the instructions carefully. Enter your 14-digit property tax account number at the "Find Parcel ID" field. Click on go after you have entered your account number. You will be able to view the current zoning designation and comprehensive plan designation. The map will show if your property is within a flood hazard area and/or contains a stream / water body. You are also able to view and print aerial photos of your property.

If your property is within a city limit (not in unincorporated Snohomish County), you will not be able to retrieve the zoning designation. Your parcel will appear in gray with no accompanying information. Please contact the city with jurisdiction.

2. My property is zoned "R-5" - what does that mean?

Snohomish County Code, Title 30 Table 30.21.020, provides a list of all zoning designations in unincorporated Snohomish County. Section 30.21.025 describes the intent of each zone. See question number 3 and 4 to obtain more information about lot sizes, setbacks, and allowable uses for each zoning designation.

3. What are my setback requirements?

First, determine your property's zoning. Then, go to Title 30 SCC which contains a table (matrix) called "Bulk Matrix" (SCC 30.23.030(1)). The bulk matrix shows the following information for each zoning designation:

• Maximum building height for each zone
• Minimum Lot area and lot width for each zone
• Setback requirements from roads and other properties
• Maximum lot coverage for each zone

Some refer to these bulk matrix information as "restrictions" on a property.

Associated reference notes for the bulk matrix are found in SCC 30.23.040. We highly recommend that you read these notes to learn of further "restrictions" on each particular zone.

4. What can I do with my property?

First, determine your property's zoning. Then, look for the use listing (or use table). Title 30 SCC contains three tables (matrices) called "Use Matrix" (SCC 30.22.100, 0.110, and 0.120) that are divided into three categories: urban zones, rural and resources zones, and other zones. The use matrix lists the zoning designations and all the permitted uses, conditionally permitted uses and non-permitted uses for each zone.

5. Who owns the property across the street?

Start at the County Assessor's website. Enter the Address Number and Street Name. This website allows you to query and obtain information such as tax payer of record, property owner, legal description, parcel size, data related to structures on the parcel and other interactive maps.

The Interactive Snohomish County Online Property Information (SCOPI) enables the retrieval of a significant amount of property information by simply clicking on a map.

The property information search is a tool that allows the user to query property information by entering a parcel number or physical street address.

6. How do I get a copy of a plat map (subdivision map)?

All plats are recorded with the county Auditor’s Office. Search for Recorded Documents is where you enter the name of the plat (subdivision) under General "Name" field. On Document Type, you may select "PLAT."

You will discover that there are numerous Document Types recorded by the Auditor. If you know the Recording No., that field is also available for you to enter the data for a quicker result.

You can search for recorded documents associated with your property by entering your property tax account number (Parcel ID) in the related search field. You will most likely pull up and view deeds and other banking documents. Some other examples of documents recorded are maps and easements.

A Critical Area Site Plan (CASP) shows critical areas (e.g. wetlands and streams). Planning and development services (PDS) required recordation of CASPs as of April, 1995. You may download these maps when available and print them out yourself. The alternative would be to request copies from the Auditor’s Office or PDS in person and photocopy costs will be collected.

7. What is my neighbor building?

Planning and development service’s interactive zoning map and permit search can both lead you to an answer. As long as you have a site address, each link is very useful. When you use the online zoning map, parcels in yellow have permit information available.

Permit search allows you to view pending and approved permits for a particular piece of property. You can also view a pending permit's status in the review process.

8. Where do I get information on drain fields, septic systems, and wells?

The Snohomish County Health Department has as-built records of approved drain field / septic systems.

Environmental Health Division

• Phone: 425-339-5250
• Email
• Office Hours
  Monday – Friday
  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Water and Wastewater Section

• Review of new individual systems (wells) serving new development
• Inspection of well seal construction
• Inspection of well decommissioning
• Technical support services for existing small water systems (one to nine connections)
• Sampling services
• Complaint investigation
• Operational checks of existing systems (for property sale/refinance)
• Homeowner education

Online Tool - Septic As-Builts

9. I would like to view a project file, where are they located?

To obtain a project file, please visit our public records request section.

10. What if I still have questions?

The AskPermitTech program responds to general questions such as:

• What applications are required for a garage addition?
  
• How long does it take to get a building permit?
  
• What are the setback requirements for my lot?
  
• What is the building height for the area?
  
• What is my property's zoning designation?
  
• What is the Comprehensive Plan designation in my area?

Complex development questions cannot be answered by the AskPermitTech program. If you are considering these types of developments, we highly encourage you visit our permitting section. Complex questions include:

• Can my property be subdivided?
  
• Are there critical areas on my property?
  
• What are the drainage requirements if I build a commercial building?

Contact a professional planning consultant, engineering or surveying company who can assist you with these types of complex projects and are familiar with Snohomish County land development regulations.

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Prescription Discount Card

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1. How much does the plan cost?

Your prescription discount card is provided to you free of charge by the county.

2. Does everyone in my family need an individual card?

No. Everyone in the family may use the same card if desired.

3. Can I use this card to get discounts on my pet’s medications?

Yes, if your pet has been prescribed a medication, you may receive a discount on the medication by taking the prescription to a participating retail pharmacy.

4. I just received my card; can I use it right away?

Yes, just use your card to start saving immediately. Present your prescription discount card at a participating retail pharmacy when you fill or refill your prescriptions.

5. I’ve lost my card, how can I get a replacement?

Pick up an extra card at designated locations or by calling 425-388-3494.

6. Can I use my card to get discounts on over-the-counter products and non-prescription medications?

Not usually. However, discounts are available for many diabetic supplies.

7. How is this prescription discount program different from traditional prescription insurance?

This plan is not insurance; it is a prescription discount program. The card provides immediate discounts at the pharmacy. Upon presenting your card to the pharmacist, you will pay the lower of a discounted price or the pharmacy’s regular retail price. There are no claim forms to fill out and no limit to the number of times you can use the card. These discounts are available only at participating retail pharmacies.

8. Can I use my prescription discount card with my current insurance benefit to reduce my costs?

Your card cannot be used in conjunction with other insurance. However, you are able to use your card to purchase prescriptions that are not covered by these plans.

9. Which pharmacies accept the card?

The prescription discount card is accepted at 54,000 retail pharmacies nationwide, including many of the leading chains. Ask your local pharmacy if they participate or call toll free 1-877-321-2652 to find out if a specific pharmacy participates in the program.

10. How much will I save?

While savings on each prescription may vary, you can save an average of 20 percent off of the pharmacy’s regular retail prices for prescription drugs. In addition, you may save even more by choosing from our list of select medications. This list is comprised of products offering additional savings.

11. Will I always receive the lowest price?

Yes. You will receive the best price available to you through this program at the pharmacy. On occasion, pharmacies will price a particular medication lower than the discount rate provided by the card. If that occurs, you will receive the lower price.

12. Can I find out the discounted price of my prescriptions before going to the pharmacy?

Because prices can vary by location, only the actual pharmacy can tell you the exact price of the prescription. However, you can look up an estimated price for medications online, or call toll free 1-877-321-2652.

13. Why did the price of my prescription change since the last time I purchased the prescription?

Drug prices are different from pharmacy to pharmacy. Even chains have different prices in their stores depending on the population they are servicing. Additionally, manufacturers’ drug prices change periodically.

14. The brochure says I can save an average of 20% on my prescription medication; will I save 20% on all my medications?

Because a pharmacy's retail price or usual and customary charge can differ greatly by pharmacy, your exact percentage of savings may vary depending on the prescription drug and the price you have paid before.

15. What is specialty pharmacy and what kinds of services do they offer?

Specialty pharmacy offers delivery of injectable and select oral specialty medication and supplies to the location of your choice. Services include delivery notification and refill reminder calls to help you stay on your treatment plan. You’ll also receive expert care services including counseling, follow up care calls, informative disease-related materials, and access to health experts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

16. What drugs are offered through specialty pharmacy?

Medications for a variety of chronic conditions including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, infertility, immunologic disorders, Crohn’s disease, Gaucher disease, pulmonary hypertension, Fabry disease, MPS 1, blood dyscrasia, growth hormone deficiency, respiratory syncytial virus, hepatitis C and more are available through specialty pharmacy.

17. What is mail service?

With the Caremark Mail Service program, you can purchase up to a 90-day supply of select medications from the mail service pharmacy for a fixed price. It’s easy to get started with mail service—just send in the mail service order form along with your original prescription, to Caremark. For a list of medications available through and to receive an order form please call toll free 1-877-321-2652 or visit online.

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Prosecutor - Questions asked by the public

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1. I have been a victim of identity theft, what do I do?

The Federal Trade Commission has a wealth of information on identity theft, including what to do if you think you have been a victim and steps you can take to help prevent identity theft in the future. These resources can be found on their website. The Washington State Attorney General’s Office also provides information on this topic.

A few general guidelines on identity theft are provided here, but the sites listed above provide more comprehensive answers.

What to do if you have been a victim:
If you are a victim of identity theft, take the following four steps as soon as possible, and keep a record with the details of your conversations and copies of all correspondence.

1. Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:
   • Equifax: 800-525-6285
   • Experian: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
   • TransUnion: 800-680-7289
   Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain.
2. Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently. Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your permission. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.
   
   Use the ID Theft Affidavit to support your written statement. Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged. Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.
3. File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
4. Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.
   • Identity Theft Clearinghouse
     Federal Trade Commission
     Washington, DC 20580
   • Ph: 877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or TTY, 866-653-4261
   • Website

2. I need child support. Can you help me?

Our Family Support Division may be able to help. Please contact them at 425-388-7280.

3. I want a divorce, I want to sue someone, or I want to adopt a child. Can the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office help me?

We cannot provide legal advice or take legal action in such matters. You should consult with your own lawyer.

4. Does the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office provide copies of police reports?

Most of our documents are public record. There are statutory exemptions that may apply to certain cases or certain documents in a case. Request forms are available at our reception desk or they can be found on our website.

5. Can I talk to the elected Prosecuting Attorney? I think that's the person who is working on my case.

The name of the elected Prosecuting Attorney of Snohomish County appears on many of our official documents. Although the Prosecuting Attorney does handle some matters personally, usually one of the Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys in the office handles criminal and civil cases. When you call, give your name or the name of the defendant to our receptionist, and we will attempt to connect you with the right person.

6. Where do I report for jury duty?

People summoned for jury duty in Snohomish County should report as directed to the Snohomish County Superior Court. For more information, call 425-388-3386 or visit the jury information website.

7. Where can I get free or low cost legal advice?

The Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office cannot recommend a specific attorney to you. For criminal matters, contact the Office of Public Defense at 425-388-3500 and for other matters contact the Snohomish County Bar Referral at 425-388-3018 or CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education, Advice and Referral) at 888-201-1014.

8. I reported an incident to the County Sheriff's Office and they told me it was a civil problem. Who do I contact to resolve the issue?

“A civil problem” means that the incident is one that will be involved in the civil part of our legal system, as opposed to the criminal part. The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office is normally involved with only the criminal part. So when they tell you that you have a civil problem, it generally means you will need to contact your personal attorney. If you do not have one, you should consult the lawyer referral numbers offered elsewhere on this web page. They may be able to assist you in handling this matter. Although the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has a “civil division," those lawyers give advice to the departments and divisions of the county government, and to county employees, not to private citizens.

9. Will you enforce a parenting plan that my ex-husband is violating since it was entered in your County Superior Court?

Enforcement of court orders is a private matter between you and the other person and must be handled by a private attorney. Government attorneys do not settle custodial disputes or enforce court orders between individuals. If a private attorney helped you obtain the order, a private attorney (not a government attorney) must help you enforce the order.

10. How do I post bail for someone?

This particular issue is not generally handled by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office; however, the Snohomish County Department of Corrections FAQ page addresses this issue online.

11. What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

When you commit a crime in our society, you have to be punished. How much punishment a criminal gets depends on how bad their crime was.

To help determine how bad a crime was, the crime is called either a 'felony' or a 'misdemeanor'.
Felonies are more serious crimes, and misdemeanors are less serious crimes. Both can result in a jail sentence but only a felony can result in a prison sentence.

The maximum sentence a person can receive on a misdemeanor is 365 days or less. Sentences on felonies can be less than or more than a year, and can be up to life in prison. If the sentence is less than a year, the sentence is generally served in a local jail. If the sentence is more than a year the time is generally served in prison.

12. Can you tell me what my son / daughter was arrested for?

If the case has been submitted to our office for review by law enforcement, we should have that information. Call our reception desk at 425-388-3333 and they can look it up in our database or put you in contact with the person or persons that would have that information.

If the case has not been submitted to our office for review by police, you will need to contact the investigating police agency.

13. I’m a property owner, where should I go for information about evicting my tenants?

This particular issue is not generally handled by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office; however, you may want to try one of the following resources:

• Snohomish County Law Library: 425-388-3010
• Snohomish County Clerk’s Office: 425-388-3466

14. My landlord is threatening to evict me, what can I do?

This particular issue is not generally handled by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office; however, you may want to try one of the following resources:

• Dispute Resolution Center provided by Volunteers of America at 425-339-1338 or 800-280-4770.
• For a referral to a lawyer or attorney try the Snohomish County Bar Association at 425-388-3018.

15. I bought a used car and it doesn’t work right, now what?

The Washington State Attorney General’s Offices is committed to safeguarding consumers from fraud and unfair business practices. If you believe you have been a victim of consumer fraud or unfair business practices you can contact their Consumer Complaints department at 800-551-3527 or visit their website.

16. How do I get my driving license back after a suspension?

While this particular issue is not handled by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office, the Washington State Department of Licensing has a wealth of information on topics concerning driving licenses. For information specifically on a suspended license, please visit their suspended license page.

17. What if I have a question which is not answered here?

Contact the prosecuting attorney at 425-388-3333. Please keep in mind that the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is not a free legal clinic or a clearinghouse of legal information. We cannot give legal advice on private legal issues.

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Prosecutor - Questions asked by victims

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1. How do I get a restraining order?

There are several types of restraining orders available to residents of Washington State. Depending on the circumstances will dictate which order is most appropriate.

• Order of Protection: This order is obtained by a victim of domestic violence. The victim may petition the court asking for protection. If the victim has children with the offender, then the order may be in place for up to 1 year. If no children are in common, then the order can be for lifetime. The victim has the option to have this order lifted at any time. If the offender violates this order, the sanction can be a criminal offense. There is no charge for Protection Orders and they may be obtained at any of the district courts, municipal courts or superior courts.
• No Contact Orders: These orders arise out of a criminal conviction and provide protection to the victims of certain crimes. A judge places these orders in effect and only the judge can lift these orders. The victim does not, necessarily, have to agree with the order being put into place. Victims can file a motion in front of the sentencing judge to have the order lifted if they believe they are not in danger, however, the final decision is made by the judge.
• Anti-Harassment Order: This order is for victims of crime who do not fall under the statute for domestic violence. Similar to the protection order, the victim may petition the court to ask for protection. The order may be in effect for up to 1 year. Violation of this order can be a criminal sanction. There is a charge for this order and it varies depending if you obtain the order from a district court, municipal court, or superior court. The victim should contact the court clerk to find out the cost.

2. I want a protection order to keep my husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, or other person away from me. Will the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office do this for me?

A victim may contact Snohomish County Protection Order Office at 425-388-3638 to obtain more specific information on how to file for a protection order. You can also find out more about protection orders through the County Clerk's website.

3. How do I find out if an offender has been released from jail or prison?

Snohomish County Corrections and the State of Washington has partnered with a program called VINE. This program is available for anyone to sign up to be notified if an offender is being released from jail. To sign up for this program, a victim may call 877-VINE-4WA (877-846-3492) and follow the directions, or you may visit their website.

4. I feel that a crime has been committed. How do I press charges? Can I report a crime directly to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office?

The Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office is a non-investigative agency. In most cases, crimes must be reported to the Sheriff’s Department, a Police Department, or other law enforcement agency which has jurisdiction over the city or county where the crime occurred. For example, if the crime occurred in Everett, it should be reported to the Everett Police Department. If the crime was committed in any unincorporated area of Snohomish County, the crime should be reported to the sheriff.

The crime may be reported to the local law enforcement agency by calling 911 immediately. There are two levels of crimes, misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanor offenders can never get more than 365 days in jail. Felony offenders could be sent to prison, depending on the crime. If the offender has committed a felony crime, and have been arrested, they will have a First Appearance Hearing the next judicial day after their arrest. If over the weekend, the hearing will be the following Monday. All first appearance hearings are held at 1 p.m. in Snohomish County Superior Court, 1st floor of the courthouse. At this hearing the offender will be advised of what charge they are being held on and bail amounts will be discussed. After this hearing, the prosecutor’s office will have 72 hours to decide whether or not to charge the case. As a victim, you may want to follow up with the prosecutor’s office to find out if charges will be filed.

On misdemeanor cases, when an arrest has been made, the arresting office will provide the offender with a citation. At the time of their first appearance, the court will provide them with additional court dates. These hearings occur every weekday morning. If the offender was not located by the police and an arrest has not been made, the police will forward the reports to the appropriate prosecutor’s office and the file will be reviewed to determine if charges can be filed. The victim should contact the responding police agency to find out which prosecuting attorneys office the reports have been forwarded to, if they have not heard from the prosecutor’s office directly.

5. What is my court date?

The best way to find out more information about your court date is to visit the Washington State Courts website and enter a search. You can search using a first and last name or a case number, if you know it. You will need to specify which court system you are searching. The municipal courts in Snohomish County are Everett Municipal, Lynwood Municipal, and Marysville Municipal. There are four district courts for Snohomish County that have jurisdiction over unincorporated parts of the county and cities that have contracted with the district court for their municipal matters. The District Courts are: Snohomish County Cascade Division, Everett Division, Evergreen Division, and South Division. The Municipal and District courts do not deal with felonies, which are handled by the Superior and Federal Courts.

If you do not have access to the internet or have problems navigating the site listed above, you can always call the court directly and ask for the information.

6. I am a victim in a criminal case and I want to drop the charges. Can I do that?

The decision to drop charges in any criminal prosecution can only be made by a prosecutor with the approval of a judge. The victim's wishes alone will not dictate whether or not a case will be filed or dismissed. One reason for this is that some criminal charges affect more than one victim, and the other victims may wish to proceed. Another reason is that sometimes the victim has been intimidated or pressured to drop the charges, or believes that such a request will stop any retaliation. If our office did not proceed in such cases, victims would continue to be intimidated and hurt. If you would like to discuss your case, you should speak with the prosecutor handling the case.

7. I was the victim of a crime. Can I get money for what I have lost?

If the defendant is convicted of the crime, and in some other special dispositions, the court can order the defendant to pay restitution. Restitution is money equal to the victim’s loss. The following are typically awarded as restitution: cost of destroyed, lost, or damaged property, medical and counseling bills, or lost wages due to injury from the crime.

Some types of loss, such as pain and suffering, are usually not awarded as restitution. You should contact a non-government attorney if you want help obtaining pain and suffering damages.

In addition, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries has a program called the Crime Victims Compensation Program. It will provide funds for victims of crime to help pay for medical and counseling costs that are a result of the crime. This program is a source of last resort for victims not otherwise covered by insurance or medical coupons.

8. I was the victim of a crime, and the defendant was ordered to pay restitution to me. Since then, I have more medical and counseling bills. Will the defendant pay for those too?

In some cases, the court will consider changing the amount of restitution the defendant must pay. The Crime Victims Compensation Program may also provide financial help if you have ongoing treatment or counseling. Our office can provide the form you need to get this help.

9. Why am I not getting my restitution check?

If the court ordered the defendant to pay restitution to you, but you are not getting money, it could be because the defendant is still in jail or prison, the defendant is not making any money to pay to the court, or the defendant isn't paying for some other reason. You may have to wait a long while for money. Various departments, including the Washington State Department of Corrections, are then responsible for collecting money owed to victims. The Clerk of the Court where the case was filed will send the money to you as it is received. If you are not receiving your restitution you should contact that clerk’s office to make sure it has your correct address. If the defendant has community supervision or probation, you can also call the defendant’s community custody officer or probation officer about the lack of payment.

10. How do I collect restitution when I know the defendant is working but isn’t paying?

The defendant is responsible to make his/her community corrections officer or probation officer aware of his/her her living and employment status. If you have additional information about the defendant, the community corrections officer or probation officer would like to be informed. If the defendant is not being supervised, contact the clerk's office of the court in which the case was heard.

11. I was the victim of a crime. Can you tell me the name of the defendant and the defendant's next court date?

Our office can give you the name of an adult defendant and the next court date if we have filed charges against the defendant. To obtain this information, call 425-388-3333.

12. What is the status of my case?

If you would like more information concerning a case, please call our office at 425-388-3333.

13. Do you have a witness protection program?

No. We can help by giving victims and witnesses the names and telephone numbers of both government and non-government organizations that can provide other types of aid, but we cannot promise security.

14. What kind of counseling services do you provide?

This office does not provide any counseling services; however, an advocate can provide you with a referral to a local agency that does provide counseling services.

15. Is the prosecutor my attorney?

No. The prosecuting attorney represents the State of Washington and Snohomish County, not individual persons or businesses. The prosecutor will listen to your concerns and take into consideration your wishes. However, the prosecutor must weigh all the aspects of the case and makes the final determination.

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Prosecutor - Questions asked by witnesses

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1. Why am I a witness? I didn't see the crime occur.

Witnesses are not only "eye witnesses." You may have seen the crime happen or may know something about it. You may also know something about a piece of evidence, or may know something that contradicts another witness's testimony. If you wonder why you are testifying in a particular case, ask the prosecutor handling it; there is probably a common-sense reason.

2. Where do I park as a witness in a criminal case?

You can park in the Snohomish County Parking Garage. Advise them that you are a witness and they will provide you with a parking pass. Prior to or after your testimony bring the pass to our office and we will validate it. If you leave without getting your pass validated, you will be charged for parking and we are not able to reimburse you for the parking cost.

3. As a witness, do I have to talk in front of the defendant in court?

Yes. The defendant has a constitutional right to be present in court to hear what all the witnesses say.

4. Who will be with me in court?

You may bring friends or relatives with you to court, and they can probably sit in the courtroom while you testify, unless they are also witnesses. Witnesses testify one at a time and generally wait outside the courtroom for their turn. In some cases, a Victim / Witness Advocate from our office may also be with you, if so you request. Talk with the prosecutor about that.

5. How long will I be at court as a witness?

Your time at court varies greatly from case to case. Some witnesses will be at the courthouse for more than a day. You are encouraged to bring a book or magazine to read while you wait.

6. What do I do if I can't attend court as a witness on the date stated in the subpoena?

We try to accommodate witnesses’ schedules as much as possible, however it is the court that determines when a case goes to trial. Contact the deputy prosecutor on the case or his/her legal assistant with your scheduling conflict. You should receive a letter with your subpoena with this contact information.

7. Does the county reimburse me for wages lost when I am a witness?

You will receive a witness fee and mileage for appearing as a witness if there is a trial. The amount of the witness fee and mileage is set by law, and there is no provision to compensate for loss of wages. Paying a witness's lost wages would require a tax increase to put enough money in the county's budget.

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Prosecutor - Questions by defendants

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1. I have a complaint about my attorney. Who do I contact?

Our office cannot help you. Please contact the Washington State Bar Association at 800-945-WSBA (9722).

2. Is there a warrant out for me?

If you think that the Snohomish County Superior Court, Juvenile Court, or District Court has issued a warrant for your arrest, first contact your attorney. If you do not have an attorney, someone in one of our criminal divisions can tell you if there is a warrant. However, we will not be able to confirm whether any other court has issued a warrant for you. You must contact a sheriff’s office or police department for that information. You can also visit the Washington State Courts' website.

3. Can I get my warrant quashed?

It is best that you contact your attorney to set a court date to get your warrant quashed. If you do not have an attorney, contact our office and we can set a court hearing to quash the warrant. We advise you to get an attorney prior to the quash hearing date.

4. Who is my attorney?

If you have not hired or been appointed an attorney we are not going to have this information. If you need an attorney you can contact the Office of Public Defense at 425-388-3500 or you can call the Snohomish County Bar Association at 425-388-3018.

5. What happens at arraignment?

Arraignments are the hearings that basically start a criminal case. It depends on the court and the case, but these are things that generally happen at arraignment:

1. The judge tells the defendant about his or her rights in court.
2. Either the judge or the prosecutor will read the charge or charges to the defendant.
3. The judge asks whether the defendant has an attorney, and appoints one to represent the defendant if requested and appropriate.
4. The judge sets conditions of release from custody - the conditions may include bail, periodic check-ins with a court-designated monitor, no contact with certain persons, not leaving Snohomish County, not possessing or using alcohol or controlled substances, not possessing weapons, not committing new offenses, and more.
5. The judge will set a new court date or dates for pretrial hearings and/or trial.

6. Can I just pay my fine(s) and not have a court date?

You cannot just pay a fine on a felony. You must make all court appearances.

You can pay a fine on misdemeanors, but this may depend on the type of misdemeanor. It is best to contact the District Court or Municipal Court that has jurisdiction over the crime to determine if they will accept a payment of a fine in lieu of a court appearance.

7. How do I take a conviction or adjudication off of my record?

Normally, you cannot have a conviction or adjudication removed (also called "expunged") from your record. However, if you want to try, you should contact a private attorney. If you do not have a lawyer, you can call CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education, Advice and Referral) at 888-201-1014 for a referral to a local attorney.

8. What is going on with my case?

Defendants should contact their own attorneys regarding the status of the case.

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Prosecutor- Family Support: Contempt

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1. How do I quash my Bench Warrant issued in my child support case?

Call the Public Defenders' Association at 425-339-6300. If you do not have an attorney, you may call the Contempt Prosecutor at 425-388-7280.

2. My Attorney has not called me back, can I talk to the Prosecutor?

If an Attorney has been appointed for you, you cannot talk to the Prosecutor.

3. The Non-Custodial parent is not paying child support, can the Prosecutor help me?

Possibly, but the Prosecutor receives all referrals through the Division of Child Support. Call DCS and talk to your caseworker about having the case referred to the Prosecutor. The number for DCS is 1-800-442-5437 (1-800-442-KIDS).

4. The Custodial Parent (or Custodian) is not letting me see my child, can the Prosecutor help me?

No. You can bring a Contempt action against the custodian if you have a Parenting Plan that is not being followed or you can bring an action to establish a Parenting Plan if you don’t have one. For help in Snohomish County you can contact the Family Law Facilitator at 425-388-3795, if you want to do it yourself or for an attorney you can call any attorney directly or Snohomish County Lawyer Referral at 425-388-3018.

5. Where do I make my child support payments?

You can mail your payments to: Washington State Support Registry PO Box 45868 Olympia, WA 98504-5868 (phone 1-800-442-5437) or in person at: Division of Child Support 840 N Broadway, Bldg B Everett, WA.

You can also pay online or telephone, contact DCS to find out how at www.dshs.wa.gov and click on Child Support, and then How do I Pay my Child Support, or at 1-800-442-5437.

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Prosecutor- Family Support: General

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1. I am the spouse or parent of a party, can I speak with the Legal Assistant or Attorney handling the case for my spouse or child?

All case information in parentage cases are confidential. Only the parties involved can obtain that information. While the Division of Child Support may accept an authorization to speak to a spouse or parent, the Prosecutor's Office does not.

2. Can I make my child support payment at your office?

Child support payments are made at the Division of Child Support. You may either make the payment at your local office or mail it to: Washington State Support Registry PO Box 45868 Olympia, WA 98504. 

You can also pay online or by telephone. Contact DCS to find out how at www.dshs.wa.gov and click on "Child Support", and then click on "How do I pay my Child Support". You can also contact DCS at 1-800-442-5437.

3. What if I need an interpreter?

If requested, we can obtain an interpreter on the telephone, or if you have an appointment, we will arrange an interpreter upon request to appear at the appointment with you. We need two weeks notice to arrange for an interpreter to appear at an appointment.

4. How do I get Custody? How do I get a parenting plan?

The Prosecutor's Office takes a limited position on custody/parenting plan issues in the parentage cases filed by our office. If you are involved in a parentage case in our office, contact Cherie Lindsey. If not, please contact an attorney at the Family Law Facilitators for assistance.

5. The mother/father is not letting me see my child, what do I do?

See Contempt FAQs.

6. How can I get a child support order against the other parent?

You can apply for child support services from the Division of Child Support. You can also file a court action to obtain a child support order. The type of action depends upon several factors. You can consult the Family Law Facilitators or an attorney for assistance in determining what type of action to file.

7. Can one parent just relinquish their parental rights?

This requires the court's determination that this is in the child's best interests and the court's approval. There are limited circumstances under which the court allows relinquishment of parental rights.

8. Links to other local resources for family law cases

Family Law Facilitator
Snohomish County Bar Association
Moderate Means Program

9. I need court Forms

Self Help Forms Packets containing legal forms for Superior Court cases are available for purchase at the Courthouse, in the Superior Court Clerks office at the Snohomish County Courthouse, 3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA, Room M206 on the 2nd floor.

You can also purchase them on-line

You can also find Washington State Court Forms here

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Prosecutor- Family Support: Modification

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1. How long does it take to get my child support order modified?

The process from start to finish can take 3-6 months to complete. The first step is to contact the Division of Child Support (DCS) and request a modification packet. Fully complete the packet and provide all requested documents including your recent paystubs and last two years tax returns with W2s. The more quickly you provide all the required information to DCS, the more quickly your case will be reviewed. DCS will contact the appropriate Prosecutor's Office to review and work the case if it meets certain criteria. It is crucial that you promptly return any requested documents requested by the Prosecutor's Office or your modification case may be declined. NOTE: The earliest starting date of any new order will be the date it is filed in the Superior Court. The law does not allow the starting date to go back to when you first asked DCS for help.

2. How is child support calculated?

The legislature sets the rules for calculating child support. Child support is based on the parents' incomes. Both parents are required to submit financial information which will be filed with the court and sent to the other party. See the Revised Code of Washington 26.19 for the law on this subject.

3. What if the other party does not provide any financial documents or participate?

The non-requesting party's failure to participate, alone, will not prevent the modification action from proceeding. Income will be imputed to that parent based on employment history, if known, or other method approved by statute.

4. How can I keep my home address confidential from the other party?

You can provide an alternative address for the service of all legal papers. You must update that address with the Prosecutor, the Court and the Division of Child Support any time it changes or you may miss out on important information regarding your case. If you have provided an alternative address for service, you may redact or black out your physical address on documents provided. The other party receives any documents that the court considers. You can black out or redact social security numbers, financial account numbers, driver's license numbers and telephone numbers for you and your minor child(ren) on any documents you submit to the Prosecutor's Office.

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Prosecutor- Family Support: Paternity Establishment

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1. Can we fill out a Paternity Acknowledgment instead of setting up an appointment?

It really depends - each case has individual circumstances. You will need to contact our office and speak with a Legal Assistant about your case.

2. Why do they need the mother's DNA sample?

We obtain samples from all the parties: The mother, child and the alleged father. Your child inherits a genetic marker from each parent in each of the panels the laboratory checks. Our contracted lab prefers that all parties are tested. Testing all three people assures quality results.

3. Am I supposed to show up at the hearings? Which ones?

It is up to you in most cases whether you appear at the hearings. You must appear if it is an Order to Show Cause, as a warrant will be issued for your arrest if you do not show up. In other hearings, if you do not appear, the court may approve what is presented at the hearing or if the other party appears and you do not, something unexpected may happened at the hearing and you will not be there to address it.

4. Why do you need my husband/ex-husband's info?

If you were married during the range of conception or your child was born during the marriage, he is considered the legal or presumed father and is entitled to notice of the action.

5. How long is the appointment?

We allow an hour for the initial appointment provided you have the paperwork completed in advance. If you do not, it can take longer or you may have to forfeit your time slot and make another appointment.

6. How long does it take to establish paternity?

How long a case will take to establish paternity and a child support order varies. It is dependent on many factors including how cooperative the parties are, if we need to locate a parent, if there are unexpected issues being addressed, etc. We strive to complete our cases within six months; however, some are completed in as little as two months and others may take longer than six months

7. We already know who the dad is. Do I (we) still need to come in?

Knowing who the dad is and legally establishing that fact are two different things. It is important to name the father on the child's legal birth certificate, so the child does not lose important benefits, such as survivor's or disability benefits and/or inheritance rights. The child has a right to legal paternity establishment

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Prosecutor- Family Support: Private Family Law Cases

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1. What type of case should be served on the Prosecuting Attorney's Office?

Any case involving child support issues where the child has ever received TANF or medical benefits from the State AND current, future or past child support/debt will be addressed in the court action. It is better to serve the Prosecutor's Office if there is any question about whether to serve or not serve.

2. How to notify/serve the Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

You can drop the documents off in person, by mail, or fax.

If sending by mail or in person:
Family Support Division
Attn: Disso/Responding Unit
Robert Drewel Bldg, 6th Floor, M/S 504
3000 Rockefeller Ave
Everett, WA 98201

Phone: 425-388-7280

If you want to fax your documents please call and speak to a representative in the Dissolution/Responding unit for more information.

3. If the Prosecutor's Office is served with documents do they always get involved?

No, each case is reviewed to see if the State has an interest in the case. The Prosecutor's Office will file a document in the court file to let the Court know if the State has an interest or not.

4. What does it mean, "the State has an interest in this case?"

An example of State's interest is: There may be a debt owed to the State because the child was on TANF. The deputy prosecutor will review the Order of Child Support to see that the debt is not extinguished in the Order.

If there is State interest the State/Prosecutor's Office will file a Notice of Appearance and Response.

If you receive a Notice of Appearance and Response from our office, from then on you should send a copy of everything you file in the court file, to the prosecuting attorney.

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PW

Show All Answers

1. Where can I take my trash and recyclables and what are the fees?

View the solid waste facilities page for information on where you can take your trash and recyclables.
View the fees page for information regarding how much it will cost.

2. Whom do I contact about road repairs?

You can call the Road Maintenance Division at 425-388-7500 or send us an email. Learn more.

3. How can I learn more about noxious weeds?

View the noxious weeds page for more information.

4. Whom do I contact about a drainage problem?

You can call the Surface Water Management Division at 425-388-3464 or 800-562-4367, ext. 3464.

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PW - Roads - Traffic & Road Permits

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1. How can I report a malfunctioning traffic signal?

If a signal is dark, call 911. If a signal is malfunctioning and in unincorporated Snohomish County, call 425-388-6420 or complete a request form. If the signal is on a state highway, contact the WA State Dept. of Transportation Traffic Management Center at 206-440-4490. Wherever it is, if the signal is dark, always treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

2. How can I report a stop sign that's down or missing?

Weekdays during our business hours, please contact the Road Maintenance Division at 425-388-7500 or send us an email (contact.pwrm@snoco.org). After hours, call 911.

3. How can I report a street sign that's down or missing?

Please contact the Road Maintenance Division at 425-388-7500 or send us an email (contact.pwrm@snoco.org).

4. How can I get a pothole repaired?

Please contact the Road Maintenance Division at 425-388-7500.

5. How can I find out which county roads are closed?

View the Road Closures page for more information.

6. Can I view a list of roads currently under construction?

View the Roads Update page.

7. How can I get a speed bump or traffic sign installed in my neighborhood?

View the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program page for more information.

8. How do I find out which county roads will be resurfaced this year?

View the Resurfacing page for more information.

9. How do I file a claim for a rock chip?

Contact Public Works Road Maintenance at 425-388-7500 with the vehicle number, time, and location of the incident. Your claim will be forwarded to the appropriate person to assist you with your claim.

10. How do I apply for a road right-of-way vacation?

View the Permits page for more information on Type E permits.

11. How do I get permission for a temporary road / lane / shoulder closure?

View the Permits page for more information on Type B permits.

12. How do I report a right-of-way code violation?

View the Customer Service Center page.

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Recording - Marriage

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1. We applied online. Now what?

Submitting the online marriage application is the first step toward completing your marriage licensing process. The next step is for both parties to come in person to one of our locations with a valid photo ID and $70 to finalize the application process.

2. How do we obtain certified copies after the ceremony?

If you need a certified copy immediately following your ceremony, you should return in person to the Snohomish County Customer Service Center with the completed Certificate of Marriage. For more information visit how to order certified copies of marriage records.

3. How do I change my name after marriage?

There is no legal requirement for either party in a marriage to change their name once married. If you do decide to assume a new last name, you must take a certified copy of your marriage license to notify the necessary agencies individually. Click here to view a list of agencies to consider changing or updating your name with.

4. Who can perform my wedding ceremony?

Your ceremony can be performed by anyone who meets the criteria for wedding officiants described in Washington state law. See our Marriage page for more information.

5. Can a minister from an out-of-state church perform my wedding in Washington State?

Yes. Individuals who perform marriages do not have to reside in Washington State.

6. Can a marriage license obtained in Snohomish County be used outside the County?

You can use your marriage license to hold a ceremony anywhere in Washington State. It cannot, however, be used in another state or country.

7. What is the fee for a marriage license?

The fee for a marriage license is $70.00. See our Marriage page for more information.

8. How old do the witnesses to my marriage have to be?

Although state law does not specify the age of witnesses, a witness is usually deemed "competent" for this purpose by the age of 18. We recommend two witnesses who are over 18 observe the exchange of vows (marriage) and sign the marriage certificate.

9. If either applicant is divorced, do they need to provide divorce papers?

No. There is no requirement to provide a divorce decree in order to obtain a marriage license.

10. Are marriage records open for the public to see?

Yes, with one major exception. Participants in the state’s Address Confidentiality Program may have their marriage records excluded from the public filing. If the marriage license was obtained prior to becoming an active participant, the record cannot be removed from the public record.

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Registered Sex Offender & Kidnapping Unit

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1. Why did the offender get so little time?

Sex offenders in Washington State are sentenced to more time and serve more time than almost any other state. They must serve a minimum of 80% of their prison sentence. They then serve the remainder of their sentence in the community, this is called community supervision. As part of community supervision they report to a community corrections officer. They have specific conditions they are required to follow while on supervision. Conditions may include no contact with the victim(s) or witnesses, no contact with minors, not to be at any school or playground or other place where children congregate, no use of alcohol or drugs, attend chemical dependency treatment, maintain sex offender treatment. Conditions may even include geographic boundaries to further protect former victims and this may include the use of electronic monitoring, Global Positioning System (GPS) to document compliance. Use of urinalysis polygraph testing is often used to insure compliance with conditions of supervision. Length of supervision varies based on the crime of conviction and when they were convicted. For certain offenses sex offender may be on lifetime supervision.

2. Why is the offender living in my neighborhood?

Law enforcement agencies have no authority to place restrictions on where sex offenders can live in any community. Sex offenders may be required to submit an address that must be approved by the Washington State Department of Corrections as part of their release from custody. This plan is investigated by Department of Corrections and may be denied should the address be deemed inappropriate for a variety of reasons. While you have been made aware of a sex offender living in your neighborhood, and are not happy about this fact, the vast majority of those committing sexual abuse have never been caught and continue to offend in your community. The best way to reduce the number of victims of sexual abuse is to take the time to educate yourself and your family to help to protect them from anyone who would harm them.

3. When is the sheriff’s office going to move the offender out of my neighborhood?

The sheriff’s office lacks any authority in forcing an offender to move from one location to another. The sheriff’s office is granted the authority to provide community notification about specific offenders considered a moderate or high risk to the community. The sheriff’s office also verifies that all sex offenders are living where they are registered, we also actively seek out those offenders who fail to register or fail to make proper notification of an address change.

4. How often do sex offenders really re-offend?

The truth about sex offenders re-offending is that as a group, sex offenders have the lowest recidivism rates of any convicted felons. Studies vary as to the actual percentages of re-offense but the majority of studies agree that most sex offenders are not convicted of new offenses. Those that do re-offend are likely to have lengthy prison sentences and could be civilly committed if found to meet the criteria of being a sexually violent predator.

5. Are you going to tell us if the offender moves out of this neighborhood, so we don’t have to worry anymore?

The sheriff’s office does not notify the public when sex offenders move out of any community. If you would like to stay informed regarding the status of a specific offender, our suggestion is to visit the sheriff’s office sex offender web site to look at current information. The fact that a sex offender has moved out of your neighborhood does not necessarily make your neighborhood a safer place. Again, taking universal precautions to educate yourself and your family to protect them from anyone who would harm them is the best course of action.

6. What do I tell my children about this offender?

Don’t tell them the scary details about the crimes. Keep information general, as it may protect them from others who would harm them. The goal is that your child is educated about being safe from everyone including strangers, acquaintances or family members who would victimize them.
Here are some basic do’s and don’ts regarding this offender:

• Don’t accept a ride from this offender


• Don’t go into the home or yard of this offender


• Do tell your parents if this offender offers you toys, money or gifts


• Do play with others and in groups when you can


• Call 911 if your parents aren’t home and you are approached by this offender

7. Now that I know a sex offender lives in my neighborhood, what should I do differently to protect myself and my family?

In this day and age it is important to remain vigilant to protect our families in a variety of ways. Finding out that there is a sex offender living in your community provides you with an opportunity to educate yourself and your family to help protect them from anyone who would harm them. We recommend that you use the resources provided in our community education packet as a start.

8. Why do some offenders not have conditions?

All offenders are only bound by conditions of supervision while they are on active supervision by the Department of Corrections, Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (parole), or their probation officer. After completing active supervision the offender’s only requirement is that of continuing to register as a sex offender as required by law.

9. How can I get information on other offenders?

If you have questions about someone that you think may be a sex offender, please contact the sheriff’s office Registered Sex Offender Unit. The more information you are able to provide about the person helps us in that we can search our local system, the state registry and also nationally.

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SAS-Personal Property e-File

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1. What is eFile?

File your Snohomish County personal property tax listing online. Electronic filing or e-file is a way to file your business's personal property listings over the Internet. It is only available to businesses already registered with Snohomish County.

2. Why sign up for eFile?

By using e-file you can save paperwork and time. The e-file website has options to streamline data entry. It will reduce your cost of printing and mailing your annual property listing, and it will validate the data you enter to help prevent mistakes.

3. When can I file?

The filing deadline of April 30 is still the same whether you use e-file or submit a paper form. To avoid a penalty, you must file your return by April 30. E-file is normally available from mid-January until August 31. From September 1 until mid-January the system is closed so that taxes can be computed.

4. How does it work?

Using the property tax account number from your last personal property tax valuation notice you can sign up, edit / update your property tax information, and submit your listing electronically.

5. How do I sign up?

Beginning in mid-January go to the e-file website and select the 'enroll' tab at the top of the page. You will need to know the property tax account number that is listed on your last property tax valuation notice. Once you enroll you will receive your user name and password within 24 business hours. You can then file personal property tax listings electronically for the year.

6. Is there a deadline to sign up for eFile?

You may sign up for e-file anytime that the e-file system is available. If you are not already enrolled in e-file and have a property tax account number, you must sign up to file for the current tax year prior to May 1 to avoid a penalty for filing a late return. The filing deadline for your personal property listing is still April 30. E-file is only available during the personal property filing season (early February through August 31).

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SAU-Recording

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1. How can I tell if a document is official (or "certified")?

Snohomish County Recording uses two methods for certifying copies of recorded documents.

We use an all-inclusive ink stamp with our seal and a signature line for the deputy auditor to sign on.

We also use an electronic certification stamp that generated directly from our recording system. This electronic certification stamp includes the same seal and signature line as the ink stamp, as well as the date and time the copy was produced.

Both of these methods are interchangeable and equally valid as certification methods in Washington State.

2. How do I find the dimensions of my property?

Property dimensions can be determined from a subdivision plat or survey. These types of documents are available through the Recording Division. Please visit our Search Recorded Documents page for more information.

3. How do I get a copy of my deed?

You can request a copy of a recorded deed from the Recording Division by phone, in person or by mail. Please visit our Search Recorded Documents page for more information.

4. How do I file a quitclaim deed?

You can find information on how to record a document on our Record a Document page.

5. Where can I get forms for recording purposes?

Most office supply or stationery stores carry legal forms.  You can also download templates for many forms online, such as quitclaim deeds, basic contracts, etc. See our Recording Forms and Resources page for some basic templates and resources.

6. Can you help me fill out my form before recording it?

Recorded documents are legal instruments. The Recording Division staff are not experts in real estate law and are prohibited from determining the legal correctness, function or content of your document. To ensure you are protected, we suggest that you consult with a real estate attorney or title insurance company before recording your document.

7. How do I make changes to the ownership of my property?

The Recording Division staff are not experts in real estate law and are prohibited from determining the legal correctness, function or content of your document. To ensure you are protected, we suggest that you consult with a real estate attorney or title insurance company to determine how to change ownership of your property.

8. Can you tell me who the owner of a piece of property is?

The Assessor's Office has tools on their webpage to help you identify property information such as the current owner.

9. How do I know what liens are on a piece of property?

Liens are recorded documents and can be found through a recorded document search. Please visit our Search Recorded Documents page for more information.

10. What are the fees for recording documents?

Please refer to the Schedule of Recording Fees maintained by the Recording Division.

11. How do I do a title search?

Recording Division staff do not perform title searches. To ensure a title search is performed completely and accurately, we suggest you contact a title insurance company.

12. How can I find out if a property is in foreclosure?

Foreclosure documents, such as notices of trustee sales, are recorded documents and can be found through a recorded document search. Please visit our Search Recorded Documents page for more information.

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SAU-Restrictive Covenants

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1. What are restrictive covenants?

In the first half of the 20th Century, covenants were recorded on some properties in Washington which included restrictions on who could legally purchase or occupy the property. These provisions sometimes singled out people from specific races, national origins, or ethnic backgrounds. Other versions limited ownership or use to one particular race. Sometimes the restrictive covenants limited ownership or use by members of certain religions.

2. Are restrictive covenants valid and enforceable?

No. In 1948, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that restrictive covenants could not be enforced. In 1968, the federal Fair Housing Act banned covenants discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin. In 1969 the Washington Law Against Discrimination included all protected classes and makes such covenants void (illegal). That law says that it is an unfair practice to attempt to honor a restrictive covenant in the chain of title. The chain of title includes all the recorded documents that affect title to a property, back to the original conveyance by the United States.

3. How can I find out if the land title records for my property contain restrictive covenants?

HB 1335, passed by the state Legislature in 2021, funds research for the University of Washington and Eastern Washington University to identify restrictive covenants on private property and inform property owners. See the UW’s interactive map showing some of the subdivisions known to have been unlawfully restricted through deed provisions or restrictive covenants. This map is not exhaustive and currently contains King County properties only. The researchers are currently working on mapping restrictive covenants in Snohomish County. 

Or you can do your own research. One option is to search the land title records maintained by Snohomish County Recording. These records are public, so you can search them for free. This can be a complex process and may require additional assistance from Snohomish County Recording.  Research and copy fees may apply.

You can also review your owner's title insurance policy, which is typically issued at the same time the property is purchased. A title insurance policy identifies documents appearing in the public records that affect title to the property. Your policy may reference deeds recorded decades ago, or covenant documents affecting an entire subdivision. You may be able to request copies from the title company that issued your title policy, although a fee may be charged. You may also use the recording information in your title policy to get copies from Recording.

4. Do property owners have to get the covenant modified or removed if they are notified that they have one?

No, but the law is specific about disclosure during property transactions.

5. What will removing a restrictive covenant do?

Through legal action and filing new paperwork with Snohomish County Recording, removing a restrictive covenant strikes the void provisions from the public records and eliminates the void provisions from the title. Snohomish County Recording will maintain the restrictive covenants for historical purposes, but the new process allows property owners to separate historic records from their future property transactions.

 

6. Do I need to remove a restrictive covenant to protect my rights in my property?

No. Restrictive covenants have been void in Washington since 1969. The attempt by any person to enforce such a covenant against your property would be a violation of state and federal law. Your rights are protected by existing law and do not require that you remove the restrictive covenant.

7. How do I remove a restrictive covenant?

If the owner wants the covenant removed, they go to Superior Court (paying the nominal court fee) in the county in which the property is located. Superior Court may issue a declaratory judgment action - entering an order striking the void provisions from the public records and eliminating the void provisions from the title. The property owner bringing the action may obtain and deliver a certified copy of the order to the County Recording Office, who will record the document for no fee.

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SCL- E-Filing Format

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1. I am receiving "Format Errors" - what does this mean?

When a filing is not successfully processed and is identified as having a “Format Error,” this means that the filing has one or more document files that are not valid for filing document conversion. The underlying cause of the issue is typically either that the document was not successfully uploaded, or the document has a characteristic that prevents the standard processing of the file.

Tthese types of errors can be minimized if filings comply with a standard format that includes the following:

• Use 8.5x11-inch paper with portrait orientation.
• Set the DPI resolution lower than 300.
• Do not use unintelligible images (i.e., all-black images).
• Use non-secured document properties (i.e., not password-protected).
• Remove external references in the documents, such as URLs and shortcuts.

2. Causes of Typical Format Errors

Format errors are typically caused by the following submissions:

• Corrupt files (i.e., files with 0 bytes of data).
• Secured or password-protected PDFs. This includes electronic certificates that prevent a document from being modified. These are typically used on documents containing electronic signatures.
• File types other than PDF.
• Files with non-standard image compression. Standard is CCIT; this is usually a scanner setting.
• A document that has Optical Character Recognition (OCR) associated with it; usually determined by a larger  file size.
• Any file that experienced an upload issue or time out on the file transfer on behalf of the filing party; usually appearing as an incomplete image or file when opened.
• A document scan that is in landscape orientation, noticeably off-center, or of an irregular size.
• Any scan (PDF) that is unreadable or has large black images in the document where pictures may have been.
• A file that contains an invalid table; usually a result of importing or pasting table data into a word processing application.

3. Actions to Identify the Format Error Issue

The first action is to determine whether the document uploaded successfully. To determine this, do the following:

• Open the document files using the Filing Queue link on the left menu.
• Click the icon under the Details column for your case.
• Scroll down to the Documents section of the Filing Details page to locate the document uploaded.
• Click on the document link under the File Name column to open the document.

Note: If the file does not open using the original authoring tool, cancel this filing and create a new filing.

Prior to uploading documents for new filings, confirm the document files will open successfully from their original source.

Corrupt Files

Corrupt files, for example, files with zero (0) bytes of data are one of the many reasons a filing has format errors.

Document Security

PDF files have security settings that can prevent documents from being e-filed. A file with document security has a padlock icon on the document and/or has “SECURED” shown in the file name.

The document security can include several different options, any of which will prevent the document file from being processed. To ensure successful document processing, recreate the PDF with no security options.

Unsupported Fonts

Font resources are included in newly created documents. This is a standard with PDF/A files. Document generating tools use non–supported fonts when creating documents, which results in the inability to convert the document into the standard e-filing format.

There are multiple ways to examine the fonts embedded in the file. PDF viewers can show the fonts, or the file editors can allow you view the fonts used.

The JBig font is not a supported font.

 

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SCL- E-Serving

Show All Answers

1. What is e-service?

E-service is a feature provided by File & Serve where documents are electronically served to other parties in a case. Using this option, you can track when each party who you electronically served received and opened the filing. Please review SCLCR 30 and GR 30 to become familiar with the court rules pertaining to electronic service using File & Serve.

2. Does opposing counsel have to consent to be e-served?

Yes, opposing counsel must consent to be e-served; please refer to SCLCR 30 regarding consent to electronic service.

3. What are Firm Service Contacts?

Firm Service Contacts are a list of the firm’s contacts that can be attached to the case and can be e-served.

4. What are Case Service Contacts?

There are Case Service Contacts for every case. This list contains all individuals being served on the case. Attorneys and self-represented litigants must ensure that they are on the Case Service Contact list. You cannot add yourself to a case Service Contact list if you have never filed into the case.

Note: Once of you have e-filed in a case, it is mandatory to enter your contact information in the Case Service Contact list to ensure that you will receive notification of the e-service of any documents by others in the case. See.

5. What is the Master Service List used for in e-filing?

The Master Service List is a list of all contacts attached to the Case Service list from all firms.

The information in the Master Service List is used to send electronic service. The Master Service List is updated as contacts are attached to the case list.

6. Can I use e-service without filing a document with the court?

Yes, File & Serve may be used to exchange documents between parties without filing the documents through the courts. Courts and Clerk do not have access to documents that have only been e-served.

Select the Service check box on the Filings screen and ensure the E-File check box is not selected.

7. How do I serve other individuals with my e-filed documents?

The filers are responsible for accomplishing service of all filings as required by the applicable court rules. For this purpose, filers may use the mail service, serve by hand delivery, use e-mail service as permitted by applicable rules, or use electronic service through the use of File & Serve, as it offers the option of electronic service of each filing to the designated service contact.

8. Does File & Serve send a service notification after a filing is submitted?

Yes, File & Serve automatically generates service notifications for filing transactions after the filing is submitted if you have selected this option using the Manage (E-mail) Notification tab on the My Account screen.

Note: Check your spam or junk folder if you have not received a notification from File & Serve.

9. When is a service notification sent?

Service notifications are generated after submitting a service-only filing.

For E-File & Serve (EFS) filings, a notification is sent only after the court has accepted the filing.

Note: Check your spam or junk folder if you have not received a service notification.

10. What should I do if I receive a service notification?

When you receive a service notification, do the following:

• Click the link within the e-mail to access the file.
• Print or save a copy of the documents for your files right away, as the link is available for a limited time only.

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SCL-Child Support

Show All Answers

1. Where can I pay child support?

Child support can only be paid through the Clerk of the Superior Court if there is a court order directing such payments. Those payments can be made in Room M206 of the County Courthouse Building. Support ordered to be paid through the Washington State Central Support Registry (WSSR) may be paid either through the local Division of Child Support Office. or directly through WSSR at:
P.O. Box 45868
Olympia, WA 98504-5868

2. Where can I get child support schedule worksheets?

Worksheets and instructions may be obtained from either the Courthouse Facilitators Office in Room C-125 or the Snohomish County Law Library both of which are located on the first floor of the County Courthouse Building.

3. How do I modify child support?

Modifications of child support require that a petition to modify child support, with a filing fee, be filed with Superior Court and a court hearing be set to hear the petition. The worksheets and instructions required may be obtained from the Superior Court Clerk's Office in forms packets. The Clerk's Office accepts cash, money orders, cashiers check and debit or credit cards only.

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SCL-Clerk

Show All Answers

1. Where is the County Clerk's Office and what are the business hours?

The Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court is located in Room M206 in the County Courthouse at:
3000 Rockefeller Ave
Everett, WA 98201
and a satellite office, for juvenile matters only, is located at the Denney Juvenile Justice Center:
2801 10th Street
Everett, WA, 98201

The main office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.

The hours for the Denney Juvenile Justice Center Clerk's Office are 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. closed from noon-12:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.

2. How do I get copies of documents and how much do they cost?

Copies of documents filed in Superior Court cases may be obtained from the Clerk of the Superior Court through a mail request or electronically through the State Digital Archives.

Certified copies cost $5 for the first page of the document and $1 for each additional page. You may also make your own non-certified copies in the main lobby of the Clerk’s Office at $.25 per page.

If requesting copies by mail, be sure to include the appropriate fee in the form of a cashier’s check or money order as well as a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail a money order or cashier’s check payable to Snohomish County Clerk’s Office to:
3000 Rockefeller Avenue
M/S 605
Everett WA 98201

Personal checks are not accepted.

3. How do I make a payment on a Superior Court case?

To make a payment on a Superior Court case you can do one of the following:

• Pay online via our website or by phone 1-855-873-9713 (Criminal cases only).
• Mail a money order or cashier’s check payable to Snohomish County Clerk’s Office: 3000 Rockefeller Avenue M/S 605 Everett, WA 98201
• Pay via credit / debit card in person with valid picture identification, cash, or cashier’s check / money order at the Snohomish County Clerk’s Office: 3000 Rockefeller Avenue 2nd Floor, Mission Building Everett WA 98201
• Please include your 9-digit Snohomish County Superior Court case number. If you are unsure of your case number please go to the Washington State Courts’ website.

4. What is the date, time, and/or place of my Superior Court hearing?

Information regarding hearings in Superior Court cases can be found by visiting the Washington State Courts' website or from the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court by calling 425-388-3466, or by using one of the public access terminals located in our main lobby.

5. Where do I file Superior Court documents?

Documents for Superior Court cases may be filed in person in the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court or by mailing them to Snohomish County Clerk’s Office:
3000 Rockefeller Avenue
M/S 605
Everett WA 98201

6. How can I set a court date for my Superior Court case?

A court date for a Superior Court case may be set by filing a calendar note with the Clerk of the Superior Court. Calendar notes are a county specific form and you should be sure to use the Snohomish County form to ensure that you are scheduled on the proper calendar. For more information call 425-388-3466.

7. How do I set a hearing for a Dependency case?

To schedule a contested dependency hearing, contact the Dependency Clerk by email or by telephone at 425-388-7981. Please ensure that when calling or emailing, you provide your Superior Court case number. Hearings are set for Mondays and Wednesdays at 2 p.m. (limited to three families) and 3 p.m. (limited to four families); after obtaining a hearing date, it is the responsibility of the moving party to file a calendar note and any supporting motion(s) and/or affidavit(s). No confirmation is needed; the filing of the calendar note confirms the scheduled date.

To continue or strike a date for a dependency hearing, contact the Dependency Clerk by email or by telephone at 425-388-7981 at least two days prior to the hearing. Please ensure that when calling or emailing, you provide your Superior Court case number.

8. Do you have legal forms?

Forms packets are available from the Clerk's Office and from most office and legal supply stores, or legal messenger services. There are no civil forms available in the Law Library or online.

9. I don’t know what to do. Can you give me any legal advice?

Clerk’s staff are precluded by law from providing any type of legal advice or guidance. Information regarding domestic proceedings is available, by appointment only, from the Courthouse Facilitators in Room C-125 of the County Courthouse.

10. Can you tell me the status of or what happened in a case?

The status of most Superior Court cases is public information, unless the matter has been sealed by court order or is a confidential matter such as adoptions, and is available for review in the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court. Information can also be found by visiting Washington Courts - Search Case Records. Limited information is available by phone by calling (425)388-3466.

11. Can you tell me if a person has any cases filed against them, or me?

Information regarding only Snohomish County Superior Court Cases filed against or by any individual is available for review in the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court. Information can also be found by visiting Washington Courts - Search Case Records. Limited information is available by phone by calling (425)388-3466.

12. Can you help me fill out my papers?

Most litigants find they can fill out the paperwork by following the directions provided in the forms packet. Clerk's staff can only provide assistance in the very limited area of Petitions for Protection Orders and reviewing Domestic Relations forms for completeness and compliance with court rules and statutes through the Courthouse Facilitators.

13. Can you recommend an attorney who will take my case?

The Clerk's staff cannot recommend attorneys. The Snohomish County Bar Association has a Lawyer Referral Service through which you may get names and addresses of attorneys. Their office is located in the Snohomish County Courthouse on the second floor. Their office hours are 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. and telephone number is (425)388-3018.

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SCL-Clerk Fees

Show All Answers

1. Appeals

Fee	Description	Reference
$230.00	Civil Appeal from Lower Court	RCW 36.18.020(2,5b)
$200.00	Criminal Appeal from Lower Court (Imposed when Affirmed or Failed to Prosecute)	RCW 36.18.020(2)(h)
$290.00	Notice of Appeal to Appellate Court (Make Check Payable to Snohomish County Clerk)	RCW 2.32.070; RCW 36.18.018(2,4)
$0.50	Clerk's Papers, per page	RAP 9.7(a); RCW 36.18.016(21)
Actual Cost	Transmittal of Record and Exhibits	RAP 9.8; RAP 15.4
$240.00	Appeal from Administrative Hearing Decision	RCW 36.18.020(2,5)

2. Civil

$53.00	Anti-Harassment/Stalking Action	RCW 36.18.020(2)(d)
$240.00	Bail Bondsman Justification	RCW 36.18.020
$20.00	Change of Venue Transfer Fee (Copy fees, if applicable, are in addition)	RCW 36.18.016(19)
$240.00 $260.00	Change of Venue: Civil (make check payable to the Clerk of County to which case is transferred) Domestic (make check payable to the Clerk of County to which case is transferred)	RCW 4.12.090 - 100; RCW 36.18.016(16); RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$240.00	Civil Action	RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$250.00	Civil Arbitration Fee (in addition to filing fee)	RCW 36.18.016(25); SCC 4.98
$240.00 $260.00	Civil Counterclaim, Cross-Claim or Third-Party Claim Counter Petition in a Domestic Relations Action	RCW 36.18.020(2,5); RCW 36.18.016
$240.00	Deeds of Trust, Surplus Funds	RCW 61.24.080(3); RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$240.00	Diking, Drainage, Sewerage District –Petition for	RCW 85.15.110; RCW 36.18.020(2,5)

$240.00	Election-Affidavit of Elector Contesting Election of Person	RCW 29A.68.011; RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$50.00	Emancipation of a Minor (must file at Juvenile Division of the Clerk’s Office)	RCW 36.18.014; RCW 13.64.020
$200.00	Extension of Judgment	RCW 36.18.016(15)
$240.00	Firearms-Petition to Restore Right to Possess Firearms	RCW 9.41.047; RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$240.00	Foreign Judgment Civil	RCW 36.18.020(2,5); RCW 36.18.016(16)
$240.00 $20.00	Foreign Subpoena (issuance fee additional) Foreign Subpoena Issuance Fee	RCW 36.18.020(2,5); RCW 36.18.012(3) RCW 36.18.050
$35.00	Frivolous Claim of Lien	RCW 36.18.012(9); RCW 60.70.060
$240.00	Judicial Review	RCW 34.05.514; RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$250.00 $125.00	Jury Demand - 12 Jurors                              6 Jurors	RCW 36.18.016(3)
$20.00	Issuance of Notice, Bench Warrant, Subpoena or Summons in non-criminal case, (Original and one conformed copy)	RCW 36.18.050

$240.00	Land Use Petition	RCW 36.70C.040; RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$240.00	Legal Newspaper Designation,  Petition for	RCW 65.16.040; RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$50.00	Minor Work Permit - Filing Petition and Order	RCW 26.28.060; RCW 28A.225.080; RCW 36.18.050
$2.00	Property Taxes-Certification of Delinquency, Application for Judgment	RCW 84.64.120; RCW 84.64.040
$20.00	Petition to Strike Restrictive Covenants	RCW 49.60.227; RCW 36.18.012(6)
$20.00	Registration of Land (Torrens Act)	RCW 65.12.780; RCW 36.18.016(14)
$400.00	Request for Trial De Novo	RCW 36.18.016(26)
$20.00	Supplemental Proceedings (filing motion / order to appear or note for hearing)	RCW 36.18.016(7)
$20.00	Tax Warrant	RCW 36.18.012(10)
$20.00	Transcript for District Court in Snohomish County and Abstract of Judgment, or Verdict from any Superior or Federal Court in the State of Washington	RCW 36.18.012(2)

$85.00	Residential Unlawful Detainer Default	RCW 36.18.012(4); RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$197.00	Residential Unlawful Detainer Counterclaim, Cross-Claim or Third-Party Claim	RCW 36.18.012(4); RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$112.00	Additional Fee Required by Plaintiff for Order to Show Cause and/or if Answer is filed	RCW 36.18.012(4); RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$240.00	Non-Residential (Commercial) Unlawful Detainer	RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$25.00	Water Rights Filing Fee	RCW 36.18.016(17); RCW 90.03.180
$240.00	Filing of Certified Copy of Admin Order re: Water System Requirements	RCW 70.119A.040; RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$20.00 $20.00	Writ - (Original and one conformed copy - conformed copy is filed with the Clerk. Add’l copies $2.00 each) Any Writ issued by the Clerk to include Order of Sale on Judicial Foreclosure	RCW 36.18.016(5); RCW 36.18.016(6); RCW 36.18.050
No Fee	Domestic Violence Protection Order	RCW 26.50.040
No Fee	Vulnerable Adult Protection Order	RCW 74.34.110
No Fee	Extreme Risk Protection Order	RCW 7.94

No Fee

Sexual Assault Protection Order

RCW 7.90

3. Domestic

$260.00	Adoption Filing	RCW 36.18.020(2,5); RCW 36.18.016(16)
$20.00	Change of Venue Transfer Fee (copy fees, if applicable, are in addition)	RCW 36.18.016(19)
$260.00	Change of Venue: Domestic (make check payable to the Clerk of the County to which the case is being transferred)	RCW 4.12.090-100; RCW 36.18.016(16) RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$260.00	Counter Petition in a Domestic Relations Action	RCW 36.18.016(16)
$314.00	Dissolution of Marriage, Domestic Partnership and Legal Separation	RCW 36.18.020(2,5); RCW 36.18.016(2)(b) RCW 36.18.016(16)
$314.00	Committed Intimate Relationship	RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
No Fee	Domestic Violence Protection Order	RCW 26.50.040
$25.00	Courthouse Facilitator Fee	RCW 26.12.240; SCC 4.90
$260.00	Foreign Judgment, Domestic	RCW 36.18.016(16)
$20.00	Issuance of Notice, Bench Warrant, Subpoena or Summons in non-criminal case (Original and one conformed copy)	RCW 36.18.050

$314.00	Legal Separation or Invalidity	RCW 36.18.020(2,5); RCW 36.18.016(2)(b),(16)
$50.00	Minor to Marry - Filing Petition and Order	RCW 36.18.050
$56.00	Modification of Snohomish County Decree, Counterclaim, Cross-Claim or Third-Party Claim	RCW 36.18.016(2); RCW 36.18.016(16)
$260.00	Modification of Decree other than Snohomish County	RCW 36.18.020(2,5); RCW 36.18.016(16)
$260.00	Registration of Out of State Decree/Order	RCW 26.27; RCW 36.18.020(2,5)

$56.00	Relocation-Objection to or Notice of for Existing Case (Modification)	RCW 26.09.410-560; RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$260.00	Relocation-Objection to or Notice of for Filing of out-of-county decrees	RCW 26.09.410-560; RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$56.00	Modification of Snohomish County Decree	RCW 26.19; RCW 36.18.016(2); RCW 36.18.016(16)
$260.00	Uniform Parentage Act	RCW 36.18.020(2,5); RCW 26.26
$260.00	Wage Assignment for Paternity and Child Support Enforcement	RCW 36.18.020(2,5); RCW 36.18.016(16)
No Fee	Vulnerable Adult Protection Order	RCW 74.34.110

4. Criminal

$200.00	Filing Fee	RCW 10.01.160; RCW 10.01.170
$500.00	Crime Victim Penalty Assessment Felony or Gross Misdemeanor (Adult)	RCW 7.68.035(1)(b)
$100.00	Crime Victim Penalty Assessment Felony or Gross Misdemeanor (Juvenile)	RCW 7.68.035(1)(b)
$250.00	Crime Victim Penalty Assessment Misdemeanor (Adult)	RCW 7.68.035(1)(b)
$75.00	Crime Victim Penalty Assessment Misdemeanor (Juvenile)	RCW 7.68.035(1)(b)
$100.00	Legal Financial Obligation (LFO) Collection Fee	RCW 36.18.016(29)
Variable	Other costs imposed by the Court	RCW 10.01.160; RCW 10.01.170

5. Probate/Guardianship

$20.00	Appointment of Special Representative	RCW 11.96A.160; RCW 36.18.050
$240.00	Guardianship (no fee on cases with assets less than $3,000)	RCW 36.18.020(2,5); RCW 11.88.030(4)
$240.00	Minor Guardianship Filing (There is no fee when the potential guardian is a relative)	RCW 36.18.020(2,5); RCW 11.130.170
$5.00	Letters of Administration, Testamentary or Guardianship	RCW 36.18.016(9)
$240.00	Notice to Creditors (Non-Probate)	RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$240.00	Petition Admitting Rejected Will, or Contesting Will, or Objecting to a Written Agreement or Memorandum	RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$240.00	Probate Filing	RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$240.00 $2.00	Escheat Probate Proceedings Filing Department of Revenue Affidavit	RCW 36.18.020(2,5); RCW 11.08.300
$20.00	Small Estate Affidavit	RCW 11.62.010; RCW 36.18.050
$240.00	Counterclaim, Cross-Claim or Third-Party Claim	RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$240.00	Registration of Trust	RCW 36.18.020(2,5); RCW 36.18.050

$20.00

Certification of Trust

RCW 36.18.012(3); RCW 36.18.050

$20.00 $240.00	TEDRA Non-Judicial Binding Agreement, existing case TEDRA Non-Judicial Binding Agreement, new case	RCW 36.18.012(8); RCW 36.18.020(2,5)
$20.00	Will Only - No Probate of Decedent’s Estate	RCW 36.18.012(7)
$20.00	Will Repository	RCW 36.18.016(28)

6. Miscellaneous

$2.00 $240.00	Administering an Oath, Per Seal on document requiring signature by the Clerk Oaths and Affirmations	RCW 36.18.016(5); RCW 5.28; RCW 36.18.012(3)
$2.00	Approving Bonds, other than Civil or Probate	RCW 36.18.016(8)
$30.00	Ex Parte Orders (for a single submission of 1 to 5 Orders per case)	RCW 36.18.016(12)
5% of earned Interest $10.00	Investment Service Fee: Court ordered investment of Trust Funds of $2,000 or more Disbursement of funds	RCW 36.48.090 SCC 4.45
$20.00	Non-Judicial Filing (filing any paper not related to or part of proceeding)	RCW 36.18.012(3)
$35.00	Dishonored Payment Service Charge, Per item	Executive Order 17-06
$30.00	Search Records, Per hour (1 hour minimum)	RCW 36.18.016(11)
$9.00 $1.00 $2.00	Authenticated or Exemplified Copies, First page of each document, plus For each additional page For each additional seal affixed on conformed copyer	RCW 36.18.016(4)
$5.00 $1.00	Certified Copies, Faxed Copies, Abstracts of Judgment, First page of each document, plus For each additional page	RCW 36.18.016(4)
$0.25 $0.50	Uncertified copies or electronic records prepared by staff - per page Uncertified copies of records or instruments on file (not electronic) prepared by staff - per page	RCW 36.18.016(4)

$0.25 $0.10	Self-service microfilm copies or electronic record copies - per page Self-service copies on public lobby copier - per page	RCW 36.18.016(4)
$20.00	Additional charge for copies made on Compact Disk	RCW 36.18.016(13)
$25.00	Video - Copy (of previously recorded Courtroom Proceedings)	RCW 36.18.016(13)
$10.00 $25.00	Audio Recording Copy, Cassette Tape Audio Recording Copy, Compact Disk	RCW 36.18.016(13)

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SCL-Clerk's Daily Reports

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1. What data is returned for each report?

The Daily New Case Report reflects all cases entered into the Clerks Superior Court Information Management System (SCOMIS) on the date selected for the report. This is not always the date the case was filed. Case filed dates are contained within the individual data lines for each case.

The Judgments Added Report reflects all new judgments entered into the Clerks Superior Court Information Management System (SCOMIS) on the date selected for the report. This is not always the date the new judgment was filed. Judgment filed dates are contained within the individual data lines for each judgment.

The Judgments Changed Report reflects all judgments changed within the Clerks Superior Court Information Management System (SCOMIS) on the date selected for the report. This is not always the date the document which initiated the change was filed. Filed dates for documents that change a judgment are contained within the individual data lines for each judgment.

Data for new case reports are available on this site from March 2005 through 12 p.m., April 27, 2016 and data for the Judgment Audit Reports are available on this site from January 2005 through 12 p.m., April 27, 2016.

All New Case Filings or Judgments received after 12 p.m. April 27, 2016 are expected to be posted to this page May 2, 2016. The new data will be in the form of a PDF report/document, one for each report.

2. How can I see more information related to the new cases and judgments listed in these reports?

While court documents are not currently available online index data can be viewed at Washington State court's website within the “Search Case Records” section. Use the new case number or the judgment number provided in our reports to see case or judgment dockets.

3. How do I contact the Clerk’s Office if I have questions about these reports?

Contact the Clerks Office by calling 425-388-3230 or by email.

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SCL-Clerks - Records Access Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What do I do if I don’t know my case number?

If you do not have your case number, you can perform a self-search by going to the Washington Courts website for cases filed July 1979 to present.  Or, you can pay the Clerk’s Office a $30 research fee, fill out the Research Request and the clerk will search for you case information.

2. I need help finding a case. What information do I need to provide the Clerk’s Office to locate the case?

You will need to provide us with the case type (Civil, Criminal, Domestic, Probate, etc), the party names (John Smith, Jane Doe), and approximate year of filing.   

Please note that a case may have been filed in a year or more prior to any orders signed.  For example, if you are searching for a divorce case (Domestic) and it was finalized in 1968 it may have been filed in 1967 or earlier.  Checking multiple years before and after may increase your success in finding the case information.

3. How can I obtain a copy of a hearing or document if my case is sealed?

You must appear in person at the Clerk’s Office to obtain copies of sealed court documents or sealed proceedings. Bring valid government issued photo ID to verify your identity. If you are not authorized by statute or court order you will not be able to view the case of obtain copies.

4. What gives the Clerk the authority to charge fees for copies and duplicated hearing requests?

These fees are in accordance with RCW 36.18.016(11) and 36.18.016(4).

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SCL-Confirm Hearing / Trial

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1. How do I confirm my Superior Court Hearing or Trial?

• Hearing Confirmations for Superior Court

• Trial Confirmations for Superior Court

2. When should I confirm my motion hearing?

Hearing Day for all motions except Summary Judgment motions
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
CONFIRM ON	Wednesday 12:00 PM-Thursday 11:59 AM PRIOR	Thursday 12:00 PM-Friday 11:59 AM     PRIOR	Friday 12:00 PM- Monday 11:59 AM   PRIOR	Monday  12:00 PM-Tuesday  11:59 AM   PRIOR	Tuesday  12:00 PM-Wednesday 11:59 AM      PRIOR
Hearing Day for Summary Judgment motions
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
CONFIRM ON	Tuesday 12:00 PM-Wednesday 11:59 AM     PRIOR	Wednesday 12:00 PM- Thursday 11:59 AM   PRIOR	Thursday  12:00 PM-Friday  11:59 AM   PRIOR	Friday  12:00 PM-Monday 11:59 AM      PRIOR	Monday 12:00 PM-Tuesday 11:59 AM PRIOR
	2021	Changes to timing highlighted
Hearing Day for all motions except Summary Judgment motions
	Monday holiday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
CONFIRM ON	Jan 18  Feb 15  May 31 July 5 Sept 6	Wednesday 12:00 PM-Thursday 11:59 AM PRIOR	Thursday 12:00 PM-Friday 11:59 AM     PRIOR	Friday 12:00 PM- Tuesday 11:59 AM   PRIOR	Tuesday  12:00 PM-Wednesday 11:59 AM      PRIOR
Hearing Day for all motions except Summary Judgment motions
	Thursday Holiday	Friday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday
CONFIRM ON	Nov 11 2021	Monday  12:00 PM-Tuesday  11:59 AM   PRIOR	Tuesday  12:00 PM-Wednesday 11:59 AM      PRIOR	Wednesday 12:00 PM-Friday 11:59 AM    PRIOR	Friday 12:00 PM- Monday 11:59 AM   PRIOR
Hearing Day for all motions except Summary Judgment motions
	Friday Holiday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
CONFIRM ON	Dec 24 Dec 31	Tuesday  12:00 PM-Wednesday 11:59 AM      PRIOR	Wednesday 12:00 PM-Thursday 11:59 AM    PRIOR	Thursday 12:00 PM-Monday 11:59 AM     PRIOR	Monday  12:00 PM-Tuesday  11:59 AM   PRIOR
Hearing Day for all motions except Summary Judgment motions
	Thursday	Friday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday
CONFIRM ON	Nov 25-26		Monday  12:00 PM-Tuesday  11:59 AM   PRIOR	Tuesday  12:00 PM-Wednesday 11:59 AM      PRIOR	Wednesday 12:00 PM-Monday 11:59 AM    PRIOR
Hearing Day for Summary Judgment motions
	Monday holiday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
CONFIRM ON	Jan 18  Feb 15  May 31 July 5 Sept 6	Tuesday  12:00 PM-Wednesday 11:59 AM      PRIOR	Wednesday 12:00 PM-Thursday 11:59 AM    PRIOR	Thursday 12:00 PM-Friday 11:59 AM     PRIOR	Friday 12:00 PM- Tuesday 11:59 AM   PRIOR
Hearing Day for  Summary Judgment motions
	Thursday Holiday	Friday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday
CONFIRM ON	Nov 11 2021	Friday 12:00 PM- Monday 11:59 AM   PRIOR	Monday  12:00 PM-Tuesday  11:59 AM   PRIOR	Tuesday  12:00 PM-Wednesday 11:59 AM      PRIOR	Wednesday 12:00 PM-Friday 11:59 AM    PRIOR
Hearing Day for Summary Judgment motions
	Friday Holiday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
CONFIRM ON	Dec 24 Dec 31	Monday  12:00 PM-Tuesday  11:59 AM   PRIOR	Tuesday  12:00 PM-Wednesday 11:59 AM      PRIOR	Wednesday 12:00 PM-Thursday 11:59 AM    PRIOR	Thursday 12:00 PM-Monday 11:59 AM     PRIOR
Hearing Day for all motions except Summary Judgment motions
	Thursday -Friday Holiday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
CONFIRM ON	Nov 25-26	Friday 12:00 PM- Monday 11:59 AM   PRIOR	Monday  12:00 PM-Tuesday  11:59 AM   PRIOR	Tuesday  12:00 PM-Wednesday 11:59 AM      PRIOR	Wednesday 12:00 PM-Monday 11:59 AM    PRIOR

3. How do I confirm my motion hearing?

We recommend you confirm your hearing online. The online process does not permit you to confirm your hearing outside of the confirmation window, helping the user to confirm appropriately. The process also allows us to quickly respond by email if there is a concern with your confirmation, such as the hearing was not calendared properly or other issues.

If you do not have access to confirm online, you may call 425 388-3587 and leave a message with the information below. We are unable to respond by phone if there is an issue with your confirmation. Confirming online is the only way to receive a response from the system that your confirmation was received.

Hearings specially set with an individual judge (not noted on regular motions calendars) must be confirmed directly with that judge’s law clerk. Judge’s phone numbers can be found online.

4. What information do I need when I confirm my motion hearing?

Please have the following information when confirming your hearing:
• Case number
• Case name
• Date of hearing
• Calendar on which your hearing is scheduled
• Motion you are confirming
• Your name and/or attorney’s name
• Daytime phone number
• Email address (if confirming online)

5. What calendars require confirmation and when are they heard?

Judge’s Civil Motions Tuesday – Friday at 9:30 a.m.
Presiding Judge’s Motion Calendar Daily at 9:00 a.m.
Commissioner Civil Motions Tuesday – Friday at 10:30 a.m.
Guardianship Monday at 1:00 p.m. & Friday at 9:00 a.m.
Probate Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.

Minor Guardianship Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
Family Law/Domestic Motions Daily at 9:00 a.m.
Commissioner Special Set Hearings Varied (usually 1:00 p.m.)
Commissioner Interpreter Calendar Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. & Friday at 1:00 p.m.

*Criminal motions Confirmation for Criminal hearings is processed by contacting the criminal hearings law clerk

6. If confirming my motion hearing online how do I know it was received?

A confirmation email will be sent notifying you the information has been received by the Snohomish County Confirmations Office. If you do not receive this email within ½ hour of submitting your request, your online confirmation may not have processed properly. Please try the online confirmation process again or call the Confirmation Office at (425) 388-3587 to confirm your hearing. Please remember that all confirmations must be received no later than 12:00 noon, two court days before the hearing. When determining the confirmation deadline do not include weekends or court holidays.

7. If confirming my motion hearing via the phone, how do I know it was received?

Unfortunately, the Confirmation Office cannot call you to tell you we received your message or whether we were able to confirm your hearing. If the confirmation was not timely or was missing information, we are unable to confirm the hearing. Confirming online allows us to respond if there is an issue with your confirmation.

8. What if I do not confirm my motion hearing in time?

Failure to confirm your hearing will require that your motion be re-noted.

9. How do I strike or continue my motion hearing?

You may strike or continue a hearing online any time prior to the end of confirmation period. After that time period, only strikes and re-notes are allowed. Failure to notify the court of a hearing not going forward can result in sanctions. No confirmed hearing may be continued after 5 p.m. two court days prior to the hearing unless agreed upon by the court.

The Confirmation Office can only accept continuances which have been agreed to by all involved parties. If service has not been accomplished, the hearing cannot be continued, it must be re-noted.

10. When should I confirm my trial?

Per Snohomish County Local Court Rule 40(d), trials shall be confirmed no sooner than noon of the first court day of the week and no later than noon of the last court day of the week two weeks prior to the trial date, in such written form as approved by the court. The court may strike the trial date and may impose sanctions and/or terms against the parties or counsel for failure to confirm.

11. How do I confirm my trial?

You can confirm your trial online.
Or you can fill out and return the Certificate of Trial Confirmation to the Office of Court Administrator two weeks preceding the trial date. If you no longer have the Certificate of Trial Confirmation mailed to you by Court Administration, you can find the form online.

12. Where do I deliver working copies?

Please check our current emergency order for the most recent instruction for submitting working copies.

Working copies for all commissioner hearings should be delivered to the designated area located at the end of the hallway of the Commissioner Courtrooms. Once construction is completed, the drop off will be outside the Confirmations office, located just off the main entrance hallway on the first floor. Working copies for all judges should be delivered to Court Administration on the fifth floor, room 5-5620. Guidelines for working copies are outlined in Snohomish County Local Court Rule 7.

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SCL-Divorce FAQ's

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1. When is the pro se dissolution (divorce) calendar?

The pro se dissolution calendar will be heard in chambers only on Mondays. You will not attend a live hearing. You will need to complete and file written testimony (form found on Snohomish County Website, link below) and submit your final documents (Findings and Conclusions about a Marriage [FL Divorce 231], Final Divorce Order/Legal Separation Order/Invalid Marriage Order [FL 241]) as working copies to the Commissioners Working Copies location in the courthouse, room 1300 at least 5 court days before the hearing date. All final orders must be completed (filled-in) and signed by the necessary parties. In cases with children, in addition to the written testimony and final orders referenced above, you will also need to submit the following completed orders: Parenting Plan [FL ALL Family 140], Residential Time Summary Report [FL Divorce 243], Child Support Order [FL All Family 130], Child Support Worksheets, Financial Declarations [FL ALL Family 131], and a copy of your parenting Seminar Certificate (if not previously filed). Cases with minor children also require a background check. Instructions regarding background checks can be found at JIS Background Checks | Snohomish County, WA - Official Website (snohomishcountywa.gov). Background check assistance is available in room 5-620 of the courthouse. Remember, background check requests must be submitted at least 5 court days before the hearing date. You will need to submit a new background check form even if you have previously submitted one. The form documents referenced above can be found at www.courts.wa.gov with the exception of the Written Testimony Forms which can be found under Domestic Relation Forms here: https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/5523/Snohomish-County-Superior-Court-Forms.

2. What is the waiting period for a divorce?

The waiting period for a divorce is 90 days from the date of filing with a joinder or 90 days from service on the other party. If the case is contested, parties will need to schedule their case for trial; it can take six to eight months for a case to go to trial.

Legal Separation is 20 days from service on the other party or no waiting period if agreed (except the standard 12 days notice required to note a hearing on the pro se dissolution calendar).

3. How much does it cost to file for a divorce?

The filing fee for a new divorce case is $314 and $56 to modify an existing order on a Snohomish County case.  To view all the filing fees for our office, please click here.

4. How do I get a copy of my final divorce decree or parenting plan?

Visit this page for information on how to access court records that are filed with our office.

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SCL-E-Filing

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1. What type of cases can I e-file?

Except for the types of cases and documents listed in SCLCR 30, most all types of cases may be initially filed through File & Serve. You may e-file into any case once it has been created and you may e-file any document using File & Serve, except the documents listed in SCLCR 30, and applications for fee waivers and deferrals. Additionally, proposed orders and Ex-Parte-via-the-Clerk documents filed through the e-filing will not be presented to the bench for signature; they will be indexed in the case as filed. We hope to have e-filing capability for Ex-Parte-via-the-Clerk soon.

2. Can File & Serve be used to start a new case or to file into existing cases?

Yes, File & Serve can be used to initiate cases, electronically file into existing cases, or electronically serve documents. Attorneys, support staff, and self-represented litigants can use the system to complete these tasks under their own usernames. SCLCR 30 sets out a list of documents that, due to technical or other reasons, cannot be electronically filed and instead must be conventionally filed.

3. Are there court rules that apply to e-filing using File & Serve?

Yes, SCLCR 30 and GR 30 court rules for electronic  filing and service by electronic means.

4. What is an envelope?

An envelope is a filing submitted to the Clerk. An envelope can contain one or more documents submitted to the Clerk for the same case. File & Serve identifies filings by their envelope number.

5. How do I determine the case type if I am initiating a new case through File & Serve?

If you are unable to determine the correct case type from the available drop-down choices, select the closest case type code to the document you’re filing and if not accurate, the Clerk will change to the correct code upon review and acceptance into the Odyssey case management system. Or, you can contact the Clerk for assistance in determining the correct case type at efile@snoco.org.

6. Are Case Information Coversheets required when e-filing a new case?

Case Information Coversheets are not required when e-filing a new case. They are still required for paper filings. 

7. I received an error message before my filing was submitted. Who do I contact?

If an error message is received before a filing shows as submitted, contact Tyler Support for assistance as the Clerk’s Office will not be able to assist.

TYLER SUPPORT

1-800-297-5377

efiling.support@tylertech.com

You can also visit www.efilewa.com where there are training videos and a search function to find articles with step-by-step instructions and visual aids as well as an online chat function.

8. What is the status of my filing?

You can view the status of your filings at any time by going to the Dashboard and clicking on Filing History. From there you can view the status of all filings. For detailed information regarding your filing, click on the envelope (see graphic below).

After you have submitted a filing through Odyssey File & Serve you will receive an email confirming your submission. A second email will be sent once the filing has been Accepted or Rejected by the Clerk’s Office.

If you did not receive an email and the document is not in your Filing History, then it has not been submitted. Check the Drafts section of your Dashboard.

 

SUBMITTED – The filing has been submitted to Clerk’s Office but has not been reviewed.

UNDER REVIEW – The Clerk’s Office is currently reviewing the filing.

ACCEPTED – The Clerk’s Office has reviewed and accepted the filing. A file stamped (conformed) copy is available by going to Filing History. Find the Envelope that contains your filing, select View Details (2^nd icon from the left on the upper right side of page). Select Court Copy (see graphics below).

REJECTED – The Clerk’s Office has reviewed and rejected the filing. The reject reason will show in the email as well as within the Filing History. If the filing had a fee associated with it, you will not be charged until the filing is accepted. 

9. Is my e-filing automatically accepted when it is received?

No, the documents that were filed will be reviewed by a clerk before they are accepted.

10. How long before my document(s) will be filed into the Court file?

Typically, the document image is available within the court file (Odyssey Case Manager) and Odyssey Portal within 15 minutes of the filing acceptance notification (via email and/or within the Dashboard in Odyssey File & Serve).

You can view a conformed (file stamped) copy within Odyssey File & Serve as soon as you receive notification of the accepted filing. Go to File History, locate the Envelope that contains your filing, select View Details (2^nd icon from the left on the upper right side of the page), then select Court Copy.

Images are also typically available in the Washington State Digital Archives within two (2) business days.

11. What is the filed date of my e-filed document?

Once the court accepts the filing, the filed date is the date that the document was submitted to File & Serve for review. Our filing hours are Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PST, excluding court holidays. Any paper or electronic documents received outside of these filing hours will be considered received and filed at the beginning of the next business day.

12. If my e-filing is rejected and I resubmit the filing, what will the filed date be for my documents?

If the e-filed document(s) are rejected, they will be file dated with the new submission/acceptance date unless rejected due to a clerk error.  Our filing hours are Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PST, excluding court holidays. Any paper or electronic documents received outside of these filing hours will be considered received and filed at the beginning of the next business day.  If the filing had a fee associated with it, you will not be charged until the filing is accepted.

13. How do I enter the case number to search when searching for a case that I have e-filed?

To search for a case in File & Serve, select the court where the case is located and type the case number exactly as it was given to you by your local Clerk.

14. I have several documents I want to submit - what should I do?

Documents and their incorporated attachments (exhibits, affidavits, declarations, etc.) each are required to be submitted as a single PDF document.

15. Can I file multiple documents in one transaction?

Yes, if all the documents pertain to the same case, multiple documents can be submitted together by selecting the Add Another Filing option. The documents will be submitted to the court in a single File & Serve envelope.

16. Can I file judicial officer working copies electronically?

Unless otherwise directed by the court, at this time, Snohomish County Superior Court is not accepting electronic working copies. Please see Snohomish County Local Court Rules.

17. What if I need to withdraw an e-filing?

After a filing has been submitted but before the clerk’s review has begun, a Cancel button is available for that filing in your Filings queue.

If the Cancel button is present, the filing has been submitted by File & Serve but not yet been reviewed by the clerk’s office. You cannot withdraw a filing after it has been accepted by the Clerk’s Office.  If the Cancel button is not available, contact the Clerk’s Office.

18. Do I have access to the documents that I file in the system?

Yes, by using the My Filings feature located on the Filings tab, you can find and view information concerning electronic filings that have been submitted to File & Serve through your username or by any member of your firm.

After a transaction is completed, you can access a PDF version of all your filings through the system for up to 180 days. This PDF version is read-only; it can no longer be modified.  Also, your filed documents will be available via the Odyssey Portal if you have subscribed for that service through the Clerk’s Office.

19. Is there a work-around for navigating away from a page without losing data?

Yes, perform the following steps before leaving your workspace to save your data:

• Complete entering all the data on the page you are currently working on.
• Click the button to continue (or Save Changes in the H5 version). This will save your data and take you to the next screen.

20. Are hyperlinks permissible in PDF documents?

Internal links, which point to other places within the same document, are permissible and are accepted by File & Serve. However, external links, which point to other documents, websites, or other legal sources, can be risky and must be avoided in documents submitted to the court. Use of external links can result in format errors that may prevent your document from being accepted by File & Serve.

21. What is the maximum file size that can be electronically submitted?

The file size may not exceed 25 MB per document. Documents greater than 25MB must be broken down and submitted as separate documents (within the same envelope) that do not exceed 25 MB.

Each document should have a coversheet with the caption and case number and be submitted in order using the same filing code. The filer shall indicate which part of the whole document that the filed document represents (e.g., 1 of 3, 2 of 3, 3 of 3) within the Filing Comments field.

Please breakdown the document at logical points to ensure ease of use for judges viewing the documents electronically.

22. Can scanned documents be submitted in color?

Yes, File & Serve will accept color documents. However, the preferred business practice is to scan the documents in black and white.

23. What document formats does File & Serve accept?

File & Serve only accepts documents in PDF or PDF-A formats.

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SCL-E-Filing Fees

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1. Is there a fee to use File & Serve?

No, there are no fees for using File & Serve. The only fees that users will encounter are statutory filing fees and an eCommerce transaction fee which shall be applied for each electronic payment (2.89% of total fees for credit and debit cards).

2. When are the fees assessed if I am filing multiple documents in a case?

Statutory filing fees are assessed, once accepted by the Clerk, against the document contained in the envelope that is subject to the fee, such as the complaint or petition.

3. Is it necessary to have a firm credit card?

A credit card is required to pay for statutory filing fees. If you are exempt from paying these fees you can set up a waiver account, but some type of payment account is required in order to use File & Serve.

4. Will there be a receipt for the fees paid?

Yes, the Envelope Details screen can be printed for use as a receipt.

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SCL-General

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1. Do I have to register to use File & Serve?

Yes, all users must register prior to using File & Serve. It is free to sign up for an account, all you need is an email address.  You will receive an e-mail confirmation that contains your username and password.

Note: If you cannot self-register to use File & Serve, contact your Firm Administrator to get a username and  password. The Firm Administrator registers the firm and is responsible for setting up and maintaining all information for system users, credit card accounts, and attorneys at the firm.

2. What if I forget my password?

Perform the following steps to reset your password:

• Go to your File & Serve home page.
• Click the Forgot Password? link on the login screen. The Reset Password dialog box opens.

3. Is documentation available for using File & Serve?

Yes, the File & Serve User Guide, Quick Reference Guide, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available for your reference on the website.

You can access the documentation on the File & Serve home page, or by clicking the Info link at the top of the screen when you are logged into the site.

4. Is training available for using File & Serve?

There is a 45-minute, pre-recorded training available here.

Tyler Technologies offers webinars on the www.efilewa.com website under Information for Filers. They also offer regularly-scheduled, live online training sessions for File & Serve. To access the training schedule, click here. If the page is blank, there are currently no webinars scheduled. 

Note: Tyler, not the Snohomish County Clerk, provides the training. Tyler trainings are not Snohomish County Clerk specific.

5. What are the computer requirements for using File & Serve?

File & Serve is a web-based system that is designed to be compatible with typical office workstations. No special setup or software installations are required to use File & Serve. See the recommended computer settings below.

Note: First-time users of File & Serve may be prompted to download and install Microsoft® Silverlight.

The recommended settings for your workstation are as follows:

• Web Browser Requirements: File & Serve is supported by current versions of the Windows operating system using Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. 
• Connection Requirements: High-speed connection is recommended.
• Minimum Screen Resolution: For best results, a setting of 1024x768 is recommended.

6. Who can use File & Serve?

Anyone can use File & Serve. If you are not an attorney, you can register either as an "independent user" or a "firm administrator."

7. Why am I having difficulty viewing the entire web page on my screen?

Difficulty viewing the entire web page may be a screen resolution issue. To resolve this issue, perform the following steps:

• Open Properties on your desktop.
• Select the Settings option.
• Under Screen Resolution or Screen Area, slide the bar to select 1024x768 pixels.
• Click OK.

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SCL-Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Requirements

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1. This FAQ is no longer in use

Current information, please go to the Guardian Ad Litem informational

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SCL-Jury Duty in Superior Court

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1. How do I know if I need to report for jury duty?

Your group number appears on your summons (group numbers typically range from 101 to 121, or in special cases with pink summons, numbers may read between 200 to 300 or higher), so please read your summons carefully and either call our message line at 425-388-3410 on the Saturday or Sunday prior to your term to see if your group is needed, otherwise you may report in needlessly.

2. How often do I need to call into the message line or check online to see if I am needed that week?

The jury coordinator determines each day which juror groups to call in based on the total numbers of jurors requested by judges for all trials. If you are not called for Monday, you may be instructed to call back later on Monday, and each night of your term, or you should check the online report instructions each day until jurors are told they are done for the week. Check the message line / website after 5 p.m.

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SCL-Jury Information

Show All Answers

1. What should I wear to court?

Dress comfortably for court. Jeans are permitted; however, maintaining the dignity of the court is suggested and appreciated. Shorts, tank tops, hats (except for religious purposes), and extremes of dress are not permitted; casual attire is permitted. Due to allergies, please refrain from wearing any strongly scented perfume or cologne.

2. Must employers pay their employees while they serve on jury duty?

No. The law requires your employer to give you time off for jury duty, but does not require the employer to pay you while you serve on jury duty. Check with your employer to see what the pay policy is while you serve. If your employer does not pay for time off and that creates a financial hardship, you need to obtain a letter from your employer stating the pay policy and submit that along with your signed questionnaire requesting to be excused.

3. Do I have to show up for jury duty?

Yes.

4. Where do I park?

Superior Court and Everett Division: Parking is available free of charge at the Snohomish County Parking Garage located at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue. Place the juror parking permit face up on the vehicle dashboard and enter the garage at Pacific Avenue or Oakes Avenue (see map on your summons). Upon entry into the garage, take a parking ticket from the ticket dispenser and park on levels C, D, E, F, or G. Take the elevator to the plaza level and follow the signs to the courthouse; elevators are located on the south side of the garage. Bring your parking ticket with you to the courthouse for validation in the jury assembly room.
 
Disabled parking is available on every level next to the elevators on the South side of the garage. A disabled parking permit issued by the State of Washington must visibly be displayed in the vehicle.
 
Oversized vehicle parking 6 foot 10 inches or higher is limited. Please notify the parking garage at (425) 388-3348 no later then 6 AM prior to reporting for jury duty service to indicate your parking needs. Arrive at the Oakes Avenue entrance and follow directions from the parking attendant. Remove the Juror Badge from your juror summons to bring with you, but leave the juror parking permit face up on the vehicle dashboard. This will let the parking attendant know you are a juror who does not need to pay for parking.
 
Please do not park on the streets surrounding the courthouse. The city tickets for overtime parking without exception. The court will not assume financial responsibility for parking tickets issued to jurors.

Cascade Division (Arlington): Free parking is available in the parking lots at the courthouse or along Burke Avenue.

Evergreen Division (Monroe): Free parking is available in the parking lots at the courthouse.

South Division (Lynnwood): Free parking is available on the north side of the courthouse.

5. Can I serve on jury duty if I am a convicted felon?

Per RCW 29A.08.520, for a felony conviction in a Washington state court, the right to vote (and serve on a jury) is automatically restored as long as the person is not serving a sentence of total confinement under the jurisdiction of the department of corrections. For a felony conviction in a federal court or any state court other than a Washington state court, the right to vote (and serve on a jury) is automatically restored as long as the person is no longer incarcerated. A person who has been convicted of a felony and is either sentenced to a term of total confinement under the jurisdiction of the department of corrections or otherwise incarcerated as provided for in this subsection must reregister to vote prior to voting.

6. What will happen if I fail to appear for jury duty?

Pursuant to RCW 2.36.170, a person summoned for jury service who intentionally fails to appear as directed shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. It is in the individual court's discretion as to whether or not to pursue a juror not showing up for jury duty.

7. Are Jurors compensated?

Compensation for Service

Juror compensation is determined by state statute. You will be paid $10 for each day you serve as a juror, either on a case, or if you are waiting at the courthouse to be assigned to a case. Jurors are additionally reimbursed for round trip mileage from their home to the court to which you have been summoned.

Checks for jury service are computed approximately four weeks after completion of service and are mailed to your home address. Checks should be received within six weeks after you complete service.

Questions regarding your jury check can be directed to jury management at 425-388-3386.

Law Regarding Juror Employment Relations

An employer shall provide an employee with a sufficient leave of absence from employment to serve as a juror. An employer shall not deprive an employee of employment, or threaten, coerce, or harass an employee or deny an employee promotional opportunities because the employee serves as a juror (Revised Code of Washington {RCW} 2.36.165).

If you need jury service verification for your employer, please contact the jury management (425-388-3386) at the conclusion of your jury term and a work certificate will be provided.

The law requires your employer to give you time off for jury duty, but does not require the employer to pay you while you serve. Check with your employer to see what the pay policy is while you serve. If your employer does not pay for time off and that creates a financial hardship, you need to obtain a letter from your employer stating the pay policy and submit that along with your signed questionnaire requesting to be excused.

8. What do I bring when I report for jury duty?

Please remember to bring your juror badge and the jury summons. You may also bring items such as books and magazines, as there may be some waiting periods. Due to the level of security at the courthouse, all persons entering the courthouse will go through a metal detector. Please do not bring items with any length of blade to court when you serve on jury duty including scissors, nail clippers, pocket knives, etc.

9. Can I bring my laptop, cell phone, and/or pager?

Yes; however, you will not be permitted to utilize these items in court or during deliberations. The Jury Assembly Room has Wi-Fi access; however, there are limited outlets and table space at this time. The jury coordinator will not be responsible for any items not allowed in the courtroom.

10. How late is court in session?

Normal court hours are Monday - Friday from 9 or 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A mid-morning break will be taken around 10:30 a.m. and lunch will be from 12 p.m. - 1 or 1:30 p.m. A mid-afternoon break will be taken around 3 p.m.

11. How did I get selected for jury duty?

Your name has been randomly selected by computer to serve as a juror in Snohomish County. Potential jurors are selected randomly from the combined Voter Registration list and the Department of Licensing drivers' and identification card holders' list. The law requires a fair cross-section of each county's qualified residents.

12. Where do I eat lunch?

The jury assembly room is located on the second floor of the courthouse. If you need to buy lunch, please contact the Jury Coordinator for local restaurants in the area. Snack and drink machines are located in the Jury Assembly Room as well as on the first floor of the Mission Building.

13. How are Jurors chosen?

Your name has been randomly selected by computer to serve as a juror in Snohomish County. Potential jurors are selected randomly from a combined voter registration and Department of Licensing drivers’ and identification card holders’ list (the law requires a fair cross-section of each county’s qualified residents). All jurors who serve on jury duty must meet all eligibility requirements.

• You must be 18 years of age or older
• You must be a citizen of the United States
• You must be a resident of Snohomish County
• You must be able to communicate in the English language
• If you have been convicted of a felony, your civil rights must be restored

To determine if your civil rights have been restored, contact the Department of Corrections at 425-356-2800. (Revised Code of Washington 9.94A.637)

14. How long is a Jury term?

The term of jury service is different depending on which court location you have been summoned to appear. Always follow the instructions on your summons directing you to call the night or weekend before service to see if your group number needs to report to the court where you have been summoned to appear.

Superior Court

Superior Court’s jury term is one week or one trial. A typical jury trial will last two to three days; however, some trials may be longer. Once you are sent to a courtroom the judge will inform you of the number of days a trial is expected to last. Court will usually be in session from 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. A 15-minute break is taken each morning and afternoon.

District Court

Jury terms are three-day terms held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Not Selected For Trial

If you are not picked for a trial on the first day, you will be released from the courtroom and directed to report to the jury coordinator for further instructions.

15. What participants are in a trial?

• Judges preside over the trial, instruct the jury, make rulings on points of law, and have general charge over the proceedings of the trial and its participants.
• Parties in a civil trial are referred to as the plaintiff and defendant. In a criminal trial, parties are referred to as the State of Washington, represented by the deputy prosecuting attorney; and the defendant (the person charged with the crime).
• Attorneys participate in the trial as advocates for the parties in controversy by presenting their client’s case.
• Witnesses present testimony under oath concerning what they have seen or know about the facts of the case.
• Court reporters record verbatim everything that is said during the course of trial. The court reporter is responsible for preparing a typewritten transcript of the trial if requested by either party.
• Law clerks / bailiffs are assistants to the judge. They are responsible for opening court, assembling the necessary parties, and maintaining order in the courtroom. Additionally, the bailiff sees to the comfort of jurors and protects the jury from outside interference while they are serving on a specific trial.
• Court clerks are independent witnesses during proceedings who produce a general minute entry for filing in the court file, administer oaths, mark and maintain custody of exhibits, receive verdicts, and exercise other powers and duties conferred and imposed by statute.

16. What is the process of a Jury Trial?

Jury Selection

The trial court judge will request a panel of prospective jurors to begin the jury selection process. The judge and the trial attorneys will begin a process referred to as "voir dire." This questioning process is conducted to determine whether you have opinions or attitudes, which would bias you in favor or disfavor of either side. While some questions may be personal in nature, they are not intended to embarrass or make you feel uncomfortable. They are asked to determine if there is a reason you should not sit on the case. If you are uncomfortable answering the questions, tell the judge and the attorneys may ask the questions in private.

Once selected as a juror, you will need to listen to the judge, witnesses, and attorneys; consider the evidence presented; and make an intelligent and just decision based on the evidence presented to you following the instructions provided by the Court.

Opening Statements

The trial will begin with opening statements by the attorneys for both sides. The attorneys will explain their client’s position and what they expect to prove. These statements are not considered evidence, but are an introduction to what the attorneys intend to prove by presenting evidence in the case.

Plaintiff / State & Defendant’s Case

After opening statements the plaintiff / state will proceed to put on its evidence prior to the defendant putting on his/her case. Witnesses are examined, under oath, by the attorney who called them to testify, and then cross-examined by the other attorney. Exhibits may be presented and admitted as evidence in the form of a written document, objects such as a gun, a photograph, x-ray, or some other tangible thing.

Attorneys may make objections during the trial in an effort to limit the testimony being presented. Objections are a legal and proper part of the trial process. If the judge sustains the objections, the evidence or testimony is not proper. If the judge overrules the objections, the line of questioning may continue.

Jury Instructions

After all the evidence has been presented during the trial, the judge will instruct you on the law that applies to the case. As a juror you must consider all of the instructions and give them equal consideration regardless of the order in which they are given.

Closing Arguments

During closing argument, both attorneys will have an opportunity to summarize their positions and review the facts of the case. You should listen to these summations carefully and consider them thoughtfully, but they are not evidence and should not be considered as evidence.

Jury Deliberations

After closing arguments the bailiff will escort the jury to the jury room to begin deliberations. The jurors must select a presiding juror who will preside over the deliberations. You will discuss the evidence and attempt to arrive at a fair and impartial verdict based on the facts presented during the trial and the law as given by the judge’s instructions. When deliberations are complete, you will return to the courtroom to declare your verdict.

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SCL-Juvenile Court - Reclaiming Futures

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1. How Can Reclaiming Futures Help My Youth and Family?

Reclaiming Futures can help your child and family by linking you via this web page with a multitude of resources. Please go to our Resources Page.

2. How Do I Get Involved in Reclaiming Futures?

There are many ways to be involved in Reclaiming Futures - joining our Change Team, mentoring our youth, and providing resources to youth and their families. Please contact Mike Irons, Program Manager for Probation, for more information.

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SCL-Juvenile Court Cases

Show All Answers

1. How can I obtain information about my juvenile court case?

If you have a Juvenile Superior Court Case, you can obtain the status by calling the Juvenile Division of the Snohomish County Clerk’s Office at 425-388-7978.

2. How can I seal my Juvenile Offender court record?

Please review the State Administrative Office of the Courts brochure on eligibility requirements.
If you determine that you are eligible to have your Juvenile Offender record sealed, you may purchase an instruction packet from the Clerk’s Office, Juvenile Division, located at:
2801 10th St.
Everett, WA 98201

The cost of the packet is $5 (credit, debit, or cash – no personal checks).

3. How can I seal my Juvenile Diversion record?

Sealing of diversion records is handled by Superior Court (Juvenile Court). The Clerk’s Office (Juvenile Division) cannot answer questions regarding Juvenile Diversion records. Please contact Superior Court directly at 425-388-7874.

4. How can I find when my next hearing is scheduled for my Juvenile Offender case?

To find out when your next Juvenile Offender hearing is scheduled, please contact the Clerk’s Office, Juvenile Division at 425-388-7978 or contact Superior Court (Juvenile) Probation Department at 425-388-7800.

5. How can I find an attorney who can help me with a dependency / termination matter?

To seek assistance in locating an attorney for dependency / termination matters, please contact Superior Court (Juvenile) at 425-388-7953.

6. How do I set or change a truancy hearing?

To set or change a Truancy hearing, please contact Superior Court (Juvenile) at 425-388-7800. The Clerk’s Office (Juvenile Division) cannot answer questions regarding setting or changing of these hearings.

7. How do I set or change a CHINS / ARY hearing?

To set or change a CHINS / ARY hearing, please contact Superior Court (Juvenile) at 425-388-7800. The Clerk’s Office (Juvenile Division) cannot answer questions regarding setting or changing these hearings.

8. How can I become an Emancipated Minor?

If you are a resident of Washington and are at least 16, but not yet 18, and you want to be legally considered an adult, you can petition the court (Juvenile Court) to become an emancipated minor.

If after reading an overview of the requirements provided below, and you choose to proceed, you may purchase an instruction packet from the Clerk’s Office, Juvenile Division, located at:
2801 10th Street
Everett, WA 98201

The cost of the packet is $10 and the filing fee is $50 (credit, debit, or cash - no personal checks).

Please refer to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 13.64 for additional information. Helpful websites and phone numbers:

• Northwest Justice Project
• Washington Law Help
• Washington State Bar Association
• CLEAR - 888-201-1014
• Snohomish County Bar Association Lawyer Referral - 425-388-3018.

A brief Summary of Emancipation Requirements (refer to RCW 13.64 for details): The court will emancipate you only if you prove all of the following by clear and convincing evidence:

1. Residency - You are a resident of Washington
2. Ability to Handle Financial Affairs - You can manage your own financial affairs
3. Ability to Handle Other Affairs - You can manage your own educational, personal, social, and any other affairs
4. Denying Emancipation Would Harm You - If your parent, guardian, or custodian opposes your petition, you must also prove that denying emancipation would harm you.

9. What will change when I’m Emancipated?

• Your parents will no longer have to support you. This means you will have to come up with money and pay for personal needs like clothes, food, and rent
• You can be sued in your own name
• You have the right to your own earnings
• You can live in your own home
• You can enter into binding contracts, and will be held to contracts you sign as an adult, including real estate contracts
• You can give informed consent for all health care services
• Marriage - there are specific rules relating to obtaining a marriage license if you are under the age of 18. Contact Snohomish County Auditor, Licensing Division, for specific requirements at 425-388-3483 or visit their website

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SCL-Juvenile Court Information

Show All Answers

1. Am I eligible to seal my records?

Please refer to the A Guide to Sealing and Destroying Court Records, Vacating Convictions, and Deleting Criminal History Records

2. How do I start the process of sealing my records?

• Obtain a printout of any court cases you have. This can be accomplished by visiting the Snohomish County Clerk’s office at the Denney Juvenile Justice Center (DJJC) at 425-388-7978.


• Next, you will need a copy of your picture ID. The receptionist at DJJC will make a copy of your picture identification for the probation records department.


• Probation records will provide you with case information on diversion cases or police referrals where no action was taken.


• Next, you will need to set a hearing date. You can obtain the forms and instructions from the clerk’s office for setting your hearing date. Forms can also be found at the Washington Courts website.


• For more information call the Snohomish County Clerk’s Office at 425-388-7978 for prosecutor charged offenses and the Probation Department at 425-388-7874 for diversion and other case information.

3. How can I get a print-out of my criminal history?

Juvenile records are confidential; there is no place that is available to the public that lists juvenile criminal histories. However, you can obtain any information that has been filed in a public legal file by contacting the Snohomish County Clerk’s Office and requesting to view the legal file.

4. How can I put money on my child’s account so he/she can call me from detention?

The Juvenile Court contracts with Global Tel Link to provide this service. A $25.00 minimum deposit is required. Money can be added to the youth’s account at Global Tel Link

5. How do I file a parenting plan with the court?

The Family Law Facilitator’s office may be of assistance. Contact them by calling 425-388-3795 or stopping by:
3000 Rockefeller
Room C-125
Everett, WA 98201 (on the first floor)

6. How do I get my driver’s license re-instated?

Forms are available at the Snohomish County Clerk’s Office at the Denney Juvenile Justice Center. For more information contact 425-388-7978.

7. How do I get rid of my warrant?

Contact your attorney or turn yourself in to the police. For more information contact the Juvenile Court Coordinator at 425-388-7960

8. How do I obtain a restraining, anti-harassment or protection order?

For domestic violence protection orders, the petitioner needs to immediately go to the nearest District Court Division for the necessary filing. There is no cost for filing a Domestic Violence Petition.

9. How do I re-instate my right to bear arms?

Contact the Clerk’s Office at 425-388-7978.

10. I am having difficulty getting my child back into school. How do I get help getting my child back into school?

Contact Team Child at 425-258-3132 or by stopping by:
2731 Wetmore Ave
Suite 410
Everett, WA 98201

11. I posted bail for my child quite some time ago. How do I get my bail money back?

Bail is typically returned after a case has been adjudicated i.e the youth pled guilty, was found guilty, found not guilty, or case has been dismissed. If your child’s case has been adjudicated for over two weeks, you can contact your child’s attorney and inquire about an order exonerating the bail. For more information contact 425-388-7800.

12. When I was a teenager, I got into some legal trouble and had my records sealed. Now I've been turned down for a job because of my record. Why weren't my records sealed?

You may want to contact your attorney regarding this issue.

Many different records exist. With the advent of the internet, there are unofficial records that are being kept by agencies or individuals that are not under our control or supervision. An attorney can help sort out the problem and advise you on how to proceed.

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SCL-Odyssey Portal

Show All Answers

1. What is the Odyssey Portal and who should use it?

• Odyssey is the new statewide Electronic Court Records Management System (ECRMS) that the Snohomish County Clerk’s Office and Superior Court implemented on May 2, 2016. This system will be implemented in nearly every county by 2018.  The Portal is the public facing portion of Odyssey where users can go to search and view publicly available case information. 
• If you are a frequent user of court records, a fee-based subscription service to Odyssey Portal is an option for searching, viewing, and printing documents.  If you are an infrequent user or have a one-time need to access court records, access through the Washington State Digital Archives is available.
• Users who are not registered/signed up for the Odyssey Portal subscription service can still access the Portal (link available through the Washington Courts website) and search for information, but will not be able to open/view any documents.

2. How do I Register/Sign-Up for the Odyssey Portal Subscription Service?

• Visit our website to download the Subscription User Agreement.  You can get to the page by going to www.snohomishcountywa.gov , under “Your Government” click on Superior Court Clerk.  From our home page, click on “Electronic Court Records”.  Under the “Frequent User” section there is a link to our Subscription Service Information page, where you can open and print off a subscription user agreement form.
• Come in to our office and ask for a new subscription user agreement form to fill out.
• Mail or bring in a completed Subscription User Agreement form to our office with an accepted form of payment (as outlined on the agreement form).
• If you have questions regarding this service you can email SCLSUBSCRIPTIONS@SNOCO.ORG   

3. What is the cost and how do I pay for a subscription?

• Cost is based on company size (total number of employees) and not the number of subscribers.

Company Size	Annual Fee
1 – 3 Employees and/or Individuals	$100
4 – 6 Employees and/or Individuals	$250
7 – 10 Employees and/or Individuals	$500
More than 10 Employees and/or Individuals	$600

           Note (1):  Pro-rated in whole months if service starts after February 1
           Note (2): Company size is total number of employees, and not the number of subscribers

 

• Paid/billed annually on February 1st.  Fee is pro-rated in whole months if service starts after February 1
• U.S. Mail – Finance staff will accept checks or cashier checks/money orders via U.S. mail.
• In Person – Finance staff will accept checks, cashier checks/money orders, cash and/or credit card payments.

4. How long will it take to receive my login information once I submit my subscription agreement?

• It can take up to 5 working days to receive the email with your log in information.
• Your username will be the email address you provided on the registration form.

5. I haven't received my login information, who should I contact?

• If you haven’t received an email confirming your registration/subscription, please email SCLSUBSCRIPTIONS@SNOCO.ORG to find out the status.

6. Does this mean I have to E-File?

• No, at this time the current process for filing paper documents will not change and documents will continue to be filed, processed, and scanned by the Clerk as they have always been.  The difference with the implementation of Odyssey is that once scanned, a paper court file will not be created.  Filing of Working Copies required by Snohomish County Local Court Rule 7(b)(2)(B) will also remain unchanged.

7. I already registered for Odyssey Portal through another County, do I have to register again?

• Yes.  Each County maintains its own subscription service and fees.  A unique email address is also required for each County’s subscription with Odyssey Portal.  

8. If I have paid for a subscription and come into the office, do I still need to pay for copies?

• Yes.  This will require the use of our resources (staff time, paper, toner, etc.) and therefore the normal fee for copies would apply. 

9. Questions on how to search/view documents and case information in Odyssey Portal:

• It says to enter a “Record #” in the search field? 

®    Record # is the same as Case #

• I can’t find my case

®    Try utilizing the “Wild Card” search feature by typing your last name, first initial followed by an asterisk “*” (i.e. – John Smith = Smith, J*)

• How can I search for a specific case type?

®    Advanced search, choose case type

®    In the Smart Search box under the Search Criteria field click on Advanced Filtering Options.  Scroll down to the Search Cases box, click on the down arrow in Filter by Case Type field, and select the desired Case Type.

• I have tried searching and can’t find what I am looking for.

®    Odyssey is very literal.  It will search for exactly what you type in.  Try using the wild card function (*) when performing your search.

®    Businesses that were converted over from the previous system had to have “NFN” entered under the first name field.  If searching for a business, try typing in a minimum of 3 characters and an * for a broader search.

• Case is not showing in Odyssey, but it is showing in SCOMIS or JIS

®    Try searching with less specific criteria and use the wild card function.

• How can I search for a specific attorney’s cases?

®    Advanced Search, using attorney bar number

®    In the Smart Search box under the Search Criteria field click on Advanced Filtering Options.  Scroll down to the General Filtering Options box, click on the down arrow in Filter by Search Type – Smart Search field, and select Attorney Bar Number.

• Can I print a docket?

®    From the Details screen/page of your search click on the Print button.  A box will appear directing you to “Please select the sections that you would like to print” with all the boxes check.  Simply uncheck any sections you don’t desire and click the Print button.

• Can I print a list of cases coming up in my search?

®    From the Search Results screen/page click on the Print button in the upper right hand corner above your search results.

• If I am an attorney of record and have filed a Notice of Appearance, will I be able to see my confidential case types?

®    Yes, if you are unable to see your confidential case types and/or documents please contact SCLSUBSCRIPTIONS@SNOCO.ORG

• Can I view my confidential case type?

®    At this time, Pro Se litigants cannot view their confidential case information via the Odyssey Portal.  Attorneys of Record who have filed a Notice of Appearance and are subscribers to the Portal can view confidential case types/documents.  Otherwise, if you are a party of record, you will need to come into our office and provide appropriate ID to view your confidential case.

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SCL-Outstanding Warrants

Show All Answers

1. What do I do if my name or the name of someone I know is on the list?

Contact the Superior Court clerk for more information or to resolve the warrant you may follow the instructions for clearing my warrant.

2. How do I contact the Superior Court clerk?

Contact the Superior Court clerk by calling 425-388-3466.

3. What do I do if I know I have a warrant and my name is not on the list?

If you know you have a warrant and your name is not on the list, your warrant might have been issued by the District Court. You can check the misdemeanor outstanding warrant list - District Court. If you are still not able to locate your warrant on either list, call your attorney. If you do not have an attorney, call the Office of Public Defense at 425-388-3500.

4. Why are there multiple charges listed within a single case?

In Superior Court, an individual can be charged with multiple violations within a single case or cause number. This website lists the first five charges (violations) for each case noted, but any case may have less than or more than five charges. Contact the Snohomish County Clerk's Office for more detailed information on an individual case.

5. What is the county's privacy policy?

View the county's privacy statement.

6. What is the county's availability policy for the outstanding warrant inquiry page?

View the county's availability statement.

7. May I view the outstanding warrants inquiry?

Continue to the outstanding warrants inquiry.

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Securing Our Elections

Show All Answers

1. Can I trust election results?

Yes, you can trust election results in Snohomish County. Our elections results have been consistently validated by audits, reviews, and recounts.

 

Snohomish County conducts elections by mail. Every vote is cast on a paper ballot. Paper ballots are used to audit the ballot counting system and in recounts of close races.

 

Our ballot counting system is tested by a federally approved lab and approved by the Washington State Secretary of State for use in Washington. The ballot counting system is not connected to the internet or any other networks and access is limited to authorized elections employees.  All access is controlled by key cards and passwords and monitored through system logs and video surveillance.

 

Before each election, the ballot counting system is programmed by county elections staff and tested to confirm ballots will be properly counted for that specific election.   This test is open to public observation and is witnessed by staff from the Washington State Secretary of State’s Office for federal and state elections.

 

Snohomish County also conducts two separate audits of our election results after Election Day.  For first audit, a single contest is agreed upon by representatives of each major political party. Each party also selects three batches. Election employees then hand count the results of the chosen contest to confirm the software tabulations.

The second audit is called a “Risk Limiting Audit.” This audit has been designed by statisticians and involves a hand recount of ballots chosen at random to form a statistical sample. The number of ballots in the sample increases until the audit sufficiently establishes that a full hand recount would confirm the original outcome.

 

Finally, the work performed by Snohomish County Elections is reviewed by the county canvassing board before election results are certified as final.

2. Can I observe election processes?

Yes, election processes are open to observation.  Additional information about election observation opportunities can be found on our website.

3. Are official ballot return drop boxes secure?

Yes, official drop boxes are a secure, convenient way for voters to return their ballot.

 

Ballot drop boxes are secured with custom locks and tamper-evident seals. Ballots are collected on a regular basis.

 

Ballot pick-up from the drop boxes is performed by no less than two employees. Ballots are transported directly to the election processing facility in sealed containers. A chain of custody log is maintained throughout the entire process.

4. How does Snohomish County Elections protect against cyber threats?

Snohomish County Elections uses layers of defenses to protect against cyber threats.

 

All Snohomish County Elections employees with computer access complete annual cybersecurity training and are frequently tested to ensure they can recognize and appropriately respond to suspicious emails and other tactics used by cyber criminals.

 

All ballot counting equipment is never connected to the internet or other networks. The ballot counting equipment also sits in a secured cage that requires two full-time elections employees to access.  Seal logs and video surveillance perform another layer of defense. All ballot counting equipment have USB port locks to further prevent unauthorized access.  

 

Other non-ballot counting equipment is protected by various network security tools including “Albert Sensors.”  Albert sensors are passive network traffic monitoring devices that look for known cyber threats as they try to enter the county network.  Staff monitor for albert sensor alerts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

 

Snohomish County Elections is also a member of the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing Analysis Center. The EI-ISAC is partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. EI-ISAC provides cybersecurity briefings, training, assessments, and resources to member counties.  

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Sheriff

Show All Answers

1. Get a concealed pistol license?

At this time, Concealed pistol license (CPL) applications can only be completed on-line. Get more information about

Concealed Pistol Licenses

2. Request a copy of a police report?

Requests for reports can be made in person at the 4th Floor of the County Courthouse (3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett), online, by email, by mail, or fax.

Request a copy of a police report

3. File an on-line crime report?

The  online crime report  allows you to submit a report if the following requirements are met: -The incident is not an emergency -There are no known suspects -The incident occurred in unincorporated Snohomish County -You have a valid email address -The item(s) were lost, stolen, or damaged -Dollar amount is under $5,000 To report a more serious crime, to report found property or if you need to have a deputy contact you for a loss of $5,000 or more, please call 911 and ask to be contacted by a deputy. Go to the

Online Crime Report

4. Find out if someone is in jail?

You can search the jail register for current inmates.

Daily Jail Register Search

5. File an online complaint or commendation?

Office of Professional Accountability  The Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) has an established system to receive online commendations and complaints about Sheriff's Office employees. 

6. File an animal-related complaint?

Snohomish County Animal Control Services, under the leadership of the County Auditor, handles all animal-related complaints. Contact

Animal Services

7. Report a parking or traffic complaint?

To report a chronic parking or traffic complaint, including illegal handicapped parking, speeding, red light and/or stop sign running, please submit an on-line Parking and Traffic Complaint. If this incident is occurring NOW, call 911!

Parking & Traffic Complaint Form

8. Find out where to go target shooting?

Target and recreational shooting in Snohomish County is regulated by a variety of local, county, state and federal laws. Most incorporated cities and municipalities have their own laws regarding the discharge of firearms within city limits. Please check with the city code and/or appropriate law enforcement agency before discharging firearms in city limits. A map of "no shooting areas" in the county is available for download.

Recreational Shooting

9. Report a junk or abandoned vehicle?

To qualify as a “junk” vehicle a vehicle must meet at least three of the following conditions: -Must be at least three years old; -Must be extensively damaged; -Must be apparently inoperable; -Must have a “fair market value” equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it; If the vehicle meets the above requirements, complete a Junk Vehicle Affidavit Inspection Request Form. More information:

Junk Vehicles

10. File a noise complaint?

Noise complaints associated with Commercial and Industrial activities are handled by Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement

11. Discharge fireworks legally in Snohomish County?

Each year, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Fire District 1, and the Fire Marshal's Office receive more than 650 firework-related calls in July. Check the County's Firework Discharge Maps and get more information about

fireworks

12. Get my fingerprints taken?

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office provides fingerprinting services for those residing within unincorporated Snohomish County at the 4th Floor of the County Courthouse (3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett) on a first come, first served basis. Appointments for fingerprinting can be made at the Sheriff's Office precincts and services are also available for residents of Granite Falls, Snohomish and Stanwood at the city's police department. Learn more about

Fingerprinting

13. Become a Sheriff’s deputy?

We accept applications for new and lateral law enforcement and corrections deputies at anytime. Learn more about

Employment & Recruiting

14. Report information I have about a case or investigation?

If you believe you have information about a crime or case being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office – and it is not an emergency – please call our tip line at 425-388-3845. Callers may remain anonymous but are encouraged to leave a contact number for follow up and verification purposes only. All tips are kept confidential.

Tip Line

15. Start a Neighborhood Watch program?

Contact the Office of Neighborhoods sergeant.

Office of Neighborhoods

16. Find out if I have a warrant?

For more information on misdemeanor warrants, call the District Court at 425-388-3331. For more information on felony warrants, call the Snohomish County Clerk's Office at 425-388-3466. 

Outstanding Warrants

17. Report identity theft?

If you think you have been the victim of identity theft please call 911 to file a report as soon as possible.

Identity Theft

18. Serve legal documents?

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Civil Unit processes and serves a wide range of court documents filed in Washington and other states. In order to serve documents, staff will need to collect as much information as possible, including addresses, phone numbers, employment information and deadline for service. Papers cannot be served to post office boxes. We do not guarantee service and do not transfer custody of children except under court order (Writ of Habeas Corpus).

Service of Court Documents & Legal Papers

19. Serve an eviction?

Read "Eviction: Are You Prepared?" and submit a Restitution Intake Form.

Service of Court Documents and Legal Papers

20. Request the return of evidence or property?

For safekeeping or found property, call the Evidence Unit for an appointment at 425-388-7050. The evidence room holds found property for 60 days, after which time items may be disposed of per state law. In most cases, deputies and/or prosecutors must approve release of evidence.

Return of Property or Evidence

21. Report a non-emergency?

In the event of a non-emergency, such as illegal fireworks or noise complaint, in Snohomish County, please call 425-407-3999.

More information about non-emergencies and when to