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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.