Property Information FAQ 

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?

You will need to access and retrieve Snohomish County Code Title 30 (Unified Development Code). Look at Table 30.21.020, which contains a listing of all zoning designations in unincorporated Snohomish County.

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, .110, and .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. How do I get a copy of a plat map (subdivision map)?

All plats are recorded with the County Auditor's Office.  Public Records Document Search is where you enter the name of the plat (subdivision) under General "Party 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 Instrument #, 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 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).  PDS required recordation of CASP's 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.

6. Who owns the property across the street?

Start at the County Assessor's website at Assessor/Treasurer Property Information.  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 County Property Map - 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.

7. What is my neighbor building?

PDS' interactive Zoning Map and PDS 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. 

PDS 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. What other web links related to development and permitting in unincorporated Snohomish County would be helpful?

SnoScape (maps currently available for Southwest County only)

The Comprehensive Plan

Cartography/GIS Services

Application Forms & Bulletins

Code Enforcement

MyBuildingPermit.com

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

Please visit our Public Records Request web page.

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

The State Health District has as-built records of approved drain field/septic systems.

Environmental Health Division
 
Phone:(425) 339-5250
Email: webquestions@shd.snohomish.wa.gov
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

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

11. Code (Snohomish County Code, SCC)

       This is a link to the complete county code.

12. 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 such as:

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

cannot be answered by the AskPermitTech program.  If you are considering these types of developments, we highly encourage you to apply for a Pre-Application Meeting by using the following links: 

Residential Pre-Application Package
Commercial Development 
Land Use/Subdivisions
Low Impact Development Proposals (Pre-apps are MANDATORY for LID proposals)
Critical Area Verification Pre-Application

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.