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Health Code Update
We're Updating the Board of Health Code, and we want to hear from you
The Snohomish County Health Department is working on a multi-year effort to modernize its Health Code. From septic systems to food safety, we’re making sure that these local rules reflect today’s needs, best available science, and community values. Stay updated on the latest developments by signing up for email updates.
Active Code Update Projects
Click each tab below to learn more about the code revisions that we are currently considering and how to share your thoughts. Codified changes are recorded in the Health Code’s legislative history.
Description
Washington State rules for septic systems outline several cases where connection to a public sewer system may be required versus installing a septic system. There are currently no local rules that explain how the mechanics of this state rule operate in Snohomish County. This rule only concerns new construction and is intended to be applied in extremely narrow circumstances. The draft code language (linked below) would make changes to Chapter 5.05 of the Board of Health Code.
Materials
- February Board of Health briefing staff report
- Proposed public sewer connection ordinance
- Health Code section under consideration
- Washington State rules for connecting to public sewer
- Washington State rules for providing urban services
- Growth Management Act: information about comprehensive plans – urban growth area
Share feedback
The Board of Health will consider approval of this ordinance at its March 2026 meeting. You can submit public comments regarding this ordinance by email, mail, or in-person:
- Email: SCBHC@co.snohomish.wa.us – must be received no later than 1 pm on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026
- Mail: Attn: Board Clerk, Snohomish County Health Department, 3020 Rucker Ave., Ste 306, Everett, WA 98201 – must be received no later than 1 pm on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026
- In-person: March Board of Health Meeting – meeting information can be found online
Description
Environmental Health fees cover the cost of providing permitting services for food establishments, pools and spas, septic systems, solid waste facilities, and other activities regulated by the Health Department. To cover the cost of delivering these services, we are working on our annual fee adjustments for the next two years. We are thinking two years in advance to account for the full Snohomish County budget biennium cycle for 2027 and 2028. New fees would be effective November 1st of each year.
Materials
- Current Environmental Health fee schedule
- Proposed Environmental Health fee schedule (expected early March 2026)
Share feedback
The Board of Health will consider approval of this ordinance at its April 2026 meeting. You can submit public comments regarding this ordinance by email, mail, or in-person:
- Email: SCBHC@co.snohomish.wa.us – must be received no later than 1 pm on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026
- Mail: Attn: Board Clerk, Snohomish County Health Department, 3020 Rucker Ave., Ste 306, Everett, WA 98201 – must be received no later than 1 pm on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026
- In-person: April Board of Health Meeting – meeting information can be found online
Description
Washington State will require all septic systems to be inspected when a property is sold by 2027. This new rule is meant to help home buyers and sellers understand the condition of a septic system before a sale. The Health Department is working to develop a program to implement this new state requirement, in partnership with local interested parties.
If a home has a septic system, it must be inspected before the sale can close. A certified septic professional must complete the inspection and send the report to the Health Department. The seller will also need to apply for a Report of Property Transfer, which is what makes this different from a routine inspection.
The draft code language would establish a new Chapter 5.60 of the Board of Health Code. You can review the proposed process and the draft code language that would create this new program below.
Materials
- Proposed property transfer inspection process flowchart (revised January 2026)
- Draft code language for property transfer inspections (revised February 2026)
- Draft RPT application sheet for sellers
Share feedback
The Board of Health may consider approval of this ordinance as soon as its April 2026 meeting. You can submit public comments regarding this ordinance by email, mail, or in-person:
- Email: SCBHC@co.snohomish.wa.us – must be received no later than 1 pm on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026
- Mail: Attn: Board Clerk, Snohomish County Health Department, 3020 Rucker Ave., Ste 306, Everett, WA 98201 – must be received no later than 1 pm on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026
- In-person: March Board of Health Meeting – meeting information can be found online.
Description
All septic contractors that are certified with the Health Department are required to submit reports for septic system inspections, pumpings, and minor repairs. These reports are the foundation for documenting an accurate service history which is useful to the homeowner, the Health Department, and future contractors who may service the system. The Health Department is working to update contractor reporting requirements and to create a new reporting guide that covers reporting best practices.
Materials
- Draft reporting guide for OSS contractors
- Draft code language for updated contractor reporting requirements
- Health Code section under consideration
Share feedback
The Board of Health may consider approval of this ordinance as soon as its April 2026 meeting. You can submit public comments regarding this ordinance by email, mail, or in-person:
- Email: SCBHC@co.snohomish.wa.us – must be received no later than 1 pm on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026
- Mail: Attn: Board Clerk, Snohomish County Health Department, 3020 Rucker Ave., Ste 306, Everett, WA 98201 – must be received no later than 1 pm on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026
- In-person: March Board of Health Meeting – meeting information can be found online.
More about the Health Code update project
Updates to the local Health Code will make it easier to understand, easier to follow, and better aligned with today’s public health needs. Over the next few years, we will review and revise each part of the code. We will use this webpage to share draft rules, timelines, and engagement opportunities – you can also stay updated by signing up for newsletter updates.
Interested in a particular code topic? The table below covers sections of the Health Code where we expect to make changes this year. We will update this plan as the work evolves.
January-March 2026 | April-June 2026 | July-September 2026 | OCTOBER-DECember 2026 |
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Looking beyond 2026, we expect to move on to other titles in the Health Code in phases. The topics below generally correspond with one of the 11 titles in our Health Code:
- Phase 2: solid waste, water recreation facilities, drinking water (expected to start in 2027)
- Phase 3: illegal drug manufacturing/storage sites, school health and safety, smoking and vaping, camping facilities, mobile home parks (expected to start in 2028 or later)
Stay connected and get involved
We know that code updates can be complex, especially when they touch on important topics like environmental public health. That’s why our team is committed to keeping the process clear and inclusive. We’re here to listen, answer questions, and work alongside community members, business, and local professionals. If you have ideas for Health Code improvements, please contact us.
Previous Project Updates
- What is in the Health Code?
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The Snohomish County Health Code gives the Health Department license to enact local regulations in addition to state rules. It includes rules that help maintain public health and safety in the county. It covers topics like solid waste, food safety, wastewater, and other regulated environments.
- Why are we updating the Health Code?
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Our local Health Code was first adopted in 1957, and since then, updates have been made in small steps by a range of authors. This project will involve a full review of all the current regulations to ensure they meet modern needs and address emerging issues. In areas that are lacking, new rules and regulations will be proposed.
- How does this code update impact me?
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The Snohomish County Health Code plays a role in many areas of life that may affect you on a daily basis. It includes regulations for food establishments, septic and wastewater systems, and drinking water and wells. It also protects the environment and water quality of our lakes, rivers, and the Puget Sound. There are other components of the code that address safety in spaces like schools, pools, and camps. It is likely that at least one area of the Health Code affects you or your community.
- Is this part of the Snohomish County Code?
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Health Code ordinances are passed through the Snohomish County Board of Health. This is different from the Snohomish County Code, which oversees all County operations and is passed through Snohomish County Council. Learn more about the Snohomish County Board of Health.
- How are proposed changes being decided?
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There are generally three types of code revisions that we are considering. In some cases, Snohomish County must update local codes in response to state-level changes. In other cases, proposed changes are the result of feedback from community members and Health Department staff. There are also changes that bring Snohomish County into parity with surrounding health districts.
- What should I include in a public comment?
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Public comments are one tool of many to capture your feedback. To ensure we can best use the information you provide to inform decision-making, please consider the following tips when giving feedback:
- Don’t worry about putting your comments into specific regulatory terminology. We want to hear about the things that are most important to you in your own words.
- Share your connection to the topic or issue, your lived experience, personal background, or unique insight.
- Keep your comments clear and concise. Be as specific as you can and provide concrete examples of your concern.
- Remember that we can only make changes that are in line with the Health Department’s scope and legal authority. We cannot grant exceptions to state or federal regulations.