Header image with Snohomish County Health Department logo and title ‘Decoding the Health Code'

Issue 4 | September 2025

Health code update | Monthly REPORT 

Welcome to the September edition of Decoding the Health Code! Each month, we share what’s changing in the Snohomish County Board of Health Code and what it means for you. We’ve had some important developments this month, as well as opportunities for you to help shape what’s coming next.

What’s NEW THIS MONTH

SEPTEMBER Board of Health Meeting

The Board of Health approved one ordinance and heard a briefing on another:

  • Septic code refresh: The Board of Health voted to reorganize Title 5 of the Board of Health Code for clarity and consistency. While the structure is new, the underlying requirements remain largely the same. Now that we have a better foundation in place, you can expect for us to start proposing new possible code improvements. You can read more information in the Board of Health staff report. 
  • 2026 fee schedule update: The Board of Health heard a briefing on proposed adjustments to Environmental Health fees. This proposal includes an across-the-board 5% increase over most fees, with more information and exceptions outlined in the Board of Health staff report. The public comment period for this ordinance is now open - more information about that below.

Current feedback opportunities

Our Health Code webpage is updated with current code projects available for review and feedback, including: 

2026 Fee schedule update

We are working on our annual fee adjustment to better cover the cost of delivering permitting services. There is a comparison of current and proposed fees available on our website. The Board of Health was briefed on this ordinance at the September meeting. 

You can now submit comments before the Board of Health considers adopting this ordinance at the October meeting. See the "Fee schedule update" tab on our webpage for project materials and more information on submitting a public comment.

If adopted, the new fee schedule would take effect November 1, 2025.

Property Transfer Inspections

We are continuing work to develop a program that meets a new state requirement that all septic systems are inspected when a property is sold. See the "Property transfer inspections" tab on our webpage for more information.

Right now, we are seeking feedback on a proposed process and accompanying draft code language. If you have comments about this proposed program, please email us.

What to expect & STAY IN TOUCH 

We're continuing to work on developing septic code updates, and we previewed a few possible revisions in our August newsletter. We'll share more in future editions of this newsletter once we have opportunities to learn more and share your thoughts. 

Thank you for staying engaged with this code modernization effort! As always, feel free to reach out if you have questions or want to dig deeper into any of these changes - or share this with others who might be interested.

  • Email us at SCBHC@snoco.org
  • Visit us at snohd.org/1844/Health-Code-Update
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Snohomish County Health Department
3020 Rucker Ave., Everett, Washington
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