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Issue 6 | December 2025

Health code update | YEAR IN REVIEW 

As 2025 comes to a close, we want to look back on the work completed this year and thank everyone who took part in Health Code update conversations. This December issue of Decoding the Health Code is a year-in-review summary of what we focused on in 2025 and what’s coming in 2026. Your questions, comments, and participation continue to help shape a clearer and more consistent Health Code for Snohomish County.

We’ll be taking January off, so the next monthly report will be sent in mid-February. If you need to reach our team before then, please email us.

2025 at a glance 

In 2025, the Snohomish County Board of Health adopted eight ordinances - a new record and an important milestone in our ongoing code update work.

These ordinances:

  • Updated local code to match changes in state septic system rules
  • Clarified requirements for unplumbed espresso stands
  • Clarified the appeals process for Health Department determinations 
  • Reorganized the Environmental Health fee schedule
  • Created a consistent variance process
  • Reorganized Title 5 (land use and wastewater)
  • Adjusted fees for the year

Several of these updates also laid the groundwork for additional changes planned in 2026. To learn more about adopted ordinances, visit the Health Code legislative history page.

Throughout the year, we also shared early ideas, gathered feedback, and tested concepts with community members and industry partners on topics we expect to bring to the Board of Health in 2026. Read on for a sneak peek of what to expect next year!

Looking ahead to 2026

In 2026, we plan to work on updates across three titles of the Board of Health code. Additional topics may come up as the year progresses.
Stacked documents with lines of text, representing general health code provisions or oversight.

General provisions

We plan to develop a new, consistent enforcement chapter. This would provide clearer enforcement tools and better align our approach with other Snohomish County departments and other health departments across Washington.

We are also planning another fee adjustment, likely earlier in the year, so it can be considered as part of the next biennium budget process.
Illustration of a person holding a clipboard and writing, representing food safety rules, permits, or written requirements

Food safety

Planned food safety work in 2026 includes:

  • Exploring food-specific enforcement approaches as part of the new general enforcement framework
  • Establishing local plan review rules and related definitions
  • Reviewing and updating temporary event permit options
Warning symbol over soil, representing wastewater or septic system risks and environmental concerns.

Wastewater

Planned wastewater work in 2026 includes:

  • Clarifying state rules about when properties need to connect to public sewer versus install a septic system
  • Implementing the state requirement for septic system inspections at the time of property sale
  • Updating certain contractor reporting requirements

Additional wastewater topics may emerge during the year, even if they don’t yet fit under a single theme.

STAY IN TOUCH 

Thank you again for being part of the Health Code update process in 2025. Your involvement helps ensure code changes are clear, transparent, and workable for the people they affect. We look forward to continuing the conversation in 2026! 

  • 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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