Information for New Residents, Businesses, and Property Owners

Emergency Response:
Please continue to use the 911 system for all public safety emergencies. However, the Snohomish Police Department will now respond to 911 calls related to police emergencies. Fire and medical emergencies will continue to be provided by Fire District #4.

Garbage:
Your current garbage service provider is Waste Management. If you do not have garbage service, you will need to contact the City of Snohomish to subscribe. Garbage, yard debris and recycling collection services are requirements in the City of Snohomish. Burning of yard debris is not permitted in the City limits.

Water and Sewer Service:
Presently the City does not have any sewer lines in this area of the City. If you have difficulties with your septic system, you should contact a contractor who specializes in septic systems. The only water service from the City in this area is a 16-inch water line located in Bickford Avenue. If you wish to connect to this water line, please contact the Office of Community Services at 360-568-3115. The City sewers should become available in the next few years. Continue your same service for PUD, gas, cable, etc.

Planning, Engineering, and Building Permits:
For questions pertaining to land development, building permits or infrastructure improvements, please contact the office of Community Development Services located at City Hall. The City’s Permit Coordinator will be able to direct you to the right person to answer your questions. The phone number at City Hall is 360-568-3115. All permits for such things as plumbing, mechanical, remodeling, fence, and outbuilding projects, please check with the Building Department at City Hall. For electrical permits, you will need to contact the Labor & Industries Department in Everett at 425-290-1400.

City Council:  more information
The seven-member City Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the School District’s George Gilbertson Boardroom, 1601 Avenue D, behind the Fire Station. Registered voters will be able to vote for three City Council positions in the next election, which will be held in November 2003.

City Boards and Commissions:  more information
The City presently has six boards and commissions, plus volunteer committees. A list of the various boards and the meeting times and locations is attached. If you are interested in serving on a board or commission, please send a letter to the Mayor at City Hall and you will be contacted directly.

Licenses:
The City requires the following licenses: Animal license (dog), business license and home occupation permits. Please note that the maximum number of animals allowed per household is six (i.e. three dogs and three cats). Pet licenses are issued annually in May. Business licenses are processed throughout the year.

Taxes:
Specific tax effects to property owners will need to be discussed individually. In general, there is little difference between property taxes levied in the City and those levied in the County. Snohomish collects a 6% utility tax on phone, power, and water bills.

Contacting the City of Snohomish:
In recent years, the City has gone to considerable time and expense to make City information more accessible. Business hours at City Hall are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Most City Department’s are located at City Hall, 116 Union Avenue and they can be reached at 360-568-3115. The Police Department can be reached at 360-568-0888. This number should only be used for non-emergencies.

The City’s web site is an excellent way to keep track of things happening in your community. It contains agendas for boards and commissions including the City Council. It also includes background information on the various departments along with individual contact information. Handouts on commonly asked questions or land development activities are also available and can be downloaded.