Snohomish County Planning and Development Services: Shaping Tomorrow's Communities

Snohomish County’s Planning and Development Services (PDS) department plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our county. With a mission to “plan for the present and future needs of our communities,” PDS is responsible for ensuring balanced growth, protecting our environment, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

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Table of Contents

Guiding Principles

PDS operates under the following guiding principles:

Transparency: Engaging the public in the planning process and providing clear and accessible information.
Collaboration: Working closely with other county agencies, local governments, businesses, and community organizations.
Innovation: Exploring new approaches and technologies to improve planning outcomes.
Sustainability: Balancing economic development with environmental protection and social equity.
Equity: Creating inclusive communities that meet the needs of all residents, regardless of race, income, or ability.

Key Responsibilities

PDS covers a wide range of responsibilities, including:

Comprehensive Planning: Developing and implementing long-range plans that guide growth and development in unincorporated areas of the county.
Zoning and Permitting: Regulating land use through zoning codes and issuing permits for new construction and renovations.
Environmental Planning: Protecting natural resources, such as wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitats.
Transportation Planning: Coordinating with local and regional agencies to improve transportation infrastructure and reduce traffic congestion.
Economic Development: Supporting business growth and job creation.
Community Development: Investing in affordable housing, public facilities, and community services.

Key Initiatives

PDS is currently working on several key initiatives that will shape the future of Snohomish County:

Growth Management Act: Updating the county’s Comprehensive Plan to comply with the state’s Growth Management Act, which aims to manage growth in a sustainable way.
Climate Action Plan: Developing a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Affordable Housing Strategy: Creating strategies to increase the supply of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households.
Transportation Infrastructure Improvements: Investing in new roads, bridges, bike lanes, and transit options to improve mobility and reduce congestion.

Customer-Centric Approach

PDS is committed to providing excellent customer service and meeting the needs of residents and businesses. The department offers a variety of tools and resources, including:

Online Permitting: Streamlined online permitting system for construction and development projects.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Funding for affordable housing, public facilities, and community services in low-income communities.
GIS Mapping: Interactive maps that provide information about land use, zoning, and other planning data.
Technical Assistance: Free technical assistance to businesses and property owners on planning and development regulations.

Benefits of PDS Services

PDS services provide numerous benefits to residents, businesses, and communities, including:

Predictable Development: Zoning regulations provide certainty for businesses and property owners, making it easier to plan for the future.
Environmental Protection: Comprehensive planning helps protect natural resources and minimize the impacts of development.
Improved Infrastructure: Transportation planning improves mobility and reduces congestion, making it easier to get around.
Economic Growth: Economic development programs support business growth and create jobs.
Community Revitalization: Community development initiatives create vibrant and livable communities.

Conclusion

Snohomish County Planning and Development Services is a critical department that plays a vital role in shaping the future of the county. Through its commitment to transparency, collaboration, innovation, sustainability, and equity, PDS ensures balanced growth, protects our environment, and enhances the quality of life for all residents.