SNOHOMISH— The Snohomish County Boundary Review Board has unanimously approved the annexation of the North Lake Urban Growth Area into the City of Snohomish, completing a multi-year process that brings approximately 240 acres and more than 200 residents under city jurisdiction.
The decision, reached January 20, 2026, after a public hearing, marks the final step in incorporating the North Lake area—located north of 22nd Street and east of State Route 9—into the city. The territory had been designated as part of Snohomish’s urban growth area since the 1990s under county comprehensive planning.
The annexation was accomplished through the Interlocal Agreement method authorized by state law. On September 30, 2025, the City of Snohomish and Snohomish County signed an interlocal agreement that defined the annexation boundaries and outlined the orderly transition of services and jurisdiction. Two months later, on November 25, 2025, the Snohomish County Council passed Motion No. 25-518, declining to invoke the Boundary Review Board’s jurisdiction or oppose the proposal.
City officials described the process as collaborative, noting extensive community engagement that began in 2021 with reviews of land-use potential, followed by public workshops, direct conversations with property owners, planning studies, and coordination with the county. In August 2025, the Snohomish City Council unanimously advanced the annexation agreement.
The annexation is expected to enable more coordinated planning and service delivery. New residents will gain access to city services, representation on the city council, and participation in municipal elections as early as February or March 2026. Beginning in 2026, they will be charged city stormwater fees, and city property taxes will apply starting in 2027.
Property tax rates in the annexed area are likely to decrease initially, as the city’s levy rate stands at $9.712 per $1,000 of assessed value compared with the county’s rate of $9.9812 in the same area. However, officials noted that future development could increase assessed values, potentially affecting individual tax bills over time.
Development interest in the area has already emerged, though projects will require sanitary sewer availability. The city’s Northeast Trunkline sewer project, anticipated for construction this summer, will extend service to the annexation area, with further extensions to be built by developers.
Residents seeking additional details can visit the North Lake Annexation page on the City of Snohomish website.
Author: Mario Lotmore
