Washington State’s Growth Management Act (GMA) (chapter 36.70A RCW) requires the development of a comprehensive plan. Comprehensive Plan {https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/2139/Comprehensive-Plan} changes are voted on once per year by the Snohomish County Council, with recommendations given by the Planning Commission, Public comments, and the Department of Planning and Development Services (PDS).The Comprehensive Plan serves as the document that guides County decisions and services on a wide range of topics, including: land use, transportation, parks, housing, capital facilities and the natural environment. The Comprehensive Plan consists of five components:The General Policy Plan consists of goals, objectives and policies that serve as a guide to the county’s growth and development.The Future Land Use Map (PDF) expresses graphically the 20-year vision of the preferred land use pattern. It identifies the urban growth areas around cities and towns, as well as urban, rural, and resource lands. The map is implemented through numerous zoning classifications and development regulations.The Transportation Element presents a plan for transportation facilities and services to support the needs of the projected populations.The Capital Facilities Plan (PDF) contains an inventory of the county’s public facilities and utilities, establishes level of service standards necessary to support development, and prioritizes facilities needed to support the needs of the projected populations.The Park and Recreation Element presents a plan for park and recreation facilities and services to support the needs of the projected populations.Outside of the periodic update cycle, less extensive revisions are allowed through the docketing process and County-initiated amendment proposals. Information on current and past proposals, and to find out about submitting an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan can be obtained from the Docket and County-Initiated Amendments web page.

Snohomish County adopted a Mineral Resource Lands (MRL) in Map 2 of the Future Land Use Map on February 1, 2006, designating and protecting land containing mineral resources of long-term significance. The MRL designation overlays other land use designations, and is intended to (1) limit mineral activity to areas within the MRL, and (2) restrict intense rural land uses within the MRL to preserve future access to the mineral resources. A 1999 mineral lands inventory identified 177,000 acres of mineral resources in Snohomish County. Of the 177,000 acres identified in the inventory, 131,000 acres are designated in the MRL. The MRL represents all of the mineral resource deposits in the county which meet the criteria for volume, quality, and extractability; are under county jurisdiction and are not slated for more intensive urban development; and are located in predominantly undeveloped, low density rural or forest areas where land use and environmental incompatibility issues have been addressed at a countywide level. Some of SCC 30.32C was amended by Amended Ord. 21-060 on 10/6/2021.

• In full disclosure, these AG-resource features are also found on the Official Zoning Maps labeled as "AG-_", and online via the PDS web map applications and their reports.----------------------------------------------Agricultural Lands----------------------------------------------Snohomish County Code (SCC): 30.32B.010Purpose and applicability.(1) The purpose of this chapter is to regulate development on and adjacent to designated farmlands in order to conserve farmland resources and ensure compatibility between farmlands and adjacent uses. This chapter is intended to assure that the use of lands adjacent to designated farmland does not interfere with the continued use, in the accustomed manner, of the designated farmland for the production of food and agricultural products. The chapter establishes that farm activities conducted on designated farmland are recognized as accepted activities. A further purpose is to encourage a good neighbor relationship between farmland owners and residential and other landowners. The chapter promotes greater awareness of farming activities through notification regarding farm activities to owners of land in, adjacent to, and near designated farmlands.(2) The provisions of this chapter shall apply to:(a) Lands designated as farmland;(b) Lands adjacent to or within 1,300 feet of lands designated farmland; and(c) Agricultural activities as defined in chapter 30.91A SCC. (Added by Amended Ord. 02-064, Dec. 9, 2002, Eff date Feb. 1, 2003).----------------------------------------------Agricultural Lands Disclosure Buffer----------------------------------------------Snohomish County Code (SCC): 30.32B.220Disclosure text.The following shall constitute the disclosure required by this part:Your real property is on, adjacent to, or within 1,300 feet of designated farmland; therefore, you may be subject to inconveniences or discomforts arising from agricultural activities, including but not limited to, noise, odors, fumes, dust, smoke, the operation of machinery of any kind (including aircraft), the storage and disposal of manure, the application by spraying or otherwise of chemical or organic fertilizers, soil amendments, herbicides and pesticides, hours of operation, and other agricultural activities.Snohomish County has adopted a Agricultural Lands Regulations (chapter 30.32B SCC) which may affect you and your land. You may obtain a copy of chapter 30.32B SCC from Snohomish County.A provision of chapter 30.32B SCC provides that "agricultural activities conducted on designated farmland in compliance with acceptable agriculture practices are presumed to be reasonable and shall not be found to constitute a nuisance unless the activities have a substantial adverse effect on the public health or safety."This disclosure applies to the real property upon any development or building permit approval; or, in the case of real property transfers, the disclosure applies to the subject property as of the date of the transfer. This disclosure may not be applicable thereafter if areas designated as farmland are changed from the farmland designation.Nothing in chapter 30.32B SCC shall affect or impair any right to sue for damages. (Added by Amended Ord. 02-064, Dec. 9, 2002, Eff date Feb. 1, 2003; Amended by Amended Ord. 05-089, Dec. 21, 2005, Eff date Feb. 1, 2006).