Everett, WA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Review trigger
- 2,000+ sq ft new/replaced hard surface
- Review trigger
- 7,000+ sq ft land disturbance
- Design standard
- DOE Stormwater Manual, Western WA
- Reviewing authority
- City public works director
- Exception
- Combined sewer area follows Ch. 14.08
Summary
Everett requires stormwater drainage review for any project adding 2,000+ square feet of new or replaced hard surface, disturbing 7,000+ square feet, or converting large areas of vegetation, under the city's surface and stormwater drainage chapter.
B. Stormwater Drainage Review. Stormwater drainage review is required when a proposed project: 1. Results in two thousand square feet, or greater, of new plus replaced hard surface area; or 2. Has land disturbing activity of seven thousand square feet or greater; or 3. Converts three-quarters acre, or more, of vegetation to lawn or landscaped areas; or 4. Converts two and one-half acres, or more, of native vegetation to pasture.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Everett Municipal Code Chapter 14.28, a proposed project must go through stormwater drainage review if it adds 2,000 or more square feet of new plus replaced hard surface, disturbs 7,000 or more square feet, converts three-quarters of an acre or more of vegetation to lawn or landscaped area, or converts two and a half acres or more of native vegetation to pasture. Design must meet, in order of precedence, the chapter itself, the city's Design and Construction Standards and Specifications, and the Washington State Department of Ecology's Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington. Projects in the city's combined sewer area follow Chapter 14.08 instead. The public works director reviews and approves all stormwater site plans.
Violations & Fines
The public works director may issue enforcement orders, stop-work orders, and impose inspection fees; noncompliance can lead to permit suspension or revocation and business license revocation under EMC 14.28.150.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a small home addition need stormwater review in Everett?
What design standards apply to Everett stormwater projects?
Sources & Official References
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle stormwater management.