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Snohomish County, WA Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Trigger
High/very-high hazard mapped parcel
Roof standard
Class A roof assembly
Walls
1-hour or ignition-resistant materials
Driveway rule
Access if wall >150 ft from road
Effective
Statewide July 1, 2023

Summary

Washington's Wildland-Urban Interface Code applies to parcels mapped high or very-high wildfire hazard. On those parcels, new construction requires class-1 ignition-resistant roofs, exterior walls, and decks, plus driveway access standards. The rules took statewide effect July 1, 2023 under RCW 19.27.560.

City-specific rules exist: Edmonds has its own wildfire zones rules that differ from Snohomish County's county-level regulations. If you live in Edmonds, check the city-specific page instead.

The following parts of class 1 ignition-resistant construction: (i)(A) Roof covering - Roofs shall have a roof assembly that complies with class A rating when testing in accordance with American society for testing materials E 108 or underwriters laboratories 790.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Wildfire hazard 'zones' come from statewide and local wildfire hazard and base-level risk maps authorized by RCW 19.27.560. All counties, cities, and towns must apply the WUI Code to commercial and residential building permits on parcels mapped high or very-high hazard. Class-1 ignition-resistant construction includes a class-A roof assembly, one-hour or noncombustible/ignition-resistant exterior walls, and fire-resistant decks and projections. Driveways are required where the first-story exterior wall is more than 150 feet from a fire apparatus access road. Snohomish County is implementing the code; check the county's WUI/wildfire hazard mapping to see whether a specific parcel falls in a high-hazard zone.

Violations & Fines

Requirements are enforced at building-permit issuance for high and very-high hazard parcels; permits will not be granted until ignition-resistant construction and access standards are satisfied.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my property is in a wildfire zone?
Wildfire hazard is set by statewide and local hazard/risk maps under RCW 19.27.560. Contact Snohomish County Planning and Development Services or the Fire Marshal to check whether your parcel is mapped high or very-high hazard.
What must I do if I build in a high-hazard area?
New construction must meet class-1 ignition-resistant standards: a class-A roof, ignition-resistant or one-hour exterior walls, protected decks, and driveway access requirements under the Washington WUI Code.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Snohomish County

Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsPropane StorageSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Snohomish County rules

Compare Snohomish County to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview

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Wildfire Zones in Cities Across Snohomish County

Edmonds, WAEverett, WALynnwood, WAMarysville, WA