The proposed ordinance repeals and replaces the current Title 5 of the Snohomish County Board of Health Code, which governs onsite sewage systems (OSS), commonly known as septic systems. The Board of Health received a briefing in August 2025 regarding this ordinance; since then, staff have made minor edits to improve clarity and consistency of language. These changes do not alter the substance or intent of the proposed code revisions.

The proposed new layout does not introduce significant policy changes; instead, it reorganizes and streamlines the content from the repealed Title 5 to improve the usability, structure, and consistency of these regulations for OSS contractors, Health Department staff, and the public.

The key changes reflected in this new layout include:

• Adding a general provisions chapter (5.05) – establishes a consistent framework that includes purpose and applicability, state rule adoptions, definitions, and information about waivers, fees, and appeals. There is one new policy element: a section on Historic and Archaeological Sites (5.05.090), which clarifies compliance with Snohomish County Code for historic and archaeological resources.
• Reviewing and reordering chapters – permitting content is now grouped at the beginning of Title 5, followed by monitoring and maintenance content at the end of Title 5, to reflect the general progression of OSS system oversight. Vertical separation chapter (formerly 5.10) is removed, as its content is now fully addressed in the adopted OSS WAC.
• Merging rules for septic contractors into one, streamlined chapter - former chapters 5.40, 5.50, 5.55, and 5.70 have been merged into a single chapter (5.55). This chapter now covers all OSS contractors, including installers, pumpers, and monitoring and maintenance specialists.
• Updating terminology, grammar, and clarity across all chapters, as needed. Streamlining repetitiveness and redundancy across all chapters, as needed.

This update is the first step of a broader effort to update Title 5 in phases. This layout is intended to accommodate future rule revisions and new policy additions that may be necessary.