County committee advances ordinance to replace 'church' with neutral term for religious facilities

The Snohomish County Planning and Community Development Committee on Jan. 6 moved Ordinance 25-077 to Governmental & Legislative Services (GLS) so the committee can set a public hearing date, currently scheduled to be set Jan. 14.

County staff said the ordinance replaces the word “church” in county code with a neutral term for religious facilities, following a hearing examiner recommendation intended to make permitting clearer and less tied to a specific religion. Ryan Himbry, council staff, told the committee the change is intended to increase clarity and efficiency in permit review.

The matter drew a question from a committee member about whether revising the definition could make it easier for faith-based organizations to use property for housing. Jennifer, identified as a planner in the county’s Planning and Development Services (PDS), responded that under the proposed definition housing is allowed only if it "serves the purpose of the church" and is related to church activity; she said the definition would not enable ordinary residential housing unrelated to a religious use. A committee member noted pending state legislation in Olympia that could change local application and said the committee might revisit the ordinance in March or April if state law changes.

An in-person commenter asked for background materials on why the issue had been tabled previously; staff acknowledged the request and indicated counsel could provide background. With no objection on the committee floor, Chair Nering said the ordinance will be referred to GLS for scheduling of a public hearing.

Next steps: GLS will set a hearing date (noted in the meeting as Jan. 14) and the committee may receive updates or additional clarifications from PDS or counsel before final action.