Marysville Zoning & Land Use Guide
What we have on file vs. what to verify locally
We don't have editor-verified zoning prose for Marysvilleyet. Here's the structured data we do have, and the highest-leverage steps to confirm specifics for your parcel.
What we have on file
- Population:
- 67,000
- County:
- Snohomish County
- State building code:
- WA State Building Code (based on 2021 IBC)(statewide default)
- State ADU law:
- Yes — Washington HB 1337 (2023, effective July 23, 2023) requires cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act to allow at least two accessory dwelling units per lot in zones that permit single-family homes within urban growth areas. The law limits impact fees on ADUs, prohibits owner-occupancy requirements, and requires that ADUs of at least 1,000 sq ft be allowed. HB 1110 (2023) separately legalized middle housing (duplexes through sixplexes depending on city size).
- FEMA flood map:
- Search flood zones
- Planning department:
- City of Marysville Planning Department
- Municipal code:
- View code online
- Zoning map:
- View city zoning map
Verify these locally
- Call the City of Marysville Planning Department: (360) 363-8100
- Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
- Use the city zoning map to look up your parcel's zoning designation before applying for a permit.
- Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
- Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in Marysville and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.
Key Zoning Facts
Marysville Zoning Overview
Marysville is one of the fastest-growing cities in Washington State, with approximately 67,000 residents in Snohomish County. Located north of Everett along Interstate 5 and near the Tulalip Indian Reservation, Marysville has seen significant residential and commercial growth as part of the greater Seattle metropolitan area's northward expansion. The city manages land use and development through its Planning Department, which administers the Marysville Municipal Code.
Marysville follows the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50/51), based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). The city's rapid growth has driven ongoing updates to its zoning code to accommodate new residential subdivisions, commercial corridors, and light industrial development. Washington state's Growth Management Act (GMA) shapes Marysville's long-range planning through its Comprehensive Plan.
Primary Zoning Districts
Marysville's residential zoning includes the R-1 (Low Density Residential) district with 8,500 square foot minimum lots, the R-2 (Medium Density) district with 6,000 square foot minimum lots, and the R-3 (High Density) district with 4,000 square foot minimum lots for higher-density single-family and townhome development. The MF (Multifamily Residential) district accommodates apartment and higher-density housing.
Commercial uses are concentrated in the C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) and C-2 (General Commercial) districts. The LI (Light Industrial) district accommodates warehousing, manufacturing, and business park uses that support the regional economy.
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Marysville allows ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) under Washington state law HB 1337 (2023), which requires cities to permit ADUs and allows up to 2 ADUs per lot in most residential areas. This applies to cities planning under the Growth Management Act (which includes most urban Washington cities). Contact the Marysville Planning Department at (360) 363-8100 for current local requirements including size limits, setbacks, utility connections, and permitting procedures.
Development Process
Development in Marysville generally requires obtaining appropriate permits. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
- SEPA Review — Projects over certain thresholds require State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review under Washington state law
- Site Plan Review — Commercial and multi-family projects require site plan review
- Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Marysville, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification of their property
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific district
- Determine if the property is in a FEMA flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
- Check whether the property is near critical areas (wetlands, streams) that trigger additional state and local environmental protections
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Contact Planning at (360) 363-8100 for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Marysville and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Marysville or the municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Marysville
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Washington
- Building Code: WA State Building Code (WAC 51-50/51)
- State ADU Override: Yes (WA HB 1337 (2023) requires cities to allow ADUs; 2 ADUs per lot in most areas)
County — Snohomish County
- Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, and unincorporated area planning. Marysville operates as an incorporated city within Snohomish County.
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
- Tulalip Tribes Proximity — Marysville borders the Tulalip Indian Reservation. Development near tribal lands should be aware of potential coordination considerations, though tribal land is not subject to city zoning.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements, especially in newer subdivisions.
Statewide Context (Washington)
Local data for Marysville is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Washington and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.
- State Building Code
- WA State Building Code (based on 2021 IBC)
- State ADU Preemption
- Yes — state law overrides local rules
- Coastal Zone
- Yes
- Wildfire Zones
- Yes
ADU Rules in Marysville
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Marysville are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Marysville permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific