The impact of land use regulations in Snohomish County continue to affect our environment and our ability to thrive in our community. Most of us experience the negative consequences of clearcutting of plats in our neighborhoods, overbuilding by mandate, and what seems like the cavalier application of code provisions to suit a developer’s need for expediency and profit. When trees are planted most sparingly to replace the urban forests that are ripped away and meet electric lines, an instant hazard is created. Engineer Bill Lider makes this case and point in his report of August 15, 2025 addressed to the Snohomish County Council members. He’s asking the Council to pass an ordinance for street tree and underground utility contact avoidance. He is saying that you shouldn’t plant trees right above buried conduit given that the tree roots will inevitably envelop and surround the conduits. Inasmuch as high-voltage electrical lines don’t match with tree roots, it literally plants a clear and present safety risk to those tending to the trees and those tasked with maintaining and repairing the conduits. There needs to be a lateral distance between the two. Mr. Lider recommends a five-foot distance consistent with the standard in Seattle.

What do you say?

Please contact your councilperson should you have an opinion.