Snohomish County consistently ranks among Washington’s counties with higher property crime rates, showing more incidents per capita than many other urban areas including neighboring King County. The county’s position along the I-5 corridor, combined with a mix of dense commercial and residential zones, contributes to elevated rates of auto theft and property crimes. This data suggests Snohomish County residents should be particularly mindful of their insurance coverage choices. Property owners would be wise to carefully evaluate their insurance deductibles, especially for vehicles, as the county’s crime statistics indicate a higher likelihood of needing to file a claim compared to other major Washington counties. This is particularly true for residents near major commercial centers or transportation corridors where property crime rates tend to be highest.
Crime data sourced from the Washington State Statistical Analysis Center’s Criminal Justice & Statistics Center (2023), available at https://sac.ofm.wa.gov/data
Snohomish County has established general licensing provisions that apply to various businesses and activities. According to Chapter 6.01 of the Snohomish County Code (SCC), applicants for any license or permit under this title must maintain bodily injury/property damage liability insurance. The insurance policy should cover the applicant, their servants, agents, or employees while conducting the licensed business or activity. The certificate of insurance must be filed with the licensing authority, and the county must be notified in writing if the policy is canceled. This requirement ensures that licensees are adequately insured against potential liabilities.
Chapter 6.06 of the SCC specifically addresses insurance requirements for kennels, grooming parlors, and pet shops. Private kennel-breeding/non-breeding facilities and commercial kennel facilities are exempt from the general liability insurance mandate outlined in Section 6.01.190 of the SCC. This exemption is detailed in Section 6.06.009 of the SCC.
For boating exhibitions and tournaments, Section 6.40.085 of the SCC outlines specific insurance and indemnity requirements. Applicants must provide a certificate of comprehensive general liability insurance, naming Snohomish County, its officers, and employees as additional insured. This insurance should cover any damage caused by wake or motorboats operating as part of the event. The policy must include a “cross-liability” endorsement, ensuring that multiple insured parties are protected. The minimum coverage required is $500,000 combined single-limit bodily injury and property damage.
Additionally, applicants must agree to indemnify and hold Snohomish County harmless from any liability arising from the event, including any claims, suits, or actions made against the county for injuries or property damage. This indemnity agreement is a crucial aspect of the licensing process for boating exhibitions and tournaments.
Chapter 10.06 of the SCC regulates the opening and consumption of alcoholic beverages on specific county properties, including the Evergreen Fairgrounds, Snohomish County Airport, and certain areas under the Department of Parks and Recreation. Licensees must secure a facility license from the county and obtain a liquor license from the Washington State Liquor Control Board.
Licensees are required to provide commercial general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 combined single-limit bodily injury and property damage. This coverage should include host liquor liability if alcohol is provided and liquor liability if liquor is sold. Snohomish County, its officers, and employees must be named as additional insured, and the policy cannot be reduced or canceled without 45 days’ written notice to the county.
Chapter 30.53A of the SCC, pertaining to the Fire Code, outlines insurance requirements for special event permits. Inspections, insurance, and routing requirements vary based on the event’s type and size. Private events with 50 or more participants and public events with 50 to 99 attendees require an inspection but no routing or insurance. However, public events with 100 or more participants need both routing and insurance.
For these larger public events, a certificate of comprehensive general liability insurance, naming the county as an additional insured with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence, must be filed with the county licensing authority. The county risk manager may impose additional insurance requirements at their discretion.
Snohomish County has specific insurance requirements for construction projects and drainage facilities. For construction projects, the county requires applicants to obtain occurrence form commercial general liability insurance against personal injury and property damage. The coverage amount is determined by the director of the department of budget and finance, with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence. The policy must be maintained for the project’s duration and for three additional years after final approval or construction acceptance.
Similarly, for drainage facilities constructed within county road rights-of-way, applicants must obtain commercial general liability insurance against personal injury, property damage, or loss resulting from construction activities. The insurance amount is also determined by the director of the department of budget and finance, with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence. The policy should be maintained continuously for the work’s duration and for three years after the county’s final approval of the construction.
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