If you are eyeing a home near North Creek, the county line can run right through the neighborhood. One side may be King County and the other Snohomish County, and that difference affects taxes, utilities, schools, and permits. You want clarity before you write an offer or list your home. This guide breaks down what changes by county and how to confirm the details for any address. Let’s dive in.
North Creek in context
North Creek commonly refers to the creek and surrounding community near Bothell, including the UW Bothell wetland and floodplain. Bothell spans both King and Snohomish counties, so two adjacent properties can fall under different jurisdictions. That is why a parcel-level check is essential. You can verify city limits and service areas using the City of Bothell’s Permit Center and mapping tools.
Confirm your county in 4 steps
- Gather the property address or parcel number.
- Check the City of Bothell Permit Center map to see if the address is inside Bothell city limits and to view utility layers. Use the address search for a quick answer.
- If needed, verify the county through the official parcel and records tools: King County iMap for King County addresses and Snohomish County’s recorded documents search for Snohomish parcels.
- Note which county treasurer bills taxes and where deeds must be recorded. Title and escrow will confirm during the transaction, but it helps to know early.
- City of Bothell Permit Center and maps: Bothell Permit Center
- King County parcel viewer: King County iMap
- Snohomish County records: Search Recorded Documents
What changes by county
Property taxes and REET
Your tax bill reflects county, city, school district, and special district levies. Nearby homes can see different levy rates because they sit in different taxing districts. Review assessed values and tax context through the county assessor, and remember sellers typically pay Washington’s Real Estate Excise Tax at closing. For details, see the King County Assessor’s 2025 overview and the state’s REET guide.
Schools and boundaries
Most North Creek addresses are served by the Northshore School District, and boundaries can cross the county line. Always confirm attendance zones for a specific address using the district’s school boundary lookup. School assignment is address based and may influence demand and buyer considerations.
Utilities and who serves you
Water and sewer service in the North Creek area is provided by several districts, not just the city. Use the City of Bothell’s Find your water service provider tool to identify providers for a given address. On the Snohomish County side, electric service is typically provided by Snohomish PUD; portions of the King County side are served by Puget Sound Energy for electricity and gas. If you plan a remodel or ADU, confirm water and sewer availability with the correct utility district before you budget.
Permits and codes
If the home is inside Bothell city limits, permits go through the City of Bothell Permit Center. If it is unincorporated, permitting goes through the county’s planning department. Codes for setbacks, trees, critical areas, and impact fees can differ, so confirm early using the Bothell Permit Center and the county’s permitting pages.
Environment and floodplain
North Creek and its wetlands are environmentally sensitive areas. Both counties and the city regulate building near streams, wetlands, and floodplains. Before you plan site work, check FEMA flood maps and county critical-area rules. Start with the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and Snohomish County’s Critical Area Requirements.
Public safety and services
Police and fire providers differ by jurisdiction. Inside Bothell city limits, Bothell Police and Bothell Fire serve most addresses. In unincorporated Snohomish County, the Sheriff’s Office and local fire districts cover nearby areas. Coverage can also affect levies that appear on your tax bill.
Common surprises near North Creek
- A “Bothell” mailing address does not guarantee you are inside city limits or in a specific county. Always verify with the city map and the county parcel viewer.
- A home that looks “in town” may be on a septic system or under a separate water district. Confirm providers and connection status before you waive contingencies.
- Parcels near North Creek can have buffers, recorded critical-area site plans, or mitigation requirements that limit buildable area. Check flood and critical-area overlays early.
- Two neighboring homes can have different tax rates because of county lines, fire districts, and voter-approved levies.
Quick checklist for buyers and sellers
- Confirm city and county jurisdiction with the Bothell Permit Center and the county parcel tools.
- Note the parcel number and review assessed value and tax context via the King County Assessor overview.
- Verify school boundaries with the Northshore School District tool.
- Identify water, sewer, electric, and gas providers using the Find your water service provider tool and the utility directly.
- Check FEMA flood zones at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center; obtain insurance quotes if required by a lender.
- If planning improvements, contact the correct permit office and utility district to confirm codes, fees, and capacity.
- For closing costs, review Washington’s REET rules and confirm recording requirements through your title company.
Work with a local advisor
If you are comparing homes on both sides of North Creek, the right guidance saves time and prevents surprises. You get data-backed advice, clear next steps, and hands-on coordination with the correct city, county, and utilities. For responsive, high-touch representation that blends local expertise with measurable results, connect with Wanis Nadir.
FAQs
How do I tell if a North Creek home is in King or Snohomish County?
- Start with the City of Bothell’s Permit Center map, then confirm in the county parcel tools for King or Snohomish; title and escrow will verify again during the transaction.
Do property taxes differ between the King and Snohomish sides of Bothell?
- Yes, levy rates can vary by county, city, school district, and special districts, so nearby parcels may have different tax bills; review your parcel’s details via the county assessor.
Which school district serves the North Creek area near Bothell?
- Most addresses are served by the Northshore School District, but boundaries cross the county line; use the district’s address-based lookup to confirm.
Are flood or wetland rules a factor along North Creek?
- Often, yes; parcels near the creek and wetlands may have buffers or restrictions, and lenders may require flood insurance depending on FEMA map zones.
Who are the likely utility providers on each side of the county line?
- Water and sewer vary by district; use the city’s provider lookup. Electric is typically Snohomish PUD on the Snohomish side and Puget Sound Energy on parts of the King side; always confirm by address.
