A. If, during the course of construction, earth movement, clearing, or other site disturbance, human remains are encountered, all work shall cease immediately in an area large enough to protect the find. Under these circumstances, the Department may issue a stop work order pursuant to Chapter 14.85 SMC. The applicant shall immediately notify the Planning Director and promptly notify any affected Indian tribe, the Snohomish County Archaeologist and the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP).

B. The finding of human skeletal remains will be reported to the county medical examiner/coroner and local law enforcement in the most expeditious manner possible. The remains will not be touched, moved, or further disturbed. The Snohomish County medical examiner/coroner will assume jurisdiction over the human skeletal remains and make a determination of whether those remains are forensic or nonforensic. If the Snohomish County medical examiner/coroner determines the remains are nonforensic, then they will report that finding to the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) who will then take jurisdiction over the remains. The DAHP will notify any appropriate cemeteries and all affected tribes of the find. The State Physical Anthropologist will make a determination of whether the remains are Indian or non-Indian and report that finding to any appropriate cemeteries and the affected tribes. The DAHP will then handle all consultation with the affected parties as to the future preservation, excavation, and disposition of the remains. (Ord. 2369, 2019)