Unincorporated Area Community News - King County Department of Local Services



*November 2025*




Fall City gets green light from state for final phase of septic project
Fall City septic system work

"Workers install a new septic tank on a private property in the Fall City Business District on October 7."

On October 10, the state approved the newly installed underground pre-treatment facility and adjoining drainfield that make up Fall City's new underground on-site treatment plant. This allows King County to begin replacing the old septic tanks on 46 private properties in the business district with new tanks that will pump wastewater into the new treatment facility. Treated water will go to the drainfield in Bernard Memorial Park.

The county is now digging and installing tanks on individual properties and connecting each new tank to the larger system. This work will be done in phases through June 2026, starting with the properties to the west of the Preston-Fall City Road SW.

Residents should plan for road delays or closures through June 2026, when the project will be complete.

Learn more on this King County Local Blog post [ [link removed] ] or visit the project web page [ [link removed] ] for regular updates and ways to stay informed.




*Road Services*

New sidewalk fixes in White Center will help people and trees

This fall, King County Road Services is working in White Center to fix sidewalks along SW 108th Street between 4th Avenue SW and 1st Avenue S. These sidewalks have become cracked and bumpy because of growing tree roots, and can make it hard for people to use wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers to get around safely.

Instead of cutting down all the trees, the county is trying something new. In most places, they will install sturdy, non-slip aluminum panels over the tree roots. This will allow the trees to keep growing while also making the sidewalks flat and safe again. These trees are important to the community because their shade helps keep the neighborhood cool in hot weather.

In total, crews will...

• Replace 24 sidewalk panels and trim roots on six trees
• Remove 2 trees and 2 dead tree stumps
• Fill uneven areas with gravel to make them level and flat
• Use aluminum panels to protect tree roots and improve walking paths. (Other sidewalk panels will be paved.)

This work began in mid-October and is expected to take about a month.

Project area map

"The map above shows where work is being done to improve sidewalks on SW 108th Street between 4th Avenue SW and 1st Avenue SW. (Key: orange diamond = tree to be removed; blue circle = aluminum panel to be installed over roots; purple triangle = stump to be removed."

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Be winter-ready on roads in unincorporated King County

Winter weather can make traveling tricky in unincorporated King County, where roads may get icy or covered in snow during a storm. Road Services works hard to keep main roads clear, but it’s important for everyone to be prepared and know the best ways to stay safe.

Before you head out, check out the county's Winter Weather: Snow and Ice website [ [link removed] ]. You can sign up for email or text message road alerts [ [link removed] ], look at traffic cameras [ [link removed] ], see where snow plows have been on the winter weather response beta map [ [link removed] ], and use the MyCommute [ [link removed] ] map to plan your trip. These tools help you know what to expect so you can make smart choices when the weather gets rough.

If you see a problem on the road—like a fallen tree, icy patches, or a downed street sign—please report it. You can call the 24/7 Road Helpline at *206-477-8100* or send email to *[email protected]* <[email protected]>. Your report helps Road Services respond faster and keep everyone more safe.

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Did you know?

*Metro Transit*

Community Vans are available in Skyway and Vashon Island

King County Metro’s Community Van is a fun, flexible, and affordable way to get around—for errands, appointments, or adventures. Vans run 24/7 when drivers and vehicles are available. Round-trip fares are just $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for seniors, and rides are free for youths under 18. Volunteer drivers ride free when they're driving for a trip!

King County Metro provides the vehicles, fuel, insurance, and program oversight, including raining training for volunteer drivers and safety monitoring.

**► **For Skyway, email [email protected] or call 206-384-7479 [ tel:+12063847479 ]
**► **For Vashon Island, email [email protected] or call 206-756-7677 [ tel:+12067567677 ]


Community Van
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*Natural Resources and Parks*

If it’s raining hard in your neighborhood, who you gonna call?

Hint: it's the King County Flood Warning Center!

King County Flood Warning Center

When minor flooding is expected in low-lying areas, the King County Flood Warning Center opens to provide 24/7 support at 206‑296‑8200 [ Tel:+12062968200 ] or toll free at 800‑945‑9263 [ tel:+18009459263 ]. Driving in floodwaters is dangerous; they can help you identify a safe route or make sense of weather data and river levels.

Peek behind the scenes of the Flood Warning Center's operations in this interview [ [link removed] ] with Darian and Mary, two staffers who will be prepared for your call. 

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"Photo: a staffer ""at the ""King County Flood Warning Center.
"

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Visit kingcounty.gov/flood [ [link removed] ] to learn more and sign up for flood alerts. And here are some tips to reduce your risk before a flood happens.

• Learn the flood risk for where you live, work, or commute by entering any address on the interactive gov/FloodMap [ [link removed] ].

• Buy flood insurance. Standard homeowners or renters insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Contact floodplain managers Laura Hendrix or Ken Zweig at 206-477-4812 [ tel:+2064774812 ] with questions or visit floodsmart.gov [ [link removed] ] to learn more and find an insurance agent.

• Build an emergency kit. Include a flashlight, radio, water, medical necessities, and supplies for children or pets. Visit makeitthrough.com [ [link removed] ] to help you prepare for any disaster.

• Move hazardous chemicals out of flood-prone areas or dispose of them at one of King County’s [ [link removed] ]hazardous waste sites [ [link removed] ]. This keeps chemicals that can harm people and the environment out of floodwater.

• Clear storm drains and gutters of fallen leaves and other debris to prevent flooding. Get help using Report a Problem at kingcounty.gov/Stormwater [ kingcounty.gov/stormwater ].

• Before you build or make a repair in a flood-prone area, make sure you have the required permits. Getting the right permits [ [link removed] ] makes our flood-prone areas less dangerous for people who live and work there.

"The King County Flood Warning Center is funded by the King County Flood Control District."

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Help shape the future of the Cedar River

Cedar River Capital Investment Strategy Area

As service provider to the King County Flood Control District, King County wants to reevaluate and reprioritize flood risk reduction projects along the Cedar River.

The river supports the *largest number of natural-origin Chinook salmon in the Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish watershed* and is recognized as the *highest-priority spawning and rearing area for Chinook*.

This update will guide future investments that reduce flood risks, strengthen community resilience, and protect fish and wildlife habitat along the river. It will also bring river management practices up to date with current regulations, plan for future conditions, and help guide improvements that benefit people, property, and the environment.



Do you live, work, or recreate along the Cedar River? Please tell King County about your experiences with the river and your priorities for its future. *The survey takes five minutes or less to complete.*

 

Take the survey [ [link removed] ]

 

You can also sign up to receive project updates [ [link removed] ] or visit the project Engagement Hub [ [link removed] ] to learn more, or contact Monica Walker by email <[email protected]> or phone (206-477-4843) with questions.

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Conservation Futures Funding

Conservation Futures open space acquisition funding is now available—apply by February 9

The King County Conservation Futures [ [link removed] ] grant round is open, with applications due on February 9, 2026, for awards of funding for 2027.

Conservation Futures land acquisition grants can help governmental agencies and qualified conservation nonprofits [ [link removed] ] purchase land or easements for open spaces and parks for passive recreation. Grants may help purchase land to be used as urban greenspaces, passive parks, natural areas, restoration sites, forests, community gardens, farms, trails, or stormwater parks. Along with acquisition, we can fund initial site stabilization, such as demolition.

Visit the Conservation Futures application web page [ [link removed] ] for key grant-related information and register for workshops offered in mid-November and early December 2025.

Questions? Contact [email protected].

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*Public Health*

Delayed launch for Environmental Health permitting system

Public Health – Seattle and King County’s Environmental Health Services Division is delaying the launch of its new permitting system. The new system will be used for food business permits, on-site sewage system applications, plumbing and gas piping permitting and plan review, and more.

If you have environmental health permitting needs, please continue to use the current Environmental Health portal [ [link removed] ] until a new launch timeline is announced for the new system (the Public Health Permit Center [ [link removed] ]).

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Tips to keep rodents out as the weather turns chilly

An important part of preparing homes for cold, rainy weather is rat-proofing! Public Health’s Rodent Program published a blog post [ [link removed] ] to help people in King County keep rodents out of their homes this fall and winter. The post includes tips like scouting out the areas where rats could get into homes or shelter in yards, as well as simple prevention steps.

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*Emergency preparedness*

Car in standing water
Winter weather safety for drivers

Now is a good time to prepare your vehicle for winter weather. Making vehicle care a priority helps keep you safe during winter emergencies and during typical hazards you might encounter in bad weather.

Here are some routine maintenance items to keep you safe in every season:

• Check your tire pressure, brakes, and windshield wipers before the weather gets bad, and replace them if needed.

• Make a car go kit. Include ice scrapers and snow brushes, a small shovel, tire chains, and jumper cables. Include seasonal personal preparedness items like nonperishable food and water as well as a blanket, gloves, boots, and a coat.

• Winter is not the time to let your tank go to empty; fill up once your gauge reads half empty.

• Find more winter preparedness information at Kingcounty.gov/winter [ [link removed] ], TakeWinterByStorm [ [link removed] ]



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*Fleet services*

Bikes for auction
New online surplus auction debuts

Looking for gently used furniture, bicycles, office supplies, or small equipment such as mowers, blowers, and chain saws? King County Fleet Services, which manages the county’s surplus program, has launched a new online surplus auction, making it possible—and easy—for the public to buy surplus county goods. The county also typically offers electronics (printers, cameras, etc.), construction supplies, and auto parts.  

Anyone can access GovDeals [ [link removed] ] and bid on goods. The link is also available on the county’s Personal Property surplus site [ [link removed] ].



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*Animal services*

Ways you can help animals this holiday season

Help the animals

Looking for ways to help others this holiday season? Regional Animal Services of King County (RASK) and the people and pets they serve could use your help! Check out their Amazon wish list [ [link removed] ] for an easy way to donate pet food and supplies.

For pet owners experiencing economic hardship, RASKC has a Community Pet Food Bank just outside the main entrance doors of the Pet Adoption Center in Kent. Donations are welcome at the Kent shelter during business hours. Get more information about pet food banks and resources on the Pet Owner Assistance Program web page [ [link removed] ], including hours of the RASKC Pet Food Bank.​



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*Rural area news*

27th Annual Model Train Show entertains hundreds

On the weekend of October 18 and 19, the Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council held its annual train show at the Gracie Hanson Community Center in Ravensdale. Several hundred people attended each day in the full-size gymnasium. Operating model trains, trains, and more trains featured creative operating layouts in most gauges. (One layout included an entire miniature village!) Some attendees brought their own trains (Lionel/HO/other) to run on the show's tracks. Participants included other Pacific Northwest model train clubs. There were also Lego trains set up, as well as displays from the Black Diamond Museum depicting various aspects of local regional history.

"—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Corresponding Secretary, Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council"

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Reminders
Reminders

*►* *Free dental services for kids enrolled in Medicaid* will be offered on December 6 at the Skyway Resource Center. Call or email to see if your child is eligible for an appointment: 1-800-756-5437 or [email protected].

**►** *Sign up for the "Septic Matters" newsletter:* Get guidance and tips for people with septic systems in King County delivered to your inbox every season! Sign up here [ [link removed] ] and/or check out the Summer 2025 edition [ [link removed] ] if you missed it.



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Community organizations

:: Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage

Lord of Life Lutheran Church
12819 160th Avenue SE, Renton

See blog [ [link removed] ] for the latest information and to confirm meetings.

:: Enumclaw Plateau Community Association

Third Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Muckleshoot Library (King County Library branch)
39917 Auburn Enumclaw Road SE, Auburn

Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information email Nancy Merrill <[email protected]>.

:: Fall City Community Association

First Tuesdays – Hybrid meeting (virtual and in-person, 7-8:30 p.m.)
Fall City Fire Department meeting room
4301 334th Place SE, Fall City

The Fall City Community Association promotes building of community, proactively communicates on local issues, and takes action on selected issues that affect the Fall City community. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, and are open to the public. For more information, visit fallcity.org [ [link removed] ] or email send email <[email protected]>. 

:: Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council

Second Tuesdays – Virtual meeting via Zoom 

Visit the website [ [link removed] ] for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.

:: Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council

Monday, November 3, 7-9:30 p.m. – in person or via Zoom
Maple Valley Fire Station
22225 SE 231st Street (across from King County Sheriff’s Precinct #3)

Visit the website [ [link removed] ] for meeting agendas and Zoom information, which are posted a few days before each meeting.

:: Green Valley/Lake Holm Association

The Green Valley/Lake Holm Association advocates for those who live in unincorporated southeast King County. Primary goals are to maintain the community’s unique historic, agricultural, and rural character; protect the environment; and sustain quality of life in the area. They engage regularly with local government agencies to address concerns and influence policies on topics of mutual interest, such as growth and development, transportation, public safety, and flood control. Stay connected by visiting their Facebook page [ [link removed] ].

:: North Highline Unincorporated Area Council

Monthly board meetings are open to the public and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from local organizations. For more information, email Liz Giba <[email protected]>.

:: Skyway Coalition

See the coalition's website [ [link removed] ].

*:*: Upper Bear Creek Community Council

For information about the council, email Patricia Gustafson <[email protected]> or visit the Facebook page [ [link removed] ] and/or website [ [link removed] ].

:: Vashon-Maury Community Council

Meetings are open to all and are held on the third Thursday of each month, both online and in-person. Topics include affordable housing, ferries, election candidates, transportation, aviation noise, and more. The council sets up committees and passes resolutions to King County and other organizations as needed. Voting membership is free and open to residents 18 and older. To learn more, visit the website [ [link removed] ].

:: West Hill Community Association

Meetings are in person or via Zoom [ [link removed] ]
Skyway Fire District 20 Admin Building
12424 76th Avenue S, Seattle

Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information, send email <[email protected]> or visit the website [ [link removed] ] <[email protected]>.

"Photo: Forum members tour a future habitat restoration site along the Snoqualmie River i"n July 2024"."




"Unincorporated Area Community News" is published monthly by the King County Department of Local Services. To subscribe, visit our website [ [link removed] ]. Please direct questions or comments to Anna Clemenger, ([email protected] or 206-477-3839).

Contact King County Local Services

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 206-477-3800 (Relay 711)
Website: kingcounty.gov/local-services [ [link removed] ]

"Para solicitar esta información en Español, sírvase llamar al 206-477-3800
""o envíe un mensaje de correo electrónico a [email protected]"

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