[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6081189,"mediaKeyId","2943417-99d7362df62b529014555d582d7db8d6","parentId",2943417,"title","Bothell staff seek council direction on neighborhood‑scale commercial, parking minimums and lot‑coverage rules","audioSeconds",549,"startMs",5503000,"endMs",6052000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2943417-99d7362df62b529014555d582d7db8d6&start=5503&end=6052","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2943417-99d7362df62b529014555d582d7db8d6/thumbnail_5503000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6081189/Bothell/King-County/Washington/Bothell-staff-seek-council-direction-on-neighborhoodscale-commercial-parking-minimums-and-lotcoverage-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081189-7b9f659cda2cb7de584ed617abc91eb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770612667&Signature=UgrZXeZSSJW5uC-icg8yjkopQ6B10E9Ac5bGd6nnWS8p11z85EzYujhHGbKoCGKCKP9iMwHPrbQGWIzv0HWFmcEJZzVtq1MScEKpqMAvXYIRrqwXwPUqg7PMcU5TpX93ZA5UBrBHla3fMUJ5Uep4BIzSuTg6uGTgpEUOvMk2paxiPYViUcBJCdmw0PXM7BHBzL7L0fWZIbR-Dc285mi0YiZAvSgAZ-4Iz0SFoReru93L8vLsAwALRL7mhxM4lT8OOwXRaAKd12ixgShW1caI9olHi8NicYfWevf9sQbGZp3RY7CXSxtrJLIOJZbaEOejlbsGzTGueS808CAQVAKJTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bothell City, WA","date","2025-04-10T12:40:13.163Z","article","City of Bothell staff presented a Phase 2 code update study session on April 8, 2025, seeking council direction on a package of land‑use changes including neighborhood‑scale commercial standards, possible reductions or elimination of parking minimums, and potential changes to floor‑area ratio (FAR) and lot‑coverage rules. No council action was requested; staff asked for guidance and said draft code amendments would return following further work with the Planning Commission.

Deputy Director Christian Getz and planner Jacqueline Sampson framed the issues as follow‑ups to the 2024 comprehensive plan. For neighborhood‑scale commercial, staff recommended a tiered approach based on Commerce guidance: set a size limit tied to a percentage of lot area (staff proposed a 30 percent gross‑floor‑area cap as an initial model), an allowed‑uses list consistent with neighborhood retail, operating‑hour limits, and a clear intent definition so staff can interpret borderline cases. The 30 percent figure is a starting point that staff said could be modified for very small lots or denser zones.

On parking, staff said they were using Senate Bill 5184 (SB 5184), then moving through the 2025 state legislative process, as a starting point and recommended aligning the city’s approach with that bill’s provisions. Staff noted the potential benefits of reducing or removing parking minimums — lower housing costs, more efficient land use and encouragement of walking, biking and transit — but cautioned that the change would require complementary parking management and enforcement tools. Staff reported a recent downtown inventory showing just over 400 on‑street spaces and said technology such as license‑plate recognition is being explored for enforcement; a parking‑management package was expected to return around June.

On FAR and lot coverage, staff said they had not seen widespread development pushing to existing FAR maxima but that removing a maximum FAR would require a more extensive analysis tied to the comprehensive‑plan buildout assumptions, transportation and capital planning and potentially an environmental review. Staff recommended deferring any removal of the FAR maximum for a more comprehensive study, possibly during a future subarea update (for example Canyon Park in 2026). Regarding lot coverage, staff proposed simplifying overlapping rules by eliminating building coverage limits and relying on a hard‑surface (impervious surface) cap while coordinating with stormwater regulations and an upcoming urban forestry management plan; staff recommended deferring major lot‑coverage changes until the urban forestry plan is complete (target: Q4 2025–Q1 2026).

Staff also proposed administrative clarifications: simplifying variance criteria, streamlining the private code‑amendment request process, and reorganizing new overlay zones for clarity (with overlay consolidation deferred to a later work item). Planning Commission generally supported the parking approach, variance and amendment process clarifications, and recommended additional study on FAR removal.

Councilmembers asked a range of technical and policy questions. Several said they support removing parking minimums in principle but tied that change to stronger parking enforcement and management to avoid street‑parking spillover; one councilmember summarized the trade‑off by calling parking mandates “a government‑mandated tax on new housing and small businesses” and asked staff to accelerate enforcement work. Staff said enforcement options and a downtown parking‑management report were in progress and expected back in June. Councilmembers also requested that staff incorporate critical‑area and stormwater‑recharge considerations (aquifer recharge, streamflow impacts) into any lot‑coverage or impervious‑surface analysis.

Staff will return to Planning Commission in May with draft code language and visual examples; if supported, a public hearing and final ordinance could come to council in June. The city intends to coordinate parking, stormwater and the urban forestry plan work so changes to lot coverage and canopy goals align.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bothell City Council Meeting - April 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City of Bothell staff presented a Phase 2 code update study session on April 8, 2025, seeking council direction on neighborhood‑scale commercial standards, parking minimums, FAR and lot‑coverage rules and administrative clarifications; no formal action was taken.","taxTitle","Bothell, King County, Washington","taxId",53919,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081195,"Bothell council approves change to salary commission to expand membership and add annual review options",338,4697000,5035000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2943417-99d7362df62b529014555d582d7db8d6&start=4697&end=5035","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2943417-99d7362df62b529014555d582d7db8d6/thumbnail_4697000.jpg","/articles/6081195/Bothell/King-County/Washington/Bothell-council-approves-change-to-salary-commission-to-expand-membership-and-add-annual-review-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081195-b57ed51f30ba9907770e82740bd21868/orig.mp4?Expires=1770612667&Signature=fc8wXtop9SBBoFthO3UPABohLeLrOEm7v3IASZ1siKSOcitm81mr15u6M6U6yoPn4BjZbgqeN2mQ33vixjD2REBcK7vdGxX7tOKJpuvyEF9o1DzF5Q-MenDDC~3r1M6OiyMtoKj9jbV3r16dyvv2spdsnawizMAPHoFMxoRDrGp7E4x2YdTlVrh5lraCrz71~pLH0yGbYAKBYiT6Bt7kJXw7JldtMFbwD0YeDh2m9BdXs7kzMjUZw2NBqGtN4EgqoWUav4bfYEOssVdxiSDHpVpo9P0hkVxTNhvneTzWZ-H1YkaQMXGkuuAqpNuuwBGmmLqQo2OriUshGHypT53cog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bothell City Council voted 6‑0 on April 8, 2025, to adopt an ordinance amending Bothell Municipal Code Chapter 2.92 to change how the city’s independent salary commission is constituted and how often it may meet.

City staff proposed two primary changes: increase the salary commission from three to five members appointed by the mayor with council approval, and adjust the commission’s schedule so it convenes every other year for a full review (up to 90 days) with authority to meet for limited adjustment reviews in other years during August and September. The ordinance also establishes staggered, four‑year terms for commission members. Staff said the changes are intended to broaden community representation and provide continuity in reviewing compensation for the mayor, deputy mayor and council members.

Matthew Pruitt, director of Employee and Technology Services, summarized the ordinance and noted staff had drafted the changes to align with state law. “There are two key changes in the ordinance,” Pruitt said, describing the review schedule and the increase in members. He and Eileen Kiefer answered council questions about code language and state requirements.

Councilmember Aldrichs moved the recommended action and Councilmember Kurd seconded. Councilmember McCurdy praised the changes as responsive to feedback from a prior study session and said they would increase stability for the commission’s work. The city clerk called roll for the ordinance vote: Mayor Mason Thompson, Councilmember Aldrichs, Councilmember Kurd, Councilmember Mankie, Councilmember Dodd and Deputy Mayor Alcabra all voted yes; Councilmember Zorns was absent. The motion carried 6‑0.

The ordinance does not list an ordinance number in the meeting packet. Staff said the changes were drafted to align with the cited Revised Code of Washington statute and to help make elected office more accessible by keeping compensation under regular review.

Councilmembers asked staff to notify the public of the code change and to begin the appointment process under the new five‑member structure.","The Bothell City Council voted unanimously to amend the municipal code governing the salary commission, increasing its membership from three to five and establishing a recurring review schedule intended to keep elected‑official compensation current.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081199,"Bothell council to consider resolution affirming protections for transgender, nonbinary and gender‑diverse residents after hours of public comment",582,4036000,4618000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2943417-99d7362df62b529014555d582d7db8d6&start=4036&end=4618","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2943417-99d7362df62b529014555d582d7db8d6/thumbnail_4036000.jpg","/articles/6081199/Bothell/King-County/Washington/Bothell-council-to-consider-resolution-affirming-protections-for-transgender-nonbinary-and-genderdiverse-residents-after-hours-of-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081199-95a2f4c478efb98e478292674f4b8605/orig.mp4?Expires=1770612667&Signature=gHrVv5NSvyTxRpLUyy-FvcRSfzYpZ~iQFD6q2vCwWKqQF-7538c0yThh2K~lx6i69qucj3F3tfRx53uL5p8wTW-1bXhDrnntZkNYt3A5PVGfah0-HAmxW5LVrdE15O6pCqS6S1UQNnTV9Aq81vPjBAdT9d7Qgw~NsH-pmQ3qMU1wX-0oCcaOBClTKO8weCYBLS3J3hVJIbbSQbFevKze9AvqHzDX0DfZu4Y0fFghyOX4jYkxruEf1syfELn~h2n5qPrsy3zuswnhjLZQb8FqTHAZuzUt1aQNuS0PECoxrAZMuxDWsrqd1-5WmJCFeA40u1wXVkxfEz9PrvTs80gmZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilmember Aldrichs asked the Bothell City Council on April 8, 2025, to place a draft resolution affirming Bothell as a welcoming community for transgender, nonbinary and gender‑diverse people on an upcoming council agenda; council members agreed to bring the item back for a vote next week after public comment and a request for additional staff detail.

The resolution prompted an extended public comment period in which speakers presented sharply divergent views on whether the city should adopt explicit protections and outreach commitments for LGBTQIA+ residents. Supporters said the declaration would help make at‑risk residents and young people feel safer; opponents said the resolution was unnecessary or conflicted with religious beliefs.

Supporters of the resolution told the council the measure would send a safety signal to a population experiencing increased hostility elsewhere. “This resolution is important because it affirms that this area is safe and that our neighbors will watch for us and watch out for us,” said Aspen Richter, who identified herself as a longtime Eastside LGBTQIA+ community member. Mona Atallah, who accepted an earlier proclamation on behalf of Bothell’s Arab community, told the council, “Inclusion is not about rejecting faith or identity. It’s about ensuring anyone, regardless of who they are or who they love, feel safe, seen, and valued.” Josh Hollister, a teacher, urged empathy for young people who need to be seen and heard.

Opponents framed their objections in moral and religious terms. Michael Kreft said he opposed the resolution “for two reasons” and described his view that affirming gender diversity is not the correct response to people with gender dysphoria. Dan Craft said the measure would amount to “the normalization, promotion, public celebration, and forced affirmation of confusion.” Other speakers raised concerns about the city using resources to support events or programs they consider objectionable.

Councilmembers debated whether the proposed resolution duplicates a broader welcoming resolution the council adopted in February. Councilmember Mankie said he supports Bothell being “a safe and welcoming place” but asked whether a separate resolution focused on transgender and gender‑diverse people adds meaningful action beyond the earlier, broader measure; he requested a staff report outlining any new administrative or budget impacts before a final vote. Councilmember Aldrichs said community members had approached her “in terror and fear for their lives” and asked the council to be responsive to those concerns by placing the draft resolution on the next agenda. Councilmember Dodd said the volume of public input justified returning the item next week and asked that colleagues who might vote against the resolution be explicit about whether their opposition was to the rhetoric or the policy.

Councilmember Curry said she supported returning the item for consideration and cited research she said links anti‑trans laws to increased harm in that population, adding that she would “keep voting for resolutions” as long as certain residents remain singled out for discrimination.

City staff said a draft resolution was in the council packet and that, if council concurred to bring it forward, staff would place it on an upcoming agenda for a formal vote; councilmembers signaled concurrence and asked staff to prepare any requested clarifications on implementation, reporting and potential resource implications. No final vote on the resolution was taken April 8.

The item will return to the council for formal consideration next week; staff were asked to supply a clearer list of actions the city would commit to, and to identify any staffing or budget implications before the council votes.","After about an hour of public comment both for and against, the Bothell City Council agreed to place a draft resolution affirming protections for transgender, nonbinary and gender‑diverse people on an upcoming council agenda and asked staff to prepare more detail on implementation and potential costs.","actionData","errors"]

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Bothell staff seek council direction on neighborhood‑scale commercial, parking minimums and lot‑coverage rules

Bothell council approves change to salary commission to expand membership and add annual review options

Bothell council to consider resolution affirming protections for transgender, nonbinary and gender‑diverse residents after hours of public comment