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

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…