Bothell planning commissioners review transportation impact fee update; no action taken

Planning commissioners spent a May 21 study session reviewing a proposed update to Bothell’s transportation impact fees aimed at shifting from a vehicle‑trip approach to a multimodal, per‑person‑trip model and asked staff and consultants for guidance on zone‑based fees and reductions for affordable housing.

The discussion matters because the impact fee update will determine how much new development pays toward a $850 million (planning‑level) transportation project list in the 2024 comprehensive plan and how much the city must make up from grants or other revenue sources if fee revenue is lower than projected.

Boyd Benson, Public Works, Utilities and Development Services Manager, and consultants from Farrampier’s presented the draft approach and repeatedly emphasized that the meeting was for input only. “The goal of tonight is to present information and seek feedback about the impact fee update. There is no action being requested tonight as part of this item,” Benson said. Consultant Carmen Quan summarized the policy: “Impact fees are methods of paying for infrastructure needed to accommodate growth and…