Bothell council adopts content-neutral sign code update, raises temporary residential sign size to 5 sq ft

The Bothell City Council voted 7-0 Tuesday to adopt an ordinance amending Bothell Municipal Code chapters 12.22 and 12.64 to make the city’s sign code content-neutral and to set a 5-square-foot limit for temporary on-premise signs in residential zones.

The change, presented by planner Megan Rigney of the community development department, is the first phase of a two-part update intended to ensure the code complies with recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions while preserving safety and aesthetics. “The purpose of the sign code is that it regulates sign types, sizes, and placement in Bothell to protect safety, preserve aesthetics, and comply with federal law,” Rigney said.

City staff said the revision removes distinctions between commercial and noncommercial content and replaces them with content-neutral standards. The city held a public hearing April 15; one commenter, Randy Banneker of the Seattle King County Realtors, testified in support of the draft and praised staff work. “The draft before you tonight … achieves the goal of being compliant, particularly with the Supreme Court decision,” Banneker said during public comment.

Council member Mankie moved approval of the ordinance; council member Dodd seconded. The city clerk called roll and each member voted yes; the ordinance passed unanimously. The council and staff noted this is Phase 1, limited to legal compliance; Phase 2 will be a broader modernization of the sign code later this year.

By adopting the change, Bothell removes content-based distinctions in its code and raises the temporary on-premise sign allowance in residential zones from the earlier draft’s 2 square feet to 5 square feet following public comment. No additional regulatory changes were acted on Tuesday; staff said they will return with the Phase 2 modernization work later in 2025.