Bothell planning commission discusses Phase 2 code updates: neighborhood commercial, floor‑area ratio and lot coverage

City of Bothell planning staff presented an initial scope and discussion questions on Phase 2 of municipal code updates at the Planning Commission’s Feb. 19 study session. The three topics — neighborhood‑scale commercial, floor‑area ratio (FAR), and lot coverage — were discussed at length. Commissioners provided guidance and requested further analysis and visual examples; no regulatory changes were proposed or adopted at the meeting.

Neighborhood‑scale commercial Staff said the 2024 Imagine Bothell comprehensive plan supports permitting small, pedestrian‑oriented retail and services that meet daily neighborhood needs. The City referenced Washington State Department of Commerce guidance identifying likely compatible uses (cafés, corner groceries, salons, childcare, small retail) and uses to avoid (drive‑throughs, gas stations, heavy goods retailers).

“Neighborhood scale commercial helps people meet their daily needs for goods and services without relying on driving,” Jacqueline Sampson, Long Range Planner, said. Staff cited Department of Commerce estimates that a neighborhood grocery typically needs roughly 1,000 households within a…