Bothell Planning Commission studies tree-code updates, seeks stronger enforcement and outreach

Senior Planner Cameron Colvin presented an overview of proposed updates to the City of Bothell's tree code at the Planning Commission's April 1 study session, telling commissioners the work will build on the recently adopted Urban Forest Management Plan and that staff is "aiming for adoption of the code updates by the end of this year."

Colvin said a consultant-led code audit (by Planet Geo and Greenworks) identified gaps and informed five primary goals for the update: strengthen tree protections and mitigation requirements; clarify roles and responsibilities; streamline cross-departmental processes; incorporate current best practices; and provide flexibility and incentives to support retention and planting. He said the primary focus will be edits to Title 12, Chapter 18 (tree retention and landscaping), with more limited changes elsewhere.

The staff timeline calls for background research in April; a first phase of public engagement in May and June; drafting over the summer; a public review and possible second round of focus groups; and formal hearings, SEPA notice and council consideration in the fourth quarter, with some carryover to early next year. Colvin said staff will host internal workshops with parks, recreation and public works staff and run focus groups tailored to developers, utility providers, environmental groups, homeowners associations, contractors and the broader community.

Commissioners pressed staff on how the updates would be enforced and implemented. "What I see as a potential challenge is a compliance asymmetry," said Commissioner Sarah Gustafson, arguing that "the people who care about trees are going to be the ones who consult with the arborist and do the work and get a permit," while others might remove trees without seeking permits. "Enforcement is only going to work if it's consistent, and muscular," she said.

Colvin responded that the engagement plan will include landscapers, arborists and small contractors so code changes reflect on-the-ground practice. He told commissioners the UFMP contractors remain under contract through June and will provide limited support for species lists and design-standards guidance.

Several commissioners urged a strong, ongoing education and outreach component. Commissioner Robson recommended an education component aimed at small property owners and mom-and-pop landlords who may be unaware of the rules. Commissioner Jones suggested the project include an ongoing outreach plan (website materials, brochures and school outreach). Commissioner Sills urged proactive promotion on the City of Bothell website so residents encounter balanced information rather than learning about requirements for the first time during private construction conversations.

Commissioner Westerbeck focused on incentives for developers, asking what trade-offs the city could offer to make it worthwhile to retain mature trees in larger projects and how to offset additional costs for developers who preserve on-site tree cover. Several commissioners discussed how grove retention and careful site planning can protect both trees and structures.

Colvin closed by thanking commissioners for feedback, saying staff will add an education goal and further refine the focus-group structure and schedule based on capacity. He emphasized that no action was required at the study session; the update will proceed through the city's standard public-notice, SEPA and council-adoption steps.

The commission approved the March 18 minutes by voice vote earlier in the meeting and received a staff preview of the April 15 agenda, which will resume discussion of affordable housing revisions. The study session adjourned at 6:41 p.m.