Bothell planners debate ‘right-sized’ bike-parking rules, call for local data and flexibility

Planner Eric Jazooi opened a May 6 study session for the Bothell Planning Commission on proposed updates to the city’s bike‑parking requirements, noting the session was discussion-only and that staff will return with draft code language later in the summer or early fall.

Jazooi summarized the policy context — the 2023 Bothell bike plan and 2024 comprehensive-plan update that encourage non-auto travel — and explained that code requirements currently apply when a building is new, enlarged or changes use, with an exemption for sites under 2,500 square feet. He said staff’s initial approach favors people‑based (performance) ratios over purely size‑based formulas and seeks flexibility for a wide range of land uses.

Why it matters: commissioners said bike-parking rules could either support or frustrate the city’s mode‑shift goals depending on how they’re written. Commissioner Sarah Gustoson urged the commission to prioritize quality over raw quantities: “The measure of good bike parking infrastructure isn't how many bikes fit, it's how many riders it enables,” she said, arguing that poor rack design and cramped layouts deter use even when minimum counts are met.

Commissioners and staff discussed several cross-cutting issues: whether required short‑term racks should be located within 50 feet of entrances, how to treat e‑bikes and charging needs, and whether large multifamily projects should face linear scaling of long‑term stalls. A developer example cited in the meeting showed a proposal that would have required 187 long‑term stalls for a 200‑unit project, prompting suggestions for a diminishing‑rate formula or upper benchmarks for minimums so requirements do not consume living space.

Data and equity: staff acknowledged limited local usage data. Jazooi said national studies and comparisons to other Washington cities informed staff work but that local surveys are sparse. Commissioners pushed staff to pursue local evidence — for example, Cascade Bicycle Group event counts and Strava route data — so benchmarks reflect Bothell’s actual mode share. Jazooi noted survey findings presented by staff that secure bike parking increases likelihood of riding among certain groups (staff cited figures such as 38% for office commuters and 58% for people of color), and commissioners highlighted equity considerations for low-income riders and seniors using e‑bikes.

Street‑front and frontage options: commissioners suggested allowing a project’s required short‑term parking to be provided as standardized street‑front racks or other frontage improvements where site form (zero setbacks, narrow infill lots) makes on‑site short‑term stalls impractical. Staff said that approach would require coordination with public works on street standards and would be an option to avoid carving interior floor area for racks.

Employer amenities and safety: staff floated the idea of shower and locker amenities for large employers and noted the current code already includes a small number of e‑bike plugin requirements. Commissioners said mandating showers might be premature but encouraged incentives and employer outreach; they also urged staff to consult building and fire officials about e‑bike battery charging and storage risks.

Next steps: staff will research local and peer-city practices, seek data sources, and return with draft code amendments for additional study and public review toward late summer or early fall. The study session concluded with commissioners asking for more precise alternatives for minimums, data collection possibilities and examples of tiered or proximity‑based approaches.