Planning Commission begins scoping for Title 22 landmark code update amid public calls for stronger board role

Planner Jacqueline Sampson briefed the Planning Commission on an upcoming code update to Bothell Municipal Code Title 22, the city’s landmark preservation code, describing the project as a scoping exercise to clarify definitions, improve coordination with other review processes, and ensure alignment with recent state law.

"Historic preservation remains an important community value in Bothell," Sampson said, noting staff were not proposing specific code changes tonight but were seeking the commission’s input on scope and priorities. The presentation highlighted potential areas for improvement: clarifying the Landmark Preservation Board’s role, reorganizing administrative governance language into the municipal code’s common location, and reducing duplicative review steps where possible.

During public comment, members of the Landmark Preservation Board and long-time residents urged the commission to preserve the board’s independence, restore funding and create stronger lines of communication between the board, the historical museum and the commission. Ray Thomas, a board member and longtime resident, asked the commission to consider a task group with board and staff representation to inform the update. "I would encourage all of you to read Title 22," Thomas said.

Commissioners requested clearer problem statements, a matrix showing which proposed changes would be regulatory versus discretionary, and educational materials on how the board’s authority and decision points interact with other permit reviews. Staff said a historic inventory update already underway will inform code amendments and they plan to return with draft code amendments and public input opportunities in the fall.