Bothell’s Community Development Department coordinates planning, building review, engineering, transportation, and permit services through its Development Services team and Permit Center. Building and land-use applications are submitted online through MyBuildingPermit, which the City also uses for invoicing and permit-status searches. One important exception is electrical permitting, which is handled by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries rather than the City.
Land-use review covers zoning, site plans, conditional uses, subdivisions, variances, clearing, and other development approvals. Bothell adopted updated zoning and development standards effective January 1, 2025, so property owners should confirm the current zoning designation and standards before relying on older project information. Because Bothell straddles King and Snohomish counties, county location can also matter for certain records and subdivision documents even though development inside city limits is reviewed by Bothell.
Environmental constraints are particularly important. The City regulates wetlands, streams, flood-hazard areas, aquifer recharge areas, geologically hazardous areas, and fish and wildlife habitat through its critical-area rules. Alteration of a critical area or buffer can require a Critical Areas Permit, while development within shoreline jurisdiction follows additional shoreline regulations and may require a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit or exemption review.
Tree removal depends heavily on site conditions rather than a single citywide rule. Trees within critical areas require City approval, and additional restrictions can apply to protected trees associated with previous development approvals. Work within streets, sidewalks, driveway approaches, or other public right-of-way requires separate authorization. Applicants can start with the City’s Permit Center and identify zoning, critical-area, shoreline, tree, and right-of-way requirements before submitting plans.