Bothell middle housing proposal would allow up to six dwelling units per lot

What the records say

The June 10, 2025 Bothell City Council agenda listed a Middle Housing Code Update as item 5.a.3, a staff briefing ¹. The packet included Resolution 1473 and an attachment titled "Potential Middle Housing Code Updates" ¹. The staff briefing states the draft changes, aligned with HB 1110 and the council's direction under Resolution 1473, would allow up to six middle housing units per lot in all residential zones ¹. Under the draft language, the six-unit density applies if at least two units are affordable housing under BMC Chapter 12.07 ¹. The briefing also notes the step from four to six units per lot could expand density opportunities across more than 40% of the city and may require Comprehensive Plan updates and environmental review ¹. The supplied records are pre-meeting materials and do not establish the meeting's outcome or any council vote ¹.

• The June 10, 2025 Bothell City Council agenda listed the Middle Housing Code Update as item 5.a.3, a staff briefing ¹.
• The packet included Resolution 1473 and an attachment titled "Potential Middle Housing Code Updates" ¹.
• The staff briefing says the draft code would allow up to six middle housing units per lot in all residential zones, up from the four units per lot permitted since March 2024 ¹.
• Under the draft, six units per lot in the R-C, R-L, and R-M zones requires at least two units of affordable housing under BMC Chapter 12.07 ¹.
• Staff state the change from four to six units per lot could expand density opportunities across more than 40% of the city and may require Comprehensive Plan updates and environmental review ¹.

Why it matters

Middle housing rules determine how many homes can be built on a single residential lot in Bothell, so the proposal could shape what redevelopment is possible in most residential zones ¹. Analysis: If adopted, the change would roughly double the baseline middle housing density the council approved in March 2024, with the highest tier tied to an affordability requirement ¹. The record shows only a scheduled staff briefing seeking council feedback; it does not show adoption or a final decision ¹.

What changed / what's next

• The supplied record shows a proposed middle housing code update was placed on the June 10, 2025 Bothell City Council agenda as a staff briefing ¹.
• The draft would raise permitted middle housing density from up to four units per lot to up to six units per lot in all residential zones, with the six-unit tier conditioned on affordable units ¹.
• No adopted change is established by the supplied records ¹.
• The available records do not establish the meeting's outcome ¹.
• Staff said they would return for a future study session if a broader conversation is needed to align the draft with Resolution 1473; any later council action is not dated or described in the supplied packet ¹.