Bothell Planning Commission to weigh first major tree code update since 1996

What the records say

In materials published ahead of the April 1, 2026 Planning Commission meeting, staff asked the commission for initial feedback on a proposed citywide update to Bothell's tree rules — described as the first comprehensive revision since the tree code was adopted in 1996 ¹. The update is meant to carry out the city's Urban Forest Management Plan, adopted in February 2026, which identified code changes to support its goals ¹. No vote was on the agenda; the item was framed as a study session to shape the scope of work and outreach approach ¹.

• The Planning Commission agenda item required no action; staff sought initial feedback on the proposed tree code update scope and engagement approach.
• The tree retention and landscaping code was adopted in 1996 and has not undergone a comprehensive update in many years, according to staff; the update supports the February 2026 Urban Forest Management Plan.
• About a dozen code sections were identified for review, including Title 12 Chapter 18 Tree Retention and Landscaping, forest practices, critical areas, utilities, stormwater, and the downtown subarea.
• Project goals include stronger tree protection and mitigation requirements, clearer roles for owners and developers, streamlined enforcement, and updated industry best practices.
• Staff proposed two engagement phases: internal workshops and stakeholder focus groups, then a publicly posted draft with plain-language summaries and an in-person open house before formal adoption hearings.

Why it matters

Tree rules affect nearly every Bothell property: which trees can be removed or trimmed, what must be planted with new development, and who maintains trees in public rights of way ¹. The proposed scope touches about a dozen sections of municipal code, from the main tree retention and landscaping chapter to rules on forest practices, critical areas, utilities, stormwater, and the downtown subarea ¹. Staff wrote that the update aims to strengthen tree protections and replacement requirements, clarify responsibilities for property owners, developers, utilities, and the city, and make the rules clearer and easier to enforce ¹.

What changed / what's next

• A citywide review of roughly a dozen tree-related code sections was proposed, from tree trimming rules to stormwater tree species provisions ¹.
• A two-phase engagement process was proposed, including focus groups with developers, arborists, HOAs, and utilities, followed by an online draft and public open house ¹.
• Next steps called for the updated scope to go before the City Council in April, an engagement summary in June, and an initial tree code draft in July 2026 ¹.
• The available records do not establish the meeting's outcome ¹.
• Planning Commission feedback from the April 1 study session was expected to shape the updated scope presented to the City Council in April ¹.
• A summary of engagement results was due to the Planning Commission in June 2026, followed by an initial draft of the tree code in July 2026 ¹.