Bothell proposes to right-size bike parking rules citywide
The city has issued an environmental review finding for code amendments that would require bike parking for more types of development but generally fewer spaces, with a 14-day comment window 1.
What the records say
The City of Bothell has issued a Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) — a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) finding that a proposal is unlikely to have significant environmental impacts and does not need a full environmental impact statement — for amendments to Bothell Municipal Code Title 12 governing bike parking 1. The proposal, case number SEP2026-29004, would expand the types of projects and land uses required to provide bike parking, including dormitories, business and personal services, government services, recreation, parks, culture, outdoor food courts, entertainment, industrial, health and social services, lodging, education, and community assemblies 1. At the same time, it would generally reduce the number of required bike parking spaces compared with existing standards 1. The amendments would also strengthen standards for accessibility, usability, security, amenities, and management, allow more flexibility in how developers comply, and accommodate scooters and similar personal micromobility devices, along with minor code clean-up 1. The city itself is the proponent and lead agency, and the DNS was issued September 3, 2026 1.
- Proposal amends Bothell Municipal Code Title 12 bike parking development regulations, case SEP2026-29004
- More project types would need bike parking, including dormitories, lodging, education, industrial, and community assemblies
- Required bike parking quantities would generally be fewer than existing standards
- Standards for accessibility, security, amenities, and management would be enhanced, with more compliance flexibility and scooter accommodation
- SEPA DNS issued September 3, 2026; comments due within 14 days; no agency appeal
Why it matters
These rules shape how much bike parking shows up at apartments, offices, schools, and shops across Bothell — and how usable and secure it is once built. More land uses would be covered, but fewer spaces would generally be required, and scooters would be accommodated, changes that affect both developers and people who bike or ride micromobility devices citywide 1.
What changed / what's next
- The city issued a SEPA Determination of Non-Significance for the bike parking code amendments on September 3, 2026, finding no probable significant adverse environmental impact 1.
- Comments must be submitted within 14 days of the September 3, 2026 issue date to SEPA Responsible Official Christian Geitz; the city will not act on the proposal during that period 1.
- The DNS does not approve the proposal — the city reserves the right to approve, deny, or condition it, and the packet does not show when the code amendments will go before the City Council 1.