Bothell, WA Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)

The City of Bothell does not mandate green certification for ordinary buildings in this section. BMC 20.02.155(I) instead rewards it. A percentage of the building permit fees in Table 20.02.155 A is rebated to applicants who achieve and provide verification of certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the National Green Building Standard, Built Green at the three-star level or higher, or other certification programs approved by the community development director.

The rebate has two tiers. At least basic or lowest level of certification, or at least the three-star level of Built Green, returns 10 percent of permit fees. The highest level of certification returns 50 percent. The fee amounts themselves are set in the fee schedule the city council adopts periodically by resolution, so the rebate scales with that schedule. Verification is the applicant's burden, and the director decides whether an unlisted program qualifies.

Certification is mandatory in one category. A green planned unit development under BMC 12.30.020(A)(3) must include design and features that achieve at least a minimum certification level. For site development the options are LEED Neighborhood Design at Gold or higher, the National Green Building Standard at Green Subdivision Four Star or higher or Lot Design, Preparation and Development Gold or higher, Built Green at Three Star or higher, or Salmon Safe Certification. For building design the options are LEED at Silver or higher, the National Green Building Standard at Silver or higher, or Built Green at Three Star or higher. PUDs are located in the R-C, R-L1, R-L2, and R-M1 through R-M4 zones.

The building official administers the permit fee provisions of the construction code, including refunds under BMC 20.02.155(H), which are limited to 80 percent and require written application within 180 days of payment.