Bothell, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Bothell Municipal Code chapter 8.68 governs tow operators who tow at the request of the Bothell Police Department. Under BMC 8.68.010 an application for a letter of appointment is filed with the police department and must comply with the current business license ordinance, and the department does not call a towing business unless the chief of police has issued a permanent letter. A letter is valid for two years unless superseded or revoked, applies only to the place of business named, and each separate place of business needs its own letter (BMC 8.68.040). Drivers must be at least 21, hold a valid Washington driver's license, and have no conviction for driving under the influence, reckless driving or license suspension within five years, or any felony within 10 years (BMC 8.68.050).

BMC § 8.68.090 sets the operating standards. Operators arrive within 20 minutes for Class A or B trucks and within 30 minutes for Class C trucks. An operator who cannot dispatch in time forfeits a turn and goes to the bottom of the rotation list, and consistent refusal can lead to suspension or revocation. Operators must be available 24 hours a day, post current rates conspicuously, and keep records of towed and released vehicles for three years. The storage area must be fenced, lighted and secure, with an enclosed garage for evidence vehicles, and located within five miles of the city limits unless the chief waives that. Insurance minimums are $1,000,000 liability per occurrence and $100,000 of legal liability per occurrence for vehicle damage. Rates for city-requested services cannot exceed the maximum published by the Washington State Patrol under BMC 8.68.100.

Tow companies are also subject to BMC 8.22.020 on private property: no person can impound or tow an unauthorized vehicle from nonresidential private property or a public parking facility for less than 24 hours unless a sign is posted near each entrance stating the times a vehicle can be impounded and the name, telephone number, and address of the towing firm where the vehicle can be redeemed. Alternatively, BMC 8.68.120 lets the city contract for tow service after competitive bidding, and such a contract supersedes letters of appointment.