Building Safety in Bothell, WA (2026)
6 verified building safety rules for Bothell, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
In the City of Bothell, Washington, Bothell Municipal Code § 20.08.061 rewrites International Fire Code Section 903.2.8 so that an automatic sprinkler system goes throughout every building with a Group R fire area. Group R-3 homes can use a system under Section 903.3.1.3, while townhouse and multifamily buildings face size and height triggers.
Residential Fire Sprinkler Requirements in Bothell, WA
Significant RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 20.08.061
903.2.8 Group R Occupancies An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area. EXCEPTIONS: Group R-1 if all of the following conditions apply: 1. The Group R fire area is no more than 500 ft2 (46 m2) and is used for recreational use only. ... 903.2.8.1 Group R-3 An automatic sprinkler system installed in ...
Childcare Center Rules
In the City of Bothell, Washington, day care centers are governed by the use table and notes in BMC 12.06.100. Adult and child day care must meet all state licensing requirements, centers in the R-M4 zone must incorporate residential design features, and centers serving residents or employees on the same site get a parking allowance.
Day Care Center Rules in Bothell, WA
Some RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 12.06.100
2. Includes adult and child day care, subject to all state licensing requirements. Day care centers in the R-M4 zone shall incorporate residential design features. 3. Day care centers providing care for children and/or adult relatives of owners or renters of dwelling units located on the same site, and day care centers providing care for children and/or adult relatives of employees of a separat...
Green Building Code
In the City of Bothell, Washington, applicants who earn and document green building certification under LEED, the National Green Building Standard, Built Green at three stars or higher, or a director-approved program get a rebate of building permit fees: 10 percent for basic certification and 50 percent for the highest level. Green planned unit developments carry minimum certification levels.
Green Building Permit Fee Rebate in Bothell, WA
Light RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 20.02.155
I. Green Building Permit Fee Rebate. A percentage of the building permit fees set forth in Table 20.02.155 A shall be rebated to applicants who achieve and provide verification of green building certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, National Green Building Standard, Built Green (three-star level or higher), or other certification programs as approved by the comm...
Building Permits
In the City of Bothell, Washington, any owner or authorized agent who plans to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure must apply to the building official and obtain a permit first. Bothell Municipal Code § 20.02.095 also lists the work that needs no permit, such as fences not over six feet high.
Bothell WA Building Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 20.02.095
A. Required. ... Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make...
Plumbing Permits
The City of Bothell, Washington adopts the 2021 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code in Bothell Municipal Code § 20.04.120, excluding Chapter 1. Installing or replacing a plumbing system needs a permit from the building official under § 20.02.095, with a short list of repairs exempt.
Bothell WA Plumbing Code and Permits
Some RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 20.04.120
The 2021 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, as adopted by the State Building Code Council in Chapters 51-56 and 51-57 WAC, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, excluding Chapter 1, is adopted.
Building Inspections
In the City of Bothell, Washington, work that needs a permit must stay exposed until the building official approves it. Bothell Municipal Code § 20.02.160 sets the inspection sequence, from footing and foundation through framing, and § 20.02.200 bars work beyond each stage without approval.
Bothell WA Building Inspection Stages
Some RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 20.02.160
A. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official and such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. ... D. The building official, upon notification, shall make the following inspections: 1. Footing and Foundation Inspection. Footing and foundation inspections shall be made after ...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bothell city rules.
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