Business Licensing & Operations in Bothell, WA (2026)
5 verified business licensing & operations rules for Bothell, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
In the City of Bothell, Washington, an adult entertainment facility needs a business license from the city clerk, its managers need manager's licenses, and entertainers need entertainer's licenses before appearing nude or semi-nude. Zoning separately confines these facilities to a limited General Commercial area along SR-522.
Bothell Adult Entertainment Facility Licensing and Location Rules
Significant RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 5.14.070
A. It is unlawful for a person to own, operate, or act as the agent for one who owns or operates an adult entertainment facility within the city of Bothell unless that person has obtained an adult entertainment business license issued by the city clerk under this chapter. B. It is unlawful for a person to manage or act as the agent for one who manages an adult entertainment facility within the ...
Secondhand Dealers
In the City of Bothell, Washington, a secondhand dealer is any person who buys, sells, trades, pawns, auctions or consigns secondhand goods as a business, and must hold a city license. Dealers in used motor vehicles or boats are carved out of the definition.
Bothell Secondhand Dealer Definition, License and Records Rules
Significant RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 5.28.010
B. “Secondhand dealer” means every person who as a business engages in the purchase, sale, barter, auction, sale on consignment, or otherwise exchanges secondhand goods, or who keeps a store, shop, room or other place where secondhand goods of any kind or description are bought, sold, traded or bartered, pledged, pawned, auctioned, sold on consignment, or otherwise exchanged; provided, however,...
Pawnbrokers
In the City of Bothell, Washington, it is unlawful to operate as a pawnbroker without a city license. Pawnbrokers are held to a three percent monthly interest ceiling, a 90-day hold on selling pledged property, and weekly reporting to the chief of police.
Bothell Pawnbroker License and Operating Rules
Significant RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 5.28.020
It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to engage in the business of pawnbroker or secondhand dealer without first obtaining a license pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
Auto Repair on Residential Property
In the City of Bothell, Washington, BMC 12.06.140(B)(8)(e) prohibits automobile, truck, boat and heavy equipment repair as a home occupation, along with body work, painting or detailing, heavy equipment storage and vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross weight. The use table confines automotive repair to the CB, GC and LI zones.
Auto Repair at Home in Bothell, WA
Heavy RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 12.06.140
e. The following activities shall be prohibited: (1) Automobile, truck, boat and heavy equipment repair; (2) Auto or truck body work or boat hull and deck work; (3) Parking and storage of heavy equipment; (4) Storage of building materials for use on other properties; (5) Painting or detailing of autos, trucks, boats, or other items; (6) The outside storage of equipment, materials or more than o...
Towing Companies
In the City of Bothell, Washington, a tow company takes Bothell Police Department tow calls only with a letter of appointment from the chief of police. BMC § 8.68.090 requires arrival within 20 minutes for Class A or B trucks and 30 minutes for Class C, rates within the Washington State Patrol uniform rate, and stated insurance minimums.
Bothell Police Tow Operator Requirements
Significant RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 8.68.090
In addition to applicable state law requirements and requirements of this chapter as now or hereafter amended, tow truck operators appointed or hired to perform towing service pursuant to this chapter shall observe the following practices and procedures: A. When called by the police department, the tow truck operator will arrive at the scene within 20 minutes for Class A or B trucks and within ...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bothell city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in King County →