Environmental Rules in Bothell, WA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Bothell, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
In the City of Bothell, Washington, no one can add to, extend or improve the storm drainage system without a permit. The Bothell storm water and drainage control code, Chapter 18.04, sorts the work into right-of-way, storm drainage side sewer, grading and utility permits, and the public works director enforces it.
Stormwater and Drainage Permit Rules in Bothell, Washington
Some RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 18.04.040
No person shall make any additions, betterments or extensions to the existing storm drainage system without first obtaining a permit to do so. The following permits apply to grading, excavating, and storm drainage system work: A. ROW Permit. A right-of-way invasion permit shall be required whenever storm drainage system additions, betterments or extensions are made within the street right-of-wa...
Erosion Control
In the City of Bothell, Washington, every grading activity must follow a city-approved erosion and sedimentation control plan and the Storm Water and Drainage Control Code. The public works director can stop work for inadequate controls and can require seasonal plans for the October 1 through April 30 wet season, due by September 15.
Erosion and Sediment Control During Construction in Bothell, Washington
Some RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 18.05.090
All grading activities shall be required to comply with the city of Bothell Design and Construction Standards as adopted within BMC 18.02.010, including the thresholds, definitions, and minimum requirements found within the King County Surface Water Design Manual. A. All grading activities shall be in accordance with a city-approved erosion and sedimentation control plan, as well as the provisi...
Flood Zones
In the City of Bothell, Washington, special flood hazard areas are lands with a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year, mapped in the FEMA flood insurance studies for King County and Snohomish County. Any construction or development inside one needs a special flood hazard area permit from the public works director, on top of other city permits.
Floodplain and Special Flood Hazard Area Rules in Bothell, Washington
Significant RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 14.04.700
Special flood hazard areas are lands subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year; otherwise known as the “100-year” flood or the “base” flood. These areas could include, but are not limited to, streams, lakes, wetlands and their associated floodplains, or flood fringes. Special flood hazard areas are those areas identified by the Federal Insurance Administrator in a...
Boat Dock Permits
In the City of Bothell, Washington, a private residential dock serving four or fewer homes is allowed only on the Sammamish River, as a ramp and a parallel float. Docks are prohibited on Swamp and North Creeks, piers are banned on every water body, and a single-home float is capped at 120 square feet.
Private Residential Docks in Bothell, Washington
Significant RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 13.11.110
Regulations in this section apply only to private residential docks serving four or fewer residential units. Other types of docks or boating-related modifications and uses are addressed separately in BMC 13.11.030, Boating facilities. ... 2. Private residential docks are prohibited on Swamp and North Creeks. Private residential docks are allowed on the Sammamish River, and shall consist of a ra...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In the City of Bothell, Washington, a new or substantially improved residential building in a mapped flood zone with a known base flood elevation must have its lowest floor, including any basement, one foot or more above that elevation. Where no elevation is available, the lowest floor must be at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade.
Base Flood Elevation Requirements for Buildings in Bothell, Washington
Some RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 14.04.760
(i) In AE or other A-zoned areas where the base flood elevation (BFE) has been determined or can be reasonably obtained, new construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot or more above the BFE. Mechanical equipment and utilities shall be waterproof or elevated at least one foot above the BFE. (ii) New con...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bothell city rules.
Environmental Rules in King County →