Bothell, WA Code Violation Reporting: Common Violations (2026)

Chapter 11.20 BMC is the enforcement procedure for the city's health and safety, zoning, shoreline, environment, subdivision, transportation, utilities, building, impact mitigation and landmark preservation titles. BMC 11.20.003 A makes it unlawful to initiate, maintain or cause the use of any structure, land or property in the city of Bothell without first obtaining the permits or authorizations the code requires. Subsection B makes it unlawful to use, build, alter, move or occupy property in any manner not permitted by the terms of a permit. Subsection C adds four more acts: removing or defacing any sign, notice, complaint or order posted under the chapter; misrepresenting any material fact in an application for a building or construction authorization; failing to comply with a cease activity order; and failing to comply with any applicable provision of the code.

The community development director enforces Titles 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22, and the public works director enforces Titles 17 and 18. After an investigation, the director serves a notice of violation on the owner, tenant or other responsible person, stating each provision violated, the corrective action and a reasonable time for compliance. Service is personal, by certified and regular mail, or by posting if the person cannot be found after due diligence. For a threat to health, safety and welfare the time to comply can be the same day.

A notice becomes the final order unless you request an appeal within 15 calendar days after service. The hearing examiner can sustain, withdraw or modify the notice, and decides within 10 working days after the review. Court review of civil penalties runs through a land use petition under Chapter 36.70C RCW within 21 calendar days of the examiner's decision, while criminal penalties are appealed to the Bothell municipal court.