Bothell, WA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Plant list
- Adopted by the community development director
- Preferred plants
- Pacific Northwest indigenous, drought resistant species
- Mulch, bark, gravel
- Not a substitute for plant material
- Shrub minimum
- 21 inches tall, three feet on center maximum
- Coverage target
- 50 percent immediately, 85 percent within two years
- Plan preparer
- Licensed landscape architect or certified nurseryman
Summary
In the City of Bothell, Washington, required landscaping on new development is built from a plant list adopted by the community development director, and the city can require Pacific Northwest indigenous plants, particularly drought resistant species that minimize water, maintenance, and fertilizer needs (BMC § 12.18.140). Bark, mulch, or gravel cannot stand in for plants.
A. The community development director shall adopt a list of plant materials which may be used to comply with the provisions of this chapter. A copy of this plant list will be available for inspection and copying in the department of community development during regular business hours. B. The applicant may use plant materials on the adopted plant list or other plant materials as approved by the city. The city may require the applicant to modify the plant choice to: ... 4. Provide Pacific Northwest indigenous plant species, particularly drought resistant species that minimize water, maintenance, and fertilizer requirements. C. Nonvegetative material shall not be considered a substitute for plant material. Bark, mulch, gravel, or other nonvegetative material shall only be used in conjunction with landscaping to assist vegetative growth, retain soil moisture, and assist in maintenance.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 12.18 BMC applies to all new development and to changes of use or structural additions of more than 20 percent of gross floor area when they trigger added landscaping. Under BMC 12.18.140 the community development director adopts a plant list, and a copy is available for inspection and copying in the department of community development during regular business hours. Applicants can use listed plants or others the city approves.
The city can require changes to the plant choice to provide a desired diversity of species, scale and compatibility with the immediate vicinity, year-round buffering, or Pacific Northwest indigenous species, particularly drought resistant ones. The section sets no fixed percentage of native plants. Nonvegetative material is not a substitute for plants: bark, mulch, gravel and similar material is allowed only to assist vegetative growth, retain soil moisture, and assist in maintenance.
Native planting appears elsewhere in the chapter. The Type I entry in the BMC 12.18.040 table states that drought tolerant and native vegetation shall be used to the maximum extent practicable. Type VI landscaping exists to revegetate, restore, or enhance existing or damaged areas of native plantings, and native wetland plants are preferred for wetland areas. When trees designated for retention are lost, replacement species are indigenous to the maximum extent feasible and disturbed shrubs and ground cover are replaced with a mixture of Type VI indigenous materials. In R-AC, DC, DN, DT and GDC, new replacement trees are also to be of an indigenous species to the maximum extent feasible.
Plant sizes still apply: shrubs at least 21 inches tall, spaced at a maximum of three feet on center, with shrubs and ground cover giving at least 50 percent surface coverage immediately and 85 percent within two years. Landscape plans come from a licensed landscape architect or Washington State Certified Nurseryman, except projects with 2,000 square feet of landscaping or less.
Violations & Fines
Landscaping required under Chapter 12.18 BMC must be installed and pass city inspection before final occupancy. Breaking approved plans is enforced under Chapter 11.20 BMC with a civil penalty maximum of $250.00 per day for each violation. Shrubs and trees must be maintained in a healthy, natural growing condition, and dead, diseased, damaged or stolen shrubs or trees must be replaced immediately. A maintenance bond for 10 percent of installation cost is released after three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bothell require native plants in my landscaping?
Can I use gravel or bark instead of plants?
Where can I see the approved plant list?
Who must prepare a landscape plan in the City of Bothell?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bothell
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How other cities in King County handle native plants.