Bothell, WA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

BMC 12.16.080(E) and (F) set the surface and vehicle-count rules for residential lots in the City of Bothell.

Vehicle parking and storage on a residential lot can be covered or uncovered but must be on an approved hard surface. Any hard surface used for vehicle parking or storage must have direct and unobstructed driveway access, so a space reachable only by driving across a yard or through another parked vehicle does not meet the rule. Gravel that is legally nonconforming in an existing parking area can still be used to meet local parking standards, for up to six parking spaces.

The count limit follows lot size. The total number of vehicles parked outside of a building on a single-family lot cannot exceed six on a lot of 12,500 square feet or less, and eight on a lot greater than 12,500 square feet. The count covers vehicles parked outside a building, so garaged vehicles are not in it.

Three related rules round out the picture. BMC 12.16.080(A)(1) requires single-family parking spaces to be on the same lot they serve. BMC 12.16.080(D) allows tandem parking in residential developments only when the tandem spaces are assigned to the same dwelling unit, counted at one space for every 20 linear feet. BMC 12.16.130 exempts existing residential parking spaces that did not conform as of June 6, 2024 from modification or resizing, except for ADA compliance.

At the curb, BMC 10.30.010 bars standing or parking in front of a public or private driveway or within five feet of a driveway entrance, except momentarily to pick up or discharge passengers. Under BMC 20.02.095(B)(1)(f), residential driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route, need no building permit.