Bothell, WA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)

Bothell does not use the phrase "preferential parking district." Chapter 10.45, Parking Restrictions on Residential Streets, creates "limited parking zones" on signed residential streets. Under § 10.45.065, when signs on a street or portion of it give notice that a valid parking permit must be displayed, no one can stand or park in violation of the sign. Under § 10.45.010(A), a properly issued and displayed permit exempts one specified vehicle from citation for parking longer than the posted time limit in its own zone, but never for more than seven consecutive hours in one location. The permit guarantees no space and does not excuse no-parking zones, load zones or fire lanes.

Eligibility is tied to the hundred block. Section 10.45.020 limits permits to people who reside on the hundred block, who own or control the vehicle, and who prove residence with a valid driver's license showing that block or a deed, lease, rental agreement or similar document. Under § 10.45.030, the police department issues permits to qualified residents who have insufficient off-street parking spaces, and the zone is the hundred block where the holder lives, with a multi-block zone possible for RM-zone properties fronting two or more hundred blocks. Section 10.45.015 bars permits for any commercial vehicle over 10,000 pounds licensed gross vehicle weight.

Permits do not expire while the holder keeps the vehicle and the address (§ 10.45.050), and they work only for that vehicle in that zone. Visitor permits under § 10.45.060 are valid up to one year, with up to two per residential address and more by written application to the chief of police.

Section 10.45.070 makes it unlawful to give false application statements, transfer or alter a permit, use a revoked permit, let a high school student use a permit as a visitor, or sell, rent or lease a permit. The police chief can revoke for false statements or any violation of the chapter, with written notice setting a revocation date not fewer than 10 nor more than 13 days out (§ 10.45.090). Appeals go to the city manager or designee, who sets a hearing within 30 days and decides within 10 days after it closes (§ 10.45.100).