Bothell, WA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

BMC 20.04.135 adopts the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, as published by the International Council of Building Officials, with references to the uniform codes replaced by the technical codes and sections Bothell has adopted. BMC 20.04.140 adopts the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Housing Code on the same terms. This page quotes only what Bothell's own code prints; the technical standards sit in the adopted 1997 publications, which are filed with the department of community development, building services division, for public inspection under BMC 20.04.145.

Bothell's own nuisance chapter covers the neglected-structure side. BMC 8.24.050 F lists as a public nuisance any attractive nuisances dangerous to children including, but not limited to, abandoned, broken or neglected buildings, equipment, machinery, refrigerators and freezers, excavations, shafts, or insufficiently supported walls or fences in any front yard, side yard, rear yard or vacant lot. BMC 8.24.050 I adds graffiti on the exterior of any building, fence or other structure.

The community development director enforces Titles 8 and 20 under Chapter 11.20 BMC. A notice of violation states the provision violated, the corrective action and a reasonable time for compliance. Where a use or activity threatens the health, safety and welfare of the occupants or any member of the public, BMC 11.20.008 lets the director issue an emergency order. A condition not corrected within the time in that order is declared a public nuisance, and the director can abate it summarily, with the cost recovered from the owner or person responsible. For ordinary nuisances, BMC 8.24.060 B lets the city clean and level the premises and bills the owner within 30 days before a special assessment and lien follow.