Bothell City Council adopts changes to Imagine Bothell… Comprehensive Plan

The Bothell City Council approved the updated Imagine Bothell… Comprehensive Plan at last night’s Council meeting, wrapping up a public engagement process that included more than 40 public hearings.

The Bothell City Council approved the updated Imagine Bothell… Comprehensive Plan at last night’s Council meeting, wrapping up a public engagement process that included more than 40 public hearings.

The 2015 Periodic Plan and Code Update to the Imagine Bothell… Comprehensive Plan includes, among other provisions:

• Accommodation of state growth targets through the provision of mixed-use zoning in the Canyon Park Business Center. The new designation would accommodate about 4,500 additional people and provide residential uses within the Canyon Park Business Center for the first time;

• Policies addressing climate change, air and water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat;

• A continued focus on development of the downtown area as a mixed use urban growth center;

• Policies enabling and supporting high quality transit services to meet future growth needs, as well as transit oriented development (TOD);

• Revision and expansion of the City’s regulations pertaining to accessory dwelling units (ADUs), including allowing for detached ADUs;

• Continued integration of growth and enrollment at the University of Washington Bothell.

The City Council also crafted the final language about transportation policy for infill development by balancing neighborhood preservation with the needs for improved mobility.

The new plan goes into effect July 18.

Work began in February 2014 to update the Comprehensive Plan. After more than 40 public hearings, the Planning Commission presented its recommendation to City Council in April 2015 for consideration. The City Council held a public hearing over eight meeting dates to adjust the final elements and direction of the plan.