01
Bothell at a Glance
State tier
2 (2020 population about 48,200)
Minimum homes
2 per residential lot; 4 within a quarter-mile walk of a major transit stop; 4 with one affordable unit
Major transit
Swift Green Line stations through Canyon Park
02
The Two-County Factor
| Item | King County side | Snohomish County side |
|---|---|---|
| Unit lot plat recording | King County Recorder | Snohomish County Auditor/Recorder |
| Property tax parcel | King County Assessor | Snohomish County Assessor |
| School district | Usually Northshore | Usually Northshore or Everett |
| Impact fees | Set by the city and district | Set by the city and district |
Zoning and building permits go through the City of Bothell in both cases.
03
Where Middle Housing Fits in Bothell
North Creek and Canyon Park area
newer subdivisions near the Swift Green Line; HOA covenants are common and must be reviewed.
Older neighborhoods near downtown Bothell
smaller, older homes on lots that suit duplexes and townhome pairs.
Large semi-rural lots on the edges
candidates for cottage clusters, subject to sewer availability.
04
Bothell FAQ
QMy subdivision has an HOA. Does state law override it?
Zoning law and private covenants are separate. State law changed what the city can prohibit, but recorded covenants and HOA rules may still limit construction. We review them from the title report before design.
QDoes it matter which county my Bothell lot is in?
For zoning, no — the City of Bothell's code applies. For recording, taxes and some fees, yes.