Lessons from Bothell’s Bold Move Away from Parking Mandates
Across the region, cities are rethinking the relationship between parking and housing affordability. This month, the Housing Advocacy Committee (HAC) continued that conversation with Cary Westerbeck, a member of the Bothell Planning Commission, who joined their monthly meeting to discuss Bothell’s recent decision to eliminate off-street parking requirements for new developments.
Bothell’s policy change makes it the first city in King or Snohomish County to completely remove parking minimums. This shift opens the door to more flexible housing types, supports walkable communities, and helps reduce construction costs that often make new housing less affordable. Cary shared valuable insights about how the policy came together, what community engagement looked like, and what other cities can learn from Bothell’s success.
AIA Seattle’s Housing Advocacy Committee
AIA Seattle’s position on parking stems from our Housing Policy Statement where we advocate for “the removal of parking minimums for all housing projects” in order to prioritize growth strategies that reduce climate impacts and allow more people to easily access goods and services they need.
The Housing Advocacy Committee (HAC) provides a forum for members to discuss key housing and land use issues, share insights, and strengthen their advocacy skills. The committee meets monthly via Zoom, every second Thursday from 12-1pm PT, and all AIA Seattle members are welcome to participate.
These meetings create opportunities to connect with planners, policymakers, and fellow practitioners who are shaping the region’s housing future.
Sign up to join the next meeting.
Curious how other communities are approaching this issue? Check out examples from other cities in North America that have lifted parking mandates to promote affordability.
