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Planning & Development Services
Applying for a Permit?
All PDS Permits are processed electronically and must be submitted to our office via email. All application materials should be sent in unlocked, editable PDF format to [email protected]. This submittal inbox has an extended file size allowance in order to receive large files, however, if you are unable to attach a particularly large file please contact our office to coordinate another method of electronic submittal.
PDS is in the process of rolling out integrated online submittals for our most common permit types. Current permit statuses, permit records, inspection requests, and more services are currently available via our Online Permit Portal.
All permits can be found on our Applications page; additional information about permit types can be found on the pages for each Division:
Building Permits
Permits for structures; commercial, homes, shops, ADUs, garages, plumbing, appliances/mechanical installations, signs, etc.
Natural Resources Permits
Critical Areas Reviews, Site Plan Reviews, Shorelines, Land Fill and Grade Permits, Tree Removals, Notifications of Activity, etc.
Current Planning (Land Use) Permits
Pre-Application Meetings, Boundary Line Adjustments, Administrative Approvals, Long/Short Subdivisions, Lots of Record, Conditional Use Permits, Variances, etc.
PDS staff recommends that applicants secure potentially both a Land Use Checklist and Site Plan Review before applying for most Building Permits. Types of Building Permits that are unlikely to benefit from either a Land Use Checklist or Site Plan Review may include projects like interior-only remodels, reroofs, window replacements, etc. Permits that do not impact the exterior footprint of an existing structure.
The Land Use Checklist Request is available for application via our Online Permit Portal. A request will prompt County staff to supply various property information, outlining the anticipated permit pathway, and assisting in preparing a subsequent permit application submittal.
The Land Use Checklist Request includes a fee of $147.00; an applicant should apply online, upload a site plan, and remit the automatically invoiced fees prior to County review.
- A Land Use Checklist is different from and does not replace the functions of a Pre-Application Meeting, which is a more comprehensive proposal consultation including detailed guidance and requirements from all potentially involved reviewers.
- If applicants are unsure whether they need a Land Use Checklist or a Pre-Application Meeting, they should contact PDS prior to submittal to clarify if either pathway is recommended or required based on the specifics of their proposal.
- The Land Use Checklist request was previously submitted via a PDF form, as of June 30, 2025 we no longer to accept these requests in PDF format.
- Commercial Building Pre-Screen Requests will remain required for all commercial projects. The PDF form should be completed and sent via email to [email protected] along with Building Plans, a Site Plan, and a Project Narrative.
The Site Plan Review (SPR) application assists in designing the build-out of a project, such as the placement of structures and infrastructure, as well as areas to be avoided such as streams and wetlands. Conducting an SPR in advance of a Building Permit helps avoid unnecessary redesign, which can save an applicant substantial time and money.
- PDS currently accepts SPR Applications submitted via email through [email protected]. Once received, an invoice shall be issued and payment required prior to County review.
Once ready, submit all materials listed on your relevant application Checklist to [email protected] as unlocked, editable PDF documents. You will receive and automated response and then, once your application is processed, staff will email a Invoice for required fees.
Please Note: Applications are processed in the order they are received. Our ePermits Staff analyze every incoming email for each division and distribute to the correct PDS team, we thank you for your patience while your submittal is processed.
Once your application has been processed, a deposit will be due in order to initiate permit review. PDS Staff will email you a detailed Invoice with the balance due. Once you have received an Invoice you may pay via:
Online
Any person with a debit or credit card can submit a payment through our Customer Service Portal with just their Invoice number; no need to create an account! Click here for online payment instructions.
Need assistance with the portal? Email [email protected] or call our office at 360-778-5900.
By Mail
Mail a check payable to Whatcom County Planning to 5280 Northwest Drive Bellingham WA 98226. Please include your case or Invoice number on the check.
In Person
Staff is available at our office to receive payment by Cash, Check, or Card at 5280 Northwest Drive Bellingham, WA, Monday through Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm.
After your final invoice is paid, PDS Staff will email the approved plans and PDF of the permit itself to each contact listed on the application.
Please Note: All Issued Permits are emailed manually by Staff; emails are not automated immediately upon completion of your payment. We thank you for your patience.
See Today's Scheduled Inspections
Customer Service Portal
If you have an online account, please use our Customer Service Portal to request an inspection. Click here to see a User Guide on Requesting an Inspection.
Need assistance with the portal? Email [email protected] or call our office at 360-778-5900.
The Inspection Hotline and Online Webform have been discontinued as of Monday March 31st.
Keep in Mind
These items must be on site at the time of inspection:
- Approved plans
- Permit
- Inspection record
Inspection Areas
- Point Roberts inspections are performed on Tuesdays
- Lummi Island inspections are performed on Thursdays
- Glacier area inspections are performed on Mondays and Wednesdays
Additional Resources
- Whatcom County Interactive Map – use the GIS Parcel Viewer to view map layers, zoning, current imagery maps, Assessor information, city boundaries, subdivision annotation, and bare earth topography. Having trouble with the map viewer? Use these Parcel Viewer Instructions.
- Property Search Guide – this guide shows you how to find helpful information about your property including zoning, recorded documents, septic records, etc.
- Property Information Request Form – can’t find what you’re looking for with the Property Search Guide or Parcel Viewer? Fill out this web form to request assistance from PDS Staff.
- Report a Code Violation
- Water Adjudication - find information about the ongoing Water Adjudication process with Whatcom County Public Works or with WA State Department of Ecology.
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