Due to open staff positions, training new employees and the large volume of incoming applications your permit or land use application and/or property inquiry will take longer than normal to process. We apologize for this inconvenience; please read this message from Director, Mark Personius which provides more detailed information.
Regarding the *seasonal clearing limitations from October 1, 2023 through May 31, 2024 on parcels within the Lake Whatcom, Lake Samish and Lake Padden Watersheds
Please note that WCC 20.51.410(3) and WCC 20.80.735(2) prohibit Whatcom County from issuing permits from September 15th – May 31st.
Therefore, no development permits in the above mentioned watersheds will be issued after September 14th, 2023.
Those permits that are not able to be issued prior to September 15th, 2023 will be available for issuance on June 1st, 2024 .
*Seasonal Clearing Limitations: Clearing activities which expose more than 500 square feet of soil (in total) are not permitted during the seasonal clearing activity limitations.
If you have questions about the seasonal closure, please contact PDS-Natural Resources, Watersheds at 360-778-5900.
The Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) has delayed the effective date of the 2021 Building Codes to March 15, 2024. For more information please visit the SBCC Website. For more information, please review our Interim Vesting Policy.
Limited In-Person Services
Administrative Office
5280 Northwest Drive
Bellingham, WA 98226
Map (GIF)
Phone: 360-778-5900
Inspection Hotline
Phone: 360-778-5902
or submit your request online
Today's Inspection LIst
Outdoor Burning Information
Phone: 360-778-5903
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9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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