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Building Services
Whatcom County Government are temporarily closed to public “in person” services. (Our lobby/Permit Centers will be closed to the public.) However, we are still very much “open for business”. We will continue to provide services for permit processing and staff will be available to assist customers and the public via telephone, email and video conferencing options. We encourage our customers to utilize the following online and telephone options:
PLEASE CLICK ON THE TABS BELOW FOR INFORMATION ABOUT APPLICATION AND PAYMENT OF BUILDING PERMITS.
The first step or all building permits is a Prescreen--please see the instructions below on how to submit and request a prescreen.
- Request a Prescreen
- Permit Submission & Issuance
- Request an Inspection
- Pay for my Permit
- Extend Permit
- WA Energy Code
Submit a Residential Building Permit Prescreen--complete this fillable form and email it along with at a minimum the following: project narrative (what do you want to do?), site plan and preliminary structural plans to epermits@co.whatcom.wa.us.
Get a Commercial Building Permit Prescreen--please send an email request and information epermits@co.whatcom.wa.us.
You must complete a building prescreen and get approval before submitting your permit application.
- Review our Interim Building Permit Vesting Policy to the 2015 International Building Code
- Submit an application or permit--email epermits@co.whatcom.wa.us. with your application materials and our staff will review and get back to you with instructions and questions.
- Many of our application checklists require multiple copies of documents. Due to COVID-19 and the transition to digital submissions, multiple copies of documents are NOT NEEDED. We are working to get our applications updated to reflect our new process!
- Get my permit issued--once your permit fees are paid, staff can email you a .pdf version of your permit and plan set.
- If you had previously submitted a hard copy version of your plans, the building service inspector can provide you with your "Job site copy" at your pre-construction meeting (i.e. first inspection)
- You can also request PDS Staff snail mail you your permit and "Job Site Copy" of your plans or you can request to pick up your plan drawings at our office. Permits ready for pick up will be left outside under our covered foyer during business hours.
PLEASE NOTE: We will perform inspections on projects consistent with the Governor’s Phase 2 Construction Requirements.
Please use the online form to request your inspection request online or call 360-778-5902.
If an inspection is scheduled, our inspectors will be following strict protocols when on site. Please review this protocol document to ensure compliance.
To pay for your permit or application you will receive an email from staff with the permit balance due. Once you have received this information you can pay for your permit by the following options:
- Credit or Debit Card. Call 360-778-5930 please leave a message for the cashier to arrange payment. Be sure to leave your name, phone number, permit/application number and site address on your message--the cashier will get back to you ASAP to process the payment.(there is a 2.35% transaction fee on credit cards, $1.00 for debit cards.)
- Mail a check payable to Whatcom County Planning to 5280 Northwest Drive, Bellingham WA 98226. (please include your permit number on the check)
Get a building permit extension--we have approved a policy related to permit extensions during this difficult time. When your building permit comes close to the expiration date, our staff will be granting you an automatic 6 month extension. (this may happen more than once) We hope this allows you extra time to make progress on your project. This policy will be in effect until the situation improves and the policy is rescinded.
If you are required to submit Energy Code forms for your permit submittal--here is a link to the forms and information: WA Energy Program Information and Forms
For more information about the Energy Code legislation for Washington State--you can review the Washington State Energy Code Progress Toward 2030 Report.