The Whatcom County Planning & Development Services (PDS) lobby is opening for walk-in traffic on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 4pm. Virtual appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To schedule a virtual appointment on a Tuesday or Thursday; please complete this appointment request form or call 360-778-5900 to make an appointment.  We will not be taking paper submissions for applications and permit intake. The most efficient way to assist our customers and the public continues to be via telephone, email and video conferencing options; and our application and permit intake processes will continue to be done digitally.

We are accepting all applications digitally. To submit an application or permit--email epermits@co.whatcom.wa.us with your application materials. When your application is accepted you will get an e-mail with your permit number and applicable fees. Once your fees are paid your application we will processed for review by Natural Resource staff.

• Pay for my permit--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)