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1. When do I need a moving permit?

Any individual, firm or corporation planning to move, transport or haul any mobile home or other structure over 10 feet in width or 40 feet in length through Whatcom County on any route which consists solely of county roads and highways shall, prior to said movement or transport, obtain a permit (PDF) from the Whatcom County Engineer.

2. What are overweight loads?

Whatcom County's definition of overweight loads is the same as for the Washington State Department of Transportation.

3. Who issues the oversize or overweight permits?

The Whatcom County Road Engineer is charged with the responsibility of issuing permits for oversize or overweight, non-reducible loads for travel over Whatcom County rights-of-way. Call the Engineering Office at 360-778-6220 and speak to the Engineer's designated staff person to obtain a permit.

4. When is a bond required?

A bond is posted if the County Road Engineer determines that the size and/or weight of the load on the proposed route could result in damage to the road and/or signs in the county rights-of-way. The bond amount is determined by the County Road Engineer.

5. Can the permit be issued over the phone or by email?

In some instances the County Road Engineer, or designee, will issue a moving permit by phone. If we have your email address, we can email the permit to you. The numbered, signed permit can be faxed, issued by email or printed over the counter to the mover and is to be carried in the vehicle during the move. The County Road Engineer can require all operators to have a copy of the permit in the vehicle at all times. See WCC 10.32.050 - Contents and Display of Permit.

6. What are the fines for moving oversized loads or homes without a permit?

See RCW 46.44 - Size, Weight, Load Enforcement Procedures.