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Planning & Development Services - Building Services

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1. How do I start the process of applying for a residential building permit?

Research first! Obtain information about a particular piece of property and any special requirements by providing a tax parcel (geographic ID) number to the Planners at our front counter or by reviewing the information from our website and Whatcom County Code requirements. The best place to start is with our Natural Resource Division who will help you work through the Natural Resource Assessment process. Please contact us if you have any questions. Whatcom County Code

2. Is there a minimum size requirement for a single family residence (SFR)?

There is no "minimum" size requirement in unincorporated Whatcom County in areas zoned to allow the building of an SFR. Any SFR built is required to meet the International Building Codes and Washington State Energy Codes. The SFR must have water availability approved by the Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD), cooking facilities and bathroom facilities. The SFR will need to have sewer hook-up or a septic system approved by WCHD. The structure cannot be on wheels and must be fixed to the ground. The building footprint has to meet the setbacks and any restrictions based on the presence of Critical Areas.

3. Where do I apply for an electrical permit?

Whatcom County does not issue electrical permits. Contact the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Their office is located at
1720 Ellis Street
Bellingham, WA 98225

Phone: 360-647-7300

4. How do I apply for a mechanical permit?

Mechanical permits are issued over the counter at Whatcom County Planning and Development Services. Applications may also be faxed, mailed or emailed in. However, the permit must be picked up in person, unless a payment (cash or check only) and return address accompanies a mailed in application. Mechanical permits

5. Is a permit required for tearing down a structure on my property?

Demolition Permit applications are required if you are removing an existing structure. You must contact the Northwest Clean Air Agency at 360-428-1617 or 800-622-4627 prior to the submittal of your demolition application. Demolition Permit (PDF)

6. Whom do I contact about asbestos removal?

Contact the Northwest Clear Air Agency, 360-428-1617 or review NWCAA asbestos information online. NWCAA asbestos information

7. How do I find out if an existing structure has a building permit?

For properties located in the unincorporated areas of Whatcom County, you may call or visit our office. We will need the parcel number in order to assist you. If you don't know the parcel number, please visit the Assessor's Real Property Search where you can search by parcel number, address, or owner name. You may also call them at 360-778-5900. Real Property Search

8. If I buy a piece of property and find out that the previous owner did work without permits, what do I do?

You, as the current owner, are responsible for obtaining the proper permits and having the work inspected. Contact Whatcom County Planning and Development Services to determine which permits and inspections will be necessary.

9. How do I apply for a residential building permit?

Review the residential building permit submittal process here.

permit submittal process

10. When applying for a permit to build a single family residence (SFR), is there a minimum square foot size requirement for the SFR?

There is no “minimum” size requirement in Whatcom County in areas zoned to allow the building of a single family residence (SFR). Any SFR built within Whatcom County is required to meet the International Building Codes and Washington State Energy Codes. The SFR must have water availability approved by the Whatcom County Health Department (WCHC), cooking facilities, bathroom facilities. The SFR will need to have sewer hook-up or a septic system approved by WCHC. The structure cannot be on wheels and must be fixed to the ground. The building footprint has to meet the setbacks and any restrictions based on the presence of Critical Areas.

11. How long is a residential building permit good for?

Permits expire if more than 180 days (about 6 months) have passed since the last inspection. When you have an inspection, the expiration date is automatically extended 180 days from the date of the inspection. A permit may be extended for 180 days if you send a written request to the Building Services Division. The written request should include the permit number, the site address, your name, address and phone number, and the reason for the request. The request should be on the Building Permit Extension Request form. Building Permit Extension Request form

12. How do I determine the residential building permit fees?

Building permit fees are largely based on the valuation of the proposed structure, the project’s proximity to critical areas and the number of proposed mechanical and plumbing fixtures. View instructions on calculating building permit fees here.

building permit fees

13. Are inspections required after permits have been obtained for residential projects?

Yes. Learn more about residential inspections on our website. residential inspections

14. How and when do I call for a building inspection?

Learn more information about the building inspection request process here. building inspection request process

15. What types of building inspections do I need to request?

Each project requires a different set of inspections, especially if the project is located in a regulated watershed. Typically, the first inspection you will need to call in for is the preconstruction meeting. The preconstruction meeting is conducted with one of our building inspectors who will respond to you by visiting the site in person or by phone. During the preconstruction meeting the inspector will discuss your required inspections, along with important information about permit conditions that will be required as your project moves toward final occupancy. Learn more about inspection requirements with this printable document. inspection requirements

16. Do I have to be present when the inspector arrives?

No, except for the preconstruction meeting. If you are unavailable to be on site for any other inspections you must make provisions to allow for inspector entry (i.e., instructions on where the key is located, etc.). If there are corrections necessary prior to signing off on a particular inspection, a correction notice will be left on site. When an inspection is approved, the appropriate portion of your inspection record will be signed and dated. Note: The inspection record is your permanent record, so don't lose it!

17. Who do I contact if I have questions about building codes?

A plans examiner is on duty Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Building inspectors are available from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. before they leave to do their inspections.

18. When can I "occupy" or use my house / structure?

Occupancy and use of the structure begins only after the final inspection has been signed off. You are in violation of code if you occupy the premises prior to that, unless the inspector has granted you temporary occupancy (i.e. approval to habitat the structure subject to a list of outstanding requirements that must be completed prior to final occupancy).

19. Do you have a copy of my building plans?

Planning and Development Services keeps structural plans for houses during the construction of the house and for 180 days after the final inspection. After 180 days, the plans are destroyed.

20. What projects are exempt from the permitting / review process?

View exceptions to building permit requirements here. If your project is not on this list and you have questions regarding whether or not you need a permit, please call 360-778-5900. exceptions to building permit requirements

21. Do I need a permit to build a storage shed or deck?

View requirements that allow the storage shed or deck to be exempt. requirements

22. How do I verify if a contractor is licensed?

Contractors are licensed through Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Call the department at 800-647-0982 for more information. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries

23. Where can I learn more information on Green Building?

Visit our Green Building page to learn more. Green Building page