You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-09-16.
Bellingham building permits
Bellingham, Washington — as published 2026-09-16.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Building Permit
Required for construction in Bellingham. The city names the 2021 editions but takes state amendments as they are made, and replaces the model codes' administrative chapters with its own Construction Administrative Code.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Built to the 2021 International Building Code and Appendix E, as now and hereafter amended by the state of Washington
- Residential work is to the 2021 International Residential Code and Appendix AT
- Accessibility is to the 2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1
- Administration is Bellingham's own Construction Administrative Code, not IBC Chapter 1
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding permit applicationBuilding permit application as required by the City of Bellingham.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | NO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE STATED HERE FOR BELLINGHAM - the chapter read sets out which codes apply and how they are administered, and no fee schedule was located in it. Show full citationHideNO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE STATED HERE FOR BELLINGHAM - the chapter read sets out which codes apply and how they are administered, and no fee schedule was located in it. ONE FEE RULE IN THE CODE MATTERS AND IS OFTEN MISSED: where the city has to hire an outside professional to review your application, you pay for it. The Construction Administrative Code provides that "Whenever review of a building permit application requires retention by the City for professional consulting services, the applicant shall reimburse the City the cost of such professional consulting services. This fee shall be in addition to the normal plan review and building permit fees." The city may require a deposit up front, in an amount set at the Building Official's discretion. Lynden, in the same county, has a comparable rule. |
Alteration or Change of Occupancy in an Older Building
Bellingham sets a hard date for existing structures: work on buildings that existed before 1 January 1985 triggers conformance requirements.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Applies to structures existing prior to January 1, 1985 where work involves additions, alterations or changes of occupancy
- Such work "shall be made to conform to the requirements of this chapter or the provisions of Chapters 5 through 13" of the International Existing Building Code
- Applies to existing occupancies in Groups A, B, E, F, I-2, M, R and S
- Does NOT apply to buildings with occupancies in Group H or I-1, I-3 or I-4
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding permit applicationBuilding permit application as required by the City of Bellingham.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | NO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE STATED HERE FOR BELLINGHAM - the chapter read sets out which codes apply and how they are administered, and no fee schedule was located in it. Show full citationHideNO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE STATED HERE FOR BELLINGHAM - the chapter read sets out which codes apply and how they are administered, and no fee schedule was located in it. ONE FEE RULE IN THE CODE MATTERS AND IS OFTEN MISSED: where the city has to hire an outside professional to review your application, you pay for it. The Construction Administrative Code provides that "Whenever review of a building permit application requires retention by the City for professional consulting services, the applicant shall reimburse the City the cost of such professional consulting services. This fee shall be in addition to the normal plan review and building permit fees." The city may require a deposit up front, in an amount set at the Building Official's discretion. Lynden, in the same county, has a comparable rule. |
Verify a Contractor Licence
Washington contractors register with the Department of Labor & Industries. Registration is a STATE record; Bellingham does not issue it.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Check contractor registration with Washington State Labor & Industries
Required documents
- OptionalNo city document requiredNo city document - check the state register.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | NO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE STATED HERE FOR BELLINGHAM - the chapter read sets out which codes apply and how they are administered, and no fee schedule was located in it. Show full citationHideNO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE STATED HERE FOR BELLINGHAM - the chapter read sets out which codes apply and how they are administered, and no fee schedule was located in it. ONE FEE RULE IN THE CODE MATTERS AND IS OFTEN MISSED: where the city has to hire an outside professional to review your application, you pay for it. The Construction Administrative Code provides that "Whenever review of a building permit application requires retention by the City for professional consulting services, the applicant shall reimburse the City the cost of such professional consulting services. This fee shall be in addition to the normal plan review and building permit fees." The city may require a deposit up front, in an amount set at the Building Official's discretion. Lynden, in the same county, has a comparable rule. |
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-09-16.
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Bellingham building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.