Bellingham Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Bellingham Zoning Overview
Bellingham is a city in Washington with approximately 95,926 residents, located in Whatcom County. The city manages land use and development through its zoning code, administered by Planning & Community Development. Bellingham's zoning divides the municipality into districts regulating permitted uses, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density.
Bellingham follows the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50/51), which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).
Primary Zoning Districts
Bellingham's zoning code includes several residential districts. The R-S (Residential Single) district requires a minimum lot size of 9,600 square feet with a 35-foot height limit. The R-2 district allows 7,000 square foot lots. The R-M (Residential Multi) district accommodates multifamily housing.
Commercial activity is served by the CC (Community Commercial) and GC (General Commercial) districts. Industrial uses are provided for in the LI (Light Industrial) and HI (Heavy Industrial) districts.
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Bellingham allows ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Under Washington state law HB 1337 (2023), cities are required to allow ADUs, with up to 2 ADUs permitted per lot in most areas. This is a state mandate that applies to all Washington cities. Contact Planning & Community Development for current requirements including size limits, setbacks, and permitting procedures.
Development Process
Development in Bellingham generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
- Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
- Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning.
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Bellingham, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification of their property
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific district
- Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Contact Planning & Community Development at (360) 778-8300 for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Bellingham and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Bellingham or the municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Bellingham
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Washington
- Building Code: WA State Building Code (WAC 51-50/51)
- State ADU Override: Yes (WA HB 1337 (2023) requires cities to allow ADUs; 2 ADUs per lot in most areas)
County — Whatcom County
- Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 9,600 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 7,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in Bellingham
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Bellingham are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Bellingham permit fees →