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City building permits

City of Blaine

How to apply for a building permit in City of Blaine, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

Community Development Services (CDS)

Street address
435 Martin St, Suite 3000, Blaine, WA 98230
Coverage
All properties within the incorporated City of Blaine.
Online portal
City of Blaine Website
In-person / Digital / Mail submission
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Blaine

A building permit is required for most construction within the City of Blaine.

Note: Standard exemptions under adopted I-Codes apply. Contact CDS for specific verification of exempt work categories.

Required documents
  • Completed building permit application
  • Site plans
  • Blueprints (not applicable for fencing permits)
  • Scaled site plan showing existing and proposed buildings with property line distances
Building code
International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fire Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Existing Building Code, Washington State Energy Code
Permit validity
Contact CDS for permit validity terms.
Contractor requirements
Washington State L&I contractor registration required. Business license verification may be required.

Source: Community Development Services (CDS) ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Varies by review type; contact CDS for estimate

  1. 01
    Obtain building permit application and required forms from Community Development Services.
  2. 02
    Complete application and prepare site plans and blueprints (not applicable for fencing permits).
  3. 03
    Provide scaled site plan showing existing and proposed buildings with property line distances.
  4. 04
    Submit application in person, by digital submission, or by mail.
  5. 05
    Application is reviewed as Type I (administrative), Type II (quasi-judicial), or Type III (legislative) depending on project type.
  6. 06
    Address any requested corrections or conditions.
  7. 07
    Obtain permit approval and proceed with construction.

Typical processing time: Varies by review type; contact CDS for estimate

Source: Community Development Services (CDS) ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Blaine building permit fees

Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Contact Community Development Services
02
Permit fee formula
Based on construction value (contact department for schedule)

Fee structure established by City of Blaine resolution in uniform fee schedule. Contact CDS at (360) 332-8311 for current rates.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
  • (360) 332-8311 (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical sequence: Inspections conducted by Building Official and Fire Marshal. Required inspections include: foundation, framing, rough mechanical/plumbing/electrical, fire alarm and sprinkler systems (separate permits), insulation, final building inspection, and final fire inspection.

Source: Community Development Services (CDS) ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Blaine permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Blaine, WA?
A building permit is required for most construction within the City of Blaine.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Blaine, WA?
Building permit fees in Blaine, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Contact Community Development Services. Fees are calculated as: Based on construction value (contact department for schedule).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Blaine, WA?
To apply for a building permit in Blaine, WA, follow these steps: 1. Obtain building permit application and required forms from Community Development Services. 2. Complete application and prepare site plans and blueprints (not applicable for fencing permits). 3. Provide scaled site plan showing existing and proposed buildings with property line distances. 4. Submit application in person, by digital submission, or by mail. 5. Application is reviewed as Type I (administrative), Type II (quasi-judicial), or Type III (legislative) depending on project type. 6. Address any requested corrections or conditions. 7. Obtain permit approval and proceed with construction.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Blaine, WA?
Building permit processing times in Blaine, WA typically run Varies by review type; contact CDS for estimate. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Blaine, WA?
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Blaine, WA via: (360) 332-8311.
last verified April 2026 source Community Development Services (CDS) ↗ entry id permits/washington/whatcom/blaine

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development Services (CDS) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

§   Adjacent

Other jurisdictions in Whatcom County.

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