County Building Permits

Whatcom County Building Permit Guide

Building permit information for unincorporated Whatcom County and all incorporated cities. Find your jurisdiction's permit authority, application process, fees, and requirements.

Washington Updated March 2026

Important: Whatcom County issues building permits only for properties in unincorporated areas of the county. If your property is inside an incorporated city, select your city below — that city's building department handles your permits, not the county. Birch Bay, though a distinct community, routes permits through Whatcom County Planning and Development Services.

Unincorporated Whatcom County

Permit authority
Planning and Development Services (PDS)
Website
PDS Home
Online portal
Online Permit Portal
Submit permits
ePermits@co.whatcom.wa.us
Governing body
Whatcom County Board of Supervisors

Jurisdictions in Whatcom County

Select your jurisdiction for local permit authority, portal links, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Bellingham Permit guide → Ferndale Permit guide → Lynden Permit guide → Blaine Permit guide → Birch Bay (Unincorporated) Permit guide → Sumas Permit guide → Everson Permit guide → Nooksack Permit guide →

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the relevant city or county department before applying.

Related Washington Resources

License Requirements Verify your contractor's WA L&I registration → Contract Template Free homeowner-contractor agreement →

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Whatcom County can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authorities listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.