City Building Permits

Bellingham, WA Building Permit Guide

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

Washington Whatcom County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Bellingham.

Department: Planning and Community Development - Permit Center
Address: 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-8300
Email: permits@cob.org
Website: https://cob.org/services/permits

Online Permit Portal

Open TRAKiT Permitting System

Platform: TRAKiT • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Complete pre-application screening meeting recommended for complex projects.
Prepare architectural plans drawn to scale, engineering documents, site plans, and energy code compliance documentation.
Submit application and plan sets (two sets of drawings for most applications) through TRAKiT portal or in-person.
Plan review process includes Building Services, Fire Department (when applicable), Land Use/Planning, and Public Works/Stormwater reviews.
Pay building permit and plan review fees.
Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised plans if required.
Proceed with construction and schedule required inspections through TRAKiT.

Typical processing time: 4-8 weeks for building permit approval; longer for complex projects

Source: Planning and Community Development - Permit Center

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

Completed building permit application
Architectural plans drawn to scale
Engineering documents
Site plans
Energy code compliance documentation
Valuation form
Two sets of drawings for most applications

Permit validity: Contact Building Services for permit validity terms.
Building code: 2021 International Building Code with Washington amendments, 2021 International Residential Code, Washington State Energy Code, and Bellingham Municipal Code Title 20
Owner-builder: Owner-builders may apply; consult with Permit Center for requirements.
Contractor requirements: Washington State L&I contractor registration required. Valid contractor license must be on file.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Variable based on project type and valuation
Plan check fee: Building Services Plan Review Fee (separate)
Permit fee formula: Based on project valuation and type
Trade permit fee: Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permits charged separately
Reinspection fee: $107.00 per hour (1 hour minimum)
Payment note: Standard fees include state building code fees ($6.50 per permit + $2.00 per additional residential unit for residential; $25.00 for non-residential). Impact fees apply (school, park, transportation).

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (may still require zoning approval)
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high
Decks/platforms not more than 30 inches above grade
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated swimming pools entirely above ground
Playground equipment

Important: Exempt work may still require land use approval, zoning compliance, or other permits.

Inspections

How to Schedule

TRAKiT portal (online)
(360) 778-8363 (7:30-8:30 AM for alternative options) (phone)
Automated phone scheduling available (automated)

Scheduling deadline: 24-48 hours notice typically required
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (phone/email); office hours vary by day
Time windows: Morning and afternoon windows available

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation, underslab rough-in, framing (including shear walls), rough electrical, rough plumbing (testing required), rough mechanical, insulation and air sealing, duct testing (if forced air), final building, final electrical, final plumbing, final mechanical, blower door test (energy code compliance).

Contact Permit Center for remote inspection options.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code with Washington amendments, 2021 International Residential Code, Washington State Energy Code, and Bellingham Municipal Code Title 20
Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
Inspection Scheduling Instructions
Fire Department Review Information
License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Planning and Community Development - Permit Center before applying.

Need help with your project?

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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 authority 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.

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