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Permit Center

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Director:
J.E. “Sam” Ryan, CBO

5280 Northwest Drive
Bellingham, Washington 98226
Telephone: (360) 676-6907
E-mail: pds@co.whatcom.wa.us

 
Submittal Process
  permit counter

An appointment is required to apply for a building permit. Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for non-commercial applications. Call the Permit Center at (360) 676-6907 and ask to schedule an appointment for a residential permit. Have your tax parcel number (aka Geographic ID) ready when you call. A separate appointment is required for each structure.

To apply for a building permit, you need to fill out the application form in the "Building Permit Application - Residential and Detached Accessory Structures" packet. Application packets and other forms are available at the Permit Center counter or on-line at our website. Included in the packet are instructions, general information, and the application form (fillable format) that must be filled out completely and turned in at your application appointment.

At your appointment, staff members will review the plans & documents you submit to determine if they are complete enough to process, or if additional information will be required for permit in-take or for review.

When all reviews have been completed, the applicant will be notified by phone that the permit is ready to be issued and what fees are owing. The applicant will need to come in to the office to sign for the permit and pay the fees. This cannot be done on-line or by phone. Fees may be paid by check or cash only.