Permits and Zoning for Businesses

There’s a lot that goes into choosing the right location for your business, including permit and zoning considerations. Before signing a lease, we highly recommend contacting the Permit Center to find out whether the location you’re considering is compatible with zoning, and to see which permits will be required for your business at that location.

Reach out early

The Permit Center Team will help walk you through zoning and permit considerations. By gathering this information ahead of time, you can avoid surprises, including unexpected costs.

Check a location’s zoning

We’re here to help you determine if the location you’ve chosen for your business is compatible with zoning. Use our interactive map (CityIQ) to see a property’s zoning, boundaries and more. 

Tip: Before purchasing or leasing a location, reach out to see if there is a transportation impact fee associated with the proposed use.

Permit requirements for businesses

In addition to obtaining your business license, most businesses require permits to open in Bellingham (even if they are opening in a location that previously had an established business).

How will I know which permits I will need?

You’ll need to contact the Permit Center to find out. Here are some questions we will ask you and research to determine which permits a specific location will require:

What was the previous use of the location?
Was the previous use permitted?
Are you changing the type of business being done on the property?
Are you making modifications to the building?

If the use was not permitted, you will definitely need a permit.
Even if the use was permitted, you will likely need a permit if you are changing the type of business the location is permitted for, or if you’re modifying the space.
You likely won’t need a permit if the use was permitted, you are not changing the type of business being done there, and you are not modifying the space or installing or replacing any equipment. But you should check.

What are the most common permits Bellingham businesses need?

When is a Tenant Improvement Application needed?

If you are modifying a space, you will need to submit a Tenant Improvement Application and checklist. Modifications that prompt the need for this application include:

Changing the use of a space.
Replacing existing equipment.
Changing a space layout (including rearranging seating).
Combining or separating suites.
Adding storage racks over 5 feet 9 inches.

Apply for Tenant Improvements

All types of work that require a Tenant Improvement Application

Per BMC 17.10.020.105.1, any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permits. No person or firm may commence work requiring a permit until they have ensured that required permits for the scope of their work have been issued.

A Certificate of Occupancy ensures you are safely and legally occupying a business space and your business meets all of the required regulations. It must be clearly displayed at your business at all times.

Most businesses will need to get a certificate of occupancy.
If you are doing work that requires a building permit, you will receive one as part of that process.
If you are not doing work that requires a building permit, contact the Permit Center to find out how to obtain a certificate of occupancy.

If you’re doing any of the following, additional types of permits may be required:

Creating or modifying outdoor seating
Parking lot modifications
Landscaping
Replacing a roof or siding
Installing or modifying signs or awnings
Exterior changes
Using the right of way
Handling hazardous materials
Modifying fire sprinklers or alarms
Electrical, mechanical or plumbing work

Avoiding unexpected costs

We don’t want you to be surprised by permits and fees you don’t expect. Here are some of the more common items that can cause unexpected costs.

Tip: This list includes just some examples of costs to consider. Before purchasing or leasing a location, reach out to your designer or architect to discuss your space’s code requirements.

Transportation impact fees: These fees can vary significantly depending on a location, proposed use, and previous use. Before purchasing or leasing a location, reach out to see if there is a transportation impact fee associated with the proposed use.
Sprinklers: Certain locations and uses require safety sprinkler systems and installing can be very costly. Before purchasing or leasing a location, reach out to your designer or architect to discuss your space’s code requirements.
Additional bathrooms: Certain locations and uses require a certain number of bathrooms and installing them can be very costly. Before purchasing or leasing a location, reach out to your designer or architect to discuss your space’s code requirements.
Energy code: Some projects may require energy-related upgrades, such as upgrades to building systems, lighting, insulation, windows, HVAC equipment, and controls.

Contact Us

Please contact the Permit Center if you have questions about permits or zoning.

Get more business resources

Business license and registration

Learn about licensing and registration requirements.

Taxes

Get information about Bellingham and Washington state business and occupation (B&O) taxes.

Incentives and financing

Learn about incentives that could support your business and where to get financing support.

Data and regional business support

Find everything from labor statistics to local organizations that support businesses.