Permit Center

Did you receive a permit citation recently?

We understand there has been some confusion regarding recent permit citations. Although the citations reflect the last step in a series of notifications regarding an expired permit, they are not issued through the Permit Center. If you have questions about the citation you received, contact the Bellingham Municipal Court immediately. If you would like to contest it, do so immediately by clicking here to visit cob.org/infractions (from there, click “contested hearing” and then “Request Hearing Online”, and then complete the form).

Please be aware of scam invoice emails

Some agencies are reporting phishing emails being distributed to applicants with active permits. They claim fees are owed and that their permits or hearings will be delayed or denied if fees are not paid. Be cautious with email communications, do not follow hyperlinks in any suspicious emails. If you are paying a fee online, always use our eTRAKiT system.

Walk-in Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs 8:30am – 3:30pm / Wed 9:30am – 3:30pm / Fri Closed
Phone and Email: Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Contact us: (360) 778-8300 or permits@cob.org | more contact info
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Applications & Forms

Applications for building and land-use projects. Submit via email to permits@cob.org.

eTRAKiT (Online Permitting)

Apply for “over the counter” permits, signs and reroofs. Schedule inspections and more.

Two peaks of a grey house against a blue sky.

New Housing and Development Rule Updates

Find information on new City rules related to housing and development – including ADUs, middle housing, and more.

Construction Codes

Current building & construction codes adopted by WA State and Bellingham City Council.

Schedule an Inspection

Set up inspection via the online permitting web portal.

Rental Registration and Safety Inspection Program

If you own a rental in the City of Bellingham, it may need to be registered with this program.

eTRAKiT Permit Process & “How-to”

Permit Fees

Sustainable Development Resources

City IQ

Permit Activity

Current Planning Notices

Bellingham Housing Statistics

Public Works Development Guidelines

FAQs

Neighborhood Zoning

See More Permit Center News

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Additional Resources

Planning and Community Development Department
Bellingham Municipal Code
Medical/Recreational Marijuana Rules (PDF)
Economic Development Incentives
Interactive Map of Current Development Projects

Learn about ADUs and how to build them in Bellingham

Considering building an ADU in Bellingham? Get an overview of our ADU regulations.

Learn about rules for building middle housing

Considering building middle housing types in Bellingham? Get an overview of our regulations.

Considering renting your spare room?

Our new home share program connects homeowners who have extra bedrooms with good-fit renters.