Construction Codes

Every three years the State Building Code Council releases new editions of building and fire codes. In Bellingham, the latest updates (2021 Codes) will become effective on March 15, 2024.

Current Codes

​​​Codes as of March 15, 2024

The latest updates (2021 Codes) can be found in the Draft Ordinance – 2021 Buidling Code pdf.

Codes before March 15, 2024

The Bellingham City Council previously adopted the building and construction codes listed below. Adoption and amendments to the codes are located in the Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC) Chapter 17. The Construction Administrative Code set forth in BMC 17.10.020 replaces the administrative chapters of the adopted codes. 

The currently effective 2018 editions of the International Codes, Uniform Plumbing Code and Washington State Energy Codes were adopted statewide as of February 1, 2021.

The currently effective 2020 editions of the National Electric Code and WAC 296-46B were adopted statewide as of October 29, 2020.

How to Access the Codes

Many of the adopted codes are available to view online. Please use the links below.

All WA State amendments to the codes are also available from the State Building Code Council in pdf version to print and insert into your own printed code books. Click here to access the code ​book page inserts.

BUILDING

EXISTING BUILDINGS

ENERGY CODE

The City Council has determined that the adoption of building electrification, energy efficiency and solar readiness regulations will implement various goals and policies of the Climate Protection Action Plan and the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan.

PLUMBING & MECHANICAL

ELECTRICAL

FIRE

Recent Bellingham Municipal Code Changes – Construction and Development

  • Ordinance 2022-02-004 introduces new energy code provisions regarding building electrification, energy efficiency, and solar readiness regulations.
  • Ordinance 2011-08-048 clarifies the comprehensive plan amendment procedures, adds new docketing criteria a revises the decision criteria.
  • Ordinance 2011-08-044 identifies the changes to the setback requirements for buildings, parking / loading areas; as well as the amended landscaping / screening requirements within a Residential, Planned and Industrial, Planned zones.
  • Ordinance 2011-07-036 discusses which structures and architectural elements are allowed to encroach into a required yard setback, how the averaged building setback has been modified and reformats setback standards into a table format.
  • Ordinance 2011-07-035 clarifies the definition of Floor Area or Space and Floor Area Ratio
  • Chapter 20.25 Design Review
    New Design Standards and Review Process effective November 24, 2006.
  • Title 16 Environment BMC Chapter 16.50 Wetlands and Streams has been repealed and replaced by Chapter 16.55 Critical Areas effective December 6, 2005. Ordinance 2005-11-092.
  • Chapter 17.90 Historic Preservation​ BMC 17.80 Landmark Preservation has been repealed and replaced by Chapter 17.90 Historic Preservation effective December 20, 2005. Ordinance 2005-12-094.

Resources

Contacts

Permit Center 

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
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