Administrative overview · FIPS 53073
Whatcom County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
Whatcom County Planning and Development Services
For a project in or near Whatcom County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
360-778-5900
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225
Operating hours
Building inspectors generally 8:30-9:30 AM weekdays; Point Roberts Tuesdays and Lummi Thursdays; verify current schedule.
Review expectation
Ask the agency for its current review estimate
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →Source trail
Official sources for this profile
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Whatcom County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Whatcom County Planning and Development Services is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
How should I begin an application?
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 360-778-5900.
How long might review take?
A typical review timeline was not verified. Ask the agency for its current completeness and review estimate.
How are inspections scheduled?
Request inspections through the County system; requests after 6:00 PM are not scheduled for the next business day. Call 360-778-5900 for code and inspection questions.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
2021 Washington State construction codes and applicable Whatcom County requirements for unincorporated areas. Qualifying Washington code exemptions may apply; county critical-area, floodplain, shoreline and land-use rules may still require review.