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Building Services
Before you are able to apply for your building permit it is likely you will need a Natural Resources or Current Planning permit. Please complete a Pre-Screen Checklist, and email it to [email protected] along with a Site Plan, Preliminary Building Plans, and a brief Narrative to determine if you are ready to apply for your structural permit. Pre-Screens are a mandatory first step for all Building Permits. Please see the instructions below on how to submit/request a Pre-Screen.
Installing plumbing, gas lines, a hot water heater, a mini-split, or another appliance? You will need a Plumbing Permit or Mechanical Permit. These are stand-alone permit forms and, as long as the permit is not for a commercial purpose, do not require a Pre-Screen Checklist, site/building plans, or additional submittal materials. Just complete the appropriate form and email it as a PDF to [email protected].
All applications and Pre-Screens must be submitted electronically to [email protected]. PDS is not accepting paper submittals. We receive a high volume of emails; your patience is appreciated as we process them in the order in which they are received.
Please click on the tabs below for information about the Building Permit application and issuance process.
To submit a Pre-Screen Checklist complete the form and email to [email protected] along with:
- Site Plan
- Preliminary Structural Plans
- Narrative (space is provided on the Pre-Screen Form)
To request a Commercial Building Permit Prescreen - please send an email request along with proposal information to [email protected].
You must provide a Pre-Screen Checklist and receive the completed form back from PDS Staff before submitting your Building Permit application.
Once ready submit your application and materials to [email protected]. Staff will reply to your email with any questions or instructions.
Please Note: Applications are processed in the order they are received. Our ePermits Staff analyze every incoming email for each division and distribute to the correct PDS team, we thank you for your patience while your submittal is processed.
Once your application has been processed, a deposit will be due in order to initiate permit review. PDS Staff will email you a detailed Invoice with the balance due. Once you have received an Invoice you may pay via:
Credit or Debit Card: Call 360-778-5930 please leave a message for the cashier. In your message be sure to include your name, phone number, case or invoice number, and site address. The cashier will get back to you as soon as possible to process your payment. There is a 2.35% transaction fee on credit cards, or a $1.00 fee for debit cards.
By Mail: Mail a check payable to Whatcom County Planning to 5280 Northwest Drive Bellingham WA 98226. Please include your case or Invoice number on the check.
In Person: Staff is available at our office to receive payment by Cash, Check, or Card at 5280 Northwest Drive Bellingham, WA, Monday through Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm.
After your final Invoice is paid, PDS Staff will email the approved plans and PDF of the permit itself to each contact listed on the application.
Please Note: All Issued Permits are emailed manually by Staff; emails are not automated immediately upon completion of your payment. We thank you for your patience.
Revisions are prioritized for approval in a timely manner.
If you need to submit changes to your building project such as a site plan adjustment, building plan change, structural/ mechanical change, addition or deletion of rooms, decks, etc. please submit a Building Revision Form to [email protected].
Please use the online form to request your inspection request online or call 360-778-5902.
If you are required to submit Energy Code forms for your permit submittal--here is a link to the forms and information: WA Energy Program Information and Forms
For more information about the Energy Code legislation for Washington State--you can review the Washington State Energy Code Progress Toward 2030 Report.
Expiration Change on Issued Building permits
Whatcom County Council adopted the 2021 Building code per Whatcom County Ordinance 2024-019 .
This adoption has changed the expiration time frames on issued permits. Pursuant to WCC 15.04, newly issued permits will expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized under the permit is not completed in accordance with the permitted requirements within two (2) years of the date of issuance. A single, one (1) year extension may be granted to complete the authorized work under this permit if a written request is submitted to the Building Official prior to the original expiration date. An extension will only be granted if the permit holder has documented circumstances beyond their control that have prevented the authorized work from being completed. A new permit may be required if the authorized work has not been completed in the timeframe specified in WCC 15.04.
If you had an active, issued building permit prior to the adoption of the ordinance, your building permit will receive an updated expiration date of 4/20/2026. (two years from the effective date of the ordinance) Please see the policy that provides more information.
When your building permit comes close to the expiration date, you can request an extension for your expiration by completing our Building Permit Extension Request Form and submitting it to [email protected]. It will be reviewed by Building Services staff; you will be notified if the request has been granted or denied and if there are any applicable fees or additional steps you need to complete.