Natural Resources

One of the greatest assets of Whatcom County is its bounty of Natural Resources. The forests, lakes, rivers and streams, wetlands, marine shorelines, and wildlife prevalent throughout the county play a large role in making this one of the most desirable places to live in the country.

Environmental Permitting

The Environmental Permitting teams are tasked with reviewing land use and development permit applications for compliance with Whatcom County codes and development standards:

  • Shoreline Technical Administrators review for compliance with the Shoreline Management Program (Whatcom County Code Title 23).
  • Critical Areas Technical Administrators review for compliance with the Critical Areas Ordinance (Whatcom County Code Title 16.16).
  • Watersheds Technical Administrators review within regulated watersheds for compliance with clearing, impervious surfaces, and tree canopy retention (Whatcom County Code Title 20).

Application Submittals

PDS does not accept paper submissions for applications and permit intake;  applications must be submitted digitally. To submit an application or permit email [email protected] with your application materials. When your application has been processed you will receive an email with your permit number and an invoice for applicable fees. Once your fees are paid your application we will assigned for review by Natural Resources staff.

To Pay for a Permit:

You will receive an invoice via email from PDS staff with the permit balance due.  Once you have your invoice your may:

Pay by phone: Call 360-778-5930 and leave a voicemail for the cashier  to arrange payment.  Be sure to leave your name, phone number, and permit/application or invoice number on your message and the cashier will return your call as soon as possible to process your payment.  Please note there is a 2.35% transaction fee on Credit Cards and a $1.00 transaction fee for Debit Cards. PDS is not able to accept electronic checks. 

Pay by mail: Mail a check payable to Whatcom County Planning to 5280 Northwest Drive, Bellingham WA 98226. Please reference your permit number or invoice number on the check.

Pay in office: Debit, Credit, Cash, and Check are all accepted in our office at 5280 Northwest Drive during our open hours from 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday-Friday.