How Bellingham Handles Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: A Practical Guide

Bellingham maintains 133 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with sidewalk & pedestrian rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Bellingham falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Obstruction Rules

Bellingham declares any obstruction of a street, alley or sidewalk, and any excavation kept longer than needed or made without a permit, a public nuisance under BMC 10.28.020(Q). Enforcement officers can order abatement within 24 hours, and violating the chapter is a misdemeanor under BMC 10.28.050.

Key details: Nuisance section: BMC 10.28.020(Q), obstructions/excavations. Abatement notice: 24 hours (falls in M-V category). Summary abatement: No notice if imminent danger, BMC 10.28.040. Appeal: To hearing examiner within notice period. Violation: Misdemeanor, BMC 10.28.050.

Creating, maintaining or permitting a sidewalk or street obstruction under BMC 10.28.020(Q), or willfully refusing to remove one after notice, is a misdemeanor under BMC 10.28.050. Owners, occupants and their agents are all independently liable for permitting the nuisance, and abating the obstruction does not excuse a separate misdemeanor charge for having created or maintained it (BMC 10.28.050(E)). Courts may order abatement as part of sentencing, and the city can bill abatement costs as a collectible civil debt (BMC 10.28.030, 10.28.040).

Encroachment Permits

A temporary right-of-way use permit from Bellingham's public works department is required before placing a sidewalk cafe, streatery, scaffolding, or other private encroachment in a city right-of-way.

Key details: Permit issuer: Public works department. Max initial term: 1 year. Insurance minimum: $1,000,000 liability. Violation: Civil infraction.

Placing cafe seating, staging, dumpsters, or other covered encroachments in the right-of-way without a permit, or violating permit conditions, can bring permit denial, revocation, or a civil infraction under BMC 13.14.110.

The Bottom Line

Bellingham's sidewalk & pedestrian rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bellingham is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Bellingham's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.