Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Bellingham

Bellingham, WA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Zone
Residential Single (RS)
Height limit, Definition No. 1
35 feet, wall grade to roof peak
Height limit, Definition No. 2
20 feet, on-site grade method
Enforcement
Civil infraction, $500-$1,000 fine

Summary

Bellingham's Residential Single zone caps buildings at 35 feet measured to the roof peak from grade at the wall, or 20 feet under the alternate on-site grade method.

E. Height. No structure shall exceed 35 feet under BMC 20.08.020, height definition No. 1 or 20 feet under height definition No. 2.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Bellingham Municipal Code § 20.30.040(E) sets the height limit for the Residential Single (RS) zone at 35 feet under the code's height Definition No. 1, measured from grade at the building wall to the roof peak, or 20 feet under Definition No. 2, measured from the highest grade within 20 feet of the building. Owners may choose either method unless the planning director finds the choice would harm adjacent properties. BMC 20.10.070 exempts spires, chimneys, flagpoles and similar features from the cap so long as no usable floor space is added above the limit. Properties within the shoreline master program face separate limits under Title 22.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the height limit or building without required approval is a civil infraction under BMC 20.52.010: up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, each day a separate violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build higher than 35 feet on a residential lot in Bellingham?
Only using the alternate height Definition No. 2 method, capped at 20 feet from the highest grade within 20 feet of the building, or if a feature like a chimney or flagpole is exempted.
Do churches get a height exception in residential zones?
Yes. BMC 20.16.020(C)(2) lets churches exceed the district height limit if side yards are widened to at least half the building's height, under Definition No. 1.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bellingham

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsSetback RulesSome RestrictionsLot Coverage LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome Restrictions

All Bellingham rules

Compare Bellingham to another location·View the Washington building setbacks & zoning overview

Get notified when Structure Height Limits in Bellingham, WA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.