Public Conduct in Bellingham, WA (2026)
5 verified public conduct rules for Bellingham, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Public Urination
Bellingham makes it unlawful to intentionally urinate or defecate somewhere the public can observe it: streets, sidewalks, parks, parking lots, and even parked cars all count as public places under BMC 10.24.020.
Bellingham Public Urination and Defecation Ban
Heavy RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 10.24.020
A. A person is guilty of urinating in public if they intentionally urinate or defecate in a public place, other than a washroom or toilet room, under circumstances where such act could be observed by any member of the public. B. As used in this section, a “public place” is an area generally visible to public view and includes streets, sidewalks, bridges, alleys, plazas, parks, driveways, parkin...
Skateboarding Rules
Skateboarding is flatly illegal on the streets, sidewalks, alleys, and parking lots of downtown Bellingham's central business district, the Fairhaven business district, and the block around the public library, under BMC 11.52.010. A violation is a civil infraction carrying up to a $250.00 fine or community service.
Bellingham Skateboard Ban in Business Districts
Significant RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 11.52.010; § 11.52.035
11.52.010: It is unlawful for any person to use, operate, play with or propel a skateboard upon, over or along the public streets, alleys, sidewalks, parking lots or other public places in the central business district, in the Fairhaven business district, and in the city block surrounding the Bellingham Public Library. 11.52.035: Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilt...
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
Bellingham bans smoking, including vaping on electronic smoking devices, in any city-owned or city-operated public place, from parks and trails to city buildings, unless the mayor has designated a smoking area. The ban does not reach streets, alleys or sidewalks, and intentional violations draw a civil fine of up to $250.00.
Bellingham Public Place Smoking Ban
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 8.16.020; § 8.16.030; § 8.16.040; § 8.16.060
8.16.020 Definitions. Public place means that portion of any land, building, facility or vehicle owned or operated by the city and open to the public, and regardless of whether a fee is charged for admission. Public places include, but are not limited to: parks, trails, open space, elevators, conveyances or transportation facilities, vehicles, museums, concert halls, theaters, auditoriums, exhi...
Public Marijuana Use
Bellingham bars anyone from opening a marijuana package or consuming marijuana or a marijuana-infused product anywhere open to the view of the general public. BMC 10.08.080 makes the offense a civil infraction capped at $250, a lighter charge than the city's separate misdemeanor for unlawful possession of larger amounts.
Bellingham Public Marijuana Use Ban
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 10.08.080
A. It is unlawful to open a package containing marijuana or a marijuana-infused product, or to consume or use marijuana or a marijuana-infused product in a place which is open to the view of the general public. B. Every person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a civil infraction. [Ord. 2012-12-063 § 3].
Public Alcohol Use
Bellingham bars opening, possessing an open container of, or consuming liquor in any public place unless the site or event holds both state liquor licensing and written city permission; violators face a civil infraction.
Bellingham Public Alcohol and Open Container Ban
Heavy RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 10.08.070
A. It is unlawful for any person to open any package containing liquor, to possess any open container of liquor, or to consume any liquor in a public place, except in those areas or at those events that have appropriate licensing from the state of Washington and written permission of the authorized public official. B. Every person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a ...
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