Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Bellingham, WA (2026)
2 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for Bellingham, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Bellingham Sidewalk Obstruction Nuisance Rule
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 10.28.020(Q)
Each of the following, unless otherwise permitted by law, is declared to be a nuisance. ... Q. The existence of any obstruction to a street, alley, or sidewalk; and any excavation in or under any street, alley, crossing, or sidewalk which is prohibited by ordinance or which is made without lawful permission, or which, having been made by lawful permission, is kept and maintained after the purpo...
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.
Bellingham Right-of-Way Encroachment Permits
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 13.14.030
Except as provided in subsection (B) of this section, a temporary right-of-way use permit is required for any temporary use of a right-of-way that interferes with the free use, by the public, of such right-of-way. Such a permit is required for improved and unimproved rights-of-way. B. Exemptions. The requirements of this chapter do not apply to the following: 1. Activities permitted under...
Looking for Whatcom County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bellingham city rules.
Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Whatcom County →