Property Maintenance in Whatcom County, WA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Whatcom County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Whatcom County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Property Blight

Whatcom County treats litter, debris and illegally dumped waste on private or public property as a civil infraction under WCC § 8.28.100, backed by a court-ordered cleanup and a lien the county can record against the property if the responsible person won't pay. Depositing more than one cubic foot of litter also triggers a $25-per-cubic-foot cleanup fee on top of the infraction fine.

Whatcom County Litter & Debris Abatement Rules

Some Restrictions

Whatcom County Code § 8.28.100

Any violation of this chapter shall be subject to the following penalties: A. It is a Class 3 civil infraction as defined in RCW 7.80.120 for a person to transport an unsecured load or to litter or allow improper disposal, in an amount less than or equal to one cubic foot. B. It is a Class 1 civil infraction for a person to litter or allow improper disposal in an amount greater than one cubic f...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Vacant-lot owners in unincorporated Whatcom County must keep the parcel clear of dumped garbage and control state-listed noxious weeds. Illegal dumping is barred by county litter control (WCC 8.28.080), and the Whatcom County Noxious Weed Control Board enforces weed duties under RCW 17.10.

Whatcom County Vacant Lot Maintenance

Some Restrictions

Whatcom County Code 8.28.080

It shall be unlawful for any person to dump or deposit or permit the dumping or depositing of any solid waste or dangerous waste onto or under the surface of the ground or into the waters of this county except at a solid waste or dangerous waste disposal site for which there is a valid permit.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Property Maintenance by City in Whatcom County

1 cities in Whatcom County have their own property maintenance rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

BellinghamPop. 91,482

2 verified rules • Property Blight, Vacant Lot Maintenance

All Whatcom County ordinances

See every category we cover for Whatcom County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Whatcom County Ordinance Hub →