Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules 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.

Obstruction Rules

Temporary signs placed in Whatcom County's public rights-of-way can't block a sidewalk, street, driveway, traffic sign, bus stop, fire hydrant, bench or any street furniture, or create any hazard, including a trip hazard, under WCC § 20.80.470(7)(b), and must be stake-mounted rather than dug or bolted in.

Whatcom County Sidewalk Obstruction Sign Rule

Some Restrictions

WCC § 20.80.470(7)(a)-(d), (f)

(7) Noncommercial temporary signs in public rights-of-way subject to the following: (a) Such signs are only allowed in non-hard surface areas of the right-of-way. (b) No sign shall obstruct or impair access to a public sidewalk, public or private street or driveway, traffic control sign, bus stop, fire hydrant, bench, or any type of street furniture, or otherwise create a hazard, including a tr...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Encroachment Permits

Whatcom County requires a revocable encroachment permit before anyone works within, occupies, or temporarily uses county road right-of-way. Public Works issues these permits under WCC 12.16, and working without one is a misdemeanor carrying up to a $500 fine per day of violation.

Whatcom County Encroachment Permit Rules

Some Restrictions

Whatcom County Code §§ 12.16.020, 12.16.100

Any person or persons, corporation, district, municipality, city, town or utility who shall desire to work within or temporarily use the county right-of-way, easement or county-owned land shall first procure from the department of public works a revocable encroachment permit. The director of public works or the county engineer shall grant such permit subject upon the terms and conditions set fo...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules by City in Whatcom County

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

BellinghamPop. 91,482

2 verified rules • Encroachment Permits, Obstruction Rules

All Whatcom County ordinances

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

Whatcom County Ordinance Hub →