Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Whatcom County, WA (2026)

1 county-level rule, 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.

Density Bonus Law

Whatcom County lets Planned Unit Developments earn up to a 35 percent density bonus above the underlying zone under WCC 20.85.108, stacking additive credits for open-space improvements, historic preservation, energy efficiency, renewable heat and shoreline public access. In the Birch Bay Urban Growth Area's Resort Commercial zone, single-family PUDs can instead double base density, up to 100 percent, outside the floodplain.

Whatcom County PUD Density Bonus Rules

Some Restrictions

WCC § 20.85.108

§ 20.85.108. Density increases. (1) The county may approve an increase of dwelling unit density for residential development, or floor area for commercial and industrial activities of not more than 35 percent greater than that permitted by the underlying zone. Properties located within a Water Resource Protection Overlay District shall not be eligible for a dwelling unit density increase. ... ar...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses by City in Whatcom County

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

BellinghamPop. 91,482

2 verified rules • Density Bonus Law, Downtown Design Guide

All Whatcom County ordinances

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Whatcom County Ordinance Hub →