Bellingham, WA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- All city grading activity
- Wet-weather window
- Oct 1 – May 31
- Requirement
- Ecology Manual BMP plan
- Lake Whatcom watershed
- Total seasonal ban applies
Summary
All grading citywide in Bellingham must include erosion containment, and any land-disturbing work proposed between October 1 and May 31 needs an approved wet-weather erosion control plan.
A sequencing schedule shall be provided for any construction project to address timing of land-disturbing activities during periods when soils are most exposed to erosion from wind, rain, runoff, and vehicle tracking. If land-disturbing activity is proposed between October 1st and May 31st, the applicant shall provide a wet weather erosion control plan implementing the BMPs in the Ecology Manual, to be reviewed and approved by the PCDD and public works directors.
H. Prevention of any damage or nuisance to adjacent public or private properties, structures, facilities or occupants.
I. Maintenance of the property and work site in a safe and stable condition. [Ord. 2017-03-009 § 10; Ord. 10677 § 3, 1995].
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
BMC 16.70.070 sets performance standards for every grading action in the city, including work-site perimeter containment sufficient to keep silt-laden runoff off adjoining land and out of drainage courses (subsection F). Any project with land-disturbing activity proposed between October 1st and May 31st must additionally provide a wet-weather erosion control plan implementing Washington Department of Ecology stormwater BMPs, reviewed and approved by both the planning and public works directors (subsection G). Within Basin One of the Lake Whatcom watershed the rule is stricter still: land-disturbing activity is barred outright from October 1 through May 31 except approved restoration work (BMC 16.80.120).
Violations & Fines
Grading without required erosion controls is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 per day, plus stop-work orders and city-billed restoration costs (BMC 16.70.140).
Frequently Asked Questions
What erosion control does Bellingham require during construction?
Are the rules different near Lake Whatcom?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
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