Bellingham, WA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Bellingham, WA, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Key Facts
- Elevation requirement
- 1 foot above base flood elevation
- Permit required
- before any construction in flood hazard area
- Misdemeanor fine
- up to $1,000
- Civil penalty
- up to $100 per day
- Governing chapter
- BMC Title 17.76, Construction in Floodplains
Summary
Bellingham requires new and substantially improved residential structures in FEMA-mapped flood hazard areas to have the lowest floor elevated at least one foot above base flood elevation, under the city's floodplain construction ordinance.
New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to at least one foot above the base flood elevation. The long axis of the foundation must be aligned with the flood flow.
B. Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are subject to flooding are prohibited, or shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect or must meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
1. A minimum of two openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be provided.
2. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
3. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other coverings or devices; provided, that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters. [Ord. 9740 § 3, 1987; Ord. 9136 § 4(B)(1), 1982].
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 Title 17.76, Construction in Floodplains, applies citywide in all FEMA-mapped special flood hazard areas within Bellingham, based on the Flood Insurance Study for Whatcom County. A development permit from the public works director is required before any construction or fill in these zones. New construction or substantial improvement of a residential structure must have the lowest floor, including any basement, elevated at least one foot above base flood elevation, with the building's long axis aligned to flood flow; enclosed space below that floor needs flood-vent openings sized to automatically equalize hydrostatic pressure. Nonresidential structures may floodproof instead of elevate.
Violations & Fines
Building without a floodplain development permit or below the required elevation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000, plus a civil penalty of up to $100 per day of continued noncompliance, collected by city civil action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build in a Bellingham flood zone?
How high must a new house be built in Bellingham's flood zones?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
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