Bellingham, WA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Approval required
- Before new dev/redevelopment
- Max infraction fine
- $500/day (BMC 15.42.100)
- Special protection area
- Lake Whatcom Basin One
- Standard used
- DOE Stormwater Manual BMPs
- Administered by
- Public works director
Summary
Bellingham requires city approval under BMC Ch. 15.42 before any new development, redevelopment, or land-disturbing activity that adds impervious surface, enforcing stormwater quality and quantity controls citywide.
Regulated Activities. Consistent with the minimum requirements contained in this chapter, the following activities... shall not be undertaken without first obtaining approval of the city: 1. New Development. a. Land-disturbing activities; b. Structural development, including construction; installation or expansion of a building or other structure... 2. Redevelopment. On an already developed site, the creation or addition of impervious surfaces... land-disturbing activities.
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 Chapter 15.42, Stormwater Management, requires anyone undertaking new development, redevelopment, land-disturbing activity, or construction that creates impervious surface within Bellingham to first obtain city approval under BMC 15.42.040. Projects must follow best management practices from the Washington Department of Ecology's Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington and meet the city's approval standards under BMC 15.42.060, with added requirements for property draining into Basin One of the Lake Whatcom watershed, a designated critical basin. Commercial agriculture and most forest practices are exempt. The public works director administers the program, and the chapter's standards are enforced as minimum requirements under BMC 15.42.030(B).
Violations & Fines
Violating BMC Ch. 15.42 is an infraction under BMC 15.42.100, punishable by a stop-work order and/or a fine of up to $500 per day; each day of continued or repeated violation is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bellingham require approval before building on a site that adds impervious surface?
What's the penalty for skipping stormwater approval in Bellingham?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
Compare Bellingham to another location·View the Washington environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.