Bellingham, WA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Two stacked frameworks govern weeds in Bellingham. (1) State / county — Under RCW Chapter 17.10, the Whatcom County Noxious Weed Control Board (activated by Ordinance 81-61, September 17, 1981; offices at 322 Commercial Street, Suite 110, Bellingham, WA 98225) ensures landowners control noxious weeds on their properties. The Washington State Noxious Weed List classifies weeds as Class A (eradication mandatory statewide), Class B (designated for control in certain regions), and Class C (control optional). All Class A weeds and Class B-designated species are mandatory for control at the county level; the Whatcom County list also includes any Class B or Class C selections by the County Board. The Board has five County Council-appointed members representing the five Noxious Weed districts. If a landowner does not control designated weeds, the Board may hire a contractor to do the work, bill the landowner, and place a lien on the property if unpaid. (2) Local watershed — Within the Bellingham city limits portion of the Lake Whatcom watershed (Basin One), BMC 15.42.050 prohibits applying any fertilizer, mulch, or soil amendment labeled as containing more than zero percent phosphorus or phosphorus compounds (e.g., phosphate); also prohibits applying fertilizer, mulch, or soil amendment when the ground is frozen, and prohibits applying or spilling such products on impervious surfaces. Retail stores selling phosphorus-containing products in this area must post a 2-ft by 3-ft sign (provided by the City) within 10 feet of the products explaining the prohibition.