Bellingham, WA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- BMC 11.33.185
- Applies to
- Residentially zoned front/flanking yards
- Allowed area
- Designated driveway only
- Yard defined at
- BMC 20.30.040(F)
Summary
Bellingham prohibits parking any vehicle inside the required front or flanking-side yard of a residentially zoned lot, confining street-facing parking to the designated driveway surface.
No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle within the area designated as a minimum front yard, or side yard on a flanking street, as defined in BMC 20.30.040(F), within a residentially zoned area, when the required minimum front or side yard abuts street, road, sidewalk or curb. Parking shall be permitted in and upon designated driveways as provided in this section. The designated driveway is defined as the surfaced roadway leading from the street to the garage, covered parking area, or other permitted off-street parking area. [Ord. 2004-04-028; Ord. 1999-04-020].
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 11.33.185 makes it unlawful to stop, stand, or park a vehicle within the minimum front yard, or a flanking-street side yard, of a residentially zoned property whenever that required yard abuts a street, road, sidewalk, or curb, using the yard definition in BMC 20.30.040(F). Parking is allowed only on the designated driveway, defined as the surfaced roadway running from the street to a garage, covered parking area, or other permitted off-street parking spot -- meaning grass, gravel front lawns, and other unpaved front-yard areas are off-limits for vehicle storage.
Violations & Fines
Civil infraction under Chapter 11.33 BMC parking rules, processed under BMC 11.33.220; general parking infractions carry a $60.00 fine under BMC 11.33.230(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park on my front lawn in Bellingham?
Does this apply to side or back yards not facing a street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
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