Bellingham, WA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

Bellingham has not adopted a standalone city EV ordinance; the governing framework is Washington state law plus the locally adopted electrical and building codes. RCW 64.34.395 (Electric Vehicle Charging Stations), part of the Washington Condominium Act and effective until January 1, 2026, provides that a unit owners' association may not adopt or enforce a restriction that effectively prohibits or unreasonably restricts the installation or use of an electric vehicle charging station for the personal noncommercial use of a unit owner, within the boundaries of a unit or in a designated parking space. The statute allows the association to impose reasonable restrictions, but not to functionally block installation. The costs related to insurance for the EVCS, electricity usage, means to facilitate payment for electricity, permit or approval costs, and costs to comply with building codes and safety standards are all to be borne by the unit owner; unit owners must disclose details of the EVCS and maintain and repair it on an ongoing basis. Effective January 1, 2026, the parallel right is recodified at RCW 64.90.513 in the Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act and applies to all common interest communities, not just condominiums. For new construction, Washington's adopted statewide energy and building codes include EV-ready parking-space requirements that flow through to Bellingham permits issued through the Permit Center. Home Level 2 (240V) installations in Bellingham require an electrical permit; the installation is performed by a licensed electrician under the adopted state electrical code. Bellingham is served by Puget Sound Energy for electric service. Parking a non-EV in a clearly signed EV charging-only space is enforceable through the property's signage and BMC Chapter 11.33.