Bellingham, WA Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit (unsigned space)
- 72 consecutive hours
- Governing section
- BMC 11.33.060(A)(25)
- New sign enforceable after
- 24 hours posted
- Standard fine
- $60 civil infraction
Summary
Bellingham bars leaving any vehicle in one city street spot for more than 72 consecutive hours unless a posted sign sets a shorter limit, covering overnight and long-term street parking citywide.
In one place upon the city street for a consecutive period in excess of the maximum time limit designated on an official posted sign controlling such parking space; or, for parking spaces not controlled by an official posted sign, for a consecutive period of time in excess of 72 hours;
26. On that portion of any street lawfully set aside for the movement of traffic in the direction opposite to that which the parked vehicle faces;
27. Between safety zone and the adjacent curb or within 30 feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless official signs or markings indicate a different no-parking area opposite the ends of a safety zone;
28. Within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within 75 feet of said entrance when properly signposted;
29. Upon any city street, if the vehicle has been left in the care of the owner or operator of any parking lot or garage, or their agent;
30. At any place or time where official signs or markings prohibit stopping, standing, or parking;
31. For purposes of unloading the vehicle in such a manner as to cause damage to the surface of the street;
32. For purposes of loading or transporting any materials in such a manner as to cause loud noises to the disturbance of the peace;
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
Under BMC 11.33.060(A)(25), a vehicle may not occupy the same spot on a Bellingham street beyond the time limit on an official posted sign, or, where no sign controls the space, beyond 72 consecutive hours. Subsection (B) makes new time-limited or no-parking signage enforceable 24 hours after posting, even in spots normally allowed the full 72 hours. Enforcement runs through the parking services division under BMC 11.33.220-.230 as a civil infraction, not through police-issued criminal citations.
Violations & Fines
Civil infraction; parking meter/permit and general overtime violations carry a $60 fine (or $30 for meter/permit overtime) under BMC 11.33.230(C), plus a $25 late fee after 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park on a Bellingham street overnight?
Does moving the car down the block reset the clock?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
How Bellingham compares: Cities with the Strictest Overnight Parking Rules·Compare Bellingham to another location·View the Washington parking rules overview
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