Bellingham, WA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)
Key Facts
- Zones
- Residential Parking Zone 1 & 2
- Restricted hours
- 8am-5pm Mon-Fri (most streets)
- Permit radius
- One block of registered address
- Governing sections
- BMC 11.38.010, .020
Summary
Bellingham operates two permit-only Residential Parking Zones near Sehome Hill and downtown, restricting weekday street parking to permit holders and their visitors on designated blocks.
On and after September 22, 1997, it shall be a parking infraction to park between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. for Morey Avenue only) Monday through Friday, except holidays, on any street within a residential parking zone unless the parked vehicle displays a valid residential parking permit or visitor's parking permit for the residential parking zone in which it is parked.
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 11.38.010 establishes Residential Parking Zone 1 (the Cedar/Garden/Forest Street area) and Zone 2 (streets around Sehome Hill Arboretum including Maple, Newell, Mason, Liberty and Laurel Streets), where parking without a valid permit is a civil infraction on weekdays -- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday citywide, and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Morey Avenue. Permits under BMC 11.38.020-.030 go to residents in a legal dwelling unit within the zone and are valid only within one block of the registered address, displayed on the rear bumper or lower rear window, with no permit good for more than 24 consecutive hours in one spot.
Violations & Fines
Civil infraction under BMC 11.38.100/.110, incorporating the parking-infraction penalties of BMC 11.33.220-.230; permit misuse (transfer, alteration, or sale) is punishable by a fine up to $500.00.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Bellingham's residential parking zones?
Can visitors park in these zones?
Sources & Official References
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