Bellingham, WA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Construction Administrative Code § 116.1
- Vacant + unsecured
- Automatically deemed unsafe
- Posting power
- 'Do Not Occupy' order
- Max penalty
- $5,000 fine, 364 days jail
Summary
Bellingham's locally adopted Construction Administrative Code lets the building official declare a structure unsafe for hazards, illegal occupancy, or vacancy, and order it repaired, secured, or posted Do Not Occupy.
Structures or existing equipment that are or hereafter become unsafe, unsanitary or deficient because of inadequate means of egress facilities, inadequate light and ventilation, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or that involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition. Unsafe structures shall be taken down and removed or made safe, as the Building Official deems necessary and as provided for in the 2021 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code. A vacant structure that is not secured against entry shall be deemed unsafe. Unsafe structures may be posted “Do Not Occupy” as deemed necessary by the Building Official to protect the safety of the general public.
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
Section 116.1 of the city's Construction Administrative Code, adopted at BMC 17.10.020, defines an unsafe condition broadly -- inadequate egress or ventilation, fire hazard, danger to life, illegal occupancy, or inadequate maintenance -- and directs that unsafe structures be taken down or made safe as the building official deems necessary. A vacant structure left unsecured against entry is automatically deemed unsafe. The official may post a Do Not Occupy notice, and occupying a posted structure is a gross misdemeanor under Section 114.4 of the same administrative code, separate from the general nuisance provisions in BMC Title 9.
Violations & Fines
Occupying a posted 'Do Not Occupy' structure or ignoring an abatement order is a gross misdemeanor -- up to $5,000 in fines, 364 days in jail, plus enforcement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bellingham condemn a vacant, unsecured house?
What happens if I ignore a Do Not Occupy order in Bellingham?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
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