Bellingham, WA Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)

Bellingham takes a relatively informal approach to residential sidewalk snow clearing compared with high-snow-fall cities. The City of Bellingham Public Works snow-and-ice program operates 12 plows/sanders and two anti-icing trucks; its published policy is clear that 'the City does not provide snow and ice control for driveways or public walkways, and snow and ice control for these areas is the sole responsibility of the abutting property owner or tenant.' Snow-plow routes are prioritized for Whatcom Transportation Authority bus routes, Bellingham Public Schools, police, and fire access. Residents are advised to clear sidewalks near their homes, but the BMC does not codify a fixed hourly deadline (e.g., the 24-hour or 4-hour rules found in cold-climate cities). The closest codified provision is BMC 10.60.070 — 'Property owners' duty to keep sidewalks litter-free' — which establishes the general principle that the owner/occupant maintains the sidewalk in front of or adjacent to the property; snow accumulation that obstructs the public sidewalk would also be reachable as an obstruction under BMC Chapter 10.28 (Nuisances). Enforcement therefore proceeds under the BMC 10.28.030 framework — written notice with seven days to abate — rather than a per-storm criminal deadline. Practical guidance from the City: clear the full sidewalk width, shovel snow onto your own property (not into the street), and clear access to utility meters and fire hydrants. Bellingham averages only a few inches of snow per winter, so the City has not adopted a stricter regime.