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Bellingham, WA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Restricted zones
CBD, Fairhaven district, library block
Maximum fine
$250.00 civil infraction
Alternative penalty
Community service hours
What's banned
Using, riding, or propelling a skateboard
Where it applies
Streets, alleys, sidewalks, parking lots, public places

Summary

Skateboarding is flatly illegal on the streets, sidewalks, alleys, and parking lots of downtown Bellingham's central business district, the Fairhaven business district, and the block around the public library, under BMC 11.52.010. A violation is a civil infraction carrying up to a $250.00 fine or community service.

11.52.010: It is unlawful for any person to use, operate, play with or propel a skateboard upon, over or along the public streets, alleys, sidewalks, parking lots or other public places in the central business district, in the Fairhaven business district, and in the city block surrounding the Bellingham Public Library. 11.52.035: Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a civil infraction and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $250.00. Community service hours may be imposed in lieu of or in addition to any monetary penalty.

View official code

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

010). 020). 025). 030). 52 violation, though other traffic rules can still apply. The ban traces to Ordinance 1999-04-020 and was last amended by Ordinance 2001-01-004.

Violations & Fines

Skateboarding inside a restricted zone is a civil infraction under BMC 11.52.035, punishable by a fine of up to $250.00. The court may impose community service hours instead of or in addition to the monetary penalty. Enforcement falls to Bellingham police, with citations processed through Bellingham Municipal Court in Whatcom County under the city's standard civil-infraction procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skateboard in downtown Bellingham?
No. BMC 11.52.010 makes it unlawful to use, ride, or propel a skateboard on any public street, alley, sidewalk, parking lot, or public place within the mapped central business district, defined in BMC 11.52.020 by boundaries running roughly from Whatcom Creek to Maple Street to Cornwall and York.
Is skateboarding banned in Fairhaven too?
Yes. The Fairhaven business district ban covers Mill Avenue between 10th and 13th Streets, Larrabee Avenue, and 10th Street, plus 12th Street from Larrabee to Cowgill and Harris Avenue from 10th to 4th Street, including their sidewalks, under BMC 11.52.025.
What's the penalty for skateboarding where it's banned in Bellingham?
A civil infraction under BMC 11.52.035, with a fine of up to $250.00. The court can substitute or add community service hours instead of the monetary fine, and the citation is processed through Bellingham Municipal Court.
Can I skateboard near the Bellingham Public Library?
No. BMC 11.52.030 bans skateboarding on the entire block bounded by Central Avenue, Grand Avenue, Lottie Street, and Commercial Street, including the sidewalks directly next to the library, under the same citywide skateboard ordinance that covers downtown and Fairhaven.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bellingham

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All Bellingham rules

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