Bellingham, WA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

020 opens "Each of the following, unless otherwise permitted by law, is declared to be a nuisance," then lists 22 categories, subsection (Q) of which is the sidewalk and street obstruction rule: any obstruction to a street, alley or sidewalk, and any excavation in or under a street, alley, crossing or sidewalk that is either prohibited by ordinance, made without lawful permission, or kept and maintained after its purpose is accomplished or beyond the time specified in any permit issued for it. 14 BMC's temporary right-of-way use permits, so work authorized under one of those permits, kept within its term, is not a nuisance under this section.

010 to include any police officer, the city code enforcement officer, the fire chief, the directors of public works and planning and community development, and the director of the Bellingham and Whatcom County district department of health, or their delegated representatives. 030(B) requires the enforcement officer to give the responsible person notice to remove or abate the obstruction within 24 hours before referring the matter to municipal court; the shorter clock is deliberately faster than the seven-day notice given for the A-through-L nuisances like dead trees or graffiti. 030(B)). 040). 035). 070).