Bellingham, WA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Land-transfer/affordable/revitalization bonus
- Up to 50%
- Neighborhood park bonus
- Up to 25%
- Open space bonus
- Up to 15%
- Perimeter buffering bonus
- Up to 10%
- Lake Whatcom Basin One
- No bonuses allowed
Summary
Bellingham lets multifamily developers exceed standard density caps by up to 50% in exchange for affordable housing, development-rights transfers, park space, or habitat restoration, under BMC 20.32.040(B)(5) -- but never on land draining to the Lake Whatcom reservoir.
A density bonus may be obtained for a multifamily development proposal that has not previously been granted a density bonus under a different development proposal. A density bonus shall not establish a density greater than the maximum specified density of the applicable subarea unless as allowed under a separate code provision. Density bonuses shall not be allowed for properties that drain to Basin One of the Lake Whatcom watershed.
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
Bellingham's residential multi zone (BMC 20.32.040(B)) sets maximum densities by classification -- no cap in high-density areas, 3,600 square feet of land per unit in medium, and 7,201 square feet per unit in low -- but developers can exceed those caps through the density bonus in subsection (B)(5). Bonuses run up to 50% for transferring development rights from a council-designated donor parcel, providing at least half the units as affordable housing, or redeveloping a revitalization area; smaller bonuses of 10-25% reward neighborhood parks, extra open space, habitat restoration, and perimeter buffering. The bonus is barred entirely for parcels draining to Basin One of the Lake Whatcom watershed, the city's drinking water reservoir.
Violations & Fines
Building beyond the bonus cap or without director approval risks permit denial, stop-work orders, or code enforcement action under the city's standard zoning violation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much density bonus can a Bellingham multifamily project earn?
Can a project near Lake Whatcom get a density bonus?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
Compare Bellingham to another location·View the Washington zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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