Bellingham plan check and resubmittal guide
What we could verify about the City of Bellingham’s permit office from government and permit portal pages, what Washington law says about plan check there, and how to answer a correction letter. Each fact links to its source.
The City of Bellingham permit office
- Permit Center (cob.org, checked October 31, 2026): 360-778-8300 (cob.org, checked October 31, 2026)
- Address: 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 (cob.org, checked October 31, 2026)
- Building department page
Links and facts checked on October 28, 2026.
Codes its letters cite
Building code named on the city’s pages: 2021 Codes.
Local amendments to the building code
Any city or county may amend the state building code; amendments that affect houses and apartments need State Building Code Council approval first.
Bellingham and Whatcom County
Bellingham is in Whatcom County. See the Whatcom County guide.
Washington rules every plan check here follows
These come from Washington law and state agencies, so they apply in Bellingham as well. Each links to its source.
Building code in force
Washington's current building code is based on the 2021 model codes and took effect on March 15, 2024.
Source: Washington State Building Code Council, checked October 31, 2026
Next edition
The next update, based on the 2024 codes, is scheduled to take effect on May 3, 2027.
Source: Washington State Building Code Council, checked October 31, 2026
Local amendments
A city or county may change the state code for its own area, but its changes cannot weaken the code's minimum standards.
Source: Washington State Legislature, RCW 19.27.040, checked October 31, 2026
Rules are locked in when you apply
A complete building permit application is reviewed under the building and zoning rules that were in effect on the date it was filed.
Source: Washington State Legislature, RCW 19.27.095, checked October 31, 2026
What a good response to plan check corrections has
General guidance, not the City of Bellingham’s own rules. Check its page before you resubmit.
- Answer every comment, in the reviewer’s order and numbering, so nothing is missed.
- Say plainly what you changed for each comment, or why no change is needed.
- Name the sheet and detail where each change is, so the reviewer can find it fast.
- Mark changes on the drawings (clouds or deltas are common) and keep sheet numbers the same.
- Send the response letter, the revised drawings and any new calculations together.
Other Washington city guides
How we help
Send us the whole correction letter. We draft a response to every comment and list the drawing changes sheet by sheet. Your first letter is free. You review each response, then you sign and submit to the City of Bellingham yourself.
Cleared to Build is an independent service. We are not the City of Bellingham and are not affiliated with it.
Upload your correction letterOnly one comment to answer? Try the free one-comment tool.
Questions
How do I respond to Bellingham’s plan check corrections?
In general, answer every comment in a response letter that says what changed and on which sheet, then resubmit the revised drawings the way the City of Bellingham asks. Check its own instructions first.
What should a resubmittal to Bellingham include?
In general: a response letter answering each comment, the revised drawings with changes marked, and any new calculations or reports the comments ask for. The City of Bellingham may ask for more, so check with it before you send.
Where do I send my resubmittal to Bellingham?
The City of Bellingham’s online permit portal is eTRAKiT, linked on this page. Ask the building department how it wants resubmittals sent if its instructions don’t say.
How long does Bellingham take to review a resubmittal?
Review times change with workload. Ask the building department at 360-778-8300.
Does Bellingham charge for another plan review?
This guide doesn’t list fees. Ask Permit Center at 360-778-8300 before you resubmit.
How many rounds of corrections can Bellingham send?
This guide doesn’t list a limit. Answering every comment fully the first time is the surest way to fewer rounds; ask Permit Center at 360-778-8300 if unsure.
Is Cleared to Build part of the City of Bellingham?
No. Cleared to Build is an independent service, not affiliated with the City of Bellingham or any permitting agency. You submit to the city yourself.