Community Development Services

Department Overview

The Community Development Services Department's functions include:
  • Guiding and regulating community growth and development in a manner that protects environmental resources;
  • Enhancing quality of life;
  • Promoting distinctive neighborhoods and a healthy downtown;
  • Involving citizens in the decisions that affect them;
  • Community planning;
  • Development regulations;
  • Construction regulation;
  • Parks and recreation management.

Important Notice to Our Customers 

Effective 2/1/2021

As required by RCW 19.27.031 the City of Blaine will be updating their construction codes to the 2018 Washington State Building Code. The new codes can be found on the State Building Code Board’s website. Any permit accepted prior to 2/1/2021 will be vested in the 2015 codes.


COVID-19 Response

The following procedural changes are in effect as of March 24, 2020:

In response to Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, Blaine Community Development Services is continuing to provide essential functions. Staff will remain available via phone and email to answer questions and receive application materials. Please read the Notice to Our Customers for more information.


CITY POLICY- Effective 6/8/2020

Re: Authorized Construction in Phase 2

BACKGROUND

On Friday, June 5, 2020, the State approved Whatcom County’s Phase Two application for re-opening the economy. Re-opening in Phase 2 includes additional allowances for construction activity as described in the Governor’s Construction Working Group Recommendations memo, updated on June 2, 2020.

Action

All construction, including new work, is now allowed. This allowance is qualified by the State’s direction for all construction sites to adhere to health and safety points described in the June 2 memo. City inspectors are authorized to deny inspections if they observe non-compliance with any portion of the health and safety points described the State. Payment of a re-inspection fee will be required prior to scheduling a new inspection.