Purchasing land in Whatcom County?

We get a lot of requests to look at properties for our clients prior to purchasing to make sure the land will work for their building goals. Over the years we have developed this checklist for our design team to use to make sure that all possible issues are discovered and dealt with PRIOR to purchasing a piece of land.

Whatcom county has 5 municipalities that interpret Land use regulations. Make sure you know the restrictions that any piece of property you buy pose BEFORE you purchase it!

Land Use Questions

This list of questions would be appropriate to ask for a new building on a residential lot. This list does not exhaust the possible things that can affect building on an undeveloped lot, but it covers some basics.  In addition, more questions would be involved if it was a lot with commercial or agricultural zoning. 

Property Information

  • Is this a legal lot of record?

  • Has there been building on the property previously?

  • What set-backs and easements affect this property?

  • Where is driveway access allowed? Is a curb cut required?

  • Are there any encroachment or right of way issues?

  • Is there a survey on record for this property or for any adjoining properties?

  • What Parking requirements affect this property?

  • What Fire regulations affect this property? (i.e. fire turnaround)

    • Check for decommission buried oil tank records.

    • Fire separation.

  • What impact fees are associated with a building permit for this property?

  • Title review to expose any previous property disputes or encroachments.

  • Review Department of Ecology’s website for toxic/hazardous waste on or near site.

  • Discuss property with local planner. This may uncover changes to lot designation or transportation corridors at or near the site.

Critical Areas

What critical area regulations may be triggered by building on this property?

  • Steep slope/seismic

  • Wetlands

  • Archeology

  • Wildlife protected area

  • Watershed

  • Shoreline (streams, waterfront, high water mark)

  • Coal mine zone

  • Flood zone (special foundation or other)

Services

What services are available for use on this property?  Are they in the street or on the property already when applicable? What entity may be involved?

  • Electric

  • Water purveyor

  • Well

  • Gas

  • Stormwater (route water to drainage on site or to public storm drain?)

  • Sewer

  • Septic

  • Internet/phone

Impervious Surfaces

What is the maximum square foot building area allowed on this property as it relates to impervious surfaces, including the following?

  • House

  • Garage

  • Walkways and driveways

  • Patios or impervious decks

Required Professional Services

Should I expect to have to obtain any of the following professional reports or services?

  • Geology study

  • Wetlands study

  • Storm Water/Civil Engineering

  • Archeology/Historical Native Land Disturbance

  • Biology/Native Habitat Review

This is just a start on the journey to getting permitted, but should help you along the way. If you ever want to chat more about this or have any questions, reach out to us. We’re all ears.