10 Minute Bids
Design criteria

What Whatcom County builds to.

The design numbers each jurisdiction publishes, the ones the trusses, bracing, roofing and plumbing on your plans are drawn to.

Whatcom County: published design criteria
WhereSnow loadDesign wind speedSeismic design categoryFrost depthIce barrier requiredWinter design temp.Energy code climate zone
Whatcom CountyVaries by location110 mphD18 inNo19 °F4C
Bellingham20 psf (ground)110 mphD112 in——4C
Lynden25 psf (ground)110 mphD1———4C

Sources: Whatcom County: Whatcom County Ordinance 2024-019 · Bellingham: City of Bellingham Permit Center, BSD #114 'Adopted Codes, Effective M · Lynden: City of Lynden Planning & Community Development. Read 2026-09-28. Climate zones: Washington State Energy Code, Table R301.1. Every number is as the jurisdiction publishes it (its design criteria for houses, IRC Table R301.2(1)); a dash means it isn't published. Your lot can differ with elevation and exposure, so confirm it with the building department before you order.

Where

Whatcom County towns.

Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, Everson, Sumas, Maple Falls. Next door: Skagit County · San Juan Islands. Every area

Questions

Takeoffs in Whatcom County

Do you do takeoffs for houses in Bellingham?

Yes: any house in Whatcom County (Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, Everson and Sumas), and anywhere else. You upload the plan set; nothing has to be built yet.

Which trades can I order?

Metal and shingle roofing, siding, framing, electrical, plumbing, exterior and interior painting, flooring and finish carpentry, one trade or the whole house, all measured off the same 3D model.

Does it cost more in Whatcom County?

No. The price is the same everywhere and you see it before you pay. The 3D model is included, and each trade after the first in the same order is half price.