Bellingham, WA · Whatcom County
Release of Covenant for Owner Occupancy
This form releases a recorded owner-occupancy covenant for a Bellingham accessory dwelling unit, and current property owners complete it to submit the release to the Whatcom County Auditor for recording.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Use this form to release a Covenant for Owner Occupancy recorded as a condition of a Bellingham accessory dwelling unit permit. The form asks for the original covenant’s recording number, property and owner details, a reason for release, and the complete legal description. Current owners sign before a notary, then submit the completed pages to the Whatcom County Auditor for recording; a recording fee is required.
Who needs it
Current owners of a Bellingham property with a recorded ADU owner-occupancy covenant can use this form to request that the covenant be released from the property record.
Why it needs a notary
Each current owner signs before a notary and acknowledges the signature as their free and voluntary act; the form includes a notarial acknowledgment block for Whatcom County.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Form
Download the release form and use the form pages only; exclude the instruction pages when preparing your submission.
- 2
Fill In the Property Details
Enter the ADU permit and original covenant recording numbers, owner names, property details, reason for release, and complete legal description.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Arrange a session with a commissioned online notary for each current owner who must sign.
- 4
Sign on Video
Sign the signature page during the notarial session and acknowledge your signature as your free and voluntary act.
- 5
Submit for Recording
Submit the printed form to the Whatcom County Auditor or follow its e-recording procedures, and pay the recording fee.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Bellingham. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I release a Bellingham ADU owner-occupancy covenant?
- Complete the release with the original covenant’s recording number, owner and property details, reason for release, and legal description. Sign before a notary, then submit the form to the Whatcom County Auditor for recording.
- Do I need to sign this form before a notary?
- Yes. The form says the signature page must be signed in the presence of a notary public. If there is more than one owner, it directs you to create a separate page for each owner.
- Can I sign the release with an online notary?
- Washington authorizes its notaries to perform remote online notarizations under RCW 42.45.280. Ask the Whatcom County Auditor whether it accepts the notarized document through its e-recording procedures; confirm with the city or town if unsure.
- How do I submit the completed release?
- Print and submit the completed form pages to the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office for recording, or check the Auditor’s website for e-recording procedures. The form says a recording fee is required.