Bellingham, WA · Whatcom County
Critical Area Permit Application
This application requests City of Bellingham review of proposed activity affecting critical areas; property owners or authorized applicants submit it with required reports, maps, mailing information, and fees.
- 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 application to seek a Critical Area Permit for a proposal involving environmentally sensitive or hazardous areas in Bellingham. Submit the application with the required permit-packet materials and fee; the checklist calls for a Critical Area Report and maps, plus specific reports depending on the critical areas involved. Some applications also require a notarized Address Information Verification form certifying the surrounding-property mailing list is complete and correct.
Who needs it
Property owners or authorized applicants proposing activity subject to Bellingham’s critical area requirements must submit the application and applicable supporting materials to the Permit Center.
Why it needs a notary
The attached Address Information Verification carries a jurat; the person certifying the surrounding-property mailing list signs and swears to its accuracy before the notary.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download The Application
Get the Critical Area Permit application and the applicable permit packet from the City of Bellingham.
- 2
Fill In The Forms
Complete the application and required supporting materials. Prepare the surrounding-property mailing list and Address Information Verification if required.
- 3
Book An Online Notary
Schedule a commissioned online notary for the sworn Address Information Verification.
- 4
Sign On Video
Show identification and sign and swear to the verification during the live video notarization.
- 5
Submit To The City
Submit the completed application, notarized verification when required, supporting materials, and applicable fee to the Bellingham Permit Center.
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
- Which part of the application needs notarization?
- The Address Information Verification form includes a jurat. The signer swears that the surrounding-property owners list is complete and correct according to Whatcom Assessor’s Office records.
- How do I complete the notarized verification?
- Complete the address verification and attach the parcel numbers and owners’ mailing information. Book a commissioned online notary, then sign and swear to the statement during the video session.
- Do I need to submit the notarized form with every application?
- The checklist says the notarized verification applies to the mailing list of surrounding property owners. Check your application requirements and confirm with the city or town if unsure.
- Can I sign this form with an online notary?
- Washington authorizes its notaries to perform remote online notarizations under RCW 42.45.280. A commissioned online notary can notarize the sworn verification by live video.