Bellingham, WA · Whatcom County
Landmark Certificate of Alteration
This application requests approval for proposed changes to a Bellingham historic landmark and is filed by the property owner or an authorized agent with the required supporting materials.
- 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 request approval for alterations to a building, site, or structure listed on Bellingham’s historic register. The city requires a Certificate of Alteration before covered work proceeds; the application asks about the proposed work and requires plans, mailing materials, and a notarized Address Information Verification form. Ordinary maintenance, emergency repairs, and certain work on undesignated interior features are listed as exemptions.
Who needs it
Property owners or authorized agents proposing covered changes to a Bellingham historic register property must apply and provide the required plans, mailing list, and verification.
Why it needs a notary
The Address Information Verification form includes a jurat; each signer certifies the mailing-list information and must sign and swear to it before the notary.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download The Form
Download the Landmark Certificate of Alteration application and review its requirements and supporting-material checklist.
- 2
Complete The Application
Fill in the project and property information, prepare required plans and mailing labels, and attach parcel and owner information to the address verification.
- 3
Book An Online Notary
Schedule a commissioned online notary for the Address Information Verification jurat.
- 4
Sign On Video
Show identification, then sign and swear to the address information in the notary’s live video session.
- 5
Submit To The City
Submit the completed application, notarized verification, required materials, and fee payment to Bellingham’s 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
- How do I get the Address Information Verification notarized?
- Complete the form and gather the parcel numbers and owner mailing information to attach. Book a commissioned online notary, then sign and swear to the information during the video session.
- Do I need to notarize the entire application?
- The form specifically says the Address Information Verification must be notarized. The main application includes a certification and signature, but the provided text does not say that signature must be notarized.
- Can I sign this form with an online notary?
- Washington authorizes its notaries to perform remote online notarizations under RCW 42.45.280, effective since October 2020. Use a commissioned online notary and confirm the city accepts your notarized form.
- What must I attach to the address verification?
- Attach a copy of the parcel numbers and property owners’ names and mailing addresses. The form says the mailing list must reflect Whatcom Assessor’s Office records.
- When is a Certificate of Alteration required?
- The form says covered work on property individually listed on Bellingham’s historic register, or listed as contributing to a historic district, requires a certificate before the permit is issued. Confirm with the city or town if unsure.