Bellingham, WA · Whatcom County
Certificate of Non-Conforming Use
This certificate documents a property’s existing use and supporting history for property owners or authorized agents applying to Bellingham for recognition of a non-conforming use.
- 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
Bellingham uses this certificate to collect details about a property’s legal description, present use, when the use began, and whether it was vacant or discontinued. Applicants submit it with a completed Land Use Application, the required fee, a site plan, a floor plan, and supporting records that help verify the use’s history. The form includes a certification and a notarial acknowledgment for the legal owner or authorized agent.
Who needs it
Property owners or their authorized agents seeking a Bellingham Certificate of Non-Conforming Use must complete this form and provide the listed plans and supporting documentation.
Why it needs a notary
The legal owner or authorized agent signs the certification, and the form carries a Washington acknowledgment block for the notary to complete after the signer acknowledges the instrument.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download The Certificate
Get the Certificate of Non-Conforming Use and the applicable Land Use Application materials.
- 2
Fill In The Form
Provide the property and use details, then prepare the required site plan, floor plan, and supporting records.
- 3
Book An Online Notary
Schedule a video appointment with a commissioned online notary for the form’s acknowledgment.
- 4
Sign On Video
The legal owner or authorized agent signs during the appointment as directed by the notary.
- 5
Submit To The City
Submit the notarized certificate with the completed Land Use Application, required materials, and fee to the City of Bellingham.
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 notarize the Certificate of Non-Conforming Use?
- Complete the form and supporting materials, then book with a commissioned online notary. Sign during the video appointment when directed, and submit the completed application packet to the City of Bellingham.
- Do I need to submit plans with this certificate?
- Yes. The form requests a scaled site plan and floor plan, along with supporting documents that help verify the history of the use. It also lists a completed Land Use Application and fee as requirements.
- Can I sign this form with an online notary?
- Washington authorizes its notaries to perform remote online notarizations. A commissioned online notary can complete the acknowledgment during a video appointment; ask the city if you have questions about accepting a remotely notarized form.
- Who signs the notary section?
- The legal owner or authorized agent signs the certification. The notary completes the acknowledgment section, including the signer’s name, signature, seal or stamp, date, title, and commission expiration.
- What if I am unsure whether I need this certificate?
- The form is for applicants seeking a Certificate of Non-Conforming Use and asks for information about the property’s existing use. Confirm with the city if unsure.