Washington · County Laws
Whatcom County laws
The official county code, the County Council’s meeting agendas, and recent ordinances and resolutions, in plain language where a summary has been written. Every item links to its official source.
Compiled October 25, 2026 · links last checked October 25, 2026
County laws change often
County laws change often, and this page may not show the latest changes. The county’s official sources linked here are the authority; this page is a plain-language guide to help you find them, not legal advice and not an official county or government site.
Recent ordinances and resolutions
An ordinance is a local law. A resolution is a formal decision or statement that is usually not a permanent law. Items are listed newest first, and the list is a sample of recent items, not every action the county has taken.
Bid requirement exemption for animal control and animal shelter contracts
Plain-language summary
The County Council amended Whatcom County Code Section 3.08.060 (Bids and Proposals Required) to exempt contracts for animal control and animal sheltering services.
Official source: Whatcom County Council Legislative Information (Legistar) (opens in a new tab)
Update to the Comprehensive Plan docket
Plain-language summary
The County Council amended Resolution 2026-042, which sets the docket of Comprehensive Plan and development regulation amendments, to add a project relating to additional affordable housing measures.
Official source: Whatcom County Council Legislative Information (Legistar) (opens in a new tab)
2026 lodging tax fund allocations
Plain-language summary
The County Council approved the 2026 recommended Lodging Tax Fund allocations for tourism-related facilities and activities, as defined in RCW 67.28.1816.
Official source: Whatcom County Council Legislative Information (Legistar) (opens in a new tab)
2026 County budget amendment (request no. 13)
Plain-language summary
The County Council amended the 2026 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 13, in the amount of $701,921.
Official source: Whatcom County Council Legislative Information (Legistar) (opens in a new tab)
Agent to receive tort liability claims
Plain-language summary
The County Council appointed the Clerk of the Council as Whatcom County’s agent to receive tort liability claims, as provided in RCW 4.96.020.
Official source: Whatcom County Council Legislative Information (Legistar) (opens in a new tab)
Sources
- Whatcom County official website (opens in a new tab)
- Whatcom County Code and state codes (opens in a new tab)
- County Council meetings and agendas (Legistar) (opens in a new tab)
- Whatcom County Council Legislative Information (Legistar) (opens in a new tab)
- Whatcom County Council Legislative Information (Legistar) (opens in a new tab)
- Whatcom County Council Legislative Information (Legistar) (opens in a new tab)
- Whatcom County Council Legislative Information (Legistar) (opens in a new tab)
- Whatcom County Council Legislative Information (Legistar) (opens in a new tab)