Projects
I offer permitting and project management services for the following types of projects in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties.
ADUs
An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a small, self-contained residential unit located on the same lot as a primary single-family home. ADUs are often called "in-law suites” and they can be either attached to the main house (like a basement or garage conversion) or detached (like a small standalone house). ADUs are a popular option for increasing housing density in residential areas, offering additional rental income opportunities or providing housing for family members, while preserving the character of single-family neighborhoods.
Single-Family Homes
A single-family residence is a standalone residential structure designed to house one family or household. It includes its own private entrance, yard, and utilities, and is not attached to any other dwellings. Some projects involve additions to existing single-family homes or new detached garages or structures.
Infill
Infill housing refers to the development of new residential units on vacant or underutilized land within an already developed urban area. This land is typically located in areas that are already served by infrastructure like roads, utilities, and public services. Infill housing makes use of space that might otherwise remain empty or underdeveloped, helping to reduce urban sprawl, increase housing density, and revitalize older neighborhoods. The City of Bellingham’s Infill Housing Toolkit offers eight housing forms.
Lot Line Adjustments
A lot line adjustment, or boundary line adjustment, is a process that allows property owners to change the boundaries between adjacent parcels of land. This is typically done when a property owner wants to reconfigure their property to either enlarge or reduce the size of their lot, or to resolve boundary issues with a neighboring parcel. It can be used to make land more suitable for development, improve access, or address other logistical concerns.
Subdivisions
A short plat is a type of subdivision process typically used for dividing a parcel of land into a smaller number of lots—usually no more than four—without the more extensive requirements of a full subdivision. It’s a simplified process that can be faster and less complex than a traditional platting process. A short plat is often used for small-scale developments or land divisions, such as creating a few new residential lots or splitting a larger parcel into a couple of smaller pieces.
Mixed-Use or Multi-Family
A mixed-use development combines different types of uses in a single building or complex, typically blending residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial or recreational spaces. A mixed-use development might have apartments or condos on the upper floors with retail shops, offices, or restaurants on the ground level. These projects are often seen in urban areas and are encouraged as a way to promote sustainable, efficient land use.
Commercial & Industrial
Many zones allow for a variety of commercial and industrial uses. These types of projects can include retail centers, office uses, manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or logistical operations. These projects typically require larger plots of land, robust infrastructure, and distance from residential areas.
Occupancy Permits
An occupancy permit is required before a building or space can legally be occupied and used for its intended purpose. In this area, this typically applies to existing structures where the business use is changing. For example, converting a warehouse into office space or a physical therapy business in a former autobody shop.
Environmental
A project involving environmentally sensitive areas—such as wetlands, shorelines, geologic hazards, or other critical habitats—requires careful planning, permitting, and mitigation to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations. This often means coordinating with environmental specialists, navigating restrictions under laws like the Clean Water Act or Shoreline Management Act, and designing site plans that minimize ecological impact while supporting overall development goals.