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Starting a Project?
The City of Ferndale strives to maintain a predictable, efficient development review process. Due to the variety of developments that may be proposed, the City has established several permit processes that are intended to generally relate to the overall complexity or type of the project, but are not necessarily related to the project’s overall size.
Please note: City zoning regulations control what types of projects are allowed in different areas of the City.
Step 1: What is Being Proposed
The size and scope of your project determine how we process your application.
See what documents are required with your application in the Land Use Submittal Requirements (PDF).
Can’t find what you are looking for? Contact our Planning Staff by phone at 360-685-2379 or email a planner.
For more information, check out the Common Projects page.
Includes:
- Building a house in an existing subdivision
- Starting a business in a commercial area
- Adjusting lot lines
- Remodeling (commercial or residential)
- Subdivisions of four lots or fewer
These uses are typically considered Permitted
or Administrative
uses that are reviewed and approved by professional City Staff.
For more information, view the Discretionary Projects page.
Includes:
- Variance Requests
- Conditional Use Permits
- Home Occupations with outside employees, multiple clients per day
- Appeals of Administrative Decisions
These uses require a decision by the Ferndale Hearing Examiner and may include a public hearing.
For more information, view the Major Projects page.
Includes:
- Subdivisions of five lots or more
- Planned Unit Developments
Major projects such as Planned Unit Developments require a recommendation by the Ferndale Hearing Examiner and final approval of the Ferndale City Council.
Includes:
- Property Rezones
- Changing City code
- Comprehensive Plan Amendments
These actions alter City policy and typically require a decision by the City Council based on the recommendation of the Planning Commission.