Typical Lot Size
5,000 – 8,000
sq ft
Max ADUs
2
per lot
Permit Type
Type I (administrative)
Timeline
4 – 6 weeks
Median Home Price
$475,000 – $650,000
Est. ADU Rent
$1,300 – $1,700/mo
Neighborhood Overview
Puget is a quiet south Bellingham neighborhood near the Chuckanut corridor with standard residential lots and straightforward ADU permitting. Its proximity to Chuckanut Drive, Teddy Bear Cove, and the Interurban Trail makes it attractive for tenants seeking a nature-accessible lifestyle.
Puget is a low-key residential neighborhood in south Bellingham, tucked between the Samish neighborhood and the start of the Chuckanut corridor. The area has a relaxed, suburban feel with modest single-family homes on standard lots. Its proximity to outdoor recreation — the Interurban Trail, Teddy Bear Cove, and Chuckanut Drive — gives it a lifestyle appeal that belies its affordable price point.
ADU Construction Allowed
Puget qualifies for ADU construction under Bellingham's updated ordinance (BMC 20.10.036) and Washington's HB 1337.
- Detached ADUs (DADUs) allowed
- Attached ADUs allowed (basement, addition, above-garage)
- Up to 2 ADUs per lot
- Parking exempt (near transit)
Transit routes: WTA Route 3 (Samish Way), WTA Route 4 (Old Fairhaven Parkway)
Why Build an ADU in Puget
- Quiet south Bellingham neighborhood with affordable entry point for ADU investment
- Near the Chuckanut corridor, Interurban Trail, and Teddy Bear Cove
- Standard residential permitting — no overlays or special restrictions
- Good lot sizes for detached ADU construction
- Growing rental demand as south Bellingham development increases
Special Considerations
Affordable entry point
Lower median home prices ($475K–$650K) compared to neighboring Fairhaven or Edgemoor make Puget an attractive option for ADU investors seeking strong rent-to-value ratios.
Chuckanut corridor appeal
Proximity to Chuckanut Drive and outdoor recreation attracts tenants who value nature access, which supports stable occupancy and slightly higher rents than the price point might suggest.
Limited commercial amenities
Puget is primarily residential with fewer walkable commercial options than neighborhoods closer to downtown. Tenants may rely on vehicles for shopping and dining.
South Bellingham growth
New development along the Samish Way corridor is increasing density and improving amenities in the broader south Bellingham area, which benefits Puget property values and ADU rental demand.
Learn more about ADU regulations: Review Bellingham ADU laws, understand the permitting process, or see the complete cost breakdown for Whatcom County.
Ready to get started? Our free feasibility study analyzes your specific parcel in 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Puget a good neighborhood for ADU investment?
Puget offers one of the strongest rent-to-value ratios in Bellingham. Lower home prices ($475K–$650K) combined with solid rental demand ($1,300–$1,700/mo) mean your ADU investment produces strong cash-on-cash returns. The neighborhood is also benefiting from south Bellingham growth, which supports rising property values.
What outdoor amenities are near Puget ADUs?
Puget is near the start of the Chuckanut corridor, providing easy access to the Interurban Trail (6+ miles of paved trail), Teddy Bear Cove (beach access), and Chuckanut Drive — one of the most scenic drives in Washington. These amenities attract nature-oriented tenants who value the location.
Are there any special restrictions for ADUs in Puget?
No. Puget follows standard Bellingham residential zoning with no watershed overlay, historic district, or common critical area issues. The Type I administrative permit process takes approximately 4–6 weeks. This makes Puget one of the most straightforward Bellingham neighborhoods for ADU permitting.
