Bellingham Board of Health Tightens Septic and Grease Regulations in Twin Votes

BELLINGHAM — November 18, 2025 — Bellingham's Board of Health unanimously adopted two regulatory amendments and signaled it will not renew a tobacco retailer's permit that has gone nearly unused since 2021. Chair Ben Forty presided over the November 18 meeting, where the board updated local Title 5 rules to require all new septic tanks to hold a minimum of 1,500 gallons and contain two compartments, and revised the fats, oils, and grease regulation to mandate that new or substantially renovated food service establishments install both an outdoor grease interceptor of at least 1,500 gallons and an indoor grease trap. Health Agent Dylan LaBonte said Borderline Smoke Shop has been open for only one week in roughly four years of holding a permit, citing a fire that exposed code violations including unpermitted electrical work and improperly stored flammables; LaBonte said town counsel has confirmed the board has authority to decline renewal. The board also heard from a resident of 29 Lawson Road who alleged that a 2023 Title 5 inspection by an inspector identified as Sean Toole missed severe corrosion in a distribution box that a 2025 re-inspection found completely deteriorated, with repair costs of approximately $1,500; the board discussed reporting the inspector to the state and potentially barring him from working in Bellingham until he completes recertification.