Blaine, Washington, is more than just a border town. With its strategic location between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, it offers unique advantages for commercial real estate investors, business owners, and developers. Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding your portfolio, understanding Blaine’s zoning and local economic drivers is essential.
This guide covers:
- Zoning regulations for commercial properties in Blaine
- The difference between General Commercial and Highway Commercial zoning
- Major industries driving Blaine’s economy beyond cross-border trade
- Plus, a zoning map to help you visualize investment opportunities
Zoning Regulations for Commercial Properties in Blaine
Blaine’s zoning map includes several commercial and industrial classifications, each designed to support specific business types and development styles. Here are the primary categories:
Central Business District (CBD)
- Intended for walkable, pedestrian-oriented commercial development
- Supports mixed-use buildings, retail, restaurants, and service-based businesses
- Located near Blaine’s downtown core and waterfront
General Commercial (GC)
- Allows a broad range of commercial activities including retail, office space, personal services, and small-scale production
- Suitable for infill development within the city
- Encourages neighborhood-serving businesses
Highway Commercial (HC)
- Designed for businesses that benefit from high visibility and vehicle access
- Common uses include fast food restaurants, gas stations, hotels, and drive-through establishments
- Typically found along Peace Portal Drive, State Route 543, and I-5 exits
Light Industrial (LI) and Heavy Industrial (HI)
- Light Industrial zones support warehousing, logistics, and light manufacturing
- Heavy Industrial zones are intended for larger-scale manufacturing, industrial parks, and freight operations
Zoning regulations also define allowable building heights, signage, parking, landscaping, and design standards. Consulting with the city or a local expert is key before making development decisions.
General Commercial vs. Highway Commercial Zoning
Understanding the differences between these two zones is essential when evaluating a site for your business. Both support commercial activity but have distinct characteristics.
Major Industries Driving Blaine’s Economy (Besides Cross-Border Trade)
Although border activity plays a significant role, Blaine’s economy is diversified across several fast-growing sectors.
Marine and Maritime Industry
Blaine Harbor supports both commercial and recreational boating, including fishing fleets, yacht services, marine repair shops, and charter businesses. The harbor is a key economic asset and draws year-round activity.
Light Manufacturing and Logistics
With access to I-5 and proximity to Canada, Blaine is ideal for warehousing, shipping, and light manufacturing operations. Industrially zoned land remains more affordable compared to larger nearby cities.
Residential and Mixed-Use Development
The city is experiencing growth in housing and live/work developments as demand increases for coastal living with easy access to both Washington and British Columbia.
Wellness, Retail, and Tourism
Blaine’s waterfront, boutique shops, and wellness services are expanding. Visitors from across the border and the Seattle metro area contribute to year-round tourism.
Professional Services
Cross-border legal firms, tax professionals, logistics consultants, and real estate brokerages are establishing or expanding in Blaine due to rising demand and favorable operating costs.
Ready to Explore Blaine for Your Commercial Venture?
Whether you’re scouting land for a new project or relocating your business to take advantage of Blaine’s location, the right zoning and market insights are crucial. DenFinder Real Estate can help you find, analyze, and secure the right property for your needs.
Contact us today to explore current listings or schedule a Blaine commercial real estate consultation.
How to Interpret the Zones
- Highway Commercial (HC): Marked along freeway corridors and major arterials; ideal for auto-oriented uses like hotels, service stations, quick-service restaurants, and large-format retail.
- General Commercial (GC): Located around central corridors and community hubs; suited for offices, small retail, clinics, and local-serving businesses integrated into walkable environments.
- CBD & Waterview (CB): Indicates downtown and waterfront commercial mixed-use opportunities, often governed by design and height overlay zones.
- Industrial (Ma/Mb/Mc): Supports manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and fabrication uses—typically with larger lot sizes and infrastructure access.
Hi! I’m Jolene Baijot, a real estate agent in Whatcom County. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. Whether you’re exploring Bellingham, Birch Bay, Blaine, Semiahmoo, Ferndale, Lynden, or any of our other local towns, I hope you find this guide helpful. I appreciate your visit to my website and look forward to talking with you soon.
