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Tree Protection

How Bellingham Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Bellingham maintains 133 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with tree protection. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Bellingham falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Protected Tree Species

Bellingham protects trees by size, not species: any tree six inches or more in diameter counts as a 'significant tree' and triggers a retention plan and replacement ratio before it can be cleared for development.

Key details: Protected threshold: 6-inch diameter, any species. Trigger: Building/street/utility permit. Requirement: Tree retention plan. Replacement: Ratio set by PCDD.

Unpermitted clearing or removal of significant trees is a misdemeanor, fined up to $1,000 per offense per day, plus city-ordered restoration costs (BMC 16.60.090).

Parkway Planting

Planting a tree or other vegetation in Bellingham's street planting strip, the right-of-way area between curb and sidewalk, requires a street tree permit from the parks department before work begins.

Key details: Permit issuer: Parks and recreation department. Planting strip: ROW area between curb and sidewalk. Detailed plan: Required for over 10 trees. Permit life: Expires 30 days after issuance. Appeal path: To the hearing examiner.

Planting without a street tree permit, or outside its approved plan, can bring a parks-department stop-work order and, under BMC 13.40.150, a misdemeanor charge with up to 90 days' jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

The Bottom Line

Bellingham's tree protection rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bellingham is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Bellingham can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.