How Bellingham Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide

Bellingham maintains 106 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 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.

Tree Removal Permits

Bellingham requires city permits for three categories of tree removal: (1) any landmark tree (36 in. DBH or greater, healthy) under the Emergency Landmark Tree Ordinance; (2) any 'significant tree' (6 in. DBH or greater) where land clearing is part of a development project under BMC Chapter 16.60; and (3) any tree in a planting strip, improved right-of-way, or other public place under BMC Chapter 13.40 (Street Tree Permit). Apply through the Permit Center at PL-permits@cob.org.

Key details: Landmark Tree: 36 in. DBH (healthy, not black cottonwood). Landmark Penalty: $800 - $5,000 per violation. Significant Tree: 6 in. DBH (BMC 16.60 land clearing). Street Tree: Any tree in ROW (BMC 13.40). Apply: Permit Center — PL-permits@cob.org.

Landmark Tree Ordinance violations carry $800 to $5,000 per violation. Removing trees in a right-of-way without a Street Tree Permit violates BMC 13.40 and is enforced through Code Compliance. Clearing significant trees on a development site without a PCDD-approved tree retention plan blocks issuance of the building, street, or utility construction permit and may require replacement plantings at PCDD-determined ratios.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Bellingham actively enforces its tree removal permits requirements.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Bellingham's Emergency Landmark Tree Ordinance — adopted May 20, 2024 and extended four times, most recently on March 9, 2026, remaining in effect through September 2026 — automatically designates any tree with a trunk diameter of 36 inches or greater at breast height (DBH), in healthy growing condition, as a 'landmark tree.' Black cottonwood is excluded. Removing or damaging a landmark tree without City approval carries fines of $800 to $5,000 per violation.

Key details: Threshold: 36 inches DBH (healthy growing condition). Excluded Species: Black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa). Adopted: May 20, 2024 (emergency). Latest Extension: March 9, 2026 — through September 2026. Penalty: $800 minimum to $5,000 maximum per violation.

Anyone found in violation of the Emergency Landmark Tree Ordinance will be charged a minimum of $800 and a maximum of $5,000 for each violation. Each tree removed, damaged, or harmed without approval is a separate violation. The Director of Planning and Community Development administers the permit process and enforcement.

Compared to other cities, Bellingham takes a harder line on heritage & protected trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Ordinances

Bellingham's urban-forestry framework is built on four authorities: (1) the Emergency Landmark Tree Ordinance (May 20, 2024, extended through September 2026) protecting healthy 36-inch-DBH trees; (2) BMC Chapter 16.60 (Land Clearing) regulating significant trees (6 in. DBH) on development sites; (3) BMC Chapter 13.40 (Street Trees and Other Vegetation) requiring permits for any work on trees in the public right-of-way; and (4) BMC Chapter 16.80 (Lake Whatcom Reservoir Regulatory Chapter / Silver Beach Ordinance) requiring 30% native vegetation retention in the watershed.

Key details: Landmark Tree Ordinance: May 20, 2024 emergency; through Sept 2026. Landmark Threshold / Fine: 36 in. DBH / $800-$5,000 per violation. Land Clearing Code: BMC Ch. 16.60 (significant tree = 6 in. DBH). Street Tree Code: BMC Ch. 13.40 (Street Tree Permit required). Watershed Code: BMC Ch. 16.80 (Silver Beach / 30% NVPA).

Landmark Tree Ordinance: $800 to $5,000 per violation. BMC 16.60 (Land Clearing): clearing significant trees without an approved tree retention plan blocks the associated construction permit. BMC 13.40 (Street Trees): major pruning or removal without a Street Tree Permit is enforced through Code Compliance. BMC 16.80 (Lake Whatcom): development without an NVPA covenant blocks building-permit issuance, and seasonal-restriction violations are stormwater code violations. Phosphorus fertilizer violations in the watershed (BMC 15.42.050) are enforced through the City's stormwater enforcement program.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Bellingham actively enforces its tree ordinances requirements.

Tree Replacement Requirements

Under BMC Chapter 16.60 (Land Clearing), significant trees (6 in. DBH or greater) that must be removed during development are replaced at a ratio determined by the Planning and Community Development Department (PCDD). Within the Lake Whatcom watershed, BMC 16.80.080 additionally requires that any disturbed area count toward restoration of the 30% Native Vegetation Protection Area in natural forested condition.

Key details: Significant Tree Replacement: PCDD-determined ratio (BMC 16.60.080). Significant Tree: 6 in. DBH or greater. Lake Whatcom: 30% NVPA in natural forested condition. NVPA Protection: Covenant or easement to City, in perpetuity. Street Trees: City Approved Street Trees list (compiled 6/24/2025).

Failing to submit or follow an approved tree retention plan under BMC 16.60.080 blocks issuance of the associated construction permit until corrected. Failure to install or maintain PCDD-required replacement plantings is a code violation subject to Code Compliance enforcement. In the Lake Whatcom watershed, failing to install or protect the 30% NVPA (and required restoration plantings) blocks building-permit issuance under BMC 16.80.080 and triggers stormwater code enforcement. Removing landmark trees (36 in. DBH) without approval carries the $800-$5,000-per-violation penalty under the Emergency Landmark Tree Ordinance.

The Bottom Line

Bellingham is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Bellingham, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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.