Landscaping Rules in Bellingham, WA (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Bellingham, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Bellingham requires a city street tree permit before major pruning or removal of any tree in a planting strip or right-of-way, with a licensed trimmer sometimes required.
Bellingham Street Tree Trimming Permit
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 13.40.060(A)
No person shall perform major pruning or remove trees in planting strips, improved rights-of-way, or other public places, or cause or authorize any person to trim, prune or remove trees in public places, without first filing an application and procuring a street tree permit from the city. 1. Application Data. The application required herein shall state the kind, size and condition of trees...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing trees or clearing vegetation on private property anywhere in Bellingham requires a building, street or utility permit or an approved management plan, plus a retention plan for every 'significant tree' six inches or larger in diameter.
Bellingham Private Land Tree Removal Permit
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 16.60.080(A)(1)
No clearing or removal of vegetation shall be permitted on any undeveloped or partially developed lot, parcel, street or utility without a valid building, street or utility construction permit or an approved management plan for the nonstructural activities listed in subsection (A)(2) of this section. 2. Approved management plans for forestry, agricultural, livestock or landscape uses shall...
Weed Ordinances
Bellingham caps weeds and plant growth on any premises at six inches under its amended Property Maintenance Code, with noxious weeds banned outright and cultivated gardens exempt.
Bellingham Weed & Grass Height Cap
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 17.10.020 (IPMC § 302.4, as amended)
302.4 Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs; provided however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. [Ord. 2024-03-009 § 3; Ord. 2022-02-004 § 3; Ord. 2021-01...
Rainwater Harvesting
Bellingham gives new or remodeled commercial buildings a 10 percent stormwater utility fee reduction for roof area served by a permissive rainwater harvesting system that offsets potable water use.
Bellingham Rainwater Harvesting Fee Credit
Light RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 15.16.040(E)
E. Credit for Permissive Rainwater Harvesting Systems. Any new or remodeled commercial building that utilizes a permissive rainwater harvesting system to offset potable water use shall be eligible for a 10 percent reduction in the monthly fee for the roof area used for rainwater harvesting. Areas other than the roof area are subject to the regular rate. Rainwater harvesting systems shall be pro...
Native Plants
Within Basin One of the Lake Whatcom watershed, Bellingham requires new residential development to permanently retain 30 to 75 percent of the site as native forest cover: this is not a citywide rule.
Bellingham Lake Whatcom Native Vegetation Rule
Significant RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code §§ 16.80.050, 16.80.080(E)
“Native vegetation protection area (NVPA)” means that area on a site that is in a natural forested condition, with a forest canopy and a multiple understory of plants, all comprised of native vegetation... At least 30 percent of the total site area shall meet the “natural forested condition” ... and retained as the NVPA; or ... At least 75 percent ... under the Forested Method.
Composting
Bellingham allows homeowners to compost yard waste on private property as long as the pile doesn't create odors, expose raw garbage, or draw pests, per BMC 9.12.030(B).
Bellingham Backyard Composting Rules
Light RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 9.12.030(B)
Vegetable wastes, ashes, leaves, grass, plant cuttings and other organic wastes may be composted on private premises or at a public place designated for composting, providing the compost site is maintained so as not to create odors, expose raw garbage, allow garbage to become scattered, or increase the risk from pests. Nonputrescible garbage and refuse, animal wastes, and materials containing a...
Looking for Whatcom County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bellingham city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Whatcom County →