Tree Protection in Bellingham, WA (2026)
4 verified tree protection rules for Bellingham, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Bellingham Tree Removal Permits — Landmark, Significant, and Street Tree Permits
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & 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.
Bellingham Landmark Trees — 36-inch DBH Trees Automatically Protected
Heavy RestrictionsTree 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.
Bellingham Tree Replacement — PCDD-Set Ratio for Significant Trees & NVPA Restoration
Some RestrictionsTree 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.
Bellingham Tree Ordinances — Landmark, Land Clearing (BMC 16.60), Street Trees (BMC 13.40) & Lake Whatcom (BMC 16.80)
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Whatcom County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bellingham city rules.
Tree Protection in Whatcom County →