Tree Protection in Bellingham, WA (2026)
2 verified tree protection rules for Bellingham, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Bellingham Significant Tree Retention Rule
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code §§ 16.60.040, 16.60.080(B)(4)
“Significant tree” means a tree of any species that is six inches in diameter or greater measured at breast height. ... A tree retention plan is provided that identifies the species and size of all significant trees on site... Significant trees that must be removed shall be replaced at a ratio to be determined by the PCDD.
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.
Bellingham Street Tree Planting Permit
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 13.40.060(B)
No person shall plant a tree or other vegetation in improved rights-of-way without first filing an application and procuring a street tree permit from the city. Upon receipt of an application for a permit to plant or set out in excess of 10 trees, the director of parks and recreation department shall have the authority to require from the applicant a detailed declaration of intentions either in...
Looking for Whatcom County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bellingham city rules.
Tree Protection in Whatcom County →