Tree Protection in Whatcom County, WA (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Whatcom County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Whatcom County has no landmark-tree designation program, but inside the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District it requires a permit to remove any "significant tree," defined as an evergreen 12 inches or more, or a deciduous tree eight inches or more, in diameter at breast height. Unpermitted removal must be replaced three trees for one, plus fines.
Whatcom County Significant Tree Protection Rules
Some RestrictionsWCC § 20.51.430
§ 20.51.430. Tree removal not associated with development activity. (1) Permit Required for Removal of Trees. No person, directly or indirectly, shall remove any significant tree(s) on any property within the Lake Whatcom watershed without first obtaining the appropriate permit as provided in this section, unless the activity is exempted below... (7) Penalties and Enforcement. Any significant t...
Parkway Planting
When there's an adopted street tree plan for the adjacent road, Whatcom County can require developers to plant street trees, shrubs or ground cover inside the county right-of-way under WCC § 20.80.385, and § 20.80.325 sets the spacing: small trees 25 feet on center, medium trees 35 feet, and large trees 45 feet.
Whatcom County Street Tree Planting Rules
Light RestrictionsWCC § 20.80.385; § 20.80.325; § 20.72.657(1)
The county may require the applicant to plant street trees, shrubs and/or ground cover within county right-of-way adjacent to the subject property if there is an adopted street tree plan for the adjacent street(s). ... Deciduous trees will also be required parallel to all public rights-of-way. Small trees will be spaced approximately 25 feet on center; medium trees, 35 feet on center; and large...
Tree Protection by City in Whatcom County
1 cities in Whatcom County have their own tree protection rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Whatcom County ordinances
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