Bellingham, WA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Where it applies
- Lake Whatcom Basin One only
- Fully engineered method
- 30% of site retained
- Forested method
- 75% of site retained
- Protection
- Permanent conservation easement
Summary
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.
“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.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
BMC 16.80.050 defines a 'native vegetation protection area (NVPA)' as land in a natural forested condition with native canopy, understory, and ground cover. It applies only to lands within city limits draining to Basin One of Lake Whatcom (BMC 16.80.040): there is no equivalent citywide native-plant mandate. Residential single development there must retain at least 30 percent of the site as NVPA under the fully engineered stormwater method, or 75 percent under the forested method; residential multi development must retain at least 30 percent. An ISA-certified arborist must assess the site, and the NVPA is permanently protected by a conservation easement before a building permit issues (BMC 16.80.080(E)).
Violations & Fines
Disturbing the NVPA without authorization brings a civil penalty up to $1,500 per violation (minimum $100) plus city-ordered restoration of the damaged area (BMC 16.80.150).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bellingham require native landscaping citywide?
How much native vegetation must a Lake Whatcom lot keep?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
Compare Bellingham to another location·View the Washington landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.