Bellingham, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Bellingham, WA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Any lot or parcel citywide
- 'Significant tree'
- 6+ inches diameter at breast height
- Exempt
- Clearing under 500 square feet
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 per day
- Reviewing depts
- Planning (PCDD) and public works
Summary
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.
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 include a site plan, a description of proposed uses, drainage and erosion control measures, fencing where necessary and methods of property management which shall prevent damage to adjacent land and natural resources as required.
3. No clearing shall be permitted within preliminary plats except for within street or utility rights-of-way. All debris storage and handing shall occur within the right-of-way so as to not damage the adjacent land.
4. The boundaries of all areas to be cleared shall be marked by flagging, stakes, paint spots, a continuous ribbon or other readily visible means around the perimeter. Property lines and corners shall be clearly identified if clearing will take place in close proximity.
5. Prior to clearing, a drainage and erosion and sedimentation control plan shall be approved by the PCDD for lots and parcels, or by the public works department for street and utility rights-of-way and constructed accordingly.
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
Bellingham's land clearing chapter, BMC 16.60, regulates cutting or removing vegetation, including trees, on any lot or parcel citywide (BMC 16.60.050). Nonexempt clearing on undeveloped or partially developed land needs a valid building, street or utility construction permit or an approved management plan (BMC 16.60.080(A)(1)), plus a tree retention plan identifying every 'significant tree' (six inches or greater in diameter at breast height) to be removed or kept (BMC 16.60.080(B)(4)). Clearing under 500 square feet, hazard-tree removal, and noncommercial firewood cutting are exempt (BMC 16.60.070). This is separate from the street tree permit that governs trees in the public right-of-way.
Violations & Fines
Clearing or removing vegetation without the required permit or authorization is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 per offense, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense; the city can also issue a stop-work order and require restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove trees on my Bellingham property?
What is a 'significant tree' under Bellingham's clearing code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
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