Bellingham, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

BMC Chapter 13.40 governs trees and other vegetation in Bellingham's public rights-of-way and on planting strips. Key requirements: (1) Permit — No person shall perform major pruning or remove trees in planting strips, improved rights-of-way, or other public places without first filing an application and procuring a Street Tree Permit from the City; an approved permit is required before any major pruning or removal of trees or other vegetation in a developed right-of-way. (2) Maintenance — Under BMC 13.40.050, the Parks Department maintains street trees on planting strips adjacent to streets on the city maintenance responsibility list, while the abutting property owner maintains street trees and other vegetation on planting strips adjacent to streets not on that list. (3) Pruning standard — Under BMC 13.40.110 (Protection of trees), the City may require that pruning be performed by a licensed tree trimmer, with that determination made as part of the Street Tree Permit process. (4) Topping — Tree topping is unlawful as a normal practice; trees severely damaged by storms or other causes may be exempted by the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. (5) Application — Submit a Street Tree Permit application with landscape plans to the Permit Center at PL-permits@cob.org; the application is routed to Planning, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation for review. Bellingham is Tree City USA.