Bellingham, WA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Unlike Yakima and many other Washington cities, Bellingham has an active heritage/landmark tree statute. The Emergency Landmark Tree Ordinance was adopted by Bellingham City Council on May 20, 2024 as emergency legislation taking effect immediately. The ordinance has been extended four times since then; most recently the City Council voted unanimously on March 9, 2026 to extend it another six months, keeping it in effect through September 2026 or until amended by Council. Designation is automatic: any tree with a trunk diameter of 36 inches or greater at breast height (DBH) in healthy growing condition qualifies as a landmark tree. Black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) is automatically excluded. Property owners must obtain City approval before removing, damaging, or otherwise harming a landmark tree. The Director of Planning and Community Development reviews applications and may approve removal only where (1) necessary for reasonable property use with demonstrated alternatives evaluated, (2) required for utilities or easements predating the ordinance, or (3) the tree is hazardous. The Emergency Landmark Tree Ordinance operates in parallel with the existing BMC Chapter 16.60 (Land Clearing) significant-tree (6 in. DBH) rules and the BMC 13.40 Street Tree Permit. Bellingham's Whatcom Million Trees project and related community groups have advocated for permanent codification of the ordinance.