When Bellingham permits removal of significant trees during development, replacement planting is required, with the ratio set by the Planning and Community Development Department to keep the city's tree canopy intact.
Bellingham's land clearing rules pair removal with replanting. When significant trees are approved for removal on a development or clearing site under BMC Chapter 16.60, the Planning and Community Development Department sets a replacement ratio, and replacement trees must be planted or, where planting is not feasible, addressed through the city's program. New trees come from approved species suited to the wet Pacific Northwest, and a short establishment period helps ensure survival. Unincorporated Whatcom County ties replanting mainly to critical areas mitigation and development conditions rather than a fixed homeowner ratio.
Failing to install required replacement trees on a Bellingham development site can hold up permit sign-off and bring code enforcement, with unmet obligations carried as conditions or costs against the project.
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See how Whatcom County's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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