When is a Street Tree Permit required?
Are you planting, maintaining, or removing trees near a road, sidewalk, alleyway, or undeveloped right-of-way? If so, you may need a permit before starting work. Oftentimes, the area near a street, sidewalk, or alleyway is designated as public right-of-way, even if the land is owned by a private entity. A right-of-way is land that has been acquired or dedicated for public roads, streets, alleys, utility maintenance, and/or sidewalks, regardless of whether these facilities have been constructed yet.
As described in the City’s Street Tree Policy, an approved Street Tree Permit is required for the following situations:
- Major pruning or removal of trees in planting stripes, improved rights-of-way, or other public places
- Planting a tree or vegetation in an improved right-of-way
Although a Street Tree Permit is not required for clearing, cutting, or removing vegetation on unimproved (or undeveloped) rights-of-way, other permits or permission may be required. In these areas, a person must comply with Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 16.60, which requires City approval prior to clearing or cutting activities through a valid building permit, street or utility construction permit, or an approved management plan.
If you are unsure if you are working in a right-of-way, or if you’d like more information about which type of permit you may need, please contact the City’s Permit Center for assistance.
Which trees can I plant in the right-of-way?
New trees planted in the right-of-way must be chosen from the Approved Street Tree List. This list is a guideline for planting inside the public right-of-way; the trees on the list are not approved for every location and every condition.
We recommend that you consult a landscape design professional in the selection of an appropriate tree and other vegetation for your site before you submit an application for a Street Tree Permit. The City also has design standards to ensure proper street tree planting.
- Tree Planting Detail Planting Strip – ST-184 (PDF)
- Tree Planting Detail Behind Sidewalk – ST-185 (PDF)
How do I get a Street Tree Permit?
Once you have determined that a Street Tree Permit is required for the work you are doing, you can submit an application for a Street Tree Permit. These permits are free. You will need to attach a landscape plan and location map with your application.
The landscape plan should include:
- The proposed street, including pavement, curb, gutter, parking strip, and sidewalks areas to a definite indicated scale
- The variety and size of each tree proposed to be planted any of those already existing within the proposed street lines, either indicated on the plan or referenced with a number to a key list
- The proposed location of each proposed tree together with the location of each existing tree within the proposed street line in scaled relation to other features of the plan
- The distance between trees in any direction
Street Tree Permit Applications must be submitted electronically with your landscape plans to permits@cob.org.
What if I want to prune or remove a Street Tree?
An approved Street Tree Permit is required before removing or pruning trees and other vegetation in a developed right-of-way. Controlling vegetation is the responsibility of the City of Bellingham as well as the property owners in Bellingham.
- Specifications for Vegetation Trimming for Streets, Alleyways and Sidewalks (PDF)
- Street Tree Responsibility List (PDF) – the street trees in the areas in this list are maintained by the City
Where can I find tree planting guidance?
Using the right tree in the right place and maintaining it will result in a healthy, beautiful tree whose benefits can be enjoyed by the community for many years. View our tree planting guidelines before planting to ensure the success of your tree.
How can I volunteer to plant more trees?
The Parks Volunteer Program offers individuals and groups the opportunity to participate in volunteer work parties to plant and care for trees and native vegetation in local parks, trails, and habitat restoration sites.
Resources
Contact
For more information about permits, please contact the City’s Permit Center.
