To prevent the removal of exceptional trees in anticipation of new regulations, the Bellingham City Council enacted an Emergency Landmark Tree Ordinance on May 20, 2024. It took effect immediately upon approval. This ordinance protects trees that are considered “landmark trees” – the largest, most significant trees in Bellingham – establishes a landmark tree inventory and a permitting process for removal, and establishes a larger fine for illegal removal.
In the draft Urban Forestry Plan that was shared with the community in April 2024, development of a tree protection ordinance was one of the recommended actions. After the draft was shared publicly, during a technical advisory group listening session, several industry professionals said they were receiving a higher volume of calls for tree removal, and development applications were being submitted with trees already removed.
“Our community values trees for their important benefits to our climate, for their aesthetic beauty, and for many other reasons,” said Planning and Community Development Director Blake Lyon. “We were concerned that people would preemptively cut down the trees in an effort to avoid new rules. It became clear very quickly that if we didn’t act soon, there was a high risk of losing some of our city’s significant trees. The City is taking steps to protect existing trees and plant new ones.”
Typically, once public notice is issued for an ordinance, it takes at least six weeks to become effective. The City Council took emergency action in this case because in that typical six-week period, more landmark trees were at risk of being damaged or removed without the benefit of a replacement plan or mitigation strategy.
According to the ordinance, any tree that has a trunk diameter of 36 inches or greater and is in a healthy growing condition will be automatically considered a “landmark tree.” Additionally, trees can be nominated as landmark trees if they have distinctive qualities, are of historical significance, or serve a significant wildlife benefit. Groves of trees can also be nominated.
The emergency ordinance took effect immediately after the City Council’s approval on May 20. It will remain in effect for six months or until City Council amends the ordinance. Anyone who is found to be in violation of the ordinance will be charged a minimum of $800 and a maximum of $5,000 for each violation.
A public hearing is required and will be scheduled soon – it must be scheduled within 60 days of the May 20 emergency ordinance adoption date.
To learn more about public feedback opportunities, how trees can be nominated, and how to obtain approval to remove a landmark tree, visit the City’s website.
