Bellingham’s landmark tree interim ordinance extended for fourth time

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Photo: Saga Communications/Seddie LeBlanc

BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham’s largest trees will continue to be protected throughout another summer.

The city council voted unanimously earlier this week to extend the city’s landmark tree ordinance for another six months. It’s the fourth time the interim ordinance has been extended since it was initially approved in May 2024.

The ordinance prevents people from removing or damaging any healthy tree with a trunk diameter of 36 inches or more. Anyone who violates those terms could be fined up to $5,000 for each instance.

Advocates of the ordinance claim the trees serve importance in climate regulation and supporting biodiversity. But local developers have pushed back on it, arguing that the new regulations have delayed housing projects.

City staff say this latest extension will give them time to complete the formal process to develop permanent regulations to protect the trees moving forward.

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