BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham’s largest trees could continue to be protected throughout another summer.
The city council will consider extending the city’s landmark tree ordinance for another six months at its meeting on Monday, Feb. 23.
The interim ordinance was initially approved in May 2024 and has since been extended three times.
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.
A public hearing on the extension will take place at the council’s regular meeting on Monday.
It comes as a bill that would issue similar protections statewide is currently being heard by lawmakers in the state House.
