BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham is seeking to update its code to permanently protect the city’s largest trees.

The city Planning Commission held a public hearing on Thursday, June 18, to discuss an updated landmark tree ordinance.

The ordinance prevents people from removing or damaging any healthy tree with a trunk diameter of 36 inches or more.

The Bellingham City Council initially approved it as an interim ordinance in May 2024 and it’s since been extended four times while the city drafts a permanent version.

That newly-released draft ordinance contains several changes, including a provision that landmark trees can be considered for removal if they create “hazardous conditions” or are “damaging real property.”

The interim ordinance has drawn criticism from developers, who say planning around protected trees has delayed housing projects.

The city council is expected to consider the ordinance later this summer after Thursday’s feedback is taken into consideration.