City of Bellingham Municipal Code

13.40.080 - HAZARDOUS AND OBSTRUCTIVE TREES

A. Hazard Tree.

1. Definition. Any tree or tree part which poses a high risk of damage to persons or property.

2. Determination. The Parks and Recreation Department will make the determination of a hazard tree.

3. Maintenance Responsibility. The Parks & Recreation Department will remove the hazard tree if the tree is included on the City Maintenance Responsibility List. The Public Works Department will be responsible for removing the hazard tree if the tree is outside of the City Maintenance Responsibility List and poses a hazard to the improved right-of-way. The abutting property owner is responsible for removing the hazard tree if the tree is outside of the City Maintenance Responsibility List and poses a threat to their private property. The abutting property owner is responsible for removing any hazard tree within an unimproved right-of-way.

1. Definition. Any tree or other vegetation which impedes vehicle or pedestrian traffic or obstructs the vision of vehicle drivers or pedestrians of traffic control devices when traveling from one roadway to another.

2. Determination. The Public Works Department will make the determination of an obstructive tree or vegetation.

3. Maintenance Responsibility. The Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for removal of the obstruction if located on the City Maintenance Responsibility List. If the obstruction is not located on the City Maintenance Responsibility List, the Public Works Department will notify the abutting property owner through the abatement process to have the obstruction removed. In the event the obstruction poses an imminent threat to public safety Public Works, in their discretion, may remove the obstruction.