City of Bellingham Municipal Code

13.40.060 - STREET TREE PERMITS REQUIRED

A. Trimming and Removal of Trees. No person shall perform major pruning or remove trees in planting strips, improved right-of-ways, or other public places, or cause or authorize any person to trim, prune or remove trees in public places, without first filing an application and procuring a street tree permit from the City.

1. Application Data. The application required herein shall state the kind, size and condition of trees to be trimmed or removed; the kind of trimming to be administered; and such other information as the Director of Parks and Recreation Department shall find reasonably necessary to a fair determination of whether a permit should issue hereunder.

2. Standards for Issuance. The Director of Parks and Recreation Department shall issue the permit provided for herein when he finds that the desired action or treatment is necessary and that the proposed method and workmanship are satisfactory.

3. Major Pruning. The City may require that the pruning be performed by a licensed tree trimmer. This determination will be made as a part of the Street Tree Permit process.

4. Tree Topping, as defined in Section 13.40.030(L), is Unlawful as a Normal Practice. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, or where other pruning practices are impractical may be exempted from this section at the determination of the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department.

5. Removal of Trees. The stumps and roots of trees shall be removed to a point at least one foot below the top of the adjacent curb or proposed curb grade.

6. Tree Replacement Location. As a condition to the granting of a tree removal permit, the Parks Department may require the applicant to relocate or replace trees.

1. The proposed street including pavement, curb, gutter, parking strip and sidewalk areas to a definite indicated scale.

2. The variety and size of each and every tree proposed to be planted and of those already existing within the proposed street lines, either indicated on the plans or referenced with a number to key list.

3. The proposed location of each and every proposed tree together with the location of each existing tree within the proposed street line in scaled relation to the other features of the plan.

4. The distance between trees in any direction.

1. Planning Department.

(a) Provide a Street Tree Permit Application as requested by the public.

(b) Provide handout information including Street Tree Brochure and recommended tree listing.

(c) Require Street Tree Permit to be completed for any project requiring street tree installation.

(d) Route completed Street Tree Permit Application to Public Works Department if application is for planting and to the Parks & Recreation Department if the application is for removal or pruning.

2. Public Works Department.

(a) Inspect job site and approve or disapprove based upon impact of tree to right-of-way.

(b) Route permit application to Parks & Recreation Department.

3. Parks and Recreation Department.

(a) Contact permit applicant and inspect site.

(b) Determine if licensed trimmer is required.

(c) Approve or disapprove application and notify applicant of decision.

(d) Inspect work after completion.