City of Bellingham Municipal Code

20.34.070 - LANDSCAPING

A. General Provisions

1. This section provides the landscaping requirements for all uses permitted within the Commercial General Use Type.

2. The provisions of this section shall apply to all new construction and to remodeling when the cost of remodeling exceeds 50% of the assessed valuation of the structure to the extent that there is space available.

3. Prior to issuance of a building permit, a scaled landscape site plan shall be submitted and approved by the Planning Department consistent with the provisions herein. Said plan shall specify specie name, size and location.

4. Landscaping pursuant to the approved site plan shall either be installed or bonded for (in an amount no less than 150% of cost of material and installation) prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy or if no certificate is required prior to final inspection approval.

5. Existing trees which will be saved and which meet the minimum specification herein specified, shall count toward meeting the requirements herein, provided they are an acceptable species as to their location.

1. Street Trees. One street tree shall be provided for every 50' of street frontage abutting the property. Said trees shall be installed adjacent to the right of way within the property lines or within the right of way subject to the approval of the Public Works and Parks Department.

2. All required yards, except the vision triangle, shall be screened.

(3) Parking

a. For every 10 open parking spaces, one tree shall be installed around the facility perimeter. These trees may be grouped or spread lineally.

b. Separation areas as required in Section 20.34.050 D(4) shall be landscaped.

c. Areas between the parking facility and adjacent property as required in 20.34.050 D(3) shall be landscaped if the adjacent property is of the same general use type. If the adjacent property is of a different general use type, said area shall be screened.

1. Trees

a. Species
i. Street Trees
As recommended in the Bellingham Street Tree Plan and approved by the Parks Department.

ii. Other Required Trees
Species shall be native to the area or recognized as being easily adaptable to the climate.

b. Size (unless otherwise specified)
i. Street trees shall be no less than 10' in height at time of installation with a minimum diameter size of 2 1/2" measured one foot above grade.

ii. Other required trees shall be no less than 6' in height at time of installation with a minimum caliper size of 1" measured one foot above grade.

c. Spacing and Location

i. Street trees shall be spaced and installed as recommended in the Bellingham Street Tree Plan subject to approval of Public Works and Parks Department.

ii. Other required trees may be installed where desired by the applicant within the general constraints of this section.
2. General Planting

a. No landscape bed shall have artificial impervious material placed underneath the surface bed.

[User information]

b. i. Provisions should be taken to insure each landscape bed has proper drainage.