Bellingham council extends interim landmark tree rules six months, adds intent language; citizens press for transparency

The Bellingham City Council on Feb. 24 voted unanimously to extend an interim Landmark Tree Ordinance (LTO) for six months and adopt a council amendment clarifying the ordinance’s purpose, preserving time for a full Type 6 legislative process to consider a permanent rule.

The extension, which continues an emergency ordinance first adopted May 20, 2024 and previously extended Nov. 4, 2024, passed after a public hearing that drew more than a dozen speakers and more than an hour of council discussion. Councilmember Dan Hamill moved adoption; Councilmember Skip Williams seconded. Councilmember Lisa Anderson proposed an amendment to add an intent provision; that motion passed 7-0. The final ordinance extension also passed 7-0.

Why it matters: supporters of landmark protections say the measures will protect large, long‑lived trees that provide canopy, air‑quality and climate benefits, while proponents of faster housing production asked the city to balance tree protection with development needs. Council and staff said the six‑month extension will allow time for multi‑department work, public input and for the city to monitor pending state actions — including a wildland‑urban interface (WUI) code proposal — before a permanent ordinance is published.

Public comments: Speakers across neighborhoods…