Landscaping Rules in Bellevue, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Bellevue or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Bellevue has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Native Plants

Bellevue's right-of-way landscaping code favors native plant species when street-side vegetation must be replaced, giving native and proven urban-hardy plants priority over other replacement stock under BCC 14.60.120(C).

Key details: Governing section: BCC 14.60.120(C). Applies to: Right-of-way, easements, access tracts. Preference trigger: When retention of existing vegetation isn't feasible. Valuation method: ISA Guide for Establishing Value of Trees. Removal authority: City may remove ROW landscaping anytime.

Replacing right-of-way vegetation with the wrong species isn't listed as a standalone infraction; it is enforced through the review engineer's approval authority over the replanting or reimbursement itself, and through the general civil-violation and abatement authority of Chapter 1.18 BCC that applies to non-compliant landscaping under BCC 14.60.022. Reimbursement value disputes are resolved using the ISA valuation guide referenced in the code.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Bellevue gives residents more flexibility on native plants.

Tree Trimming

Bellevue makes it the abutting owner's duty to trim trees, shrubs or vegetation that overhang and obstruct a sidewalk, street or right-of-way, or that block sightlines at an intersection. Refusing to comply after notice risks a fine up to $300, up to 90 days in jail, or both.

Key details: Governing section: BCC 14.06.010. Duty holder: Abutting property owner. Enforcing departments: Transportation, parks and community services. Max fine: $300.00. Max jail term: 90 days.

BCC 14.06.020 sets the penalty for failing or refusing to comply with the BCC 14.06.010 trimming duty at a fine not exceeding $300.00, imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, or both. That penalty applies in addition to the city's separate abatement authority under BCC 14.06.030 and 14.06.050, which lets the city do the trimming or removal itself and bill or lien the property for the cost when an owner does not act after notice.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Bellevue caps how many significant or landmark trees you can remove without replanting, tied to lot size, under BCC 23.76.060. Go over the annual threshold and you must replant on a set ratio, with a certified tree protection plan required for any covered clearing or grading permit.

Key details: Governing section: BCC 23.76.060(G). Small-lot threshold: 1 landmark or 2 significant trees/year. Live crown removal cap: 25% without exception. Replacement ratio (landmark): 3 trees or 2 large conifers. Enforcement: Civil penalty + possible misdemeanor.

Working outside these limits is enforced under BCC 23.05.170: violating the technical codes (which include the clearing and grading chapter) is a civil violation under Chapter 1.18 BCC carrying a monetary penalty, and is also chargeable as a misdemeanor under BCC Title 10 as an alternative or additional penalty. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense. The building official can also issue a stop work order under BCC 23.05.180 the moment unauthorized clearing is found, halting work until conditions are met, and may assess a special investigation fee for issuing it.

Water Restrictions

Bellevue bans wasting utility water at all times under BCC 24.02.200, and any new or modified landscaping project of 500 square feet or more must meet a certified irrigation water budget under BCC 24.02.205. During a declared shortage, the utility director can impose additional watering restrictions and rate surcharges under BCC 24.02.090.

Key details: Waste-of-water ban: Applies at all times, all utility customers. Water budget trigger: New/modified landscaping 500+ sq ft. Certifier required: Landscape architect, CPH, or WCL. Single-family exemption: Exempt from water budget rule. Shortage authority: Director may restrict use by area/class.

Water-waste and landscape water-budget violations are enforced under BCC Chapter 1.18. The applicable department director can issue a notice of civil violation after attempting voluntary correction, with penalties of $100 for the first day of violation, $200 for the second day, $300 for the third day, $400 for the fourth day, and $500 per day for each additional day the violation continues.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is legal in Bellevue under Washington state policy; rooftop collection for irrigation and non-potable uses is allowed without a water right permit.

Key details: Rainwater Harvesting Legal: Rainwater harvesting legal statewide since 2009. Rain Barrels Under: Rain barrels under ~500 gallons: no permit. Larger Cisterns Need: Larger cisterns need building permits. Potable Reuse Needs: Potable reuse needs health department approval. 1000 Sq Ft: 1000 sq ft roof yields ~600 gal per inch of rain.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Bellevue gives residents more flexibility on rainwater harvesting.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Bellevue gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 2 of the 5 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Bellevue's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.