Landscaping Rules in Bellevue, WA (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Bellevue, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Bellevue Duty to Trim Trees Over Sidewalks
Some RestrictionsBellevue City Code (BCC) §§ 14.06.010, 14.06.020
Trees, plants, shrubs, vegetation or parts thereof which so overhang any sidewalk or street, or public right-of-way, or which are growing thereon in such manner as to obstruct or impair the free and full use of the sidewalk or street by the public or to obstruct vision of the improved portion of a public right-of-way or intersection of streets... are a public nuisance. It is the duty of the own...
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.
Bellevue Significant and Landmark Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsBellevue City Code (BCC) § 23.76.060(G)
a. Table 23.76.060.G sets the number, based on site size, of significant trees or landmark trees that may be removed from a site during any continuous 12-month period without requiring any replacement planting under subsection (G)(2) of this section. b. During any continuous 12-month period, any removal of a significant tree or landmark tree in excess of the annual replanting threshold specifie...
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.
Bellevue Water Waste and Irrigation Rules
Some RestrictionsBellevue City Code § 24.02.200
The waste of water supplied by the utility is prohibited at all times. Waste of water includes, but is not limited to, continuous application of water to lawns or landscaping that results in excessive puddling or runoff of water, failure to repair leaking water service lines and irrigation systems, application of water to impervious surfaces other than for cleaning purposes, and all other appli...
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.
Bellevue Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsWA Department of Ecology Rainwater Collection Policy
Rainwater collection, including the use of rain barrels, has become more popular as a supplemental source of water. In 2009, we issued a rainwater use interpretive policy , which clarifies that you may use water collected from your rooftop without a water right permit. However, there are rules on using rainwater as a potable (drinkable) water source. Some counties in Washington may allow rainwa...
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).
Bellevue Native Plant Preference in ROW
Light RestrictionsBellevue City Code § 14.60.120(C)
C. Preservation of Existing Street Trees and Landscaping. 1. Retention of existing vegetation may be required along city streets. When retention is not feasible, native plant species or species with a proven ability to survive in an urban environment are preferred for landscaping. 2. When permitted to remove or relocate plant materials from the right-of-way in connection with the widening of th...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bellevue city rules.
Landscaping Rules in King County →