Landscaping Rules in Bellevue, WA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Bellevue, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Bellevue Municipal Code Chapter 9.06 addresses property nuisances including overgrown vegetation; no specific grass height limit but code enforcement acts on complaints.
Bellevue Grass Height and Weed Nuisance Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Bellevue Land Use Code LUC 20.50 regulates significant tree trimming; street trees in rights-of-way need Transportation Department approval for major pruning.
Bellevue Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Bellevue requires a Clearing and Grading Permit to remove Landmark Trees and trees in Critical Areas; residential lots can remove up to 3 significant trees per 3-year period.
Bellevue Tree Removal Permits
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Bellevue property owners must control noxious weeds under RCW 17.10 and King County Noxious Weed Board rules; general weed maintenance enforced via nuisance code.
Bellevue Weed Control Requirements
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Bellevue water comes from Cascade Water Alliance and Seattle Public Utilities; no permanent watering day restrictions but voluntary conservation during summer drought advisories.
Bellevue Water Use and Conservation
Few RestrictionsRainwater 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 encourages native Pacific Northwest plants through NatureMapping and Salmon-Safe programs; Critical Areas Ordinance often requires native species for mitigation planting.
Bellevue Native Plant Landscaping
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf is generally allowed on Bellevue residential properties but counts as impervious surface for stormwater calculations and may be restricted in critical areas.
Bellevue Artificial Turf Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bellevue city rules.
Landscaping Rules in King County →