Brush Clearance: Auburn vs Bellevue
How do brush clearance rules compare between Auburn, WA and Bellevue, WA?
Bellevue has fewer restrictions than Auburn.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn has no formal defensible space mandate but requires abatement of hazardous vegetation under ACC 8.20. Dead, dry, or fire-prone plant material must be removed on city notice.
View full Auburn rules →Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue has no formal defensible space mandate like California, but homes in Wildland Urban Interface areas such as Cougar Mountain should maintain 30-foot vegetation clearance.
View full Bellevue rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Code | ACC 8.20 and 15.36 | - |
| WUI Zones | Lea Hill plateau edge | - |
| Compliance | 10 to 30 days notice | - |
| Non-compliance | City abates at owner cost | - |
| State Law | RCW 76.04 defensible space | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Does Auburn require defensible space around homes?
Auburn does not have a formal defensible space rule for most urban parcels, but WUI areas on the east plateau follow DNR state standards under RCW 76.04. All properties must keep dry brush and dead vegetation cleared under ACC 8.20.
What happens if I ignore a brush abatement notice?
The city can enter the property, clear the hazard, and charge the owner the full abatement cost plus administrative fees, recorded as a lien on the property.
Bellevue FAQ
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