Brush Clearance: Bellevue vs Kent
How do brush clearance rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Kent, WA?
Bellevue has fewer restrictions than Kent.
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 →Kent, WA
King County
Kent requires property owners to abate fire hazards from dry vegetation and debris, especially on East Hill slopes and valley-wall parcels near wildland-urban interface zones.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Defensible space | - | 30 feet around structures recommended |
| Critical areas | - | Buffer clearing restricted |
| Tree limbing | - | 6 to 10 feet up near homes |
| Authority | - | Puget Sound RFA inspections |
| Noncompliance | - | Abatement lien against property |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Kent FAQ
Is there a mandatory clearance distance in Kent?
Kent does not publish a fixed distance like California, but follows Firewise guidance of 30 feet defensible space for homes in hillside or WUI areas.
Can I clear brush in a stream buffer?
Not without review. Critical Areas rules limit vegetation removal in streams, wetlands, and their buffers. Contact Kent Economic and Community Development first.
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