Lawn Ornament Rules: Bellevue vs Kent
How do lawn ornament rules rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Kent, WA?
Bellevue and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue does not regulate residential lawn ornaments, statuary, flags, or non-seasonal yard decorations beyond standard setback and right-of-way rules. There is no permit, size cap, or count limit on lawn ornaments on private property. Setbacks under LUC 20.20.010, glare under LUC 20.20.522, and ROW rules in BCC Title 14 still apply.
View full Bellevue rules →Kent, WA
King County
Kent does not regulate residential lawn ornaments, statuary, flags, or non-seasonal yard decorations beyond standard setback, sight-distance, and right-of-way rules. There is no permit, size cap, or count limit on lawn ornaments on private property in Kent. Setbacks under KCC Title 15, public right-of-way rules in KCC Title 6, and shoreline rules near Green River, Mill Creek, and Lake Meridian properties still apply.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | No (general ornaments) | No (general ornaments) |
| Size/Count Cap | None | None |
| Setbacks Apply | LUC 20.20.010 | KCC Title 15 |
| ROW Encroachment | Prohibited (BCC 14) | Prohibited (KCC Title 6) |
| Flagpole > 35 ft | May need permit | May need permit |
| Shoreline Areas | LUC 20.25E applies | - |
| Shoreline/Floodplain | - | Additional rules apply |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Are there limits on lawn ornaments in Bellevue?
No specific city limits exist on the number or size of typical lawn ornaments on private property. They must sit within zoning setbacks (LUC 20.20.010), stay out of the public right-of-way (BCC Title 14), avoid blocking sight-distance triangles, and not create glare under LUC 20.20.522. HOA covenants may impose additional private rules.
Can I put a flagpole or statue in my front yard?
Yes, on private property within zoning setbacks. Flagpoles taller than 35 feet may require a building permit under the WA State Building Code. Statues do not require permits. Keep all items off the public right-of-way and out of driveway sight-distance triangles.
Kent FAQ
Are there limits on lawn ornaments in Kent?
No specific city limits exist on the number or size of typical lawn ornaments on private property in Kent. They must sit within zoning setbacks under KCC Title 15, stay out of the public right-of-way, avoid blocking sight-distance triangles, and not create glare onto neighbors or roadways. HOA covenants may impose additional private rules enforced civilly.
Can I put a flagpole or statue in my front yard?
Yes, on private property within zoning setbacks. Statues do not require permits. Flagpoles taller than 35 feet may require a building permit under the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50). Keep all items off the public right-of-way and out of driveway and corner sight-distance triangles. Properties near the Green River or Lake Meridian may also be subject to the Shoreline Master Program.
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