Brush Clearance: Bellevue vs Renton
How do brush clearance rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Renton, WA?
Bellevue has fewer restrictions than Renton.
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 →Renton, WA
King County
Renton requires vegetation management as a nuisance matter under RMC 1-3-3. Wildland-urban interface areas around May Creek and Cedar River require 30-foot defensible space under IFC Chapter 49.
View full Renton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Nuisance Code | - | RMC 1-3-3 |
| WUI Code | - | IFC Chapter 49 via RMC 4-5-070 |
| Defensible Space | - | 30 feet minimum from structures |
| Critical Areas | - | RMC 4-3-050 may restrict clearing |
| Assessments | - | Free from Renton RFA |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Renton FAQ
How much brush must I clear around my Renton home?
In WUI areas maintain 30 feet of defensible space with Zone 1 noncombustible, Zone 2 thinned, and Zone 3 reduced fuel loads per IFC Chapter 49.
Can I clear brush in a critical area buffer?
Not without review. Wetland, stream, and steep slope buffers under RMC 4-3-050 restrict vegetation removal even for fire safety. Contact CED first.
Compare other topics
See how Bellevue and Renton compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool