Brush Clearance: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do brush clearance rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Bellevue has fewer restrictions than Seattle.
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 →Seattle, WA
King County
King County has no mandatory annual brush clearance ordinance like California. In Wildland Urban Interface areas, defensible space up to 100 ft is enforced on new construction through the adopted IWUIC.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Mandatory Annual | - | No countywide rule |
| WUI | - | 100 ft defensible space |
| Critical Areas | - | Clearing permit needed |
| Burn Bans | - | PSCAA + Fire Marshal |
| Program | - | Firewise USA |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Seattle FAQ
Do I have to clear brush around my house in unincorporated King County?
No general annual mandate exists, but the IWUIC requires defensible space at permit for new construction in WUI areas, and the Fire Marshal can order abatement when vegetation creates an imminent fire hazard.
Can I just cut down trees to clear brush?
Not without checking critical-area rules. Clearing over 7,000 square feet or removing significant trees in wetland, stream, or steep-slope buffers requires a clearing and grading permit under KCC 16.82 and 21A.24.
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