Obstruction Rules: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do obstruction rules rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Bellevue and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue prohibits obstructing public sidewalks per BCC 14.30. Vegetation, vehicles, trash cans, and A-frame signs cannot block the pedestrian clear zone of 5 feet.
View full Bellevue rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Sidewalks and public rights of way in unincorporated King County must be kept clear under KCC Title 14. Obstructions like parked vehicles, overgrown vegetation, merchandise, construction materials, or debris are prohibited without a permit from the Road Services Division.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Permit | - | Required for ROW obstructions |
| Vegetation Clearance | - | 8 ft over sidewalk, 14 ft road |
| ADA | - | 4-ft clear path required |
| Code | - | KCC Title 14 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Seattle FAQ
Is it illegal to park a car across a sidewalk in King County?
Yes. Under RCW 46.61.570 and KCC Title 46, parking a vehicle so that any part blocks a sidewalk is prohibited. Violators can be ticketed and, in some cases, towed at the owners expense.
Do I have to trim trees over the sidewalk in unincorporated King County?
Yes. Property owners must keep vegetation trimmed to maintain at least 8 feet of clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over roadways. If trees or shrubs overhang and the owner fails to correct after notice, King County can trim them and bill the owner.
Compare other topics
See how Bellevue and Seattle 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