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.
Unlike California jurisdictions, Bellevue does not have a codified defensible space ordinance requiring specific brush clearance zones. However, Bellevue Fire Department recommends Firewise USA principles for homes adjacent to natural areas and forested parks such as Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, Lakemont, and Somerset neighborhoods. Recommended Zone 1 is 0 to 30 feet from structures with minimal flammable vegetation, Zone 2 is 30 to 100 feet with reduced fuel loads and spacing between trees. Bellevue Critical Areas Ordinance LUC 20.25H restricts vegetation removal in wetland buffers, stream buffers, and steep slope areas so property owners must coordinate clearance with environmental protection requirements. Dead trees posing fire or safety hazards can be removed with a tree removal permit from Development Services. As Pacific Northwest summers become drier due to climate change, Bellevue is considering expanded WUI regulations similar to other western cities.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Bellevue, WA
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Bellevue, WA
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Bellevue, WA
Bellevue treats habitual barking as a nuisance under BCC Title 8 and BCC 9.18. King County Regional Animal Services investigates complaints and issues warnin...
Bellevue, WA
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Bellevue, WA
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Bellevue, WA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle brush clearance.
See how Bellevue's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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