Bellevue, WA Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Fire code edition
- 2021 International Fire Code
- WUI code edition
- 2021 Intl. Wildland-Urban Interface Code
- State authority
- WAC 51-54A / WAC 51-55
- Enforcing official
- Fire marshal (fire code official)
- Adopting ordinance
- Ord. 6782 §§ 1, 2, 2024
Summary
Bellevue adopts the 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code by reference alongside the 2021 International Fire Code, both as amended by the State Building Code Council. The fire marshal enforces both codes citywide under Bellevue City Code 23.11.100.
The International Fire Code, 2021 Edition, and Appendices B and C, all published by the International Code Council, as adopted by the State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-54A WAC, and as amended, added to or excepted in this chapter, and not including International Fire Code Sections 905.3.4, 905.3.4.1, 907.2.7.1, and 907.2.13.2, are adopted by reference thereto as though fully set forth herein and shall be applicable within the city. In addition, the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, 2021 Edition, published by the International Code Council and as adopted by the State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-55 WAC is adopted by reference thereto as though fully set forth herein and shall be applicable within the city.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 6929, passed July 14, 2026).
Full Breakdown
2). The same section separately adopts the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, 2021 Edition, as adopted by the State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-55 WAC, making it applicable within the city as well. At least one copy of both adopted codes, appendices and referenced standards must be filed in the city clerk's office and made available for public inspection. The code uses the notation "[WS]" to flag a Washington State amendment to either adopted code. 11 as the fire marshal or the fire marshal's designee, who administers permits, inspections and abatement under the fire code's general provisions (Sections 104 and 112).
Because Bellevue sits largely within the urban core rather than forested wildland, the Wildland-Urban Interface Code applies where development interfaces with wildland vegetation, layering additional construction and vegetation-management requirements onto standard fire code obligations. These adoptions were enacted by Ordinance 6782, Sections 1 and 2, in 2024, replacing the prior fire code edition citywide.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the adopted Fire Code or Wildland-Urban Interface Code are enforced by the fire code official under BCC 23.11.112, which authorizes abatement action, and 23.11.112.4.1, which lets the fire code official restrain, correct or abate a violation, prevent illegal occupancy, or stop an illegal act or business operation until compliance is achieved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bellevue have its own wildfire code?
Who enforces the wildfire and fire code in Bellevue?
Are any Fire Code sections excluded from Bellevue's adoption?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellevue
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Wildfire Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle wildfire zones.