Bellevue, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

060(G) sets an annual replanting threshold by site size for residential land use districts: up to 2,000 (0-10,000 sq ft lots may remove 1 landmark or 2 significant trees per 12-month period before replanting is triggered; 10,001-20,000 sq ft lots get 1 landmark or 3 significant trees down to 3 remaining; 20,001-40,000 sq ft lots get 1 landmark or 4 significant trees down to 4 remaining; lots over 40,000 sq ft get 1 landmark or 4 significant trees down to 8 remaining. Removing more than the threshold, or dropping the remaining count below the table minimum, triggers mandatory replacement planting under subsection (G)(2): one replacement tree per significant tree removed, and either three replacement trees or two large conifers (director-approved) per landmark tree removed.

Replacement trees must be single-stemmed, minimum two-inch caliper for deciduous species or six feet tall for conifers. Hazardous trees do not count toward the threshold and carry no replacement duty except where needed to meet separate landscaping density standards. A significant or landmark tree straddling a property line can only come down if it is hazardous and every co-owner gives written consent, unless the director waives that for imminent danger. 060(D) and (E) require the permittee to mark clearing limits in the field and build a Tree Protection Plan, prepared by a qualified tree professional, into the clearing and grading drawings, with protection measures installed before the preinspection and kept in place until final inspection.

Removing more than 25 percent of a protected tree's live crown is barred except to meet another legal requirement or where a qualified tree professional certifies the tree will remain viable afterward. This chapter is enforced through the city's clearing and grading permit process administered by the Development Services Department.