Bellevue, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- BCC 14.06.010
- Duty holder
- Abutting property owner
- Enforcing departments
- Transportation, parks and community services
- Max fine
- $300.00
- Max jail term
- 90 days
- Utility line notice
- 5 days before city/utility trims
Summary
Bellevue makes it the abutting owner's duty to trim trees, shrubs or vegetation that overhang and obstruct a sidewalk, street or right-of-way, or that block sightlines at an intersection. Refusing to comply after notice risks a fine up to $300, up to 90 days in jail, or both.
Trees, plants, shrubs, vegetation or parts thereof which so overhang any sidewalk or street, or public right-of-way, or which are growing thereon in such manner as to obstruct or impair the free and full use of the sidewalk or street by the public or to obstruct vision of the improved portion of a public right-of-way or intersection of streets... are a public nuisance. It is the duty of the owner of the property wherein or whereon any such nuisance exists or of the property abutting the street wherein or whereon such nuisance exists to abate the same by trimming, destroying or removing such growing or dead growth. The failure or refusal to comply with the provisions of BCC 14.06.010 shall subject the offender to a fine not exceeding $300.00 or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, or both fine and imprisonment.
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
010 declares a public nuisance out of trees, plants, shrubs or vegetation that overhang or grow onto a sidewalk, street or public right-of-way in a way that obstructs or impairs public use, that blocks the sightline at an improved right-of-way or street intersection, or that damages, obstructs or endangers power lines, cables, conduits, sewers or drains lawfully located in the right-of-way, including dead growth that creates a fire hazard or health and safety menace. The duty to abate, by trimming, destroying or removing the growth, falls on the property owner where the nuisance exists, or on the owner of property abutting the street where it exists.
050. 060 requires five days' written notice before the city or a utility can trim trees that have grown into power or telephone lines strung at least 25 feet above a public right-of-way.
Violations & Fines
BCC 14.06.020 sets the penalty for failing or refusing to comply with the BCC 14.06.010 trimming duty at a fine not exceeding $300.00, imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, or both. That penalty applies in addition to the city's separate abatement authority under BCC 14.06.030 and 14.06.050, which lets the city do the trimming or removal itself and bill or lien the property for the cost when an owner does not act after notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to trim a tree blocking a Bellevue sidewalk?
What is the penalty for not trimming trees over a Bellevue right-of-way?
Can Bellevue trim trees that interfere with power lines?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellevue
Compare Bellevue to another location·View the Washington landscaping rules overview
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Tree Trimming in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle tree trimming.