Bothell, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

BMC 8.24.045 B sets two numeric clearances. Under item 2, the owner or occupant must destroy, remove or trim vegetation or parts of it on the property or on adjacent planting strips which overhang any sidewalk within seven feet measured vertically from any point on the sidewalk. Under item 3, the same applies to vegetation which encroaches on or overhangs the traveled portion of the street or alley within 11 feet measured vertically from any point on the street or alley. Vegetation includes trees, shrubs, grass, weeds, bushes, vines and other plant materials, including branches.

Item 4 adds a sight-line duty. The owner or occupant must remove vegetation constituting a safety hazard found on adjacent planting strips or alleys. BMC 8.24.020 N defines a safety hazard as vegetation which overhangs the street, sidewalk or alley in such a way as to impede the free and full use of it, vegetation which obstructs the vision of drivers such that traffic regulation signs or the view of an intersection is obstructed from a position of 30 feet or closer to the intersection, and vegetation which creates injury to or the opportunity or risk for injury to passersby or the general public. A planting strip is the part of the street right-of-way between the property line and the curb, excluding any sidewalk, so the trees along the curb in front of your lot are your responsibility to trim.

The community development director enforces under Chapter 11.20 BMC. A notice of violation states the corrective action and a reasonable time for compliance, and you have 15 calendar days after service to request an appeal to the hearing examiner. If the vegetation stays, BMC 8.24.060 B allows the city to remove it at your expense, with the bill due within 30 days of billing and a special assessment and lien after that.