Bellevue, WA Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)

Bellevue City Code Chapter 14.60 does not currently impose a citywide snow and ice removal mandate on all residential property owners, unlike some other Washington cities. However, commercial property owners and multi-family complexes are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property to maintain safe pedestrian access. Residential owners are strongly encouraged to clear snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their homes within 24 hours of snowfall to prevent slip-and-fall hazards, for which property owners can be held civilly liable under Washington premises liability law. The city clears major arterial sidewalks, bus stops, and city-owned property. Sand or non-salt de-icers are preferred on concrete sidewalks to prevent damage. Snow pushed from private driveways cannot be dumped into the public street or on storm drains. Call Bellevue Transportation at 425-452-6855 for road snow concerns. During severe storms, the city's Snow and Ice Response Plan prioritizes arterials and emergency routes.