Vacant lots in Bellevue must be maintained per BCC 20.25E. Owners must control weeds over 12 inches, prevent dumping, and secure any structures.
Owners of vacant and undeveloped lots in Bellevue are subject to the same property maintenance standards as occupied properties under Land Use Code 20.25E. Required maintenance includes: mowing or controlling vegetation over 12 inches in height; removing trash, debris, and illegal dumping; eliminating standing water that could breed mosquitoes; securing any structures against unauthorized entry; and maintaining fencing if present. Lots in Critical Areas (wetlands, streams, steep slopes, fish and wildlife habitat) cannot be cleared or graded without permits even to meet maintenance rules, and alternative management may be required. Vacant lots adjacent to residential uses must receive more frequent maintenance to prevent fire and rodent hazards. Owners of lots with recurring illegal dumping may be required to install fencing or gates. The city may perform emergency abatement if the property presents imminent health or safety risks, with costs billed to the owner as a property lien. Vacant lot violations can accrue fines of 100 to 500 dollars per day. Contact Code Compliance at 425-452-4570 with concerns.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Bellevue, WA
Outdoor music must comply with BCC 9.18 limits. Special events with amplified sound require a noise variance from the City Clerk and typically must end by 10...
Bellevue, WA
Aircraft noise is federally preempted by the FAA. Bellevue sits in the Sea-Tac contour near Renton Municipal Airport. Complaints go to Port of Seattle Aviati...
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue treats habitual barking as a nuisance under BCC Title 8 and BCC 9.18. King County Regional Animal Services investigates complaints and issues warnin...
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue enforces RCW 46.55 and BCC 11.23 against vehicles left on streets more than 72 hours or stored inoperable on private property, with impoundment and ...
Bellevue, WA
RCW 16.60 governs boundary fences and cost-sharing in Washington. LUC 20.20.400 controls height and placement. Spite fences allow civil remedy. Get a survey ...
Bellevue, WA
Pools over 24 inches deep need a 48-inch barrier with self-closing self-latching gates under the Washington State Building Code and IRC Appendix G. Openings ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle vacant lot maintenance.
See how Bellevue's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.