Bellevue, WA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Any landmark tree removal (BCC 23.76.035(A)(6))
- Live crown removal limit
- 25% per 3-year period
- Replacement ratio
- 3 trees, or 2 large conifers, per landmark tree
- Minimum replacement size
- 2" caliper deciduous / 6 ft conifer
- Illegal removal penalty
- Greater of in-lieu fee or replacement value
- Repeat violation
- Penalty may be doubled
Summary
Removing a landmark tree in Bellevue needs a clearing and grading permit and triggers replanting: three replacement trees per landmark tree removed, or two large conifers if the director approves. Illegal removal draws a monetary penalty set at the greater of the code's in-lieu fee or full replacement value, doubled for repeat violations.
2. Replanting Requirements. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (G)(1) of this section, any removal of a significant tree or a landmark tree shall require replanting in accordance with the following standards: a. Replacement Tree Minimum Standards. Each replacement tree shall be single-stemmed and a minimum of two inches caliper (for deciduous trees) or single-stemmed and six feet in height (for conifer trees). b. Replacement Tree Ratios. For each significant tree requiring replacement, the permittee shall plant one replacement tree on the site. For each landmark tree requiring replacement, the permittee shall plant either three replacement trees, or two large conifer species trees approved by the director, on the site.
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
900. 060(A)(3) allows that only when the removal is required by another legal requirement or a qualified tree professional certifies in writing that the tree will remain viable afterward. G: removal of one landmark tree per year is allowed without replanting on any lot up to 40,000 square feet if landmark or significant trees remaining on site stay above the table's minimum, ranging from 2 remaining trees on lots up to 10,000 square feet up to 8 on lots over 40,000 square feet. Beyond that threshold, each landmark tree removed requires either three replacement trees or two large conifer species approved by the director, while significant trees require only one replacement tree each.
Replacement trees must be single-stemmed, at least two inches in caliper if deciduous or six feet tall if conifer. A landmark tree on a property line may only be removed if it is hazardous and every owner with an interest in the tree consents in writing, or the director waives consent where a qualified tree professional finds imminent danger. iv or the tree's full replacement value under the Guide for Plant Appraisal, and each tree removed is a separate violation.
Violations & Fines
Illegally clearing, cutting, damaging, or removing a landmark tree on private property is a separate civil violation for each tree under BCC 1.18.045(B). The monetary penalty is the greater of the current in-lieu fee under LUC 20.20.900.E.6.h.iv or the tree's replacement value calculated under the Guide for Plant Appraisal, and the hearing examiner may double that penalty for a repeat violation. The development services department director may also assess the city's investigation and calculation costs on top of the penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a landmark tree in Bellevue?
How many replacement trees does Bellevue require for a removed landmark tree?
What is the penalty for illegally cutting a landmark tree in Bellevue?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellevue
Compare Bellevue to another location·View the Washington tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle heritage & protected trees.