Prior to cutting or removal of any trees, it is recommended that you contact the Land Use review planners to ensure compliance with applicable codes and to discuss permit requirements. Also, review our information on tree retention.
Tree Removal on Private Property
Removal of any trees that meet the following conditions will require a permit for tree removal:
- Removal of any landmark tree. A landmark tree is at least 24 inches in diameter (75 inches in circumference), measured four feet above the existing grade.
- Removal of any significant trees. A significant tree is at least six inches in diameter (19 inches in circumference), measured four feet above the existing grade.
- The tree is located in a designated critical area, buffer or structure setback required in Land Use Code 20.25H.
- The tree is located within 50 feet of a shoreline, in the Vegetation Conservation Area required in Land Use Code 20.25E.
- The property is a commercial or multifamily zoned property
- The tree is in a native growth protection area or a retained vegetation area easement or tract.
In addition, replanting requirements apply in certain circumstances. Replanting is always required to remove trees on nonresidential property, unless the property will still meet its required minimum tree density. If removing trees from residential property, you may remove a limited number of significant or landmark tree per year without planting replacement trees, provided there will be trees that remain after the removal. This limit depends on the size of your property.
| Property Size | Maximum Annual Tree Removal without Replacement | Significant or Landmark Trees to Remain After Removal |
| Up to 10,000 square feet | 1 landmark tree or 2 significant trees | 2 |
| 10,0001 - 20,000 square feet | 1 landmark tree or 3 significant trees | 3 |
| 20,001 - 40,000 square feet | 1 landmark tree or 4 significant trees | 4 |
| 40,001 square feet or greater | 1 landmark tree or 4 significant trees | 8 |
A permit is still required to remove trees within the annual limit. Annual limits and replanting requirements do not apply to the removal of trees which are hazardous, as determined by a qualified tree professional.
Apply for a Tree Removal Permit
Apply for a permit online at MyBuildingPermit. When entering your Application Information, choose the following:
- Application type: Clearing and Grading
- Project type: Single Family Residential or Multifamily Residential or Nonresidential
- Activity type: Trees or Vegetation only
- Scope of work: Tree Removal or Vegetation or Vegetation Management
Trees in the City Right of Way
Contact the Right-of-Way Division of the Transportation Department for information on removing a tree in the city right-of-way or if equipment or vehicles will be utilizing the public right-of-way to complete the work.
Concerns About Tree Safety
One of the leading reasons given for tree removals is the health or safety of the tree. To ensure you are not needlessly removing an otherwise healthy tree, consult a qualified tree professional, such as a certified arborist or certified forester. A qualified tree professional must have at least one of the following credentials:
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist
- ISA certified arborist municipal specialist
- ISA board certified master arborist
- American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) registered consulting arborist (RCA)
- Society of American Foresters (SAF) certified forester
There are two websites that can help:
Trees on private property may be removed if a property owner feels that there is an emergency situation posing an immediate risk of property damage or harm to the public. In the event of an emergency situation, contact Land Use when possible and document the emergency with photos. Tree removal should always be done by a qualified professional that has the capacity to address the situation in a safe manner. This professional may also be able to help document that hazard if permits cannot be obtained prior to removal. After the tree is removed, a property owner is required to apply for a tree removal permit and be prepared to document the hazard. If staff cannot verify the hazard, tree replacement may be required and the property owner may face civil penalties.
Neighborhood Disputes
Tree ownership is determined by whose property the trunk stands completely on. If the tree is a boundary tree (the trunk straddles a property line), it is owned jointly. In most cases, property owners may trim branches and roots which encroach on their property if they stay within certain guidelines: trim only up to the property line; do not enter the owner’s property without permission; do not destroy or damage the tree by trimming roots or branches.
If you are unable to resolve a dispute with your neighbor, call the Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center at 425-452-4091. They can help you explore your alternatives, coach you on how to negotiate with your neighbor, or provide free mediation to help you and your neighbor find a workable solution.
Tree Removal on Public Property
The public is not authorized to remove (or reduce) any vegetation, including trees, from any public property or public right-of-way without prior approval, including any trees or vegetation adjacent to your own property. If you are unsure whether a tree is on public or private property, refer to your property title report or contact the Right of Way Use division.
Contact the city if you are concerned about the health or safety of a tree in the City's right-of-way or on public property. The city has foresters and arborists on staff to investigate and address safety issues on public property.
To report a potentially unhealthy tree on park property, call 425-452-6855 or email parksweb@bellevuewa.gov. To report a potentially unhealthy tree in the public right of way, call 425-452-7840.
You may face civil penalties, including fines up to three times the assessed value of the trees involved, for removing, topping or otherwise pruning a tree on city property or public right-of-way without prior approval without permission. Depending on the circumstances, criminal charges may also be brought.
Looking for Bridle Trails requirements? Bellevue now has one set of tree removal rules for the whole city, including Bridle Trails. Permits are still required to remove significant or landmark trees in Bridle Trails.