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City of Bellevue, WA Development Services
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Tree Removal

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  1. Home
  2. City Government
  3. Departments
  4. Development Services
  5. Land Use Development
  6. Zoning Requirements
  7. Trees
  8. Tree Removal
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    Trees

    • Tree Removal

    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.

    A guide is available to provide information on tree removal requirements and city codes:

    • Tree Removal User Guide

    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 generally considered at least 24 inches in diameter (75 inches in circumference) or greater, measured four feet above the existing grade.
    • The new regulations also include a landmark tree table with alternate, lower diameter thresholds that apply to several slower growing, but high-quality native tree species.
    • Removal of any significant trees. A significant tree is at least six inches in diameter (19 inches in circumference) or greater, 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 and its approved development landscaping requirements. If removing trees from residential property and outside of shoreline, critical areas, and buffers, 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 SizeMaximum Annual Tree Removal without ReplacementSignificant or Landmark Trees to Remain After Removal
    Up to 10,000 square feet1 landmark tree or 2 significant trees2
    10,0001 - 20,000 square feet1 landmark tree or 3 significant trees3
    20,001 - 40,000 square feet1 landmark tree or 4 significant trees4
    40,001 square feet or greater1 landmark tree or 4 significant trees8

     

    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:

    1. Application type: Clearing and Grading
    2. Project type: Single Family Residential or Multifamily Residential or Nonresidential
    3. Activity type: Trees or Vegetation only
    4. 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:

    • The International Society of Arboriculture
    • The Society of American Foresters

    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.

    Bridle Trails

    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. 

    Development Services

    Land Use
    Telephone
    425-452-4188
    Hearing Impaired
    711
    Email
    landusereview@bellevuewa.gov

    Development Services

    Permit Center
    Telephone
    425-452-4898
    Email
    permits@bellevuewa.gov
    Hours
    In-person Permit Center services are available Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

    The Permit Center is open Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with customers visiting City Hall served remotely.
    Business Hours
    Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Contact

    Right of Way Division
    Telephone
    425-452-4189
    Email
    rightofwayuse@bellevuewa.gov

    Reasonable Accommodation

    For alternate formats, interpreters, or reasonable modification requests please phone at least 48 hours in advance 425-452-6800 (voice) or email servicefirst@bellevuewa.gov. For complaints regarding modifications, contact the City of Bellevue ADA, Title VI, and Equal Opportunity Officer at ADATitleVI@bellevuewa.gov.

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