Tree Canopy Code Amendments

This amendment to Bellevue's Land Use Code and City Code updated tree preservation, retention, replacement and protection provisions to better support citywide tree canopy goals. 

Background

Bellevue's tree canopy is a critical environmental asset and central to the vision of a "City in a Park." Bellevue's Environmental Stewardship Plan Action N.1.1 calls for a comprehensive review and update of provisions in the Land Use Code and City Code for tree preservation, retention, replacement and protection during construction. The city's previous code provisions related to trees were updated periodically, but never in a comprehensive fashion. 

On Nov. 21, 2022 the City Council initiated work on this set of amendments. 

What changed?

City staff completed a comprehensive review of tree code provisions and developed amendments in the following areas:

• Tree Preservation and Replacement: 
  • Updated significant tree definition to six-inch minimum diameter and implemented permanent definition for landmark trees as 24 inches or greater.
  • Permit now required to remove any significant or landmark tree. Tree replacement required, with exception for residential properties removing a limited number of trees. A new, more affordable permit type for limited tree removal on residential properties will be available soon. 
  • Established criteria for hazardous trees. Hazardous tree removal is not subject to tree replacement requirements, but a permit is still required. 
• Tree Retention: 
  • Minimum tree density required with any development proposal. Minimum depends on the size of the property, land use district and proposed type of development. 
  • Minimum tree density can be achieved through retention and new planting, with a strong emphasis on retention. 
  • In-lieu fee available as a last resort when all replanting options have been exhausted.  
• Tree Protection: 
  • Implemented definition for qualified tree professional.
  • Trees required to be planted or retained as a condition of other city requirements must be retained unless hazardous, as determined by a qualified tree professional. 
  • All development projects must include a tree protection plan prepared by a qualified tree professional. 
  • City may impose monetary penalties based on the assessed value of the tree when violations occur. Penalties may be doubled for repeat violations. 

The City Council took action on these amendments on July 9.

What did not change?

These amendments did not change provisions of the Critical Areas Ordinance, which already provides strong protections for significant trees located in critical areas, including replacement requirements. 

The Trees, Weeds and Vegetation chapter of the Transportation Code, which regulates vegetation impacting sidewalks, streets and public rights-of-way, will be updated through a separate project. 

Related Documents

Ordinance No. 6795

Ordinance No. 6796

Related Projects

Environmental Stewardship Plan

Project Timeline and Schedule