๐ŸŒณ Tree Removal Permits & Tree Code in Bellevue, WA — 2025 Complete Guide

September 27, 2025

A clear, up-to-date guide for property owners, HOAs, and contractors working with trees in Bellevue.

City of Bellevue Seal

Bellevue’s urban forest is a defining part of the city’s character — but it also means tree work here is regulated and closely reviewed. Removing or significantly pruning the wrong tree without approval can lead to stop-work orders, fines, and expensive replanting requirements.


Whether you’re a homeowner, HOA, or contractor planning construction or landscaping, this guide breaks down Bellevue’s tree code, permit triggers, and protection requirements — and shows how working with an ISA Certified Arborist can help you avoid costly mistakes.


๐ŸŒฒ What Counts as a Significant or Landmark Tree in Bellevue

Bellevue regulates trees based on size, species, and location:

  • Significant Trees: Any tree 6 inches or larger in diameter (measured 4.5 feet above the ground).
  • Landmark Trees: Trees 24 inches or more in diameter, or certain slower-growing native species that reach landmark status at smaller diameters.
  • Critical Area Trees: Any tree in steep slopes, wetlands, streams, or shoreline buffers is protected regardless of size.
  • Public Trees: Trees in the right-of-way or on city property are regulated separately under city authority.
โš ๏ธ Bellevue’s Land Use Code (LUC 20.20.900) sets specific retention and planting requirements. The city also updates its interpretation of these standards — what was acceptable last year may not pass review today.

๐Ÿ“ When You Need a Tree Removal Permit in Bellevue

You’ll typically need a permit if you plan to:

  • Remove a significant or landmark tree on private property.
  • Remove a tree in a critical area or buffer (steep slope, wetland, stream, or shoreline).
  • Remove more trees than your lot’s annual removal allowance without replacing them.
  • Conduct pruning or topping that removes more than 25% of the live canopy.
  • Remove trees as part of construction or development projects.
  • Work on or near public right-of-way trees (requires additional approval).

Emergency removal of hazardous trees is allowed if safety is at risk — but you must file a retroactive permit and supporting documentation after the work.

๐Ÿ—๏ธ Tree Protection Plans (TPPs) & Tree Protection Zones (TPZs)๏ปฟ

USFS Tree Protection Fencing graphic

If you’re planning construction, remodels, or additions near trees, Bellevue often requires a Tree Protection Plan (TPP) prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist.


A TPP typically includes:


Tree inventory & health assessment (species, DSH, vigor, risk rating).

Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) mapping to preserve root systems.

Fencing & monitoring plans to safeguard trees during construction.

Mitigation strategies when retention isn’t possible.

These plans help you pass permit review, avoid fines, and keep your project on schedule.

๐ŸŒณ Tree Retention, Replacement & Mitigation

Bellevue enforces a tree density requirement for most properties (LUC 20.20.900). If you remove trees and fall below the required tree credits, you must:

  • Replant replacement trees on site, or
  • Provide a mitigation plan if planting on-site isn’t feasible.

Species selection often favors native or climate-adapted trees, and proper documentation is essential for approval.

๐Ÿž๏ธEnvironmentally Critical Areas (ECAs):๏ปฟ
If your property lies in a steep slope, wetland, stream buffer, or shoreline area, Bellevue treats all trees as protected regardless of size or species. Removal or disturbance almost always requires a permit and may trigger stricter mitigation or replanting requirements.
๐Ÿ‡Bridle Trails & R-1 Zoning:๏ปฟ
Bellevue historically had separate standards for the Bridle Trails R-1 zone. Those rules are now integrated into the citywide tree retention code (LUC 20.20.900), but retention, replanting, and protection requirements remain especially strict in this neighborhood.

๐Ÿช“ Hazardous Trees & Risk Assessments

Bellevue recognizes the need to remove trees that pose a safety risk — but the city typically requires a qualified risk assessment to approve removal.

An ISA TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified) arborist can:

  • Provide a formal risk rating (Low, Moderate, High, or Extreme).
  • Document structural defects, root issues, storm damage, or other hazards.
  • Support emergency removal permits with credible, code-accepted evidence.

โš–๏ธ Why Code Compliance Is Tricky in Bellevue

  • The city updates its tree rules and interpretations regularly — and reviews are at the discretion of Development Services staff.
  • What was approved last year may be rejected today due to evolving canopy goals and stricter enforcement.
  • Fines for illegal removal can be substantial, and permit delays can impact construction timelines.
๐Ÿ’ก Working with a Certified Arborist early in your project can save weeks of delay and thousands in unexpected mitigation.

๐ŸŒŸ How Sound Tree Care Can Help

Our Arboricultural Consulting Services include:

  • ISA TRAQ Tree Risk Assessments accepted by Bellevue reviewers
  • Permit-Ready Arborist Reports for tree removal, development, and hazard evaluation
  • Tree Protection Plans (TPPs) & TPZ Design to keep construction projects code-compliant
  • Plant Health Care & Tree Preservation Strategies to maintain canopy health and avoid unnecessary removals

We’ve helped homeowners, HOAs, and contractors across Bellevue — including Bridle Trails and other ECA-regulated areas — navigate permits, retention rules, and protection requirements while keeping properties safe and projects moving.

๐Ÿ“ž Ready to Remove or Work Near a Tree in Bellevue?


๐ŸŒณ Get expert help with tree removal permits, TRAQ tree risk assessments, and code-compliant tree protection plans.


๐Ÿ“ž Call 206-486-7790 or request a free consultation online.


๐Ÿ›ก๏ธOur certified team specializes in Bellevue tree removal permits, TRAQ risk assessments, TPZ/TPP design, and plant health care — keeping your property safe, compliant, and on schedule.


โญ Trusted by homeowners, HOAs & contractors across Bellevue since 2018.


๐Ÿ“Sound Tree Care LLC — ISA Certified Arborists Serving Bellevue & Nearby Eastside Communities.