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Do you love trees?
Help us make Bellevue’s new tree protections a success!
We helped pass new tree codes in Bellevue for the first time in 40 years. We are recruiting volunteers to help with public outreach when education materials become available.
Here’s the high level summary:
• Bellevue has new tree codes
• Community education and support is important
• NEW! Permits are required for most tree removals
• NEW! Minimum tree density requirements apply
• NEW! Removed trees may need to be replaced
• NEW! Tree health, lot size and species are factors
• NEW! Penalties and enforcement are well defined
Please sign up to receive details, or join our outreach team.
BELLEVUE CITY COUNCIL APPROVES TREE CODES – FIRST MAJOR UPDATE IN 40 YEARS
[Bellevue, WA, July 2024] The Bellevue City Council voted unanimously at their July 9th meeting to approve Bellevue’s new tree codes. The codes represent the first major update in over 40 years. These changes come after two years of lobbying by citizens and community groups across the city. The codes go into effect in phases from mid-July through August.
“The passage of these codes represents a huge victory for the City of Bellevue,” says Khaiersta English, Founder of Trees4Livability, a community group that has been working to improve tree codes since 2022. "We are pleased with the work of city staff and the City Council to complete this monumental effort. We hope to see ongoing protection and growth of our tree canopy over time.”
Bellevue’s new tree codes significantly improve the city’s land use code, which includes the rules governing construction projects, and the Bellevue City Code, which covers enforcement and non-development tree removals. The codes employ minimum tree density rules, a tree credit system, fines, and incentives to retain trees.
In the Community
Eastgate Block Party
Community Listening Session
Community Listening Session
Trees4Livability attends the Eastgate Block party to promote improving tree codes.
Community Listening Session
Community Listening Session
Community Listening Session
Trees4Livability attends the Community Listening Session with City Leaders to promote improving tree codes.
City Council Meetings
Community Listening Session
City Council Meetings
Trees4Livability presents regularly at City Council meetings to promote improving tree codes.
Our Partners
We are honored to work with community partners.
