The Latest
New Tree Codes Published
In Fall 2024, the City of Bellevue updated the City website with new tree codes. Please take a look at the following links for information.
- Development Services main page
- Permits page,
- Tree Removal Only Clearing and Grading Permit
- Trees webpage
- Tree Removal webpage
Trees4Livability is stepping back to give the City room to enact the new laws, communicate the rules to the community, and work on enforcement. Please be patient as this work occurs. You may see trees coming out for projects approved under the old codes. It will take some time for these to cycle through. As new codes go into effect, on current projects, please don't hesitate to contact the City of Bellevue if you have questions.
In 2025 the City of Bellevue will evaluate how the tree code updates are working, at which point we can help to provide direction and feedback.
We appreciate your support and involvement with Trees4Livability over the last three years and look forward to a future with trees! Now, get outside!
Bellevue City Council Approves New 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.
