Tree removal permits in City of Bellevue: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a tree removal permit in City of Bellevue, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Bellevue Development Services.
When does a tree removal need a permit in City of Bellevue?
Triggered by removal of trees meeting the city's "significant tree" / "exceptional tree" / "tier" threshold. Common thresholds: ≥6in DBH (Bellevue tier 2+), ≥24in DBH (Seattle exceptional), or specific listed species. Single-family lots are sometimes exempt for non-exceptional trees.
Required submittals
- site plan with tree locations + DBH
- arborist report (sometimes)
- replacement / mitigation plan
Inspection sequence
- site verification (arborist or planner)
- final replacement compliance
Contractor specialties needed
general
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is city planning / urban forestry. Replacement requirements common (e.g. 1:1 or 2:1 by canopy area). Critical-area parcels (steep slope, salmon stream buffer) have stricter rules. Emergency / dead-hazardous removal usually exempt with arborist letter.
How to apply
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup on the main permits page — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (3).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Bellevue Development Services ↗
- 4. Track review (typical: —). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Tree-removal permits commonly $50-$300 per tree; replacement bonds in some cities. Apply via https://mybuildingpermit.com.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.