Bellevue Washington Clearing, Grading, Tree, and Critical Area Permit Guide

Bellevue clearing and grading review can apply to single-family landscape changes, tree removal, rockeries, modular block walls, critical areas, and protected vegetation areas.

Permit takeaway

Bellevue tells homeowners to check permit needs before clearing and grading, removing landmark or significant trees, pruning trees, installing rockeries or landscape walls, or working in protected areas.

Zoning and placement

Critical areas, buffers, Retained Vegetation Areas, Native Growth Protection Areas, and public right-of-way conditions can change the permit path.

Building and trade review

Minor clearing and grading on single-family property can apply to landscape changes over listed thresholds, rockeries or modular block walls over four feet, and tree removal tied to site work.

Call before applying when

Call before applying if the work removes significant or landmark trees, disturbs critical areas, involves more than minor grading, adds a rockery or wall over four feet, or changes drainage.

Documents to prepare

• Site plan
• Tree information
• Construction stormwater pollution prevention plan when required
• Grading plan
• Critical area documents when applicable

Inspection planning

• Confirm clearing and grading category
• Apply through MyBuildingPermit
• Upload required documents or waiver forms
• Install erosion controls before disturbance
• Complete any required site inspections

Official sources

• Bellevue Clearing and Grading Permits
• Bellevue Minor Clearing and Grading Permit
• Bellevue Clearing and Grading in Critical Areas Permit

This guide is a planning summary. Always verify the current requirements with the local office before starting work.