Shrubbery on/over the Sidewalks – Who is responsible?

The question sometimes arises regarding who is responsible for trimming low tree
branches and vegetation encroaching onto/over the sidewalks in our community, so that
pedestrians are not endangered. Generally, it is the responsibility of the adjacent property
owner. In some cases, the City of Bellevue may take action if, for example, the vegetation
in question is posing a hazard, such as a sight distance problem that endangers traffic.
However, if the City is notified and determines that the encroaching vegetation is not
posing a hazard and is more of a nuisance, a tag will be left for the homeowner to maintain
the vegetation within 10 days.  If the overgrown vegetation is not maintained as requested,
a Streets crew will cut it back from the street or sidewalk right of way and the homeowner
will be charged for the service. The City of Bellevue may be contacted regarding such
issues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (425) 452-7840 or O&MSupport@bellevuewa.gov.

A related question recently directed to the Board concerned the responsibility for
maintenance of the vegetation in the islands within community cul-de-sacs. The person
asking this question wondered if the community association could have the landscaping
contractor who maintains the entrances also maintain these islands. Unfortunately, the
WHCCA budget is insufficient to take on this responsibility. If the WHCCA was a
homeowners association with mandatory dues, this might be possible, but when only about
a third of our residents pay very modest dues, this is out of the question. It is the Board’s
position that the residents within each cul-de-sac should be responsible for maintenance of
their own islands, either through joint voluntary effort or by hiring a landscaping
contractor.