Unexpected permit costs
Bellevue tree and landscape deposits: the cost homeowners miss
A permit may be ready before required landscaping is installed. Bellevue can require money to be held as assurance that the work will be completed and survive. Homeowners sometimes discover this late in the process.
Reviewed against official sources · August 2026There are two common assurances
- Installation assurance applies when plans are issued before required plants or landscaping are installed.
- Maintenance assurance applies after installation and covers the required survivability period.
The amount can be material
Bellevue says an installation assurance is generally 150% of the approved plant-and-labor estimate, while a maintenance assurance is generally 20%. Confirm the amount and acceptable form with the assigned land-use planner.
Read Bellevue’s current landscape assurance guidance before budgeting.
Release is not automatic
After the work is complete and the applicable period has passed, contact the land-use planner and request inspection and release. Keep the estimate, assurance paperwork, inspection records, and planner correspondence together.
Action plan
Avoid having landscape funds held longer than necessary
- 1
Ask the land-use planner which conditions must be completed before permit issuance and which may be covered by an assurance device.
- 2
Obtain a detailed plant-and-labor estimate acceptable to the city; budget for 150% installation assurance when applicable.
- 3
Install the approved landscape plan exactly, document substitutions, and photograph the completed work.
- 4
Request inspection and conversion or release in writing rather than assuming it occurs automatically.
- 5
Calendar the maintenance period and final inspection; Bellevue generally uses a 20% maintenance assurance during survivability.
Official resources