Bellevue — Ch. 8 Buildings, Housing, and Construction § 8-82
Setbacks
Operative Text
The location of the private swimming pool or spa shall adhere to the following minimum setbacks: (1) Five feet from walls, landscaping elements or structures, trees or other appurtenances; (2) Ten feet linear and 18 feet diagonally from electric service lines (and it is recommended that such service lines be placed underground to provide additional safety); (3) Ten feet from principle or accessory structures, excluding docks; (4) Property and building line setbacks as stipulated in the applicable zoning regulations.
Bellevue § 8-82 establishes minimum distance requirements for the placement of private swimming pools and spas on residential property. Pools and spas must be at least five feet from walls, landscaping elements, trees, and similar features; ten feet (or eighteen feet diagonally) from electric service lines; and ten feet from principal or accessory structures, with docks excluded from that last requirement. Additionally, any zoning-based property and building line setbacks that apply to the specific parcel must also be observed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Bellevue § 8-82, property owners installing or permitting a private pool or spa are generally expected to verify that the structure meets all four categories of setback requirements before construction begins. Compliant operators typically confirm distances from electric service lines, nearby structures, landscaping features, and applicable zoning setbacks as part of the permitting process. The provision also notes that placing electric service lines underground is a recommended safety measure, which operators may wish to document as part of their project planning.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Bellevue § 8-82 gives tenants a basis for understanding whether a pool or spa on a rental property was sited in compliance with local distance requirements. If a pool or spa appears to be improperly located — for example, too close to electrical lines or structures — tenants can raise this concern with Bellevue's building or code enforcement department. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with local building codes can also help residents understand what options may be available when a potential setback violation is identified.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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