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Innovative Housing
Innovative Housing | Program Details | Review Process | Examples | Resources
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Housing Opportunities in Redmond

Drawing on strong public support for encouraging diversity in housing choices in Redmond, the City Council adopted the Innovative Housing Demonstration Program in August 2005.  In August 2008, the Council re-adopted and extended the program for an additional five years, until 2013 (see Ordinance 2409).

The ordinance provides for a limited number of innovative demonstration projects, such as cottages, small-lot single-family homes, and duplexes. In return for the ability to build at higher densities and have some flexibility in setback and lot coverage regulations, homebuilders are required to provide superb residential design compatible with the existing neighborhood, may utilize green development solutions, and are strongly encouraged to provide an affordability component.

Residents, home developers, and the entire community can learn more about Redmond's Innovative Housing program by browsing this set of pages using the links at the top of this page.

Innovative Housing Proposals and Meetings


UPDATE MEETING POSTPONED: On November 9, 2009, the applicant for the Idylwood Innovative Housing Proposal requested the City postpone the meeting of the Innovative Housing Review Panel which was scheduled for November 18, 2009, until early 2010.  By requesting postponement, the applicant elects to waive his right to have the meeting convened within the required timeframe as defined by the Innovative Housing ordinance.  The applicant has requested postponement in order to provide additional time to meet with his development team to further evaluate the proposed Innovative Housing project as well as to explore other possible development options.

A new date for the Review Panel meeting has not been selected.  City staff will provide notice of any future meeting of the Innovative Housing Review Panel three weeks prior to the meeting date.  If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Stiteler, AICP, Senior Planner at sstiteler@redmond.gov or 425-556-2469.

MEETING POSTPONED: Meeting Notice for Idylwood Innovative Housing. A meeting of the Innovative Housing Review Panel will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Redmond City Hall, 15670 N.E. 85th Street.  The Review Panel determines if the proposal will be authorized to proceed to the next level of review.  The public is invited to provide written comments to sstiteler@redmond.gov as well as oral comments at the Review Panel meeting.  all comments will be submitted to the Review Panel for their consideration. 
 

Idylwood Innovative Housing.
In June 2009, Robert Gunther submitted a proposal in the Viewpoint neighborhood west of Idylwood Park at 17259 N.E. 36th Street.  The project consists of seven detached homes, along with two accessory dwelling units over garages.  On July 13, 2009, the applicant hosted a neighborhood meeting.  According to the requirements of the Innovative Housing ordinance, the applicant has 90 days from the date of the Neighborhood Meeting to consider comments and incorporate any changes into a new project submittal.  A revised site plan was submitted by the applicant on October 9, 2009.

Rosehill Community Development. In September 2008, YS Development/Rosehill Heights Development submitted a nine-home proposal located in the Grass Lawn neighborhood. On January 12, 2009 the Innovative Housing Review Panel voted to allow the applicant to continue with the technical review process for this proposal, with conditions. The conditions relate to perimeter setbacks, orientation of below-grade parking, housing affordability, and home size. The Review Panel approved its written report on February 5, 2009. The report and notice of decision are posted on the Innovative Housing Review Panel's page. Community members will have additional opportunities to provide feedback on the proposal during the technical review process.

Bear Creek Cottages. The proposed Bear Creek Cottages, submitted for review in summer 2007, would consist of 12 attached single-family homes and two accessory dwelling units.  The proposal is located at 10007 Avondale Road in the Education Hill neighborhood.  The Innovative Housing Review Panel evaluated the project at a public meeting on January 14, 2008.  The Panel authorized the applicant to submit an application for a preliminary plat.  Visit the Innovative Housing Review Panel's page for more information. 

Sycamore Park. In late 2006, Steve Burnstead Construction submitted a proposal under the Innovative Housing program for twelve homes in the North Redmond neighborhood.  The applicant hosted an open house neighborhood meeting on January 22, 2007.  On April 30, 2007, the Innovative Housing Review Panel reviewed this proposal, concluding that it meets the goals of the program and should be authorized to submit a subdivision application.  The preliminary plat was approved by the Hearing Examiner in July 2008.  Please visit the Review Panel's webpage for more information.

For more information about the Innovative Housing program, please contact Sarah Stiteler at 425-556-2469 or sstiteler@redmond.gov, or Jeff Churchill at 425-556-2492 or jchurchill@redmond.gov.