Redmond Zoning Code Rewrite Phase 1

Redmond Zoning Code Rewrite

Adopted  June 21, 2022


Amendment Purpose

The first phase of the Redmond Zoning Code ReWrite focuses on foundational improvement and some timely amendments.  The majority of the amendments during this phase will involve improvements to the Code's format, organization, and functional aspects.  As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Strategic Revisions will amend key portions of the code to improve efficiency, clarity, and economic support.

The 2020-2021 RZC ReWrite
LAND-2021-00451 / SEPA-2021-00452

During 2020 - 2021, the City will consider seven areas of foundational improvements:

  • Improvements to Code Format and Organization 
  • Completeness and Clarification of Definitions and Acronyms 
  • Comprehensive Residential Use Typology 
  • Clarity of Accessory Dwelling Unit Requirements  
  • Streamlined, Flexible Non-Residential Allowed Uses 
    • Including amendments to the Faith-Based and Funerary use class to reflect community diversity and inclusion
  • Strategic Revisions in response to the City's Long-Term Recovery Plan (COVID-19) including: 
    • Administrative Design Flexibility Procedures
    • Short-Term Temporary Use Permits
    • Floor Area Ratio Use Restrictions and Calculations
    • Clarification of Parking Requirements for Existing, Older Structures in Downtown
  • Code Maintenance Standards and Long-Term Plan
Redmond Zoning Code ReWrite Seven Project Components

Project Actions and Milestones

Project Actions and Milestones
Date Milestone Action
June 21, 2022 City Council City Council adopted amendments to the Redmond Zoning Code per Phase 1, Bridge, and Annual Cleanup amendments
February 8, 2022 City Council Study session
January 18, 2022 City Council Staff report
January 11, 2022 City Council Briefing to City Council Committee of the Whole
November 10, 2021 Planning Commission Commission completed its review, made a recommendation, and approved its report to the City Council
October 27, 2021 Planning Commission Study Session
September 22, 2021 Planning Commission Continued Public Hearing and Study Session
September 8, 2021 Planning Commission Public Hearing and Study Session -- public hearing notice with information about providing testimony and for viewing the virtual meeting
August 25, 2021 Planning Commission Planning Commission will hold a study session to begin their review and prepare for a public hearing on Technical Committee recommended amendments to the Zoning Code. Planning Commission agenda and materials
August 4, 2021 Open House and Office Hours Open House and Office Hours, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. for participants to discuss project components and amendments with the individual project component leads.
July 5, 2021 SEPA Determination Appeal Period The appeal period for SEPA-2021-00452 determination of non-significance open from July 5 through July 19, 2021.
June 18, 2021 SEPA Determination, Comment, and Appeal Period The comment period for SEPA-2021-00452 determination of non-significance open from June 18, 2021 through July 2, 2021.
June 2021 Project Initialized for Formal Review Zoning Code amendments initialized in City's EnerGov permitting system to being formal review (Type VI Permit) process.  Project record comprised of LAND-2021-00451 and SEPA-2021-00452.
May 2021 Briefings City boards and commissions briefings to learn of significant questions and concerns in preparation of formal review.  Included Arts and Culture Commission, Design Review Board, Parks and Trails Commission, and Pedestrian/Bicycle Advisory Committee.
May 2021 Final Staff Proposal Project team incorporates feedback from stakeholders and testing during final development of code amendments.
April 2021 Communication and Involvement Seeking feedback from project stakeholders via testing event and comments from community
March 2021 Amendment Development Drafting amendment language
February 24, 2021 Planning Commission Project briefing regarding scope and anticipated schedule
January 2021 Stakeholder Involvement Stakeholder review and feedback on project's draft recommendations for individual components
2020 Project Planning and Development Identification of Phase 1 scope of work and preliminary research and development for project's individual components

Zoning Map

Please refer to the Zoning Map (zoning districts across the city) for additional reference when reviewing proposed amendments.

  1. Format and Organization, Residential Use Typology, and Nonresidential Use Simplification
  2. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
  3. Strategic Revisions
  4. Definitions 
  5. Zoning Code Maintenance

Goals of Proposed Amendments Include

  • Preliminary enhancements to the organization and navigation of the code.
  • Expansion and clarity for the variety of residential uses allowed throughout the City's different zoning designations.
  • Simplification of the nonresidential uses in mixed-use and employment zones, providing for increased economic support, flexibility, and innovation.

Planning Commission's November 10, 2021 Recommended Amendments to Redmond Zoning Code Chapters, Sections, and Guides Undergoing Formal Review by the Redmond Planning Commission


Technical Committee August 4, 2021 Recommended Amendments to Redmond Zoning Code Chapters, Sections, and Guides Undergoing Formal Review by the Redmond Planning Commission


Proposed Amendments to Redmond Zoning Code Chapters, Sections, and Guides Undergoing Formal Review


Formal review of the following was initiated on June 18, 2021 under LAND-2021-00451 and SEPA-2021-00452:


Draft Proposed Amendments to Redmond Zoning Code Chapters, Sections, and Guides:



Setting a Foundation for the Future

A periodic update to Redmond's Comprehensive Plan is also underway to reflect the vision for 2050.  Future updates to the Zoning Code will be necessary to ensure consistency with the Comprehensive Plan's policies.  Additional updates will also be necessary as new policies are reflected in the City's functional plans such as the Transportation Master Plan; Parks, Arts, Recreation, Culture, and Conservation Plan; Environmental Sustainability Action Plan; and other such plans.  

The 2020 - 2021 amendments will provide a clear, concise, and improved zoning code upon which the subsequent amendments will be provided.

Become a Party of Record

Submit your contact information including your name, business name, address, phone, and email Kimberly Dietz .  You will receive updates regarding the Redmond Zoning Code Rewrite as it proceeds. (RZC 21.78 Definitions - Party of Record)