Redmond Zoning Code Rewrite Phase 1
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
- Refinement and Definition of Parsonage - deferred during 2020 Annual Code Cleanup
- 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
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.
- Format and Organization, Residential Use Typology, and Nonresidential Use Simplification
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
- Strategic Revisions
- Definitions
- 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
- 21.04 General Provisions
- 21.06 Urban Recreation chapter
- 21.08 Residential chapters
- 21.10 Downtown chapters
- 21.12 Overlake chapters
- 21.12.210 OBAT chapter
- 21.13 Southeast Redmond chapters
- 21.14 Commercial chapters (Correction of NC-2 code conflict approved and recommended by the Planning Commission, December 15, 2021. Staff requested this correction and corresponding amendment to the Planning Commission's November 30, 2021 issues matrix.)
- For Nonresidential Use Simplification:
Technical Committee August 4, 2021 Recommended Amendments to Redmond Zoning Code Chapters, Sections, and Guides Undergoing Formal Review by the Redmond Planning Commission
- 21.04 General Provisions
- 21.06 Urban Recreation chapter
- 21.08 Residential chapters
- 21.10 Downtown chapters
- 21.12 Overlake chapters
- 21.12.210 OBAT chapter
- 21.13 Southeast Redmond chapters
- 21.14 Commercial chapters
- For Nonresidential Use Simplification:
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:
- 21.04 General Provisions
- 21.06 Urban Recreation chapter
- 21.08 Residential chapters
- 21.10 Downtown chapters
- 21.12 Overlake chapters
- 21.12.210 OBAT chapter
- 21.13 Southeast Redmond chapters
- 21.14 Commercial chapters
- For Nonresidential Use Simplification:
- For Residential Use Typology and Nonresidential Use Simplification:
- 21.78 Definitions (new land use classes only)
Draft Proposed Amendments to Redmond Zoning Code Chapters, Sections, and Guides:
- 21.04 General Provisions
- 21.06 Urban Recreation chapter
- 21.08 Residential chapters
- 21.10 Downtown chapters
- 21.12 Overlake chapters
- 21.12.210 OBAT chapter
- 21.13 Southeast Redmond chapters
- 21.14 Commercial chapters
- For Nonresidential Use Simplification:
- For Residential Use Typology and Nonresidential Use Simplification:
- 21.78 Definitions (new land use classes only)
Goals of Amendments
- Clarification and improvement of the current code provisions
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 for 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:
Goals of Strategic Revisions Include
- Clarification and organization of current code provisions; and
- Response to community conditions and needs regarding COVID-19 pandemic.
City Council's May 24, 2022 Decision Regarding Town Center (TWNC) Amendments
Remand the following to the Planning Commission for additional review in concert with the City Council's May 24, 2022 recommendations:
- Incentive package;
- Minimum retail provisions; and
- References to 1995 Redmond Town Center Master Plan and Design Guidelines.
Amendments to 21.10.050, as listed below, shall be discussed and re-reviewed by the Redmond Planning Commission at a date to be determined.
Planning Commission's November 10, 2021 Recommended Amendments to Redmond Zoning Code Chapters, Sections, and Guides Undergoing Formal Review by the Redmond Planning Commission
- 21.58.020 Administrative Design Flexibility (ADF)
- 21.08 Multiple Portions - Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in Overlake and Marymoor Design Districts
- 21.46 Temporary Use Permit (TUP)
- 21.40.010 Parking at Older Structures in the Downtown, Overlake, and Marymoor Design Districts
- 21.10.050 Town Center Zone (TWNC) Incentives Table
Technical Committee August 4, 2021 Recommended Amendments to Redmond Zoning Code Chapters, Sections, and Guides Undergoing Formal Review by the Redmond Planning Commission
- 21.58.020 Administrative Design Flexibility (ADF)
- 21.08 Multiple Portions - Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in Overlake and Marymoor Design Districts
- 21.46 Temporary Use Permit (TUP)
- 21.40.010 Parking at Older Structures in the Downtown, Overlake, and Marymoor Design Districts
- 21.10.050 Town Center Zone (TWNC) Incentives Table
Proposed Amendments to Redmond Zoning Code Chapters for Formal Review
Formal review of the following was initiated on June 18, 2021 under LAND-2021-00451 and SEPA-2021-00452:
- Administrative Design Flexibility (ADF)
- Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
- Temporary Use Permit (TUP)
- Parking at Older Structures in the Downtown
- Town Center Zone (TWNC) Incentives Table
Draft Proposed Amendments to Redmond Zoning Code Chapters and Sections by Topic:
Goals of Amendments Include
- Clarity
- Removing regulations from definitions
- Including definitions for acronyms that are used within the code
- Suggested standards for terminology (for reference only)
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:
- 21.78 Definitions
- NEW 21.08 Residential Suites (delayed to Phase 2 of Redmond Zoning Code ReWrite)
Draft Proposed Amendments to Redmond Zoning Code
Goals of Amendments Include
- Formalize and standardize maintenance of the Redmond Zoning Code as a "living" document
- Establish predictable maintenance intervals
- Codify the maintenance approach for increased transparency
- Plan strategic coordination across plans, policies, standards, and legislation
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
Formal review of the following was initiated on June 18, 2021 under LAND-2021-00451 and SEPA-2021-00452:
- 21.02.NEW Redmond Zoning Code Maintenance (shifted to operational program)
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).
-
Kimberly Dietz
Principal PlannerPhone: 425-556-2415
Comment on the Zoning Code
Provide comments on the Redmond Zoning Code's contents, format, and functionality (link to form).
Project Actions and Documents
- June 21, 2022: The City Council adopted amendments to the Redmond Zoning Code per Phase 1, Bridge, and Annual Cleanup amendments. Ordinance 3083, effective July 2, 2022. Refer to City Council meeting agenda including project materials under AM No. 22-089
- May 24, 2022: The City Council's action for this amendment has been rescheduled to June 21, 2022 (21-Day Notice of Legislative Action). The Council also remanded and provided recommendations regarding the Town Center (TWNC) portion of the amendments. These will be reviewed by the Planning Commission before returning to the City Council for subsequent action.
- 21-Day Notice of Legislative Action -- please note that the City Council's action for this amendment has been postponed. An updated notice will be issued to provide the required 21-day notice of legislative action.
- January 18, 2022: Staff report to City Council
- January 11, 2022: City Council Committee of the Whole briefing
- December 15, 2021: Planning Commission approval and recommendation from staff requested correction of NC-2 code conflict
- November 10, 2021: Planning Commission study session and final recommendation
- October 27, 2021: Planning Commission's study session
- September 22, 2021: Planning Commission's continued public hearing and study session
- September 8, 2021: Planning Commission's public hearing and continued study session
- August 25, 2021: Planning Commission Study Session of Technical Committee Recommended Amendments to the Redmond Zoning Code
- August 4, 2021: Open house - recorded presentation
- June 18, 2021: SEPA-2021-00452 Determination of Non-significance comment period from June 18, 2021 through July 2, 2021.
- June 2021: Amendments are anticipated to begin review by the Technical Committee. As a Type VI permit review, the Technical Committee makes a recommendation to the Planning Commission.
- May 2021: The project team prepared the final proposed amendments using feedback obtained during stakeholder review and testing.
- February/March 2021: Proposed amendments in development for internal, technical testing (March 22 through April 2) and for stakeholder feedback during April.
- February 2021: On February 24, 2021, staff provided a high-level briefing and overview to the Redmond Planning Commission. The primary purpose of the briefing is to provide information to the Planning Commission regarding the project scope and the anticipated, proposed schedule for the Commission's review of the amendment.
Help decide what Redmond will look like in 2050!
The next update of the Redmond Comprehensive Plan is underway. Redmond 2050 builds on the progress our city has made and - with your input - will guide the vision of our city going forward.