How Redmond Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Redmond maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Redmond falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Wildlife Feeding

Redmond prohibits feeding deer, coyotes, bears, raccoons, and other wildlife under RMC 6.32 and WDFW guidance. Bird feeders are allowed if maintained to avoid attracting rodents or bears.

Key details: Prohibited Feeding: Deer, bears, coyotes, raccoons. Bird Feeders: Allowed with care. Garbage: Secure cans required. Authority: RMC 6.32 / WDFW.

First offense: written warning. Subsequent: civil infraction $100 to $500. Intentional feeding of designated big game under WDFW: gross misdemeanor.

Chickens & Livestock

Redmond allows up to 3 chickens on residential lots under 20,000 sq ft, scaling with lot size per RMC 21.08. Roosters are prohibited in most residential zones. Coops must meet setback rules.

Key details: Hens Allowed: 3 on under 20k sqft. Roosters: Prohibited in R-zones. Setback: 10 ft property lines. Code: RMC 21.08.

Zoning violation cited as civil infraction. Fines typically $100 for first offense, $250 for continued violations. Non-compliant coops may be ordered removed.

Beekeeping

Redmond allows residential beekeeping under RMC 21.08 with setback and hive density limits. Hives must be at least 25 feet from property lines and registered with WSDA under RCW 15.60.

Key details: Setback: 25 ft (10 ft with fence). Density: 4 hives under 10k sqft. WSDA Registration: Annual, required. Code: RMC 21.08 / RCW 15.60.

Failure to register with WSDA: civil penalty up to $500. Hive nuisance or too-close placement: zoning violation with fines of $100 to $250 and hive removal.

Redmond is more permissive than most cities when it comes to beekeeping. That said, there are still limits.

Livestock

Redmond limits horses, goats, sheep, and other livestock to rural residential (R-1) and agricultural zones under RMC 21.08. Minimum lot size and density requirements apply; not allowed in most neighborhoods.

Key details: Allowed Zones: R-1, agricultural only. Horse Density: 1 per half-acre pasture. Pigs: Prohibited (non-pot-belly). Code: RMC 21.08.

Zoning violation: civil infraction $250 per day. Runoff violations may also trigger Ecology enforcement under Clean Water Act delegation.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Redmond actively enforces its livestock requirements.

Exotic Pets

Redmond follows RCW 16.30 and King County Code 11.04, which prohibit potentially dangerous wild animals including big cats, primates, venomous snakes, and bears without state permit.

Key details: State Law: RCW 16.30. Prohibited: Big cats, primates, bears. Allowed: Hedgehogs, ferrets, chinchillas. Grandfather: Pre-July 2007 only.

Possessing a prohibited dangerous wild animal: gross misdemeanor under RCW 16.30.040, fines up to $5,000 plus forfeiture of the animal.

This is one of the stricter rules in Redmond's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Dog Leash Laws

Redmond requires dogs to be leashed in all public areas except designated off-leash parks, under King County Code 11.04. Marymoor Park off-leash area is the major exception serving the region.

Key details: Max Leash Length: 8 feet. Off-Leash Area: Marymoor Park only. City Parks: Leash required always. Code: KCC 11.04.

First offense: civil infraction around $50 plus court fees. Repeat violations: $150 to $250 per offense. Dog impound possible for repeated off-leash in leash-required zones.

Breed Restrictions

Redmond does not have breed-specific restrictions. Dangerous and potentially dangerous dog rules apply to individual animals based on behavior under RCW 16.08 and King County Code 11.04.

Key details: Breed-Specific Ban: None. Designation: Behavior-based. Dangerous Dog Bond: $250,000 liability. Code: RCW 16.08 / KCC 11.04.

Failing to comply with dangerous dog designation: misdemeanor under RCW 16.08.100. Unrestrained designated dog: up to $500 fine and possible seizure.

Redmond is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Redmond's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Redmond is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Redmond's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.