Redmond's Building Safety: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles building safety a little differently. In Redmond, Washington, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Elevator Maintenance
Elevators in Redmond are regulated by Washington L&I under RCW 70.87 and chapter 296-96 WAC, not by the city. All elevators need annual L&I inspection and licensed contractor maintenance.
Key details: Regulator: WA L&I Elevator Section. Governing Law: RCW 70.87 / chapter 296-96 WAC. Code Basis: ASME A17.1. Inspection: Annual by L&I. Licenses: Contractor and mechanic.
Operating without permit: L&I may issue an order prohibiting use plus civil penalties. Unlicensed installation or maintenance: L&I enforcement under RCW 70.87.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Redmond actively enforces its elevator maintenance requirements.
Pest Control
Redmond property owners must keep buildings free of rodents, insects, and vermin under the Property Maintenance Code. Landlords must deliver pest-free units under RCW 59.18.
Key details: Owner duty: Keep buildings free of vermin. Rental law: RCW 59.18 applies at move-in. Applicator rules: RCW 17.21 and WAC 16-228. Enforcement: Redmond Code Enforcement.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Lead Paint
Pre-1978 Redmond homes fall under the federal EPA RRP Rule and Title X disclosure. Contractors must be EPA certified, use lead-safe practices, and deliver the Renovate Right pamphlet before renovation.
Key details: Applies To: Pre-1978 housing. Renovation Threshold: 6 sq ft interior / 20 sq ft exterior. Federal Rule: EPA RRP 40 CFR 745. Disclosure Law: Title X (federal). State Certification: WAC 365-230.
RRP violation: EPA civil penalty up to $40,000+ per violation per day. Title X disclosure violation: triple damages to buyer or tenant.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Redmond actively enforces its lead paint requirements.
Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed
Redmond follows WA State Building Code and IBC Chapter 33 for scaffolds. Commercial scaffold work requires L and I compliance under WAC 296-874 and Redmond permits for right-of-way use.
Key details: Residential threshold: Permit typically over 10 ft. Governing code: IBC Ch 33 and WAC 296-874. Right-of-way: ROW permit for sidewalk use. Inspections: Competent-person each shift.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Redmond is tougher than many cities when it comes to building safety. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Redmond, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
These rules come from Redmond's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.