How Redmond Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide
Redmond maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. 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.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Redmond requires a Tree Removal Permit under RMC 21.72 for any significant tree (generally 6 inch DBH), with replacement plantings required and strict protections for trees in critical areas and native growth easements.
Key details: Permit Required: Yes, for significant trees. DBH Threshold: 6 inches (general). Code: RMC 21.72. Replacement: Required with mitigation ratio. Critical Areas: Extra RMC 21.64 review.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Redmond actively enforces its tree removal & heritage trees requirements.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater collection is legal and encouraged in Redmond per Washington Department of Ecology 2009 guidance; systems for non-potable outdoor use require no permit, while plumbed indoor uses require building permits.
Key details: Legal Status: Permitted statewide. Rain Barrel Permits: Not required. Ecology Policy: 2009 guidance. Plumbed System Permit: Required. Rebate Program: Stewardship Partners.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around rainwater harvesting in Redmond lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Native Plants
Redmond strongly encourages native plantings through its Green Redmond Partnership and requires native species in critical area mitigation plantings under RMC 21.64 and 21.72.
Key details: City Program: Green Redmond Partnership. Required For: Critical area mitigation. Recommended Species: W. red cedar, sword fern. Plant Sale: King Conservation District. Discouraged: English ivy, blackberry.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around native plants in Redmond lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Water Restrictions
Redmond water customers follow Seattle Public Utilities/Cascade Water Alliance voluntary conservation stages; summer outdoor watering is limited to specific days and morning/evening hours under drought advisories.
Key details: Water Provider: Cascade Water Alliance/SPU. Best Watering Hours: Before 10 AM or after 7 PM. Drought Levels: 4-stage plan. Check Status: cascadewater.org. Conservation Priority: Native plants.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is allowed in Redmond residential yards with no specific permit, but installations over 500 square feet may affect stormwater calculations and turf is discouraged in critical area buffers.
Key details: Residential Allowed: Yes. Stormwater Code: RMC 15.24. Critical Areas: Not allowed as substitute. Infill Preference: Organic over crumb rubber. HOA Check: Review CCRs.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Grass Height Limits
Redmond has no specific grass height ordinance, but RMC 8.24 nuisance provisions address overgrown vegetation that harbors vermin or creates fire hazards; most residents maintain lawns voluntarily.
Key details: Specific Height Limit: None. Nuisance Code: RMC 8.24. Enforcement: Complaint-based. Native Plants: Allowed and encouraged. Contact: Code Enforcement.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Redmond is more permissive than most cities when it comes to grass height limits. That said, there are still limits.
Tree Trimming
Routine pruning of private trees under 25 percent of canopy is allowed without a permit in Redmond, but significant trees and trees in critical areas require review under RMC 21.72 Tree Protection.
Key details: Light Pruning Limit: Under 25% canopy. Significant Tree Code: RMC 21.72. Topping: Prohibited. Street Trees: City-owned, permit needed. Critical Areas: RMC 21.64 review.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Weed Ordinances
Redmond follows the King County Noxious Weed List under RCW 17.10 which requires control of Class A and designated Class B noxious weeds such as tansy ragwort, giant hogweed, and knotweed.
Key details: State Law: RCW 17.10. Regulator: King County Weed Board. Priority Weeds: Knotweed, hogweed, tansy. Free Help: KC Noxious Weed Program. Class A Rule: Must eradicate.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Redmond gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 3 of the 8 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
Keep in mind that Redmond can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.