Redmond's Parking Rules: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles parking rules a little differently. In Redmond, Washington, there are 7 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.
Street Parking Limits
Redmond allows free on-street parking in most residential areas with 72-hour continuous parking limits under RCW 46.55. Downtown Redmond and Overlake have metered and time-limited zones.
Key details: 72-hour rule: RCW 46.55 abandoned limit. Downtown: Time-limited zones apply. Hydrant: 15 ft clearance required. Driveway: 5 ft clearance required.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Overnight Parking
Redmond generally allows overnight residential street parking within the 72-hour continuous-parking limit. Downtown time zones, snow events, and posted no-parking signs override the default.
Key details: Residential: Overnight allowed within 72 hrs. Downtown: Time zones may apply all hours. Parks: No overnight at trailheads. RPZ: Permit required in some zones.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around overnight parking in Redmond lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Abandoned Vehicles
Redmond tags and tows vehicles left on the public right-of-way more than 72 hours under RCW 46.55. Junk vehicles on private property can also be abated through code enforcement.
Key details: Street tag: After 72 hours. Tow: After notice per RCW 46.55. Junk vehicle: Abatement after 15-day notice. Exemption: Enclosed garage storage.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
EV Charging
Redmond supports EV charging with streamlined permits through Development Services and requires EV-ready wiring in new multifamily and commercial projects under the WA State Energy Code.
Key details: Home install: Electrical permit required. New builds: EV-ready wiring mandated. ICE in EV stall: Citable offense. Utility: PSE coordination for DCFC.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Redmond is more permissive than most cities when it comes to ev charging. That said, there are still limits.
Driveway Rules
Redmond regulates driveway width, surfacing, and apron construction under RMC Title 21 and Public Works standards. Residential driveways are typically 10-24 feet wide depending on garage count.
Key details: Typical width: 10-24 ft in RS zones. Surface: Impervious or permeable pavers. Apron permit: Required from Public Works. Max grade: ~15% without engineering.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
RV & Boat Parking
Redmond restricts on-street RV and boat parking to 72 hours and regulates driveway storage under RMC Title 21. Many zones limit the number of recreational vehicles visible from the street.
Key details: Street limit: 72 continuous hours max. Driveway: Generally allowed with limits. Living use: Permanent occupancy prohibited. Sidewalk: No overhang allowed.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Commercial Vehicle Restrictions
Redmond generally prohibits parking large commercial vehicles and semi-trucks on residential streets and in front yards. Small work trucks are allowed at the owner occupant residence.
Key details: GVWR limit: ~12,000-14,000 lb residential cap. Work truck: Allowed at owner residence. Semi trucks: Prohibited on residential streets. Loading: Short stops permitted.
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 parking rules. 2 of the 7 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.