Grading & Drainage: Redmond vs Renton
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Redmond, WA and Renton, WA?
Redmond has fewer restrictions than Renton.
Redmond, WA
King County
Redmond requires a grading permit for earthwork over 50 cubic yards or grading in critical areas under RMC Title 15, with drainage review by Public Works based on the DOE Stormwater Manual.
View full Redmond rules →Renton, WA
King County
Renton Municipal Code 4-8 and the King County SWDM require grading permits for earth-moving over 50 cubic yards and detailed drainage plans to protect the Cedar River, Black River, and downstream habitat.
View full Renton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redmond | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Permit trigger | 50 cubic yards cut or fill | - |
| Critical area | Any grading needs review | - |
| Wall engineering | Over 4 ft exposed | - |
| Drainage | DOE manual standards | - |
| Permit threshold | - | More than 50 cubic yards |
| Slope review | - | Geotech required above 15 to 40 percent |
| Flood compensation | - | Storage required for floodplain fills |
| Flow matching | - | 2 and 10 year post equals pre |
| Drainage direction | - | Cannot flow onto neighbors |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redmond FAQ
Do I need a permit to regrade my Redmond yard?
Yes if cut or fill exceeds 50 cubic yards, if it is on a steep slope, or if it is inside a critical area like a stream buffer.
Can I divert drainage onto my neighbor's lot?
No, Redmond requires grading designs that keep runoff on the originating property or into an approved drainage system.
Renton FAQ
Do I need a permit to level my backyard?
Small landscape grading under 50 cubic yards is typically exempt, but any activity in a critical area or over the threshold requires a grading permit.
Can I direct my gutters to the street?
Only through an approved tightline to the city storm system. Untreated discharge to the street can trigger stormwater violations.
Compare other topics
See how Redmond and Renton compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool