Moving to Redmond, WA?

Redmond does not ban gas leaf blowers, but restricts their use to daytime hours under RMC 6.32. Residential yard equipment is permitted between 7 AM and 10 PM without exceeding noise limits.

Amplified music audible beyond 75 feet or across property lines is a public disturbance under RMC 6.32. Downtown Park events require a special event permit from the city to exceed standard noise limits.

Industrial-source noise received in Redmond residential areas may not exceed 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime under RMC 6.32 and WAC 173-60. Overlake and SE Redmond industrial zones are monitored.

Outdoor music events in Redmond require a special event permit when amplified. Venues like Marymoor Park and Redmond Downtown Park have set curfews, typically 10 PM, under RMC 6.32 and park rules.

Redmond decibel limits follow WAC 173-60 EDNA tiers: 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night for residential, 60 and 55 for commercial, 70 all hours for industrial. Enforced under RMC 6.32.

Redmond permits construction 7 AM to 7 PM weekdays and 9 AM to 6 PM Saturdays under RMC 6.32. No construction on Sundays or legal holidays without a special variance from the city.

Aircraft noise over Redmond is federally preempted by the FAA and is not enforceable under RMC. Residents impacted by Sea-Tac, Boeing Field, and Paine Field flight paths may file noise complaints with each airport.

Redmond treats habitual barking as a public nuisance under RMC 6.32 and King County Code Title 11. Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) investigates complaints and issues citations.

Redmond enforces nighttime quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM under RMC 6.32, mirroring WAC 173-60. Residential night limit is 45 dBA; daytime limit is 55 dBA from another residential source.

Redmond STRs must follow RMC 6.36 noise limits: 55 dBA day (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA night. Hosts must provide a local contact who responds to complaints within one hour.

Redmond STR parking follows residential zoning (usually 2 off-street spaces). Street parking is allowed under RMC 10.16 with a 72-hour move rule; hosts should not rely on streets as primary capacity.

Redmond applies the Washington State Building Code and IRC to STR occupancy. A common guideline is 2 persons per bedroom plus 2. Hosts must not exceed lawful occupancy or safe egress capacity.

Redmond does not cap the number of STR nights per year. Hosts may operate year-round subject to licensing, tax, insurance, and zoning compliance. HOAs may impose their own caps.

Redmond STR hosts register via the Redmond Business Licensing Division, the WA DOR for lodging tax, and comply with RCW 64.37 safety disclosure rules. The city license renews annually.

Redmond STRs must collect WA state sales tax (6.5%), combined local sales tax (~10.2%), and state lodging tax under RCW 67.28. Airbnb and Vrbo auto-collect most taxes; hosts verify and hold a city license.

Redmond STR hosts must carry at least $1 million in liability insurance under RCW 64.37.030. Coverage can come from a personal STR policy or qualifying platform coverage like Airbnb AirCover.

Redmond STR hosts (rentals 30 days or less) need a city business license, Washington DOR lodging tax registration, and must comply with RCW 64.37 insurance and safety rules.

Redmond recommends defensible space clearance of 30 feet around structures per DNR Firewise guidelines; critical areas vegetation is protected under RMC 21.64 and requires city review before removal.

Smoke alarms are required in every sleeping room, outside sleeping areas, and on every floor of Redmond homes per IRC R314 as adopted by RMC 15.04, with CO alarms required under RCW 19.27.530.

Outdoor burning of yard debris is banned year-round in Redmond under Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Regulation 1 and RCW 70.94; only small recreational fires with clean firewood are permitted.

Redmond is mapped as moderate wildfire risk by DNR with high-risk pockets in forested north and east neighborhoods abutting Novelty Hill and Watershed Preserve, triggering Firewise guidance and seasonal DNR burn bans.

Backyard recreational fires must use clean firewood in approved pits, stay under 3 feet across, maintain 25 feet clearance, and be continuously attended under IFC 307 as adopted by RMC 15.06.

Redmond allows small recreational fires in approved pits or containers under IFC 307 as adopted by RMC 15.06, with fuel limited to seasoned firewood and size under 3 feet diameter by 2 feet high.

Redmond restricts consumer fireworks under RCW 70.77 and RMC 9.60, permitting discharge only on July 4 from 9 AM to 11 PM; sales and possession outside that window are prohibited.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Redmond has no city ordinance mandating cost-sharing between neighbors for boundary fences. Washington RCW 16.60 addresses spite fences and agricultural boundary fencing, otherwise civil disputes.

Retaining walls over 4 feet tall (measured from footing bottom to wall top) or supporting a surcharge require a building permit and engineered design in Redmond under IBC and RMC 15.06.

Standard residential fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards do not require a building permit in Redmond. Permits are needed for taller fences, masonry, or pool barriers.

Redmond prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in residential zones under RMC 21.54. Chain-link, vinyl, wood, and masonry are permitted subject to height, maintenance, and HOA rules.

Redmond requires a 48-inch pool barrier with self-closing, self-latching gate for any pool or spa over 24 inches deep under RMC 15.06, adopting IRC Appendix G. Permits and inspection are required.

Redmond fences must meet RMC 21.54 standards on height, setback, sight triangle, and material. Finished side typically faces neighbor, posts set below frost line, and HOAs may add style rules.

Redmond allows 6-foot fences in rear and side yards and 4-foot fences in front yards and corner-lot sight triangles under RMC 21.54. Taller fences require a permit and setback review.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Redmond prohibits exterior commercial signs for home occupations in residential zones under RMC 21.08.090 and RMC Chapter 21.60 Sign Code, preserving residential character.

Home food businesses in Redmond operate under the Washington Cottage Food Operations Law (RCW 69.22) which allows limited home-baked and non-potentially hazardous foods with WSDA permit up to $25,000 annual gross sales.

Redmond permits family home child care in residential zones under RCW 35.63.185. Providers need a DCYF state license and a Redmond business license. RZC 21.08 home occupation rules apply.

Home occupations in Redmond are limited to minimal customer visits under RMC 21.08.090, typically restricted to one client appointment at a time by appointment only with no walk-in traffic.

Redmond allows home occupations as accessory uses under RZC 21.08. A business license is always required; a home occupation permit is needed when the business has employees, clients, or external impacts.

Redmond allows home occupations in residential zones under RMC 21.08.090 as accessory uses, with limits on floor area, outside employees, signage, and customer visits to preserve neighborhood character.

Redmond pools and spas over 24 inches deep need a 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward. No gap larger than 4 inches. Follows IRC Appendix G adopted by Washington.

Redmond requires a building permit for any pool (in-ground or above-ground) with water depth over 24 inches. A separate WA L&I electrical permit is needed for pumps, heaters, and lighting.

Redmond hot tubs over 24 inches deep need a building permit. A locking ASTM F1346 safety cover meets the barrier rule. A WA L&I electrical permit is required for the 240V circuit and GFCI.

Redmond pools follow IRC Appendix G barriers, ASTM F1346 covers, and the federal VGB Act drain rules. Public pools (apartments, HOAs) also meet WAC 246-260 inspected by Public Health Seattle-King County.

Redmond above-ground pools over 24 inches deep need a building permit and an IRC Appendix G barrier. The 48-inch pool wall can serve as the barrier if the ladder is removable or lockable.

Carports in Redmond must meet setback and lot coverage rules under RMC 21.08, typically require a building permit for permanent roofed structures, and generally cannot encroach into required front yard setbacks.

Converting a garage to living space in Redmond requires a building permit and often qualifies as an attached ADU under RMC 21.08; parking replacement, egress, and energy code compliance are required.

Tiny homes on permanent foundations may be allowed as ADUs under RMC 21.08 if they meet IRC Appendix Q standards; tiny homes on wheels (RVs) are limited to temporary use under RMC parking rules.

Redmond allows one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot under RMC 21.08 and WA HB 1337, with no owner-occupancy requirement and streamlined permitting for units up to 1,000 sq ft.

Sheds 200 sq ft or smaller are exempt from building permits in Redmond per IRC R105.2 and must meet RMC 21.08 setback and lot coverage rules; larger sheds require building permits.

Redmond participates in the NFIP and regulates construction in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas along Bear Creek, Evans Creek, and the Sammamish River. Critical areas code adds 1-2 ft freeboard.

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.

Redmond requires construction-phase erosion and sediment control BMPs on any ground disturbance over 2,000 sf under RMC Title 15 and the DOE Stormwater Manual, with daily inspection during wet season.

Redmond is an NPDES Phase II city and enforces Department of Ecology stormwater standards. Development over 2,000 sf of new or replaced impervious surface must mitigate runoff.

Recreational home cannabis cultivation is illegal in Redmond and statewide under WA I-502 and RCW 69.50. Registered medical patients may grow up to 6 plants (up to 15 with authorization) per RCW 69.51A.

Redmond allows licensed cannabis retailers in limited commercial zones under RMC 21.08 with a 1,000-foot buffer from schools, parks, and child care per RCW 69.50.331. Retailers need a WSLCB license.

Redmond issues streamlined solar permits for rooftop PV systems through Development Services. Permits require electrical and structural review and follow the WA State Energy Code.

Washington RCW 64.38 and RCW 64.90 limit HOA authority to ban solar devices. Redmond HOAs can set reasonable aesthetic rules but cannot flatly prohibit residential solar installations.

Redmond permits political signs on private property without a permit under RMC 21.60. Residential signs may total 6 sq ft per frontage, must have owner permission, and may not sit in public rights-of-way.

Redmond permits residential holiday lighting and seasonal displays without a permit under RMC 21.60.130. Displays may go up 45 days before the holiday and should come down within 30 days after.

Redmond garage sale signs are allowed on private property during the sale only, up to 4 sq ft and 3 off-site signs per sale. Signs may not sit on utility poles or in the right-of-way per RMC 21.60.

Redmond allows residential garage sales without a permit, limited to 2 sales per year and 3 days each under RMC 21.08. Items and signs must be removed within 48 hours. Sales may not obstruct sidewalks.

Redmond carts must be stored out of public view except on collection day. Carts may be set out no earlier than 6 PM the day before and retrieved within 24 hours after pickup per RMC Title 9 and RMC 15.06.

Redmond vacant lot owners must keep parcels free of weeds over 12 inches, debris, and illegal dumping per RMC 6.26. The city may abate at owner expense and file a lien if notices are ignored.

Redmond RMC 6.26 prohibits public nuisances including junk, inoperable vehicles, weeds over 12 inches, graffiti, and unmaintained structures. Code enforcement issues notices with 10 to 30 day abatement windows.

Redmond has no formal snow-clearing ordinance for sidewalks. RMC 12.08 places general sidewalk maintenance on adjacent property owners, and the city encourages voluntary clearing during winter storms.

Redmond requires shielded, downward-directed outdoor lighting in commercial and multifamily projects under RMC Title 21 to limit light pollution and preserve nighttime views near parks.

Redmond light trespass is controlled through property-line foot-candle limits in RMC Title 21 for commercial sites and the general nuisance code for residential lighting that disturbs neighbors.

Rent control is preempted by Washington RCW 35.21.830, so Redmond cannot cap rent increases. State HB 1351 notice rules and RCW 59.18 just-cause protections still apply.

Redmond follows Washington RCW 59.18.650, which requires landlords to show one of 16 enumerated just causes to end a residential tenancy. No separate city ordinance exists.

Redmond has no mandatory rental registration or inspection program. Landlords must hold a city business license under RMC 5.08 and follow Washington RCW 59.18 habitability rules.

Redmond offers free weekly curbside recycling and food/yard waste collection. Commingled recyclables include paper, cardboard, rigid plastics 1-7, cans, and glass. Food scraps must go in the green cart.

Redmond residents can schedule on-call bulky item pickup with Recology for per-item fees or haul large items to King County transfer stations. Illegal dumping is a misdemeanor under RMC 9.04.

Redmond carts must sit at the curb with wheels against the curb, lids facing the street, and 3 feet of clearance on all sides. Carts may not block sidewalks, hydrants, or traffic lanes per RMC 9.04.

Recology collects garbage, recycling, and yard/food waste weekly in Redmond. Carts must be out by 7 AM on collection day and retrieved within 24 hours per RMC Title 9.

Commercial drone work in Redmond requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107, with LAANC authorization in controlled airspace. RMC 12.20 bars launch and landing in city parks.

Recreational drone operators in Redmond must follow FAA rules (49 USC 44809): register drones over 0.55 lbs, pass TRUST, and stay below 400 ft AGL. RMC 12.20 bars launch and landing in city parks.

Redmond food trucks need a WA State business license, King County Public Health mobile-food permit, and Redmond business license and zoning review before operating on private or public property.

Redmond does not have dedicated street vending zones but allows food trucks on private property with owner permission and in permitted special events and parks with city approval.

Redmond RMC 5.20.070 gives legal weight to No Soliciting signs posted at residences. Commercial solicitors must leave immediately. Violating a posted sign is a civil infraction enforceable by Police.

Commercial door-to-door solicitors in Redmond need a permit from Redmond Police under RMC 5.20 after a background check. Political canvassers, religious missionaries, and nonprofit fundraisers are exempt.

Redmond parks are generally open dawn to dusk, or until 10 PM at lit facilities under RMC 12.20. After-hours presence is a civil infraction. Camping, overnight sleeping, and shelters are prohibited.

Redmond has no municipal juvenile curfew ordinance, and Washington State imposes no statewide youth curfew. The city relies on state truancy law RCW 28A.225 and general parental responsibility.

Redmond single-family setbacks under RMC Title 21 are typically 20 ft front, 5 ft side, and 15-20 ft rear in R-4 and R-6 zones, with reduced setbacks possible in neighborhood infill areas.

Redmond limits building coverage and impervious surface in residential zones under RMC Title 21 and requires stormwater mitigation over specific thresholds in the Bear Creek and Sammamish basins.

Redmond caps residential building height around 30-35 feet in R zones under RMC Title 21. Downtown and Overlake urban centers allow mid-rise and high-rise buildings up to 150+ feet.

Redmond requires no permit for residential garage sales under RMC 21.08. Households may hold up to 2 sales per year, each lasting 3 days. More frequent sales may need a home occupation permit.

Redmond HOA assessments follow RCW 64.90 (WUCIOA). Unpaid amounts become a statutory lien that can be foreclosed after notice. A 6-month super-lien applies. Reserve studies are required every 3 years.

Redmond HOAs follow RCW 64.90 (WUCIOA) or older RCW 64.34 and 64.38. Boards must hold open meetings, keep minutes, ratify budgets with owner notice, and follow fiduciary duties.

Redmond HOA architectural review follows the declaration under RCW 64.90 or 64.38. Committees must act in good faith and cannot block solar panels, US flags, or satellite dishes under 1 meter.

Redmond HOA disputes are civil. Start with internal procedures, then mediation at the King County Dispute Resolution Center. Suits go to King County Superior Court with attorney fees under RCW 64.90.665.

Redmond CC&Rs are enforced by the HOA under RCW 64.90 and the declaration. Boards may fine owners after notice and a hearing (RCW 64.90.410) or seek an injunction in King County Superior Court.

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.

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.

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.

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.