Before You Build in Redmond, WA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.