The City of Redmond is working on phase three of updating building design standards as part of the ongoing implementation of Redmond 2050 and transitioning from a suburb to a city.

Significant code updates were adopted in June 2025, including restructuring standards into Article III of the Redmond Zoning Code which consolidated design requirements, added measurable guidelines, introduced urban building types, and clarified purpose statements.

This next phase continues to refine and update the City’s design standards to support a shift from suburban development patterns toward more urban, walkable, and transit‑oriented places. The updates are guided by the Redmond 2050 priorities of sustainability, equity and inclusion, and resiliency and to ensure the zoning code supports a high‑quality, accessible, and climate‑ready built environment.

By strengthening and clarifying these standards, the project aims to guide future development in a way that reflects community values and supports Redmond’s long‑term vision.

The update is being informed by a comprehensive audit of the Community Design Standards and testing out the main sections of the code that pertain to building form. The prioritization was also informed by frequent questions from the development community and development review staff, community engagement gathered during the Redmond 2050 update, and State legislation requirements.

Here are the sections of the code that will be updated based on priority:

Medium priority

21.58.1100 Relationship to adjacent properties
21.58.3200 Rooflines
21.58.3620 Ground floor retail
21.58.3630 Ground floor residential uses
21.58.3640 Weather protection
21.58.5200 Towers
21.58.7000 Single-family and middle housing standards- building design, proportionality and massing

High priority

21.58.3100 Street wall breaks and stepbacks
21.58.3300 Enclosed courtyards
21.58.3400 Corner lots
21.58.3650 Blank wall treatments
21.58.3610 Facades
21.58.3700 Materials and ornamentation
21.58.5100 Mass timber
21.58.6030 Minimum residential courtyard dimensions
21.05.200 Cultural districts

Design Standards Scope: Are we on the right track?