Tree Code Update
Background
The City of Redmond adopted the current tree protection regulations (Ordinance 1998) in 1998. The regulations contain tree retention standards for new developments, as well as tree removal permit requirements on developed lots. These regulations have not had a comprehensive review since they were adopted over 20 years ago. It is time to check back with the community to determine if these regulations need modifications and are achieving their goals in the context of urban growth.
A key element of updating the regulations is to first understand the framework we work within. Under the Growth Management Act, Redmond is designated within an Urban Growth Boundary, which means we will continue to absorb population growth as it occurs. The Urban Growth Boundary is a mechanism to reduce urban sprawl. In Redmond, the eastern border is generally the urban growth boundary, discouraging urban development out towards the Snoqualmie Valley. The City is looking to find a balance between state mandated growth and tree retention, protection and replacement.
In 1998, Redmond had a population of 44,383. According to King County’s 1998 Growth Report, there were 18,705 housing units (8,635 single-family homes and 10,068 multifamily units) and 52,812 jobs in Redmond. That is a stark difference to current statistics. In 2025, Redmond’s population grew to 82,380 people. There were 14,254 single-family residences and 22,932 multi-family units. In 2024 there were 99,169 jobs.
The Redmond 2050 Comprehensive Plan update identifies growth in its three urban centers, Downtown, Overlake, and Marymoor Village, in support of light rail. The proposed tree code is required to align with the Redmond 2050 and code updates that accommodate infill development, middle housing, and encourage density to support growth.
The tree code is used for regulating tree removal and protection related to development and nondevelopment. This ranges from someone wanting to remove a tree in their backyard to a large mixed-use development removing trees for construction.
Purpose and Objectives:
The overall goal is to adopt updated Tree Protection regulations that provide clarity, are reflective of community values, and align with Redmond 2050. The intent is to find a balance between tree protection and retention and accommodating growth and development. The City of Redmond is located within the Urban Growth Boundary, and we are required by State Law to accommodate growth. HB 1110 Washington State Legislature
- Objective 1: Ensure robust internal and external stakeholder involvement so the regulations align with the community vision.
- Objective 2: Identify gaps in the regulations to clearly identify how tree protection regulations are implemented.
- Objective 3: Establish a clear mechanism for annual reporting.
- Objective 4: Provide framework for current and future tree protection to ensure the regulations identify mechanisms by which actions work together, such as support the Tree Canopy Plan.
- Objective 5: Ensure the tree regulations are in alignment with adopted Comprehensive Plan policies, growth targets, middle housing, and stormwater management. Align with the Tree Canopy Strategic Plan, Environmental Sustainability Action Plan, and Parks, Arts, Recreation, Culture, and Conservation (PARCC) Plan.
- Objective 6: Provide informational guides on tree protection, tree removal, planting, maintenance, benefits of trees, tree giveaway programs and more.
Timeline:
February to April |
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May-June |
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July |
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July - December |
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January - March 2027 |
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April 2027 |
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Anticipated Community Engagement
Staff will continue to gather community input and feedback. Several office hours will be held in spring 2026.
The community input will help inform Redmond City Council's decision-making regarding tree regulations. Visit the Let’s Connect project page to view the questionnaire results.
You can provide comments throughout the entire process, up until the code is adopted by the City Council (Q1 2027). However, we recommend early engagement so staff can complete ample research and incorporate some of the items into the draft code. To share feedback and engage, residents can:
- Visit the Let’s Connect project page
- Email: treecode@redmond.gov
- Attend Learning Session
- Learning Sessions will be held at Redmond City Hall (15670 NE 85th Street) or online via Microsoft Teams. To attend virtually, please email treecode@redmond.gov to request a meeting link. Each session will cover the same information, so you may attend the one that works best for you.
- 12–1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5
- 5–6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5
- 12–1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2
- 5–6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2
- Attend a public hearing (information will be posted when available)
- Attend future Planning Commission and City Council study sessions
Process:
The Redmond 2050 comprehensive plan update is the long-term vision for the City and sets goals and policies for how we grow and where we invest. Redmond 2050 was recently adopted by the City Council and reflects the community's values and priorities. The function and strategic plans dive deeper and usually include studies, strategies, and recommendations to help implement the vision. In this case, the five listed functional plans (see image above) guide the Redmond Zoning Code (RZC). Regulatory plans, which includes the RZC, translate the comprehensive plan and functional plans into enforceable policies and ensures that new development aligns with the vision of the comprehensive plan and associated functional plans.
- The Comprehensive Plan sets the vision.
- Functional Plans provide the technical pathway.
- Regulatory Plans make it happen on the ground.
Benefits of Trees
Trees support a healthy environment and community by cleaning our air, providing wildlife habitat, and help fight climate change. They also cool our neighborhoods, provide shade, manage stormwater, prevent erosion, increase property value, and promote community health.
Additional City Tree Related Efforts:
- Tree Giveaway
- Climate Resiliency and Sustainability Vegetation Management Plan (CSRVM)
- Redmond 2050 Comprehensive Plan
- Strategic Tree Canopy Plan
- Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (ESAP)
- Parks, Arts, Recreation, Culture, and Conservation (PARCC) Plan
