Redmond schedules Oct. 28 study session on proposed short‑term rental rules ahead of World Cup

City of Redmond staff told the Committee of the Whole on Sept. 2 that they will bring a study session on Oct. 28 to review proposed amendments to the city’s short‑term rental regulations and operating standards aimed in part at preparing a temporary expansion of inventory for World Cup accommodations.

Staff said the recommended amendments affect Redmond Municipal Code 5.04 (general business regulations) and seek to clarify the city’s definitions to align with Washington state law (RCW chapter 64.37), require Redmond business licenses for units that meet the state definition, and add operational standards for interactions with platforms, owners and operators. Staff said their inventory identifies approximately 237 short‑term rental units, about 0.6% of Redmond’s housing supply.

“...the amendments for your review are in preparation for expansion to the short term rental inventory for World Cup accommodations,” a planning department presenter said during the briefing. Council members asked staff to provide more detail at the Oct. 28 study session on the data source labeled AirDNA, on inspection proposals and staffing impacts, on liability tradeoffs from acting or not acting, and on whether short‑term rentals might shift to or from long‑term housing after any changes.

Staff proposed returning to the council for action on Dec. 2. Council members also asked for comparisons to neighboring jurisdictions’ approaches and for analysis of what resident service and enforcement would look like once licensing is in place.

No formal vote was taken; the committee set the Oct. 28 study session as the next step and did not object to staff proceeding with the recommended timeline.