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Redmond schedules public hearing on expanding MFTE targeted areas downtown and in Merrymore, adds mixed‑use area
Summary
City staff asked council to adopt a resolution setting a public hearing for proposed changes to residential targeted areas that qualify for the multifamily property tax exemption; hearing set for May 6 and final adoption slated for June 17, 2025.
Redmond city staff asked the Committee of the Whole on April 1 to adopt a resolution setting a public hearing on proposed changes to the city’s residential targeted areas (RTAs) that qualify developments for the multifamily property tax exemption (MFTE).
Ian Lovecourt, senior planner with long‑range planning, told the council “the agenda item title is a mouthful and it's several different parts,” and explained the request is to adopt a resolution of intention to hold the public hearing, not to adopt the zoning changes themselves. Director Carol Helland told the council the resolution ensures compliance with state law noticing and public hearing requirements under RCW 84.14.040.
The proposal would expand the existing downtown residential targeted area, expand the Merrymore residential targeted area and create a new mixed‑use residential targeted area. Staff said the substantive ordinance changes that would set MFTE parameters are tied to the Redmond Zoning Code 2025 package and are scheduled for separate council review in June 2025.
Staff proposed this schedule: place the resolution on the April 15 consent agenda, hold the public hearing on May 6, return for any follow‑up discussion at the Committee of the Whole on June 3, and take final action on June 17 so all RTA amendments would take effect together in June 2025.
Director Helland reiterated the process is prescribed by state statute, saying the steps to set a hearing and then adopt targeted areas “are prescribed by state law.” Council members asked about public notice and public input: staff said the Planning Commission has already conducted substantive review and that public comments on associated affordability parameters are in the Planning Commission record and will be included in the materials transmitted to council for the hearing.
With no objections, the committee agreed to place the resolution on the April 15 consent agenda for subsequent public hearing scheduling and review.
