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Redmond planners preview major Tree Code rewrite, set study-session schedule
Summary
City staff introduced a broad rewrite of Redmond's Tree Code, citing last major update in 1998, proposed new protections (TPZ, heritage and culturally modified tree standards), changes to tree-credit calculations and enforcement, and a schedule leading to a public hearing on Oct. 14 and projected council review Jan–Mar 2027.
City planners on July 22 gave the Redmond Planning Commission an introduction to a substantial rewrite of the city’s Tree Code, saying the code — last updated in 1998 — needs alignment with Redmond 2050 and recently adopted middle-housing rules.
“Redmond's current tree protection regulations were adopted back in 1998 and haven't been updated in over 20 years,” said Lauren Anderson, Senior Planner, introducing the project’s scope, which targets sections of the zoning code (including definitions in 21.78 and tree regulations in 21.72). Staff said the update will clarify protections for both development and nondevelopment activities and aim to balance tree retention with expected growth.
Staff described a set of proposed changes intended to make the rules more predictable and easier to implement: updated definitions, a revised tree-credit calculation system for development, strengthened enforcement and penalties, clearer guidance for fee-in-lieu funding use, an explicit Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) for construction, programmatic permitting for city projects, and new standards to identify and protect heritage and culturally modified trees. Cameron Zapata, senior park planner, said the draft also updates replacement standards and “prioritiz[es] conifers” for off-site replacements while promising clearer locations for those plantings.
Commissioners pressed staff for practical examples and supporting evidence. Multiple commissioners asked the city to provide before-and-after worked examples using typical Redmond lot types rather than only formulas, and to supply science or regional studies supporting a policy that prioritizes conifers given climate-driven mortality risks. Staff said a revised public draft (version 2) would be released in the next few days, the Let’s Connect questionnaire remains open through July 31, and the commission will hold study sessions on Aug. 12 and Sep. 23 with a public hearing scheduled Oct. 14. Staff expects commission final action in December and council review Jan–Mar 2027.
