Staff brief Planning Commission on design-standards testing: Rhino models, mass timber and code edits

Odra Cardenas of long-range planning presented the phase-3 design standards update, describing the project as the implementation of Redmond 2050 design priorities and noting the team has completed a code audit and is testing code performance with 3-D models. “The way we're doing the testing is using these 3 d models where we actually test the building form,” Cardenas said, describing a manual modeling workflow using Rhino rather than an automated input process.

Staff described four typologies used in testing — a constrained small site, a podium (concrete podium with wood above), a mass-timber typology and a tower — and reported mixed results. Some constrained sites produced low FAR yields under current standards and indicated a need for a small-building alternative. Staff said several standards can conflict (for example courtyard requirements vs. corner treatments), which sometimes reduces yield or complicates design. For mass timber, staff said taller floor-to-floor heights make the typology less feasible under current height limits and recommended considering height adjustments or explicit alternative pathways if the city wants to encourage mass-timber construction.

Staff outlined next steps and timeline: complete the second phase of testing after drafting edits, update illustrations and return final drafts for formal review in Q1 2027 with adoption targeted for Q2 2027. Staff also said public engagement is ongoing (Let's Connect comments open) and a developer workshop is planned by year-end.