1. Establish measurable design standards for site design, circulation, building design, and landscape design to guide preparation and review of all applicable development applications;

2. Ensure that development adheres to the desired form of community design in Redmond as expressed by goals, policies, plans, and regulations of the Redmond Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Code while providing for creativity, flexibility, and alternative pathways for compliance;

3. Supplement land use regulations which encourage and promote public health and safety of the Redmond community;

4. Promote sustainable and resilient development projects that will provide long-term community benefits, have a high environmental and visual quality, and coordinate with the City’s Green Building Program;

5. Ensure that new buildings are of a character and scale that is appropriate to their use and to the site and consider the needs of community members of all ages, genders, cultures, and abilities;

6. Encourage building variety while providing for designs that reflect the distinctive local character, the context of the site, and the community’s diversity, historical character, and natural features; and

7. Support decision making by the Administrator, Technical Committee, Hearing Examiner, and City Council in the review of development applications. (Ord. 3220)

1. Each design standard section has a purpose statement followed by design standards.

2. All applications that require design review must comply with the purpose statements for each applicable design standard element.

3. Each design standard section also includes a statement that describes if an alternative design compliance pathway is available and under what circumstances the design standards may vary.

1. To provide a variety of options for development on a parcel while ensuring that all new development is human scaled and creates a sense of place.

2. To provide flexibility to accommodate a variety of building types and scales, as well as diverse housing types and commercial spaces, that can accommodate growth in alignment with the Redmond Comprehensive Plan.

1. Relationship to Zoning District Development Standards.

2. Building Typologies.

1. Purpose. This alternative design compliance option has been provided as a minimal design approach for smaller buildings, such as small-lot infill projects, or for smaller buildings in a multi-building development, or other small projects. This approach allows for waivers of some design requirements when providing minimum facade enhancements and ornamentation, such as architecturally integrated artwork.

2. Applicability. The small building alternative is limited by building height according to Table 21.58.0100.C.1. Buildings utilizing this option are not eligible for height increases using any program that offers additional building height.

3. Minimum Design Standards.

1. Alternative design compliance is not the same as administrative design flexibility. See RZC 21.76.070.C, Administrative Design Flexibility, for site design and development standards flexibility.

2. See RZC Chapter 21.16 for exemptions to setbacks and building heights, including access to rooftop amenities.

3. See zoning development standards tables in RZC Article I for additional flexibility in building height.

4. For development agreement alternative pathway, see RZC 21.76.070.L.

1. All proposals requiring design review may seek approval of alternative design compliance (ADC) from the Administrator where allowed in RZC Article III, subject to ADC requirements within each section.

2. All deviations, major and minor, must comply with the listed criteria of RZC Chapter 21.58.

1. The applicant seeking alternative design compliance from the design standards in RZC Article III must demonstrate, in writing, indicating the following:

2. Applicant must submit conceptual architectural sketches showing variation request(s).

1. When ADC is requested, a preapplication conference is recommended.

2. If the Administrator or their assigned designee makes a recommendation to vary the design requirements, it will be based on the following:

1. Buildings relate to their individual sites, general locations, and to the zone and block.

2. Buildings are designed for the local climate and year-round environment.

3. Building proportions prioritize pedestrian orientation, the human scale, and comfort for building users.

4. The building’s scale and design harmonize with other buildings and features along the street upon which it is located.

5. The building’s mass and composition enhance and harmonize with neighboring structures while providing a distinctive street presence.

6. Sites and their structures contribute to a distinctive street presence. (Ord. 3220)

1. Promote functional and visual compatibility along with cultural creativity and innovation between adjacent neighborhoods, districts, land uses, and individual sites.

2. Encourage building designs that use natural, historic, traditional, or cultural references to create elements that link new development projects to the respective neighborhood and the community.

3. Adjacent historic and cultural elements support context. Historic landmarks and the section of Leary Way framed by older historic structures have been identified as contributing to the historic character of the City. In addition, Redmond’s native peoples and Redmond’s heritage define the more general historic and cultural context of the City. RZC 21.58.1100 regulates design of designated landmarks and historic districts as allowed in RCW 36.70A.630 or its successor.

1. See RZC Chapter 21.05, Special Districts and Overlays.

2. See RZC 21.36.400, Design Requirements.

1. Site Context. Development of the site and structures must demonstrate a relationship between the proposed site and structures and the existing site, general location, zone, and block.

b. Connecting open space with adjacent open space and utilizing common design elements so the spaces feel to the user as one continuous space (see RZC 21.36.400.B.4) counts as one of the required site design elements under RZC 21.58.1100.

2. Distinctive Street Presence.

3. Historic Structures and Sites.

b. Old Town.

i. New development projects within Old Town (see Figure 21.58.1100.D.2) must use design elements that reinforce historic-period properties and structures.

ii. Developments must repeat a minimum of one exterior color or design element from a historic property within two blocks of the project limits.

1. Reduce natural hazards and impacts on the natural environment and to minimize the visual impact of development on hillsides.

2. Respect natural landforms and to use them to provide definition between various parts of the community and to provide project identity.

3. Minimize visual and environmental impacts on ridgelines and hill tops.

1. RZC 21.58.1200 applies citywide to all new development of sites and structures.

2. Exemption. Development within centers is exempt from design standards in RZC 21.58.1200.

1. Locate structures to ensure the tops of structures are located below prominent ridgelines or the trees/vegetation along ridgelines.

2. Retain existing wind-resilient trees/vegetation along ridgelines.

1. RZC 21.58.1400 applies citywide to all new development, including the site and structures.

2. Exemption. Single-family and middle housing development are exempt from design standards in RZC 21.58.1400.

1. Building Orientation and Access.

2. Site and Building Design.

3. Multiple Building Design. Buildings in groups within new development projects must be related. Repeat two or more styles, materials, roof shapes, or other distinctive architectural elements.

1. RZC 21.58.1500 applies to all new development abutting the RCC in Downtown Redmond.

2. Exemption. In view of the elevated grade and steep side slopes of the portion of the RCC in the vicinity of the trestle crossing of Redmond Way and the Sammamish River, the provisions of RZC 21.58.1500 do not apply to the properties within the portions of the Downtown Core zone that adjoin the RCC and are at or west of the crossing over Redmond Way.

1. Building Orientation and Access. Buildings along the RCC should orient to the RCC as well as to the streets, and should include storefronts and entrances to, and through, the building from the RCC.

2. Site and Building Design.

1. Decrease impacts of sound and air pollution.

2. Reduce allergens, improve air quality, and reduce exposure to particulate air pollution.

1. Utilize the following techniques to minimize the potential negative impacts to residents living adjacent to manufacturing uses or uses with similar impacts:

2. Comply with applicable overlay requirements in RZC Chapter 21.05, Special Districts and Overlays, and RZC 21.16.600, Special Requirements.

1. To implement the Redmond Comprehensive Plan equity and inclusion goals and objectives through the design of spaces and environments that are usable by all people to the greatest extent possible without the need for excessive adaptation.

2. To include in the design process consideration for the needs of all community members regardless of their age, gender, language, or ability.

1. See RZC Chapter 21.55, Development Incentive Program.

2. See RZC Appendix 12, Universal Design Incentives Standards.

3. See Redmond Comprehensive Plan, Community Development and Design chapter.

1. Incentives are provided in RZC Chapter 21.55 for universal design checklists and specific techniques. The checklists provided in RZC Appendix 12 provide the requirements to qualify for the available incentives.

2. Where conflicts with state and federal codes occur, the most restrictive applies. (Ord. 3220)

1. To implement the Redmond Comprehensive Plan goals for an inclusive neighborhood (see Figure 21.05.230.B), mixed-use and nonresidential development shall provide at minimum the following features:

2. All development must provide the elements indicated as mandatory for inclusive neighborhoods in RZC Appendix 12, Section 12.3, as applicable.

3. All universal design features implemented as part of the inclusive neighborhood standards may be utilized towards achieving one or more incentive (see RZC Chapter 21.55).

1. Add visual interest to the street that reflects the community visions and values for centers and mixed-use zones as reflected in the Comprehensive Plan and Redmond Zoning Code.

2. Promote harmony with other buildings and features along the street, its neighborhoods, districts, and individual site.

3. Create an appropriate scale street wall for pedestrians.

4. Establish a sufficient visual break between buildings or building elements within a single frontage, so as to ensure that they read independently.

5. Minimize the impression of building bulk to pedestrians.

6. Reduce shadows and increase solar access.

1. RZC 21.58.3100 applies to all new developments in centers and Urban Mixed-Use zone where the building is greater than 45 feet in height.

2. Exemptions. The building is exempt from stepback standards in RZC 21.58.3100 if any of the following site conditions apply:

1. The street wall elements of the building, such as building entrances, plinth, belt course, and exterior patterns should be designed to contribute to the pedestrian realm, including reducing apparent mass and bulk, and avoiding long, continuous flat facades, as shown in Figure 21.58.3100.C.2.

2. Building Width. Maximum building width without a break or material change is 120 feet per Figure 21.58.3100.C.2.

3. Interior Facade Modulation. Facades facing interior property lines and interior portions of the lot that are visible from the street must be modulated approximately every 40 feet or every two units, whichever is greater, by one or more articulation methods (e.g., building break). Architecturally integrated public art, integrated photovoltaic, material change, or green wall may be used as an alternative to interior modulation.

4. Building Stepbacks. Create human scale at street level by using noticeable stepbacks in the building design and utilizing those stepbacks for amenities and vegetation. See RZC Chapter 21.55 for related incentives.

1. To incorporate design elements into roofline and promote visual interest to enhance skyline.

2. To reduce the feeling of bulk.

3. To support city priorities of environmental sustainability, climate resiliency, and habitat connectivity.

1. RZC 21.58.3200 applies to all new development in centers and the Urban Mixed-Use zone.

2. Exemption. Mass timber buildings with exposed wood elements on building exterior are exempt from roofline modulations.

1. See RZC 21.58.5200, Towers.

2. See RZC 21.58.5500, Screening for Mechanical Instruments.

3. See RZC Chapter 21.55 for incentives for activation of podium tops and rooftops and pollinator habitats.

4. See City of Redmond Climate Resiliency and Sustainability Vegetation Management Plan for sustainable vegetation management.

1. New development projects must create a varied and visually distinctive roof form.

2. Minimum Modulation. The height of the roofline must change at least five feet per modulation.

3. Vegetation Alternative. New development projects may provide vegetation at rooflines as an alternative to roofline modulation. The use of vegetation for blank wall treatment and for roofline mitigation must meet the following design standards:

4. FAR Reallocation.

1. See also RZC 21.58.6030, Minimum Residential Courtyard Dimensions.

2. Buildings greater than 85 feet must also comply with the tower regulations in RZC 21.58.5200.

1. Enclosed courtyards will not be permitted for structures over 70 feet in height, except when:

2. Entry into interior courtyards must be provided for first responders.

1. Provide architectural and design distinction of a building from the pedestrian’s perspective.

2. Serve as wayfinding along a street, at an intersection, or across an expanse of the pedestrian realm or public space.

3. Provide informal community gathering places.

4. Extend the public realm and provide park-like space.

5. Highlight an intersection or walkways.

6. The purpose of a corner plaza is to highlight an intersection or walkways by providing a small but well-designed urban space at the corner.

1. See RZC Chapter 21.36, Open Space, for plaza design standards.

2. See RZC Chapter 21.32, Landscaping.

3. See RZC Chapter 21.34, Lighting.

1. The standards are determined by type of streets, as shown in Table 21.58.3400.D.1.

2. Techniques for corner lot design include but are not limited to the following:

f. Landscaping features in accordance with RZC Chapter 21.32, Landscaping.

Public Access	Corner plazas should be designed and maintained for year-round public access
Function	Must provide pedestrian access to a primary building entrance
Example Illustration
Min. size	100 sq. ft. minimum
FAR Reallocation Allowed	FAR that is removed from the building envelope to create a corner plaza may be moved to the top of the building as shown below. In such a case the maximum building height on a site may be exceeded per Table 21.58.3400.D.1.
Min transparency	100% of edge lined by retail windows or transparent lobby entrances
Public Seating	For every 60 square feet of plaza area or open space, seating areas must be provided and consist of at least three linear feet of seating area (bench, ledge, etc.) or one individual chair. This provision may be relaxed where there are provisions for movable seating that meet the purpose of the standard

3. Reinforce corner by:

4. Prioritize connecting existing or planned public and open spaces together that are flexible and large enough for programming.

5. Pedestrian Signage. Locate at least one sign easily visible to a person standing on the sidewalk to provide clear wayfinding to nearby streets and/or attractions.

6. Corner treatments may count toward required common open space if they meet the design requirements in RZC 21.36.400.

1. RZC 21.58.3500 applies citywide to all new developments.

2. Exemptions. Single-family and middle housing developments are exempt from RZC 21.58.3500.

1. Site design should avoid creating potential entrapment areas.

2. Housing units, offices, or other uses that allow for informal surveillance should surround courtyards and open spaces.

3. Arrange a mixture of uses to minimize isolated areas that may be unsafe.

4. Building design should allow for informal observation of exterior semipublic and public areas, including play areas, open spaces, pathways, and parking lots.

5. Areas such as laundry rooms and fitness rooms should incorporate windows to increase visibility.

6. Doors to stairways, parking, and similar areas should be open or have windows to allow users to see through to the other side.

7. Increase personal safety by:

8. When security surveillance devices are proposed, they should be designed to blend through color, scale, placement, and general design with the site and buildings, to the extent possible. Exterior lighting, including for security, must be designed pursuant to RZC Chapter 21.34, Lighting.

1. To promote a level of transparency required to achieve a visual link between the business and passing pedestrians, activating the public realm.

2. To achieve a feeling of safety associated with visibility of the street from the interior of abutting businesses.

3. To promote ground floor retail, other commercial uses, and flexible spaces that are engaging and include features that are scaled to and of interest to pedestrians, including the creation of active-use public realm elements such as exterior displays and patios, in order to tie the private realm to the public realm.

4. To implement universal design features that improve wayfinding and accessibility.

1. RZC 21.58.3610 applies citywide to all new developments.

2. Exemptions. Single-family and middle housing developments are exempt from RZC 21.58.3610.

1. See RZC 21.58.3800, Sustainability and Resiliency Features.

2. See RZC 21.58.3700, Materials and Ornamentation.

3. See RZC 21.58.3650, Blank Wall Treatments.

4. See RZC 21.58.5310, Parking Design, for parking garage transparency standards.

1. Facade Treatments. New development projects must balance solar access and shading based on orientation, seasonal environments, and climate conditions. Use the following techniques:

2. Enhance the Public Entries of All Buildings.

3. Facade Transparency. Facade transparency must be established with windows and blank wall maximums per Table 21.58.3610.D.3 with nonreflective, transparent glazing.

1. Mass Timber. Alternative design compliance may be allowed for transparency requirements if the project is a mass timber construction that:

2. Alternative design compliance may be allowed for transparency requirements for the seventh story and above if the alternative meets the purpose of the transparency standards and incorporates integrated photovoltaics in the design for the stories proposed for alternative compliance. (Ord. 3220)

1. To support the multi-modal and pedestrian focus of centers and mixed-use neighborhoods.

2. To enhance the connection between the retail space and the pedestrian realm, and to any exterior seating areas.

1. RZC 21.58.3620 applies within centers and mixed-use zones to all new retail and restaurant spaces, including live/work units, where the storefront abuts a street, urban pathway, or plaza.

2. Exemptions. Single-family and middle housing developments are exempt from RZC 21.58.3620.

1. See also RZC 21.58.3400, Corner Lots.

2. See also RZC 21.04.2020, Active Retail Uses.

1. Provide visible and universally designed wayfinding or architectural treatments.

2. Ground floor retail and commercial facades on the street wall must contribute to active-use public realm between the facade and the sidewalk for a minimum of 20 percent of the street wall.

3. Ground floor retail and commercial facades must include at least three of the elements listed below. Standard corporate logos or architectural elements will not qualify:

4. The areas on the ground floor of new buildings located along 152nd Avenue NE that are designed and constructed to accommodate future conversion to the pedestrian-oriented uses required by RZC Chapter 21.12 must meet the following standards in addition to other applicable design standards:

5. If the ground floor is combined into a single commercial use, multiple entrances and the impression of multiple storefronts should be provided. The design should support future partition of this space for flexible uses.

6. Outdoor displays must be oriented to the street and meet the standards of RZC 21.04.2200.

1. To ensure that dwelling units at street level are safe and comfortable for the occupants of the units, while also ensuring that the exterior of the unit is attractive and pedestrian-friendly for people walking on the street sidewalks.

2. To ensure that there is adequate separation from the ground floor residential unit and pedestrian way for privacy of residents and to minimize noise and other impacts.

1. RZC 21.58.3630 applies to all development in centers and mixed-use zones where ground-floor residential uses are permitted (see zone standards in RZC Article I).

2. Exemptions. Single-family and middle housing developments are exempt from RZC 21.58.3630.

1. See RZC Chapter 21.35, Live-Work.

2. See RZC 21.55.400 for incentives for ground-floor ADA units.

3. See RZC 21.58.3610, Facades.

4. See RZC 21.58.2000, Universal Design.

1. Ground floor residential units along the street must be set back a minimum of six feet from, and no more than eight feet from, the back of the required street sidewalk, or the minimum setback required for the zone, whichever is greater.

2. Universal design, visitability standards, and ground floor ADA units are encouraged and may be incentivized.

3. Primary or secondary access to the unit must be provided via a front door at the street or walkway to patio/porch along the street unless the unit is interior to the block or otherwise not directly facing a street frontage.

4. Live/Work Units. Ground floor live/work units must comply with zoning district ground floor clearance requirements and ground floor retail design standards in RZC 21.58.3620, Ground Floor Retail.

1. To establish sheltered walking corridors and entryways that mitigate adverse weather conditions, promote active transportation to reduce reliance on vehicles, and foster community connectivity through inviting pedestrian environments.

2. The addition of weather protection can elevate the aesthetic quality of the urban environment through thoughtful design, while ensuring accessibility for individuals of all abilities.

1. RZC 21.58.3640 applies citywide to all new developments.

2. Exemptions. Single-family and middle housing developments are exempt from RZC 21.58.3640.

1. Facade Weather Protection. New development projects in centers and mixed-use zones must provide facade weather protection for pedestrians at all street frontages.

d. May use integrated photovoltaic features.

	Arcade	Canopy or Awning
Description	• The arcade frontage type requires the ground floor to be constructed at or close to sidewalk grade. • Ceiling beams and light fixtures that are located within the column space geometry greatly enhance the quality of the space and should be included in the design and installation. • Development must not include arcade-like features with ground-level residential use.	• The canopy or awning frontage type requires rigid construction over which a covering is attached that provides weather protection, identity, or decoration. • Must be removable to allow utility access.
Dimensions
Min clear depth (A)	10 feet	N/A
Min clear height (B)	12 feet	8 feet measured from finished grade
Maximum clear height	20 feet	12 feet from finished grade
Minimum spacing	Min. 10 feet between columns	N/A
Maximum spacing	Max. 20 feet between columns	N/A
Other	N/A	Minimum depth over public sidewalk of 6 feet, regardless of the sidewalk width

2. Entry Weather Protection. All new development must provide covered weather protection at primary entry such as an awning, canopy, marquee, recessed entry or other building element.

3. Weather-Protected Loading and Unloading Zones. For public and semi-public buildings with assembly uses with a seating capacity of 150 or greater a covered loading and unloading zone is required, with a minimum clearance of 13.5 feet to ensure paratransit vehicles can utilize the area.

1. Blank wall treatment includes the use of various architectural, artistic, and landscaping treatments to support city, neighborhood, district, and individual site character as well as the community visions and values as reflected in the Comprehensive Plan and Redmond Zoning Code.

2. The treatments provide visual interest over the exterior of a building.

3. The use of vegetated treatments involving the maintenance of living vegetation in a meaningful and aesthetic way can complement building design.

4. The use of vegetated treatments has the potential to contribute to cooling and shading for the site and occupants.

5. The use of vegetated treatments has the potential to mitigate the urban heat island effect.

6. The use of vegetated treatments has the potential to provide habitat and habitat connections.

7. The use of vegetated treatments has the potential to meet stormwater requirements.

8. The use of public art as a treatment provides an opportunity to express city, neighborhood, and community identity, culture, traditions, and history, as well as creativity, distinction, and innovation.

1. Blank wall treatment is applicable in centers and in business park and mixed-use zones to all new development projects.

2. Exemptions.

1. Blank walls must not be used on the building facades that face sidewalks, trails, mid-block pedestrian pathways and other pedestrian-oriented spaces.

2. Blank wall treatment must be applied to a minimum of the building facade as shown in Table 21.58.3650.C.2.

3. Blank Wall Ornamentation Alternative. Blank wall maximum may be increased to 30 feet maximum on second to sixth stories if green wall or public art is provided as a blank wall treatment (see RZC 21.58.3650.C.4).

4. Blank walls must be treated by using one or more of the following techniques:

5. For blank wall mitigation involving vegetation, plants must be selected from the City of Redmond Climate Resiliency and Sustainability Vegetation Management Plan (CRSVMP).

1. Promote visual interest and distinction of new development within the neighborhood, district, along the street front, and to be reflective of the community’s goals, vision, and diversity.

2. Promote visual interest, distinct design qualities, and an appearance of quality and permanence through use of durable building materials and effective architectural detailing.

3. Promote the use of high quality, durable, sustainable, and resilient materials that contribute to the unique identity of buildings and their location within Redmond.

4. Contribute to the honest expression of the building’s architecture and individual design components.

5. Support the story of the building in relationship to Redmond, the region, history, culture, and community.

6. Support resiliency, environmental sustainability, and innovation.

7. Building ornamentation contributes to the unique identity of the building and its location within Redmond.

1. RZC 21.58.3700 applies citywide to all new developments.

2. Exemptions. Single-family and middle housing developments are exempt from RZC 21.58.3700.

1. See RZC 21.58.0100 for small building alternative ornamentation requirements.

2. See Table 21.58.3100.C.4 for ornamentation alternative to building width.

3. See RZC 21.58.3100 for ornamentation alternative to building break.

4. See RZC 21.58.3650 for blank walls.

5. See RZC 21.58.5100 for mass timber construction flexibility.

6. See RZC 21.05.200 for cultural districts.

7. See RZC Chapter 21.30, Historic and Archaeological Resources.

8. See RZC Chapter 21.22, Public Art.

9. See RZC Chapter 21.55 for development incentives.

1. Ornamentation.

3. General Materiality.

4. Supplementary Design Standards and Limitations.

1. More hot days and higher summertime average temperatures, requiring more homes to be equipped with cooling systems.

2. Greater heat island impacts in areas with fewer trees.

3. Greater prevalence of wildfires and wildfire smoke, increasing the need for indoor air filtration and cooling.

4. More extreme rain events that increase the risk of flooding.

1. RZC 21.58.3800 applies citywide to all new development.

2. Some requirements do not apply to single-family and middle housing developments (see Table 21.58.3800).

1. See RZC Chapter 21.16, Site Requirements Measurement and Other Applicable Regulations, for exemptions to building heights and setbacks for green building techniques and materials.

2. See RZC Chapter 21.32, Landscaping.

3. See RZC Chapter 21.55, Development Incentive Program, for incentives for sustainability and resiliency features.

4. See RZC 21.58.4200, Stormwater Facilities, for stormwater requirements.

5. See RZC 21.58.5100 for mass timber construction.

6. See RZC Chapter 21.67, Green Building Program (GBP), and RZC Appendix 10, for the Green Building Program. RZC Chapter 21.67, Green Building Program (GBP), includes a list of mandatory green building elements and where they apply.

7. See the City of Redmond Climate Resiliency and Sustainability in Vegetation Management Plan.

1. Development of the site and structures must mitigate and provide resilience to extreme heat and extreme precipitation events and advance sustainability. The following techniques must be demonstrated, with minimum requirements per Table 21.58.3800:

2. Features that meet this requirement may also be used to meet other requirements of RZC Chapter 21.58. Integrating public art and amenities is encouraged (e.g., solar panels that shade rooftop seating areas).

1. RZC 21.58.4100 applies to all development in centers, mixed-use zones, and in the NMF zone.

2. Exemption. Infill single-family and infill middle housing are exempt from RZC 21.58.4100.

1. See also RZC Chapter 21.32, Landscaping.

2. See also RZC Chapter 21.36, Open Space.

3. See also City of Redmond Climate Resiliency and Sustainable Vegetation Management Plan.

1. Retention and Enhancement of Existing Vegetation. Preserve as much native noninvasive vegetation as possible, particularly adjacent to buffers of critical areas and shorelines. Replant developed areas with stands of nondwarf evergreens in natural and random patterns where possible.

2. Open Space and Public View Corridors. Provide space on site for active or passive recreational purposes. When located in an identified public view corridor, this open space may also provide views through a development to important features, such as Lake Sammamish, Sammamish River, and the river valley; Bear Creek; or panoramic mountain views.

3. Transition. Provide plantings that provide a clear transition in design between adjacent sites, within a site, and from native vegetation areas. To lessen impacts and provide transitions to natural areas, use native plants as much as possible adjacent to the buffers of critical areas and shorelines. Design foundation plantings to create an effective change from public to private space and from the vertical to horizontal plane at building edges.

4. Mitigation of Adverse Visual Impacts. Provide planting to soften the visual impact of less desirable development and structures, such as large blank walls, dumpster areas, service areas, and large areas of pavement.

5. Definition or Emphasis. Use planting to highlight significant site features and to define site use areas and circulation corridors without interfering with the use of such areas. Examples include site and building entrances, pedestrian walkways, and focal points, such as gathering areas or plazas.

6. Safety. Use planting landscaping that minimizes disruption of sight lines along pathways.

7. Water Conservation. Plants and techniques that reduce water consumption are encouraged.

8. Plants should be selected and arranged according to the following design criteria:

1. To provide options for stormwater facilities that are visually attractive;

2. To incorporate open stormwater facilities into project site design and landscaping as a design amenity for active or passive recreation;

3. To avoid potential hazards between persons and stormwater facilities.

1. RZC 21.58.4200 applies citywide to all new development.

2. Exemption. Infill single-family and infill middle housing are exempt from RZC 21.58.4200.

1. Design stormwater facilities to appear as naturally occurring features.

2. Stormwater facilities must be designed to address the following:

3. Stormwater Management Facilities in RA-5 and NR Zones.

1. To encourage transit use through building orientation and site design;

2. To provide safe and continuous pedestrian access to transit facilities;

3. To consider minimizing the distance between buildings and transit stops; and

4. To encourage weather protection for those waiting for transit.

1. RZC 21.58.4300 applies citywide to all new development.

2. Exemptions.

1. Provide transit stops and improvements along corridors where transit is planned in the future as documented in the Transportation Master Plan. Transit stops must include space for shelters meeting transit agency standards and 10 feet between the curb to the back of sidewalk, unless other site requirements require a larger sidewalk. The area devoted to shelters and wider sidewalks may be included in setbacks and may be counted toward required landscaping.

2. Install passenger bulb-outs at transit stops on arterials, except when doing so would interrupt a bicycle facility or vehicle travel lane.

3. Provide direct access to abutting streets with transit stops from buildings via defined, safe pathway systems. Building entries should be located to minimize the distance to transit stops. See Figure 21.58.4300.C.3.

1. Ensure code allows for designs that maximize the potential of mass timber structural abilities where they differ from typical building materials while meeting minimum building user experience expectations.

2. Maximize the potential for mass timber construction to contribute to a diversity of shapes in buildings and spaces to meet placemaking goals.

3. Ensure minimum quality standards that contribute to the public realm and user experience.

1. RZC 21.58.5100 applies citywide to all new construction utilizing mass timber.

2. Exemption. Single-family developments are exempt from RZC 21.58.5100.

1. See incentives for mass timber and other green building incentives in RZC Chapter 21.55.

2. See RCW 19.27.570 for mass timber construction products.

1. Exposure of timber elements must be provided in prominent locations on facades facing public right-of-way and are encouraged on the interior at the following locations:

2. Mass timber construction that utilizes the flexibility of the materials for providing nonrectilinear spaces and complex shapes is encouraged, especially within the Centers.

3. Buildings that utilize mass timber from ground up are encouraged within the CARA 1 areas.

1. Flexibility is required to meet the applicable Washington State mass timber building or fire codes; or

2. Flexibility is needed to allow for mass timber construction to begin at the ground level (without a concrete podium level). (Ord. 3220)

1. Tower Floorplates.

2. Tower Placement.

3. Tower Stepback and Spacing.

c. A tower may be brought directly to grade if it meets one of the following criteria:

i. When the tower is placed in the middle of a long block, to assist in modulation and create a clear center of the building; or

ii. When the tower is placed on the corner of two streets, to create a visual landmark at the entrance and a larger public realm element at an intersection (see Figure 21.58.5200.C.3.c).

4. Tower Rooftop.

c. All mechanical elements must be screened or placed within a parapet to the top height of the mechanical equipment (see Figure 21.58.5200.C.4.c) and provide an architectural contribution to the building.

1. All alternatives that provide two or more of the following:

2. All alternatives must not:

1. To limit the visual impact of surface parking lots, ensure active-use public realm is supported around the building (including sidewalks, plazas, and spill-out outdoors uses), and provide opportunities for multimodal connectivity.

2. To ensure that parking garages can accommodate ADA vans and other vehicles for community members with disabilities that require a high clearance (public and private).

3. To provide for clear internal vehicle circulation patterns and consideration of pedestrian walkways in parking lots.

4. To set standards for paving, lighting, and other design elements.

5. To provide for joint entrances and exits.

6. To reduce the negative impacts of parking and circulation facilities on highly visible public open spaces, such as shorelines and other natural open spaces.

1. RZC 21.58.5310 applies to all developments in centers and in mixed-use, BP, and MP zones.

2. Exemption. Single-family and middle housing developments are exempt from RZC 21.58.5310.

1. No new surface parking lots are permitted in Overlake Village. Developments must adhere to the standards in RZC 21.40.010 on any nonconforming parking.

2. General Requirements.

e. Convenient, clearly identified pedestrian access must be provided from the interior of parking areas and street front walkways. See Figure 21.58.5310.C.2.e.

3. Parking Garages.

1. To improve the aesthetic appearance of parking lots;

2. To reduce the summertime heat and glare buildup within and adjacent to parking lots;

3. To provide landscaped areas within parking areas in addition to landscape buffers around the perimeter of parking lots;

4. To provide screening and break up the expanse of paved areas.

1. RZC 21.58.5320 applies citywide to all development.

2. Exemption. Single-family and middle housing developments are exempt from RZC 21.58.5320.

1. See RZC Chapter 21.32, Landscaping.

2. See the City of Redmond Climate Resiliency and Sustainability in Vegetation Management Plan.

1. Disperse interior parking lot landscaping throughout a parking lot when no significant existing vegetation exists.

2. Shade trees must be used to shade parking lots and driveways to reduce summer heat loads.

3. Provide landscaped areas within parking areas and a Type II Visual Screen (See RZC 21.32.120) around the perimeter of parking lots.

4. All parking lots must be planted with sufficient trees so that within 10 years, 50 percent of the surface area of the lot is shaded.

1. To reduce the visual and physical impacts of service areas, mechanical equipment, and other similar uses on other on-site uses, the street environment, adjacent shoreline areas, and other public open spaces, and adjacent properties, while maintaining accessibility for service providers and users.

2. To mitigate the off-site visual impacts of service and mechanical equipment areas when siting alone does not adequately mitigate impacts.

1. RZC 21.58.5500 applies citywide for all multifamily, mixed-use, and nonresidential buildings.

2. Exemption. Industrial and manufacturing uses with no abutting residential are exempt from these requirements.

1. Large utility cabinets and mechanical equipment must be located away from highly visible areas, such as streets, pedestrian walkways, and public shoreline areas, to minimize visual, noise, or physical impacts on the site, street environment, adjacent public open spaces, and adjacent properties.

2. All mechanical equipment, including air conditioners, heaters, vents, and similar equipment, rooftop and ground-mounted, must be fully screened from public view both at grade and from higher buildings with the exception of solar panels and roof-mounted wind turbines. Screening must be located so as not to interfere with operation of the equipment. All mechanical equipment must meet the applicable requirements of the Uniform Mechanical Code and Uniform Plumbing Code and:

3. Screening should incorporate landscaping.

4. All utility meters must be fully screened from view from a public right-of-way. If enclosed in cabinets visible from public rights-of-way, exterior surfaces must be finished with art or with the same materials or colors of the building.

5. Screening structures must comply with the International Building Code or International Residential Code, as adopted in RMC Chapter 15.08, Building Code, and a building permit may be required. Applicants may wish to contact the Building Division for all requirements.

1. See also RZC 21.04.2090, Drive-Up Stand.

2. See also RZC 21.04.4040, Kiosks and Vending Carts.

1. To ensure that new residential development provides adequate privacy and comfort for residents and their adjacent neighbors.

2. Privacy standards apply to all residential occupancy areas, as defined by the International Building Code or International Residential Code, as adopted in RMC Chapter 15.08, Building Code.

1. See RZC 21.58.3610, Facades.

2. See RZC 21.58.3650, Blank Wall Treatments.

3. See RZC 21.58.3630, Ground Floor Residential Uses.

1. Each unit in a project must meet these standards in each room.

2. The measurements indicated in the table below are “line-of-sight” measurements from window to window.

3. In the case where windows in one room are of equal size, either window may be selected by the builder as the largest window.

4. Measurements noted in Table 21.58.6010.D are for structures that are three or more stories in height unless otherwise noted.

5. Where Table 21.58.6010.D conflicts with regulations in RZC 21.58.3500, 21.58.3610, 21.58.3630 or 21.58.3650, regulations in those sections apply. Where conflicting with development standards in the zone, the most restrictive apply.

1. RZC 21.58.3300, Enclosed Courtyards.

2. See RZC Chapter 21.36, Open Space.

1. Where courtyards are proposed to be used to meet common open space requirements, courtyard designs must conform to the standards as shown in Figure 21.58.6030.D.2.

2. Special incentive is provided to encourage courtyards that are open to the street. If 50 percent of the courtyard width is open to the street, the area that is contiguous with the courtyard, in the setback area, can be counted as usable open space. (See RZC 21.58.6030.D.2, Example #2.)

3. Minimum Dimensions. Standards are as follows:

1. Front Entry Requirements. Every multifamily building must have a front entryway that meets the following standards:

1. To implement the goals and policies of the Community Development and Design Element and Housing Element of the Redmond Comprehensive Plan.

2. To establish residential design standards for all areas of the City that:

1. All new residential development in the RA-5 and N-R zones, unless otherwise exempted by this chapter, must comply with the provisions of RZC 21.58.7010 through 21.58.7040 and RZC 21.58.0020.A through 21.58.0020.D.

2. Dwellings built prior to the adoption of residential design standards for the neighborhood in which the dwelling is located are not considered nonconforming dwellings and are not subject to the limitations on nonconforming structures set forth in RZC 21.04.5000, Legal Nonconforming Uses and Structures. (Ord. 3220)

1. Dwelling units with the same combination of features and treatments must not be located side by side with each other.

2. Architecture of new residential developments will be evaluated by the Administrator as a combination of at least four primary features per dwelling unit. The features may include:

1. Provide active streetscapes that promote a more accessible, walkable, and enjoyable neighborhood experience for community members.

2. Incorporate features that facilitate social connections.

3. Support a variety of middle housing types.

4. Provide for design flexibility for a variety of middle housing types.

1. Entrance Orientation.

2. Garage Placement. Except for properties located on arterials, new dwelling units with attached garages facing the front street must be designed so that the garage is not the dominant feature as viewed from the street. Design techniques that meet the purpose of RZC 21.58.7020 may include, but are not limited to:

1. Reduce the apparent size of large new development and expansions of existing development.

2. Provide variety and visual interest of building structures.

3. Maintain a human scale streetscape.

4. Provide visual relief from the massing and scale of built development through site design techniques such as centrally locating open space and preservation of mature trees.

1. Promote nonmotorized connections throughout the neighborhood along safe and scenic corridors, including pathways that are separated from arterial streets.

2. Provide connectivity within new developments and to adjacent developments, open space, and streets by discouraging the use of cul-de-sacs that inhibit connectivity and by discouraging the designation and construction of new private streets.

3. Design streets to implement traffic calming measures that support the pedestrian environment.

4. Reduce stormwater requirements by providing for natural-looking landscaped street edges that do not sharply define the private property from the public area and street and that contain landscaped drainage swales.

5. Ensure consistency with the neighborhood transportation connections maps.

1. Where cul-de-sacs are utilized in new development, pedestrian connections to open space, adjacent streets, or adjacent developments must be provided at appropriate locations toward the end of the cul-de-sac. (See Figure 21.58.7040.C.1).

2. When there is more than a 600-foot distance between road connections in a new development, pedestrian connections must be provided at the end of cul-de-sacs or between lots to adjacent developments (where existing connections or undeveloped land exists) and/or through open space or trail linkages. (See Figure 21.58.7040.C.2).

3. At least one ingress and one egress connection must be provided to every adjacent trail, open space, or contiguous development(s).

4. Street trees must be provided on all new streets and must be selected from species that, at maturity, will provide a tree canopy along the street. Selected trees must not result in significant maintenance issues as determined by the Administrator.

5. General Requirements. General requirements for streets are found in RZC Appendix 2, Construction Specification and Design Standards for Streets and Access. New streets must be generally aligned as shown in the Transportation Connections Maps contained in the Neighborhood Element of the Redmond Comprehensive Plan and in the Transportation Master Plan in order to provide connectivity within the City.

1. Intent.

a. The Town Center zone consists of three subareas as shown and described below:

Figure 21.62.020S Town Center Subareas

Figure 21.62.020S Town Center Subareas

i. The Town Center Mixed-Use area emphasizes a pedestrian-oriented and connected district that complements the transportation network of the Old Town zone and provides a progressive architectural transition from historic character of Old Town to the surrounding modern districts. Primary design features for the Town Center Mixed-Use zone include pedestrian-oriented uses along street frontages and sidewalk designs integrated into building architecture.

Figure 21.62.020T Town Center

Figure 21.62.020T Town Center

ii. The Gateway Office area design concept features multilevel office buildings and an urban gateway facing SR 520. Building height, location, and architectural character are intended to create a strong urban perimeter and a varied urban texture connecting the site with the Downtown.

Figure 21.62.020U Town Center

Figure 21.62.020U Town Center

iii. Bear Creek Retail area provides for auto-oriented retail tenants. The freestanding buildings with surface parking are distinct from the other two areas. However, architectural character, featured design elements, and pedestrian linkages incorporate a design commonality with the rest of the site.