TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Planning and Community Development |
Carol Helland |
425-556-2107 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Planning and Community Development |
Seraphie Allen |
Deputy Director |
|
Planning and Community Development |
Jeff Churchill |
Long Range Planning Manager |
|
Planning and Community Development |
Glenn Coil |
Senior Planner |
TITLE:
title
Public Hearing for an Interim Official Control Regulating Commercial Drone Land Uses
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Council will hold a public hearing, as required by state law, on Ord. 3257, which imposed an interim official control (IOC) regulating commercial drone land uses. At the conclusion of the hearing, staff recommends directing staff to implement the work plan contained in Ord. 3257 so that permanent regulations can be adopted in a timely manner.
The IOC, which can be in place for one year from April 21, 2026, is designed to introduce commercial drone land uses in an orderly manner that mitigates impacts to the community while permanent regulations are developed.
The IOC limits drone land uses to the Manufacturing Park (MP) and Industrial (I) Zones as well as establish regulations for the allowed use, such as setbacks, number of drone launch pads, and hours of operations.
While the IOC is in place, the City will draft permanent regulations in accordance with the work plan adopted in the ordinance and state law.
Concurrent with this process, the City will also establish business licensing requirements for drone operations and intends to advance an Office of Air Space Management to coordinate commercial and public safety operations.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Redmond 2050 Comprehensive Plan:
EV-6 - consistent and predictable regulatory environment
EV-2 - attracting and retaining businesses that meet community needs
LU-9, NE-92 - limiting adverse impacts of land uses
• Required:
RCW 36.70A.390 - Interim Official Controls
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
There is insufficient time to process the necessary permanent code amendments before additional permit applications are filed for such commercial drone land uses and become vested to existing regulations.
OUTCOMES:
The IOC is designed to introduce commercial drone land uses in an orderly manner that mitigates impacts to the community while permanent regulations are developed.
Without the IOC, commercial drone land uses may begin operating in Redmond absent regulations that address the impacts of such uses and provide for the health, safety, and general welfare of community members.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
Outreach will conducted over the next 12 months per the adopted workplan.
Months 1-4 - stakeholder engagement and City Council Public Hearing
Months 5-8 - Continued stakeholder engagement. Planning Commission public hearing
Months 9-12 - public comments at Council meetings
• Outreach Methods and Results:
A webpage has been established (redmond.gov/DronePorts), along with a Let’s Connect page (letsconnectredmond.com/droneport). The webpage and Let’s Connect will be the clearinghouse for engagement information. The Council is holding a public hearing on June 2 as required by state law. Following community and stakeholder engagement the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on draft permanent regulations. Updates will be communicated in City E-news, other City e-newsletters, the web, and Let’s Connect.
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$5,350,743 is the total cost of the Community and Economic Development budget offer, which includes the staff time for code amendment work.
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
0000304 - Community and Economic Development
Budget Priority:
Vibrant and Connected
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
General Fund
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
4/21/2026 |
Business Meeting |
Approve |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
The City Council must hold a public hearing within 60 days of IOC adoption, which occurred on April 21, 2026. The IOC expires after one year.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
Existing regulations do not address commercial drone ports and do not adequately mitigate potential impacts of such uses. Without interim regulations, uses may become established that operate contrary to community expectations.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Presentation Slides