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 |
Lauren Alpert |
Senior Planner |
TITLE:
title
Adoption of an Ordinance for the Redmond Zoning Code Amendments Regarding Temporary Non-Commercial Signs
a. Ordinance No. 3263: An Ordinance of the City of Redmond, Washington, Amending Title 21 of the Redmond Municipal Code, known as the Redmond Zoning Code, Addressing Temporary Non-Commercial Signs, Providing for Severability, and Establishing an Effective Date
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Staff recommend adopting an ordinance creating a regulatory framework for temporary non-commercial signs.
The Redmond Zoning Code (RZC) regulates signs in chapter 21.44, Signs. The recommended amendments would establish a regulatory framework for temporary non-commercial signs. Common examples of such signs include political campaign signs, community event signs, and philosophical or religions message signs.
The RZC does not have a regulatory framework for temporary non-commercial signs. The proposed framework is consistent with U.S. Supreme Court precedent (see Attachment D). The framework:
• Allows temporary non-commercial signs in the public right-of-way with limitations.
• Regulates size, placement, and durability of signs.
• Does not regulate content.
Creating a regulatory framework for temporary non-commercial signs advances public health, safety, and welfare while respecting constitutional free speech and guarantees.
The Planning Commission recommendation is provided in Attachment C. It differs from the Technical Committee recommendation. Staff’s opinion on these differences is provided in Attachment E. A City Council issues matrix is provided as Attachment F.
The Ordinance, Attachment A, and Exhibits, Attachment B reflects the Council’s discussion to not allow signs in roundabouts and does not establish a permit for temporary non-commercial signs.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☒ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
The following Redmond 2050 policies: PI-17 concerning clear development regulations, and FW-CD-2 concerning the use of development regulations to achieve desired design outcomes.
• Required:
U.S. Supreme Court decisions in Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015) and City of Austin v. Reagan National Advertising of Austin LLC (2022) require the City to update sign regulations.
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
Creating a regulatory framework for temporary non-commercial signs advances public health, safety, and welfare while respecting constitutional free speech.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
Public comments were collected February and March 2026.
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Online questionnaire, and Planning Commission public hearing.
• Feedback Summary:
Public comments included:
• Concerns on having clear rules on how long signs can remain posted,
• Concerns about some signs being deliberately treated with hazardous substances, creating risks for anyone who touches or removes them.
• Support of prohibiting signs in medians and roundabouts
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 this work.
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
0000304
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 |
|
6/2/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Planning and Public Works |
Provide Direction |
|
6/23/2026 |
Study Session |
Provide Direction |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
Existing regulations for these types of signs are not enforceable. Timely City Council action will establish a regulatory framework that is consistent with U.S. Supreme Court precedent.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
If not adopted, the benefits of the recommended amendments will not be realized. There would not be a regulatory framework for temporary non-commercial signs.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Ordinance Amending the Redmond Zoning Code
Attachment B: Ordinance Exhibits 1 and 2
Attachment C: Planning Commission Report
Attachment D: Legal Memo
Attachment E: Staff Memo
Attachment F: Issue Matrix