Redmond SMP: locally initiated amendment
On April 28, 2026, we approved Redmond’s locally initiated amendment of their Shoreline Master Program (SMP).
Redmond’s amended SMP is effective May 12, 2026, 14 days after we provided notice to the City that their SMP was approved.
The locally initiated amendment was adopted by Redmond City Council on November 19, 2024. It addresses several topics, including:
- Incorporating an updated Critical Areas Ordinance (Chapter 21.64.010 Redmond Municipal Code [RMC]) and other updates to RMC Title 21.68 (Shoreline Master Program) with additional changes including:
- Updated list of CAO provisions included and excluded from the SMP. Updated reference to Comprehensive Plan Natural Element and Comprehensive Plan Parks and Recreation Element.
- Updated ordinance number and date to incorporate most recent CAO adopted in 2024.
- Increased shoreline buffers for Type S streams (Sammamish River, Bear Creek, and Evans Creek) from 150 ft. to 200 ft.
- Added a provision to clarify that a 15-foot building setback from stream buffers is required.
- Deleted provision that maximum clearing and grading within the outer 50-foot buffer is 35 percent of the outer buffer area. Deleted provision that if current grading is in excess of 35%, no remediation is required.
- Revised provision to clarify buffer and setback measurements include waterfront buildings.
A public comment period was held Feb. 2 to March 5, 2026. We distributed notice of the state comment period via email to state interested parties on Jan. 26, 2026, including separate notice and invitation to consult Government-to-Government to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Suquamish Tribe, and Tulalip Tribes.
One comment letter, from the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Washington Geological Survey (WGS) was received during the state comment period. The comment focused on changes being made to the CAO. The commentor commended the City for referencing the WGS Geologic Information Portal website and for requiring recording to title and mentioning fencing and signs in the critical areas provisions. The commentor suggested revising the definition for a qualified professional engineer or geologist. Lastly, the commentor suggested that the City add a provision referencing other geologic events such as coal mine and volcanic hazards to be included as part of Redmond’s identified and designated hazards. The City did not propose any revisions to the SMP in response to DNR. After considering the comments received and the City’s responses, we found that the City considered comments consistent with WAC 173-26-100(3) and concludes that no changes to the amendment are necessary in response to comments.
Documents for public review and comment
- Director of Ecology's April 28, 2026, final approval letter
- Response to Comments
- Locally adopted SMP amendment
- Background Documents
Appeals
- Per RCW 90.58.190(2) and RCW 36.70A.290, an interested party may file an appeal with the Growth Management Hearings Board within 60 days of the publication date of our written notice of final action.
- We plan to publish the notice of final action in the Seattle Times legal ads on May 12, 2026.
Contact information
Heather Bush
Shoreline Planner
Heather.Bush@ecy.wa.gov
425-417-6982