In real estate, timing is key, not just with market conditions but also zoning codes. In Redmond, current land use rules are set to change, so if you're planning to develop the property, you should submit your building permit or land use applications before December 31, 2024, to secure the current zoning rules, as detailed in a recent publication from the Redmond Washington website.

Under state law, developers have vested rights, meaning if you submit a complete application for certain permits or plats by the end of the year, your project will follow the current zoning rules, even if they change later. Submissions before the 2024 deadline will be governed by the Redmond Zoning Code (RZC) in effect at that time. For example, building permits and preliminary plat applications can lock in your project's current regulations.

These designations are not random. Vested rights apply to complete building permit applications (under RCW 19.27.095(1)) and complete preliminary plat or short plat applications (under RCW 58.17.033(1)). Some areas, like the Overlake zoning districts, have additional vesting rules, as explained in RZC 21.12.505.

Whether you're planning a residential or commercial project, check if your project is vested to the current version of the RZC by contacting Redmond's planning department. If you don’t have a project planner, reach out to the Planner on Call at [email protected]. Starting January 1, 2025, new applications will be subject to updated land use rules, including changes to design standards, parking, and environmental regulations, as outlined in RZC 21.76.090.C, except for certain impact fees, procedural rules, and ordinances based on state or federal mandates.