Redmond Planning Commission Meeting - April 8, 2026

The Redmond Planning Commission held a hybrid meeting on April 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. (beginning roll call at 15:15 UTC). Commissioners approved the agenda and prior meeting summary, heard one public comment, elected officers, held a study session on proposed temporary non-commercial sign regulations, and introduced a new neighborhood planning approach. No formal votes were taken on the policy items, but direction was provided to staff.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda (motion, second, unanimous).
• Approved the meeting summary from March 11, 2026 (motion, second, unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Morton (Redmond resident) raised concerns about PFOS contamination in the city’s drinking water wells (Well 1 and Well 2) at 5.5 parts per trillion—above the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4 parts per trillion. He attributed the contamination to firefighting foam used during a 2013 fire at the Allwood Recycling Site (now DTG Recycle) located upgradient of the wells. He requested a focused PFAS site investigation and testing (estimated cost $50,000–$70,000), noting that the city’s groundwater protection plan promises detection and remediation.

Discussion Items

Election of Officers (Annual)

• Chair: Susan Weston self-nominated and was re-elected by acclamation (unanimous).
• Vice-Chair: Jeannine Woodyear self-nominated and was re-elected by acclamation (unanimous).

Temporary Non-Commercial Signs Study Session

• Staff Presentation: Senior Planner Lauren Alpert and Planning Manager Jeff Churchill presented draft zoning code amendments (sections 21.44, 21.78) to create a content-neutral regulatory framework for temporary non-commercial signs in public rights-of-way. Key provisions include a free, renewable 60-day permit; size, placement, and durability limits; and no signs in site-distance triangles, medians, or roundabouts. Staff cited U.S. Supreme Court precedent and advice from a land-use attorney.
• Commissioner Discussion (multiple rounds):
  • Commissioner Aparna Varadharajan questioned enforcement (honor code vs. penalties) and requested an education campaign. Staff confirmed outreach to candidates and volunteers.
  • Commissioner Tara Van Niman sought clarity on permit stickers and median/roundabout bans, noting practical challenges.
  • Commissioner Denice Gagner disclosed she had purchased 100 temporary non-commercial signs and planned more; staff confirmed no conflict requiring recusal. She asked about neighboring city experiences and free-speech implications. Staff will obtain attorney feedback.
  • Commissioner Bryan Copley raised concerns about temporary signs effectively becoming permanent through indefinite renewals and asked about removal fairness.
  • Commissioner Adam Coleman suggested a citywide “sign sweep” day (e.g., two weeks after elections) to simplify removal. He advocated for sign owner identification on public-land signs.
  • Vice-Chair Woodyear emphasized the need for transparency in permit removals and consistent identification requirements vs. permanent signs.
  • Chair Weston requested that signs placed on public land include who paid for them (similar to state campaign regulations).
• Staff Response: Acknowledged all comments; will consult with the city attorney on duration limits, median/roundabout safety, permit number placement, and owner identification requirements. Next meeting (April 22) will include a public hearing.

Introduction to Neighborhood Planning

• Staff Presentation: Alpert presented a new approach post-Redmond 2050, focusing on “complete neighborhoods” (Goal LE 26). The plan involves building community leadership, updating neighborhood policies, identifying infrastructure improvements, and potential zoning changes for mixed-use in predominantly residential areas. Engagement will target staff, neighborhood liaisons, and the broader community.
• Commissioner Feedback:
  • Varadharajan asked how relevant functional plans (transportation, water) would be communicated to each neighborhood. Staff said department experts would present projects and long-term issues at neighborhood meetings. She also requested resilience hubs and emergency planning.
  • Van Niman encouraged paper outreach (flyers, bulletin boards) to reach renters and non-English speakers.
  • Coleman asked for a “vision statement” describing the desired end state (e.g., a neighborhood’s identity in 2075).
  • Copley supported the engagement model and noted the challenge of reaching renters and underserved areas like Grass Lawn.
  • Gagner asked about the Kirkland model’s insurance issues and stressed clarity on criteria for differential services between neighborhoods.
• Staff Response: Agreed to incorporate feedback; the topic will be further discussed at the annual workshop (April 29) and at the next regular meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Elections: Susan Weston re-elected Chair, Jeannine Woodyear re-elected Vice-Chair for one-year terms.
• Temporary Signs: Staff will bring back revised draft addressing commissioner concerns (duration limits, median/roundabout allowances, permit identification requirements, cloth/ownership transparency) and will request city attorney participation at the April 22 public hearing.
• Neighborhood Planning: Planning Commission will continue study at the next meeting and dedicate part of the annual workshop (April 29) to community engagement strategies. Staff will provide data on current engagement rates.
• Staff & Commissioner Updates:
  • Annual workshop scheduled for April 29, 2026; topics include planning commission norms, neighborhood planning engagement, asset management, World Cup preparations, and updates on Redmond 2050 implementation (development agreements, stalled projects).
  • Commissioner Van Niman reported that the city council will receive a briefing on the Cascade Supply Program (water supply) on July 21, 2026; commissioners and public may attend.
• Next Steps: The commission will reconvene on April 22 for a public hearing on temporary signs and further neighborhood planning discussion.