Redmond Planning Commission Meeting - May 27, 2026

The Redmond Planning Commission met on May 27, 2026, to approve the temporary non-commercial signs report, conduct a study session on the 2026-2027 annual comprehensive plan docket, and hear public comments. The meeting included roll call, approval of the agenda and prior meeting summary, public testimony, and updates from staff and commissioners.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved unanimously.
• The meeting summary from May 13, 2026, was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Linda Seltzer (resident on 80th Street) expressed concern about property tax rebate incentives for developers to demolish existing apartment complexes, including senior citizen buildings, and build new ones. She argued that this would lead to displacement of residents, noting that many seniors have health issues and that neighborhoods are about people, not buildings. She questioned the city's displacement policy and the lack of protection for existing communities.
• Alex Zimmerman (no address given) appeared to raise concerns about the meeting process and transparency, but did not make a substantive comment. The exchange was cut short due to procedural issues.
• David Morton (Redmond 98053) addressed three gaps in Redmond's water management programs: (1) the Stormwater and Surface Water Systems Plan (SSWSP) is still not publicly available, though he noted its inclusion in the annual docket is encouraging; (2) Redmond lacks a formal one-water governance structure, with water programs managed in silos; (3) the 2016 Water Supply Plan is outdated, lacks local shortage triggers, and needs a climate-informed update. He urged that these issues be addressed through the docket or council action.

Discussion Items

• Temporary Non-Commercial Signs Report Approval: The commission reviewed a final report reflecting prior changes. After confirming no corrections, the report was moved to approve and forwarded to the City Council for their committee of the whole meeting on June 2, 2026.
• 2026-2027 Annual Comprehensive Plan Docket Study Session: Senior Planner Glenn Coyle presented five city-initiated amendments: (1) Stormwater and Surface Water Systems Plan, (2) Industrial Zone Study (land use and zoning map amendments), (3) Neighborhood Element update to align with Redmond 2050, (4) Repeal of old neighborhood connections maps, and (5) Update to the Transportation Facilities Plan. The commission reviewed the docketing threshold criteria analysis (Attachment A). All items met the criteria except one—a proposal related to housing displacement incentives that the commission had previously asked staff to review. That proposal was found not to meet the criteria. The commission discussed whether to add it to the docket. Commissioner Coleman argued for inclusion, but after debate, the consensus was to proceed only with the items that meet the criteria. The housing displacement issue will be addressed through the Housing Action Plan and Human Services Strategic Plan, which are already being updated and will include community engagement. The commission will hold a public hearing on the docket at a future meeting, with a recommendation to council by July 7, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Temporary Non-Commercial Signs Report: Approved (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstention) and forwarded to the City Council.
• Annual Docket: The commission will move forward with the five city-initiated amendments that meet the docketing criteria. The housing displacement incentives proposal will not be added to the docket; instead, it will be considered through the Housing Action Plan and Human Services Strategic Plan updates, which are expected to come before the commission later in 2026.
• Staff Updates: The commission will continue interviews for a youth advisory position. Upcoming council actions include votes on legislative conformance, fences, and business code amendments, as well as a public hearing on commercial drone land use regulations.
• Commissioner Discussion: Commissioner Coleman raised concerns about public behavior at meetings, specifically regarding an individual who made abusive comments. Chair Weston indicated that staff is working with the city attorney to establish appropriate rules for public comment that balance free speech with the commission's focus on planning-related matters.