Home Remodeling in Redmond

27 percent of Redmond homes were built in 2010 or later

Of the 35,104 housing units the Census Bureau counted in Redmond for 2020 to 2024, 9,473 of them went up in 2010 or later. The median home was built in 1993, and just 574 date from before 1940. Houses that young postdate the 1978 federal ban on lead paint in homes, so the usual old-house line items shrink, and budgets go further on layout, finishes and systems.

Source: Census ACS 2020-2024, Year Structure Built, Redmond

Groundwater supplies 40 percent of Redmond's drinking water

Redmond protects its municipal wells with two Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas. CARA I covers ground where water takes up to five years to reach a city well, which the city calls the most vulnerable to pollution; CARA II covers the 10 year zone. After 13 years of study, the City Council restricted temporary construction dewatering, meaning pumping groundwater out of an excavation, to utilities, elevator pits and footings inside the recharge area, effective June 28, 2025. A deep basement dig here gets checked against that rule early.

Source: City of Redmond, Groundwater and Wellhead Protection

Redmond requires a permit for any tree 6 inches across

The city's January 2025 tip sheet says removing any significant tree, meaning a trunk at least 6 inches thick measured 4.5 feet off the ground, needs a Tree Removal Permit. Developed lots up to 10,000 square feet may remove up to two a year, lots up to 20,000 square feet four, lots up to 30,000 six and larger lots eight. Landmark trees, over 30 inches, need a Tree Exception Request and an arborist report, and each one removed is replaced with three new trees. Trees in wetlands, stream buffers and landslide areas stay unless an arborist finds them hazardous.

Source: City of Redmond, Tree Removal Tip Sheet, January 2025

How much are building permit fees for a remodel in Redmond?

Redmond's 2026 table charges $1,984.02 for the first $100,000 of declared value plus $11.20 for each additional $1,000, so a $150,000 remodel pays $2,544.02. Plan review adds 65 percent of that fee, a 4 percent technology surcharge applies, and the state charges $6.50. Electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits are billed separately.

Does Redmond use MyBuildingPermit?

No. Redmond runs its own system. Most residential permits start with the Plan Review Online request form, and a permit technician then sends instructions to upload plans to the Redmond ePermitting Service, or REPS. You can also apply in person at the Development Services Center at 15670 NE 85th Street, first come, first served.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Redmond?

Yes, for every significant tree, which Redmond defines as 6 inches or wider at 4.5 feet. Developed lots up to 10,000 square feet may remove up to two a year, rising to eight on lots over 30,000 square feet. Landmark trees over 30 inches need a Tree Exception Request with an arborist report and three replacement trees.

Can I build a basement in Redmond?

You can, but check the groundwater rules first. Redmond draws 40 percent of its drinking water from wells, and since June 28, 2025 temporary construction dewatering inside the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area is limited to utilities, elevator pits and footings. If a new basement would need groundwater pumped out during construction, raise it with the city before design.

Do I need a permit to replace windows or a roof in Redmond?

Usually not. Replacing windows in existing openings is exempt if the opening stays the same size and the operable part does not shrink. Composition, metal or similar roofing weighing under 4 pounds per square foot is also exempt. New openings, heavier roofing or structural changes need a building permit from the city.