20C.30.15 Residential Zones.

20C.30.15-010 Purpose.

The purpose of this division is to describe the desired intent for development in each residential zone of Redmond. The zones range in character and intensity from rural to semi-rural, suburban and urban. The intent of each zone is based on the policies contained in the City of Redmond Comprehensive Plan (RCDG Title 20B) and the Comprehensive Land Use Designations as defined in Policies LU-32 through LU-35 of RCDG Title 20B. To complement the primarily residential nature of these zones, churches, schools, parks, and home businesses, as well as a limited number of other uses are also allowed in residential zones. (Ord. 2126; Ord. 1901)

20C.30.15-020 Semi-Rural Zone (RA-5).

The Semi-Rural zone maintains low semi-rural residential densities within the Urban Growth Area on lands not suited to intense urban uses and not already characterized by urban development. Densities in this zone shall not exceed one unit per five acres, exclusive of density bonuses. The Semi-Rural zone may be used to maintain the semi-rural character of lands with significant amounts of sensitive areas that make the land unsuited to urban development, that are not characterized by urban development, and that are not appropriate for long-term agriculture or forestry use. Land uses other than residential that may be appropriate and are allowed in the Semi-Rural zone would include uses that do not impact the primarily residential character and uses of the zone. (Ord. 2126; Ord. 1901)

20C.30.15-030 Large Lot Residential Zone (R-1).

The Large Lot Residential zone provides for residential neighborhoods for lands not suitable for urban development because of sensitive area or public facility limitations or for lands planned for equestrian uses with allowed densities of one dwelling unit per gross acre. Uses other than residential that are allowed in this zone may not affect the primarily residential uses and character of neighborhoods within this zone. Some of the nonresidential uses allowed in this zone, such as equestrian uses, are more practically suited for the Large Lot Residential zone than for more concentrated urban zones. (Ord. 2126; Ord. 1901)

20C.30.15-040 Low Density Residential Zones (R-2, R-3).

Low Density Residential zones provide for low density residential areas on lands not suitable for more intense urban development. Allowable densities are set at two and three dwelling units per gross acre. Nonresidential uses allowed in this zone must complement the primarily residential nature of neighborhoods within this zone. (Ord. 2126; Ord. 1901)

20C.30.15-050 Low-Moderate Density Residential Zones (R-4, R-5, R-6, Residential Innovative).

Low-Moderate Density Residential zones provide for primarily single-family residential neighborhoods on lands suitable for residential development with allowed densities of four, five, or six dwellings per gross acre. This designation provides for stable and attractive suburban residential neighborhoods that have a full range of public services and facilities. To complement the primarily residential nature of these zones, some nonresidential uses are allowed.

In addition to the general purposes of the Low-Moderate Density zone, the Residential Innovative zone promotes a type of single-family housing (smaller dwelling units) that responds to changing household sizes and ages (e.g., small families, single-person households, retirees). Promoting development of smaller dwelling units also helps to blend infill development with existing residential development in neighborhoods with a predominance of small to moderately sized homes. The Residential Innovative zone also promotes diversity in the size, type and price of new single-family development to provide opportunities for households of various sizes, ages and incomes to live in a neighborhood. (Ord. 2126; Ord. 1901)

20C.30.15-060 Moderate Density Residential Zones (R-8, R-12, R-18).

Moderate Density Residential zones provide for stable and attractive residential neighborhoods of small lot, single-family homes and attached single-family and multi-family residences on lands suitable for allowed densities of eight to 18 dwelling units per gross acre. These areas have a full range of public services and facilities and may have a character that is either suburban or urban. Land uses that are nonresidential are also allowed in this zone provided they complement and do not impact the primarily residential nature of the zone. (Ord. 2126; Ord. 1901)

20C.30.15-070 High Density Residential Zones (R-20, R-30).

High Density Residential zones provide for stable and attractive residential areas with allowed densities of 20 to 30 dwelling units per gross acre. These areas are urban in character and contain a full range of public services and facilities. These zones are appropriate where high levels of transit service are present or are likely to develop in the future, or where employment and commercial centers are located nearby. Although intended primarily for residential uses, some other complementary land uses are also allowed in these zones. (Ord. 2126; Ord. 1901)