Redmond previews public-works code updates covering urban forestry, irrigation, cross-connection, cemetery rules and SDC clarifications

Redmond public works staff presented a package of public-works code changes aimed at clarifying existing practice and improving safety and maintenance.

Lindsey Kromsite, assistant city engineer, said the urban-forestry changes will specify pruning heights: 14 feet above drivable roadways and 8 feet above sidewalks, and will update the downtown street-tree maintenance map (last updated in 2005). Kromsite also said the city will add an informal arborist conversation step before formal appeals.

On irrigation, staff proposed tightening the allowable watering window to 7 p.m.–7 a.m. to reduce evaporation and align with conservation goals, while exempting drip systems, city and school uses for special events, and hoses/sprayers. Councilors raised concerns about residents without automated systems and suggested considering slightly later morning windows for practical access.

Staff said the cross-connection/backflow provisions will be made more specific in code to reflect the city’s existing backflow-prevention program and to specify maintenance and penalty expectations by land use; Kromsite said these changes follow ORS requirements. Cemetery-code changes will modernize mapping references to interactive maps, correct headstone-size language and restrict items that hinder maintenance, such as shepherd hooks.

Staff also explained SDC practice clarifications: SDCs are assessed using the fee schedule in effect on the date an applicant submits a building-permit application and are due before permit issuance; transportation SDCs will honor trip counts from earlier transportation-system analyses to avoid redundant work. Staff said text amendments and the formal public hearing are scheduled in coming weeks.

Next steps: staff will provide more detailed text at the next informal meeting and pursue public notice for hearings; staff indicated a public hearing and potential adoption could occur Feb. 10.