Redmond staff proposes 20-foot rear setback for alley-loaded townhouses; council backs sending change to planning commission

City staff previewed a proposed amendment to the development code that would raise the rear setback for alley-loaded townhouses from the current 5 feet to 20 feet, saying the change is intended to reduce alley parking, improve fire and emergency access, and increase livability.

The proposal drew support from multiple councilors at the informal meeting. A planning staff member said staff is "proposing to bump that up to 20 feet," noting that a standard off-street parking space requires about 20 feet of length and that many vehicles—including pickup trucks—are longer than the existing setback accommodates.

Councilor Kat said she supports requiring deeper garages or offering a variance option, adding that a 24-foot-deep garage with an eight-foot door plus a 15-foot driveway would allow for both garage and driveway parking. Other councilors echoed concerns about safety in narrow alleys and the livability of small backyards when fronting garages are too shallow.

Rather than adopting a single exception, the council favored sending the proposal to the planning commission for review; staff said the planning commission will continue the hearing and is scheduled to make a recommendation that will return to council for a formal review on Feb. 10.

Next steps: the council agreed to forward the setback proposal to the planning commission at its hearing next week; the commission’s recommendation will be considered by the council at the Feb. 10 meeting.