The City of Redmond is preparing for major changes to its Parking Enforcement program, announcing plans to expand enforcement areas in 2026 and transition from its current contractor, Diamond Parking, to a fully city-run system in 2027.
City officials confirmed that Diamond Parking currently manages enforcement in Downtown Redmond. However, beginning in 2026, Parking Enforcement will extend to additional neighborhoods and business corridors.
By 2027, the City of Redmond will gradually assume direct control over enforcement operations, bringing the program in-house.
Downtown on-street parking continues to follow a two-hour time limit between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The rule does not apply on Sundays or on holidays when Redmond City Hall is closed.
City regulations prohibit drivers from moving their vehicles to another space on the same street to avoid a ticket. Under Redmond Municipal Code 10.52.105.B, a vehicle must be relocated to a street with a different name to reset the time limit. Violations result in a $29 citation, payable through King County Municipal Court.
Vehicles displaying a valid Disabled Parking Permit, as well as scooters and motorcycles, may park on-street all day. However, all vehicles must be moved within 24 hours to avoid citation or towing under the municipal code.
Redmond continues to offer a limited number of $50 monthly on-street permits. These permits allow all-day parking only in designated “Extended by Permit” zones clearly marked with signage. Permit holders must display their permit from the rear-view mirror and must also comply with the 24-hour movement rule.
Officials emphasized that recent and upcoming Parking Enforcement changes do not affect monthly permit privileges in designated zones.
The Redmond Central Connector parking lot, located at 7541 Leary Way NE near Bear Creek Parkway, remains open 24 hours a day. The lot provides 92 spaces and operates under a monitored pay-to-park system Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Drivers receive the first two hours free once per day. After that, parking costs $1 per additional hour plus tax and convenience fees. Payment must be made through mobile apps such as PayByPhone (Location #13869) or ParkMobile (Zone #271601), or by calling the designated payment numbers.
Parking personnel from Diamond Parking manually record license plates every two hours. Vehicles exceeding the free two-hour limit without payment receive citations. The lot does not allow in-and-out privileges, meaning returning vehicles must pay again if they exceed the free period.
The city implemented stricter Parking Enforcement beginning January 1, 2024, aligning downtown regulations with broader citywide standards. Officials eliminated warning notices; violations now result in immediate tickets.
City leaders say the enforcement expansion supports the Downtown Parking Management Strategic Plan approved by the City Council.
The goal is to increase turnover, improve safety, and ensure visitors have access to businesses, restaurants, and services. Officials also hope stronger Parking Enforcement will encourage residents and employees to use off-street parking or alternative transportation.
Towing, snow policy, and expanded enforcement zones
Vehicles parked longer than 24 hours on public streets may be impounded. Redmond Police handles towed vehicle inquiries.
During severe weather or when City Hall closes due to inclement conditions, the city may suspend on-street Parking Enforcement for safety reasons.
Past ordinances have also expanded downtown enforcement boundaries to additional streets, including sections of 165th Avenue NE, 166th Avenue NE, Bear Creek Parkway, Redmond Way, and surrounding corridors.
The planned 2027 transition marks a significant operational shift. By moving Parking Enforcement in-house, the City of Redmond aims to improve accountability, streamline oversight, and respond more directly to community feedback.
More detailed timelines and maps outlining the 2026 expansion areas are expected to be released as implementation approaches.
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