Redwood City's Building Setbacks & Zoning: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles building setbacks & zoning a little differently. In Redwood City, California, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Setback Rules

Redwood City sets minimum setbacks for main buildings in its RH and R-1 single-family districts under Zoning Code Section 5.7. Front setbacks are 20 or 25 feet in RH and 15 feet in R-1, with 20 feet for R-1 garages and carports. Rear setbacks are 25 feet in RH and 20 feet in R-1. An R-1 interior side yard starts at 6 feet or half the building-face height, whichever is greater.

Key details: RH front setback: 20 feet under 10,000 sq ft lots; 25 feet at 10,000 or more. R-1 front setback: 15 feet; 20 feet for garages and carports. Rear setback: 25 feet in RH; 20 feet in R-1. RH side, first story: 7 feet on one side, 15 feet total for both sides. R-1 interior side, first story: 6 feet or half the face height, whichever is greater.

Section 5.7 itself prints no fine schedule or penalty amount. A main building that sits inside a required front, side or rear setback does not meet the section. Lots with an average slope of 15 percent or more are sloping lots under Section 5.8 and go through the Article 45 architectural permit review. The Director's 5-foot parking adjustment is discretionary, not a right.

Lot Coverage Limits

Redwood City caps total lot coverage at 40 percent of the lot area in the R-1 single-family and RH hillside districts. Accessory buildings carry a second limit: any combination of them can cover no more than 50 percent of the required rear yard. Section 5.5 of the Zoning Code, last amended by Ordinance 1130-892 on July 27, 2026, sets both numbers.

Key details: Total lot coverage cap: 40% of lot area in R-1 and RH. Accessory buildings combined: No more than 50% of the required rear yard. Minimum lot area: RH 10,000 sq ft; R-1 6,000 sq ft. Rear setback: RH 25 feet; R-1 20 feet. Pervious minimum: 40% of lot; 60% of required front yard.

Building or using land contrary to the Zoning Code is unlawful and a public nuisance under § 50.2. The Zoning Administrator, under the Planning Director, enforces the code and can issue citations; the Building Official enforces it at permit issuance, and under § 50.1 a permit issued in conflict with the code is null and void. An infraction under § 50.5 carries a fine up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within one year, and $500 for each additional violation within one year. Each day is a separate offense under § 50.6.

Structure Height Limits

In Redwood City's RH and R-1 single-family zoning districts, a building can be no taller than 28 feet and no more than 2.5 stories. Both caps apply at once. Detached accessory buildings follow a separate 16 foot limit under Section 36.5, and height is measured from every point of the roof straight down to the lower of finished or natural grade.

Key details: Maximum building height: 28 feet (RH and R-1 districts). Maximum stories: 2.5 stories, in addition to the 28 foot cap. Accessory building height: 16 feet total, 9 foot walls (Section 36.5). Basement counts as a story: When more than 6 feet above grade. Sloping lot threshold: Average slope of 15 percent or more.

Building or altering a structure above 28 feet or 2.5 stories violates the Zoning Code. Section 50.5 makes it an infraction punishable by a fine up to $100 for a first violation, up to $200 for a second violation of the same provision within one year, and up to $500 for each additional violation within that year. Under Section 50.6 each day is a separate offense. Section 50.2 declares the structure a public nuisance, and Section 50.1 voids any permit issued in conflict with the code. The Zoning Administrator can issue citations.

The Bottom Line

Redwood City's building setbacks & zoning rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Redwood City is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Redwood City can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, which shows when its source was last checked.