Redwood City's Business Licensing & Operations: The Rules That Matter

Redwood City maintains 130 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with business licensing & operations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Redwood City falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Massage Establishments

In Redwood City it is unlawful to practice massage therapy for compensation, as a sole proprietor, employee, or in any other capacity, unless the individual is a state-certified (CAMTC) massage practitioner, and the business must register with the City.

Key details: Practitioner must be: CAMTC certified. Business must: Register with the City. Applies to: Any paid massage practice. Code section: RCC 18A.3.

Practicing massage for compensation without CAMTC certification, or operating a massage business without registration, violates Redwood City Code section 18A.3.

This is one of the stricter rules in Redwood City's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Secondhand Dealers

Redwood City requires anyone wrecking, salvaging or dealing in secondhand automobile parts to get a permit and license from the City Council. The Council holds a noticed public hearing on every application and can suspend or revoke the license after a hearing on a complaint.

Key details: Licensing authority: Redwood City Council. Also requires: Police Department wrecking permit (§ 7.3). Hearing notice: Published at least 2 weeks before hearing. Complaint hearing wait: At least 5 days after service. Council power: Suspend or revoke license after hearing.

Conducting the wrecking, salvaging or secondhand auto parts business without the required City Council permit and license, or continuing to operate after the Council suspends or revokes the license under Section 7.12, is declared unlawful. Because Chapter 7 does not set its own fine, the City Code's general penalty in Section 1.7A applies: up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months imprisonment, or both, with each day of unlicensed operation chargeable as a separate violation under Section 1.7C.

Compared to other cities, Redwood City takes a harder line on secondhand dealers. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Adult Entertainment

Redwood City requires a Sexually Oriented Business Regulatory Permit from the Zoning Administrator before any adult business opens, plus a separate performer permit for anyone appearing seminude. Zoning Code Article 27 additionally bars such businesses within 1,000 feet of another SOB, a school, church, park, or residential zone.

Key details: Permit issuer: Zoning Administrator. Permit term: 1 year, renewable. SOB-to-SOB spacing: 1,000 feet, entrance to entrance. Buffer from schools/churches/parks: 1,000 feet, property line to line. Business hours allowed: 8:00 a.m. to midnight.

Operating without a valid regulatory or performer permit, letting an unpermitted person perform, or violating Section 18B.13's operating standards (hours, lighting, security staffing, under-18 admission) is a misdemeanor under the City's general penalty provisions and grounds for permit suspension or revocation after a hearing. A revoked or denied applicant may seek judicial review, and the City must file for declaratory relief within three business days of a written request.

This is one of the stricter rules in Redwood City's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Tobacco Retail License

Redwood City does not run its own tobacco retailer permit system: City Code Section 15.20 adopts San Mateo County Code Chapter 4.98 by reference, making the County's permit rules the law inside city limits. San Mateo County Health staff administer and enforce the permit, and the City reproduces the County's suspension, revocation and fine provisions directly in its own Article III.

Key details: Governing rule: San Mateo County Code Ch. 4.98, adopted by reference. Enforcing agency: San Mateo County Health Dept./Director (Sec. 15.21). 4th violation penalty: Permit revoked, 5-year bar (Sec. 15.22B4). Administrative fine: $500 first, $1,000 each later violation (Sec. 15.23B). Appeal body: San Mateo County Licensing Board (Sec. 15.22D).

Selling tobacco without a valid County-issued permit, or violating any permit condition, exposes a retailer to escalating suspension (30 days, then 90 days, then one year) and revocation with a five-year reapplication bar on a fourth violation within sixty months, plus administrative fines of up to $500 for a first violation and up to $1,000 for each later one, under Sections 15.22 and 15.23.

Compared to other cities, Redwood City takes a harder line on tobacco retail license. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Redwood City is tougher than many cities when it comes to business licensing & operations. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Redwood City, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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, where we track updates as they happen.