A Resident's Guide to Redwood City's Local Ordinances

Redwood City, California may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 38 tracked ordinances across 11 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Animal Ordinances

Beekeeping: Redwood City does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. Beekeeping may be subject to nuisance provisions if bees disturb neighbors.

Also covered: Dog Leash Laws (moderate), Exotic Pets (moderate), Breed Restrictions (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Redwood City for details.

Parking Rules

RV & Boat Parking: Redwood City permits RVs, boats, and trailers on private residential property if they are registered as operable. Street parking of oversized vehicles is subject to the 72-hour rule and height/length restrictions..

Also covered: Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), Street Parking Limits (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Redwood City for details.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: Redwood City Zoning Code Articles 5 (R-1 / RH), 6 (R-2), and 36 (Exterior Site Improvements) treat a carport as an accessory building. In R-1 and R-2 districts, a carport entrance or garage door must sit at least 20 feet behind the front property line, and the carport itself must meet the main building's interior side-yard setback and at least a 6-foot rear-yard setback under Section 36.5.

Also covered: Garage Conversions (moderate), ADU Rules (moderate), Shed Rules (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Redwood City for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Permit Requirements: Redwood City requires STR operators to obtain a permit and business license. STRs must be the host's primary residence.

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (moderate), Insurance Requirements (moderate), Parking Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Redwood City for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Pool fences in Redwood City must be greater than 5 feet high (California requires minimum 60 inches), self-latching, self-closing, with no climbable protrusions, vertical ground clearance under 2 inches, and no gaps over 4 inches..

Also covered: Safety Rules (moderate), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Redwood City for details.

Fire Regulations

Fire Pit Rules: Outdoor fire pits using wood or solid fuel are subject to BAAQMD Spare the Air restrictions and are banned on alert days. Redwood City's fire risk and BAAQMD jurisdiction effectively prohibit most recreational wood burning..

Also covered: Fireworks (strict), Outdoor Burning (strict). See the full fire regulations guide for Redwood City for details.

Home Business

Zoning Restrictions: Home-based businesses in Redwood City require a Home Occupation Permit under the Zoning Code. The business must be incidental to the residential use, with no exterior evidence of commercial activity or non-resident employees..

Also covered: Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate), Signage Rules (moderate). See the full home business guide for Redwood City for details.

Landscaping Rules

Water Restrictions: Redwood City is served by Cal Water (California Water Service). Outdoor watering restrictions apply under state drought regulations.

Also covered: Grass Height Limits (moderate), Tree Trimming (moderate), Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Redwood City for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Parts of Redwood City near the Bay and Redwood Creek are in FEMA flood zones. New construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas requires elevation to Base Flood Elevation plus freeboard.

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: Max fence height in Redwood City: 3 ft (solid) or 5 ft (open-top) in the front-yard 15-ft setback, 7 ft on side and rear yards, and 5 ft+ for pool barriers. Permits aren't required under 7 ft.

Also covered: Permit Requirements (moderate), Neighbor Fence Rules (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Redwood City for details.

Noise Ordinances

Construction Hours: Redwood City prohibits construction noise in residential areas outside of 7 AM–8 PM weekdays. Construction on weekends and holidays is prohibited if it exceeds local ambient noise levels.

Also covered: Quiet Hours (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Redwood City for details.

What to Do With This Information

Whether you are renting, buying, or renovating in Redwood City, knowing the local rules upfront saves headaches later. Dig into the individual ordinance pages linked above for the complete picture, including fines and exemptions.