San Mateo County parcels are assigned BOTH a Use District (R-1, R-2, RH, C, M, A, RM) AND a paired Development Standards 'S' District (e.g., S-101, S-17, S-94) that sets specific setbacks, lot coverage, FAR, and height. Typical R-1/S-100-series residential setbacks: 20-25 ft front, 5-10 ft sides, 15-20 ft rear, with increased side setbacks on corner lots. The Design Review (DR) overlay, Coastal Zone, and Resource Management (RM) districts impose additional constraints.
Unincorporated San Mateo County uses a dual-district zoning system: the Use District (R-1 One-Family Residential, R-2, RH Residential Hillside, RM Resource Management, A Agricultural, etc.) sets what you can build, while the paired S-District (Development Standards) sets dimensional rules. Typical S-100 (minimum 5,000 sq ft R-1 lot) standards: 20 ft front, 5 ft side, 15 ft rear setbacks, 45% lot coverage, 36 ft height. S-17 (20,000 sq ft lots, common in Emerald Hills): 25 ft front, 10 ft sides, 20 ft rear, 35% coverage. Corner lots typically require the street-side setback to match the front setback. Resource Management and hillside districts often require larger setbacks, habitat buffers, and slope-stability reviews. Eaves may encroach up to 30 inches into a setback; chimneys and bay windows up to 2 feet. Decks under 30 inches above grade can project into rear setbacks. Variances require public hearing before the Planning Commission. ADUs have state-preempted reduced setbacks (4 ft side/rear) under Gov Code Β§65852.2. Coastal Zone projects may require Coastal Development Permits even for setback-compliant additions.
Building in setback: stop-work order under Building Code Β§114, retroactive variance required (public hearing) or removal. Fines $100-$1,000 per Β§1.04. Unpermitted structure in setback: may require demolition at owner cost.
Redwood City, CA
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Redwood City, CA
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Redwood City, CA
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Redwood City, CA
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Redwood City, CA
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Redwood City, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Mateo County.
See how Redwood City's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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