Redwood City, CA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- All commercial cannabis banned unless listed
- Nurseries allowed in
- IR, LII, IP, GI districts only
- Storefront retail permitted
- DTTP, MUC, MUN, MUT, MUW, CN, GC, LII
- Storefront retail conditional
- DTPP, MUT, LII, IR, IP (Use Permit required)
- Personal cultivation cap
- 6 living plants, indoors only
- Permit required
- Cannabis Business Permit (Code Ch. 32, Art. V, Div. 7)
Summary
Redwood City bans all commercial cannabis activity except specific licensed uses in industrial and select commercial districts. Storefront retail needs a Cannabis Business Permit plus a use permit in most zones, and cultivation beyond small indoor nurseries is prohibited citywide.
59.4 - Permitted Commercial Cannabis Activity. Commercial cannabis activity is prohibited except as stated below.
A. Cultivation. 1. Nursery. Indoor nurseries are permitted in the IR, LII, IP, and GI Zoning Districts, subject to Section 59.5 (Minimum Distance Requirements) and the following: a. A Use Permit. b. A Cannabis Business Permit, as described in Municipal Code, Chapter 32, Article V, Division 7 (Regulation of Cannabis Businesses). 2. All Other Cultivation. All other types of cultivation are prohibited in all zoning districts. B. Delivery Center (Non-Storefront Retail). 1. Delivery centers are permitted as of right in the IR, LII, IP and GI Zoning Districts, subject to Section 59.5... D. Storefront Retail. 1. Storefront retail is permitted in the same manner as a retail use in the DTTP (Entertainment District, Downtown Core), MUC, MUN, MUT, MUW, CN, GC, LII Zoning Districts... 2. Storefront retail is conditionally permitted in the same manner as a retail use in the DTPP (Downtown General), MUT, LII, IR and IP Zoning District subject to Section 59.5... a. A Use Permit. b. A Cannabis Business Permit
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Zoning Code: Supplement 29 | City Code: Supplement 61 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
4 states commercial cannabis activity is prohibited except as specifically permitted. Indoor cannabis nurseries are allowed only in the IR, LII, IP and GI Zoning Districts, and only with both a Use Permit and a Cannabis Business Permit under Municipal Code Chapter 32, Article V, Division 7. Every other type of cultivation, including outdoor cultivation of any kind, is prohibited in all zoning districts. 5. Storefront retail is treated like an ordinary retail use, and permitted with a Cannabis Business Permit, in the DTTP (Downtown Core), MUC, MUN, MUT, MUW, CN, GC and LII districts, but is only conditionally permitted (requiring a discretionary Use Permit in addition to the Cannabis Business Permit) in the DTPP (Downtown General), MUT, LII, IR and IP districts.
6 separately allows indoor personal cultivation of up to six living plants per residence, not visible from a public place. 2. Article 59 was rewritten in full by Ordinance No. 1130-370 on November 13, 2017, replacing the former medical marijuana distribution facility rules, and has been amended five times since, most recently by Ordinance No. 1130-386 on July 24, 2023.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Article 59 are enforced through the remedies in Zoning Ordinance Article 50, and Section 59.7 makes each violation and each day of a continuing violation a separate, distinct offense subject to its own penalty. Section 59.8 also declares any use or condition violating the Article a public nuisance, which the City may abate directly through Article 50 procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a cannabis dispensary anywhere in Redwood City?
Is outdoor cannabis cultivation allowed for a business in Redwood City?
Can I grow cannabis at home in Redwood City?
What happens if a cannabis business operates without the required permits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redwood City
California rules heatmap·Compare Redwood City to another location·View the California cannabis regulations overview
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