Business Licensing & Operations in Redwood City, CA (2026)
4 verified business licensing & operations rules for Redwood City, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Redwood City Sexually Oriented Business Permit
Significant RestrictionsRedwood City Municipal Code § 18B.4
Every person who proposes to maintain, operate or conduct a sexually oriented business in the City shall file an application for a sexually oriented business regulatory permit with the Zoning Administrator upon a form provided by said Administrator, and shall pay a nonrefundable filing fee in an amount established by resolution adopted by the Council. The sexually oriented business regulatory p...
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.
Redwood City Massage Certification Requirement
Significant RestrictionsRedwood City Code sec. 18A.3
It shall be unlawful for any individual to practice massage therapy for compensation as a sole proprietorship or employee of a massage business or in any other capacity within the City of Redwood City unless that individual is a certified massage practitioner.B.Businesses. It shall be unlawful for any business to provide massage for compensation within the City of Redwood City unless all indivi...
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.
Redwood City Tobacco Retailer Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsRedwood City Code § 15.20
A.Chapter 4.98 "Tobacco Retailer Permit" of Title 4 of the Code of Ordinances of San Mateo County, as it may be amended in the future, is hereby adopted by reference and made effective in the City of Redwood City. Certified copies of San Mateo County Code Chapter 4.98 of Title 4 as adopted hereby, have been deposited with the City Clerk, and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk fo...
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.
Redwood City Secondhand Auto Parts Dealer Permit
Significant RestrictionsRedwood City Code § 7.5
It is hereby declared unlawful for any person within the City to engage in the business of wrecking or taking apart any automobile for the purpose of salvaging all or any part thereof or for the purpose of selling all or any part thereof without first securing a permit and license so to do from the City Council.
Looking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Redwood City city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in San Mateo County →