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Home Business in Redwood City, CA (2026)

3 verified home business rules for Redwood City, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Zoning & Home Occupation Permits

In Redwood City a home occupation is a business conducted within a dwelling unit by its residents that is incidental to the residential use of the home, and it must meet the zoning code's home-occupation standards.

Redwood City Home Occupation Standards

Some Restrictions

Redwood City Zoning Code sec. 31.12

Home occupation means a business enterprise that is conducted within a dwelling unit by the residents of the dwelling unit and is incidental to the residential use of the dwelling unit. Examples include cottage food operations, handicrafts, consulting, and home offices for off-site business-activity such as landscaping and instruction. A family childcare home is not considered a home occupation...

Signage Rules

Redwood City bans signage that advertises a home-based business, full stop. City Code Section 3.72 lists "Home Based Occupation Signs" among sign types prohibited citywide, and Section 3.84's residential signage rules state directly that signs advertising home occupations are prohibited.

Redwood City Home Occupation Sign Ban

Heavy Restrictions

Redwood City Code §§ 3.72(F), 3.84

Unless expressly allowed by another provision of this Article, no person shall install or maintain any of the following signs at any location in the City: ... F.Home Based Occupation Signs: ... Signs advertising home occupations are prohibited.

Home Daycare

Redwood City treats a licensed Small or Large Family Child Care Home as a residential use, not a home occupation, and permits it outright in any zoning district as long as the provider lives there, holds a state license, and keeps the operation clearly secondary to residential use.

Redwood City Family Child Care Home Rules

Light Restrictions

Redwood City Zoning Code sec. 39.4

39.4 - Family Child Care Homes. Small and Large Family Child Care Homes shall be considered a residential use of property for the purposes of this Article and shall be permitted outright in a legal dwelling unit in any Zoning District. Family Child Care Homes are not subject to the requirements of Home Occupations and shall be subject to the following:1.The Facility provider shall possess a cur...

Looking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Redwood City city rules.

Home Business in San Mateo County