Landscaping Rules in Redwood City, CA (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Redwood City, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Private tree trimming on private property does not require a city permit in Redwood City. Trees near overhead utility lines may require coordination with PG&E. Street trees require city approval before any work.
Redwood City Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code § 4291
(1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced ...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Cutting, moving, or removing a protected tree anywhere in Redwood City requires a permit from the Parks and Recreation Director under Code Sec. 35.3. The Director investigates within 10 days of application and weighs disease, construction impact, erosion, neighborhood tree density, and forestry practice before deciding.
Redwood City Tree Removal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsRedwood City Code § 35.3
It is hereby declared unlawful for any person to cut, move, or remove or cause to be cut, moved or removed any tree, unless such person first obtains a permit from the Parks and Recreation Director to do so in a manner prescribed by him for such removal.
Weed Ordinances
Redwood City makes it unlawful for an owner or occupant of property fronting an improved street with cement sidewalks or curbs to allow grass, weeds, dirt, rubbish, or other obstructions to accumulate or grow in the walk area from curb to property line.
Redwood City Sidewalk-Area Weed and Rubbish Rule
Heavy RestrictionsRedwood City Code sec. 14.9
It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having control of any building, lot or premises in the City, fronting on any improved street where cement sidewalks or cement curbs are laid, either as owner, lessee, tenants or tenant, to allow upon any part of the entire width of the walk area along the building, lot or premises, from curb to property line, any grass, weeds, dirt, rubbish or other...
Water Restrictions
New landscapes over 500 square feet, and rehabbed landscapes over 2,500 square feet, in Redwood City must meet the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance's soil and mulch standards, incorporating compost and applying a minimum mulch layer, under Municipal Code Section 47.120, as a condition of the required permit or design review.
Redwood City Water-Efficient Landscape Rules
Some RestrictionsRedwood City Code sec. 47.120
Property owners or their building or landscape designers, including anyone requiring a building or planning permit, plan check, or landscape design review from the City, who are constructing a new (single-family, multi-family, public, institutional, or commercial) project with a landscape area greater than five hundred (500) square feet, or rehabilitating an existing landscape with a total land...
Looking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Redwood City city rules.
Landscaping Rules in San Mateo County →