Special Events & Permits in Redwood City, CA (2026)
5 verified special events & permits rules for Redwood City, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
Closing a Redwood City street for a neighborhood block party requires a Chief of Police permit under Code Sec. 33A.2. Residents must apply at least 10 days ahead, get majority consent from neighbors fronting the block, pay a City-set fee, and can appeal a denial to the City Manager within 72 hours.
Redwood City Block Party Street Closure Permit
Significant RestrictionsRedwood City Code §§ 33A.1, 33A.2
BLOCK PARTY means a local event, festival, celebration, concert or any similar occurrence to be conducted within an area not exceeding one (1) City block or one (1) intersection, in the City, at least two-thirds (⅔) of which area is residentially zoned and which is sponsored solely by such owners, residents or tenants and is not for commercial or advertising purposes or profit. ... It shall be ...
Park Event Permits
Redwood City requires a Temporary Exclusive Use Permit under Code Section 25.2.03 for park activities like groups of 25 or more, jumper structures, portable BBQs, overnight camping, amplified sound, live music, filming for commercial use, or selling merchandise. The Director sets fees and reviews every application case by case, and can require insurance and security.
Redwood City Park Event Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsRedwood City Code sec. 25.2.03
A.Temporary Exclusive Use Permit is required for the following activities in any Park or Park Building or Recreational Area:1.Any activity involving twenty-five (25) or more people;2.Use of any structures over twelve feet (12′) in any dimension including but not limited to shade structures;3.Use of jumper structures only at approved sites in designated parks;4.Use of portable BBQ but only at ap...
Parade Permits
A parade, march, or other gathering that closes a Redwood City block or intersection is regulated as a "special event" temporary street closure under Chapter 33A. Organizers need a Chief of Police permit filed at least 10 days ahead, City-set fees, event insurance, and written neighbor or business consent before the closure date.
Redwood City Parade and Special Event Permit
Significant RestrictionsRedwood City Code §§ 33A.1, 33A.10(B)
SPECIAL EVENT means an event, festival, celebration, concert or any similar occurrence to be conducted within an area of at least one (1) City block or one (1) intersection in the City. ... A special event permit (excluding within the Courthouse Square Event Area) shall be issued by the Chief of Police if he/she finds that all of the following circumstances exist: ...10.A majority of owners, re...
Street Fair Rules
Redwood City requires a Temporary Use Permit before any carnival, circus, concert, fair, festival, food event or similar large-crowd entertainment activity, on private or public property. The Zoning Administrator reviews applications with no public hearing, and a standard event permit runs up to 90 days, renewable once to 120 days within a 12-month period.
Redwood City Street Fair and Festival Permit
Some RestrictionsRedwood City Zoning Code § 31.19
A.Purpose. A Temporary Use Permit governs activities, uses, and structures that operate for a finite duration and are not otherwise permitted in the zoning district where they are located.B.Applicability. The following temporary activities, uses, and structures are permitted on private or public property subject to the issuance of a Temporary Use Permit unless otherwise permitted in the zoning ...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Redwood City lets restaurants add sidewalk or patio dining as an accessory outdoor use under Zoning Code Section 31.15, but only for restaurants that are already tenants, capped at the business's normal hours, and limited to 30% of a shopping center's non-accessible parking if sited in the lot.
Redwood City Sidewalk Cafe Dining Permit
Some RestrictionsRedwood City Zoning Code § 31.15.C-D.3
C.Applicability. These regulations apply to all permitted and conditionally permitted uses in commercial and mixed use zoning districts on private property. Uses in residential and industrial zoning districts are regulated individually in each zoning district. Accessory outdoor uses on public property must receive separate approval with an encroachment permit. Food trucks are not regulated by t...
Looking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Redwood City city rules.
Special Events & Permits in San Mateo County →