Redwood City, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Lot pervious
- ≥40% of lot
- Front yard pervious
- ≥60% of front yard
- Narrow-lot driveway
- Max 20 ft paved
- Code section
- RWC Zoning 5.9
Summary
In Redwood City's R-1/RH districts, at least 40 percent of each lot and 60 percent of the required front yard must remain pervious (landscaped, open, or permeable paving) to manage drainage, with a limited paved driveway allowance on narrow lots.
Pervious Requirements. At least forty percent (40%) of each lot and a minimum of sixty percent (60%) of the required front yard area shall be pervious. For lots less than fifty (50) feet in width, a maximum paved area twenty (20) feet wide may be permitted for driveway and parking areas.C.Stormwater Requirements. New development shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 27A (Stormwater Requirement Treatment Measures and Maintenance Program) of the Municipal Code. (Ord. No. 1130-363, § 4, 6-22-15)
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
Redwood City Zoning Code section 5.9 sets pervious area and stormwater requirements. 'Pervious' means areas with landscaping, vegetated open space, or permeable paving consistent with Section 32.12. At least forty percent of each lot and a minimum of sixty percent of the required front yard area must be pervious; for lots less than fifty feet wide, a maximum paved area twenty feet wide may be permitted for driveway and parking. New development must also comply with the Chapter 27A stormwater treatment requirements.
Violations & Fines
Paving over more than the allowed share of a lot or front yard, reducing required pervious area, violates Redwood City Zoning Code section 5.9 and is enforced by the Planning Division.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of my Redwood City yard can I pave?
What counts as pervious?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redwood City
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