Redwood City, CA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)

Chapter 20, Division 11 lets the City Council designate residential permit parking areas by resolution. The Director (Community Development and Transportation Director) issues residential parking permits to an owner, resident, or authorized guest who has a motor vehicle currently registered in their name or lawfully in their possession, after the applicant proves residency and vehicle ownership or control, under Section 20.201. No more than three permits may be issued to a single residential address within a permit area, unless the Council sets a different cap by resolution for that area, and each permit is valid for up to one year, renewable before January 15 (Section 20.202).

Residents can also get visitor parking permits: up to 10 total per dwelling unit per year, limited to 5 one-day permits and 2 fourteen-day permits outstanding at any one time (Section 20.203). Permits must be affixed to the lower corner of the rear window on the driver's side, visible from outside (Section 20.204). Once the Council designates an area, the City Manager posts signs stating the restricted hours, which default to 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excluded, unless a resolution sets different hours for that specific area (Section 20.207).

Permits terminate on sale or transfer of the vehicle, relocation of the permittee outside the area, or expiration (Section 20.206). Emergency, fire, police, public utility and other official vehicles are exempt outright, and commercial vehicles loading or delivering goods, or delivering materials for repair or construction work under an active building permit, are exempt from the posted time restriction (Section 20.209).