Single-Family Home Requirements in the
R Zoning Districts
This brochure summarizes requirements for remodels and additions to single-family homes located in
the RH, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 Zoning Districts. If your home is located in another zoning district, please
consult a planner for requirements specific to your zone. A separate brochure is available for site work such as
sheds, fences, arbors, pools, spas and tree removal.
Planning an Addition or Remodel? Get started with the following steps:
1. Zoning - Check the zoning of your property at http://pubgis.redwoodcity.org/gis/
2. Historic Status – Confirm whether the property has been evaluated and found to have potential historic
significance or has been designated as a historic resource. Planning staff can assist with this.
3. Zoning Requirements – See the reverse side of the sheet for setback, height, lot coverage, or other design
requirements.
4. Permits Needed – If you are planning to do a second-story addition or second-story remodel that involves
any exterior modifications, including decks, an Architectural Permit with the Planning Division will be
required prior to submittal of a building permit application. Single-story additions that meet all zoning
requirements will require a building permit only.
Things to Know
Fire Sprinklers – Fire sprinklers are required for any
new construction or demolition and reconstruction of
1,000 square feet or more, excluding detached
garages. If the detached garage also has living space
adjacent or above, this entire square footage qualifies
towards the 1,000 square feet. Please speak with
Building Services if you need further information on
this requirement.
Open Space – Properties in the R-2, RG, R-3, R-4 and R5 Zoning District have open space requirements.
See Article 32.9 for more information.
Fences, Sheds and Pools – Separate requirements are
located in our Fences, Sheds, and Pools brochure.
Parking That Doesn’t Meet Current Requirements
Single family homes in a R Zoning District that do
not comply with current parking requirements may
still be expanded provided that:
• Existing parking spaces are covered and legally
established
• The addition does not occupy existing available
parking area
• The structure has no more than 3 bedrooms or
2,000 sq. ft. of living area after the addition is
complete;
• Minimum driveway width of 9 ft. is provided.
Hillside Homes – Homes located on sites with an
average slope of 30% or more may be subject to
additional requirements.
City of Redwood City - Planning and Housing Division
1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA 94063
planning@redwoodcity.org / (650) 780-7234
RH, R-1 and R-2
R-3, R-4, and R-5
40%
60%
None
None
Maximum Lot
Coverage
Floor Area Ratio
(FAR) Limitation
Maximum
Building Height
Parking
Requirements
Varies. Check individual
zoning district
requirements.
2 covered spaces for homes with 4 bedrooms or fewer.
Each bedroom above 4 requires an additional 0.5 space.
For example, a 5-bedroom house requires 3 covered
spaces.
2.5 stories , 28 feet
REAR YARD
20 ft. min.
25 ft. min. for RH
SIDE
YARD
6 ft. min.
7 ft. min.
and 15 ft.
combined
for RH)
Remaining portions of the second floor
must have a minimum setback equal to
one-half the height measured
at plateline or ridgebeam,
whichever is highest.
FRONT YARD
15 ft. min.
25 ft. min. for RH
GARAGE
20 ft. setback
for any
garage or
carport
STREET
SIDE
YARD
Corner
lots must
have a 15
ft. setback
from the
property
line
Lot Coverage –the percentage
of the lot covered by
buildings, excluding eaves,
paved areas or uncovered
recreational facilities.
Side Yard Setbacks – may be
reduced for lots less than 60
feet wide or for homes with
irregular side yards. Reduction
in side yard setbacks will
affect your required front and
rear setbacks. Please speak
with a planner for more
information.
Architectural Features –
including chimneys, bay
windows, and canopies, may
extend into any required yard
no more than 3 feet.
STREET “B”
Second story setbacks can maintain the
minimum side yard setbacks a
maximum of 25% of the lot depth, or
35 feet, whichever is less.
Notes
Garage Dimensions – Two-car
garages must be 19 feet wide
by 20.5 feet deep clear of any
cabinets, appliances, or other
obstructions. One-car garages
must be 10 feet wide by 20.5
feet in depth clear interior
dimensions.
Driveways for Rear Garages –
must be at least 9 feet in
surface width, with 10 feet
width of unobstructed area.
There must be a minimum of
25 feet in backup distance
between the rear garage and
any structure.
STREET “A”
Revised Jan 2014