SIGN PERMITS

The City of Redwood City regulates the number, size, location and design of signs in the city. This review and regulation is necessary in order to achieve a safe and aesthetic design of signs throughout the community. In general, wall-mounted signs, awning signs, free standing signs, name plates and under canopy signs are permitted. Prohibited signs include A-frame signs, animated signs, billboards, and roof signs.

The maximum area of signs permitted on a parcel is 1.5 square feet of sign area for every lineal foot of lot frontage on a public street. For parcels with multiple businesses, a sign program can help ensure equal distribution of sign areas.

Architectural approval of any new or modified sign is reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee, which meets twice a month. The fee for Architectural Review is $35.00 for a tenant sign, or $150.00 for a sign program. In addition, the Building Division charges a Sign Permit Fee based on valuation. Please see the Sign Design Guidelines and contact the Planning Division before you sign a contract to purchase a sign.

BUSINESS LICENSES:

The Planning and Redevelopment Division reviews all proposals for changes in business use, building use, or property use for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance including parking requirements. This review is necessary to ensure that the proposed use is located in the appropriate zoning district. After approval, the applicant may then secure a Business License, Building Permit, or other required city approval.

PARKING REQUIREMENTS:

Redwood City requires that adequate off-street parking be provided for all new or expanded uses. In general, the parking requirements are:

RETAIL:

One space for each 200 square feet of gross floor area

OFFICE:

One space for each 300 square feet of gross floor area.

INDUSTRIAL/MANUFACTURING PLANTS

One space for every two employees on the maximum working shift, but in no case less than one space for each 600 square feet of floor area. Please refer to the Zoning Ordinance and Planning Division for specifics.

ZONING CONFORMANCE:

Before buying or leasing a building, check with the Planning Division to make sure that the proposed use is in conformance with the zoning for the property. In some cases a Use Permit may be required which will add time to the approval process. If you have any questions, call 780-7234, or go to the permits counter at City Hall and speak with a planner.

BUILDING EXTERIOR RENOVATION

How to obtain an Architectural Permit:
Applications may be obtained by going to the permits counter at City Hall. Please ask for the information sheet, which describes what materials are required to submit a design proposal.

Important:
Be sure that all the required materials are submitted with the application so there will be no processing delay (refer to the information sheet).

Applications for single-family dwellings and duplexes are usually reviewed within two weeks. Signs are reviewed twice a month. Other applications will require at least three weeks for review, while some of the larger or more complex projects will require additional time.

HOME OCCUPATION:

The City of Redwood City Planning & Redevelopment reviews proposals for home occupations within the residential zoning districts of the city. This review is necessary to ensure that businesses conducted within the home do not interfere with the primary residential use of the area. Home occupations are allowed with the following conditions:

A. The use is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for dwelling purposes.

B. The use is conducted entirely within a dwelling and is carried on exclusively by inhabitants thereof.

C. The use does not change the character of the dwelling or adversely affect the uses permitted in the residential district.

D. The use creates no additional traffic and requires no additional parking spaces.

E. No persons are employed other than that necessary for domestic purposes

F. No indoor or outdoor storage of materials, equipment, or supplies, other than that necessary for domestic purposes, shall exist.

G. Not more than one-fourth of the area of one floor of said dwelling is used for such use.

H. The entrance to the space devoted to such use is from within the building, and no internal or external alterations or construction features not customarily used in the dwelling is involved.

BUILDING ALTERATIONS:

Nearly all structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing alterations require a Building Permit. Should you have any questions, please contact the Building Division at 780-7350.