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 Parking That Doesn’t Meet Current Requirements new construction or demolition and reconstruction of Single family homes in a R Zoning District that do 1,000 square feet or more, excluding detached not comply with current parking requirements may garages. If the detached garage also has living space still be expanded provided that: adjacent or above, this entire square footage qualifies • Existing parking spaces are covered and legally towards the 1,000 square feet. Please speak with established Building Services if you need further information on • The addition does not occupy existing available this requirement. parking area • The structure has no more than 3 bedrooms or 2,000 sq. ft. of living area after the addition is Open Space – Properties in the R-2, RG, R-3, R-4 and R- complete; 5 Zoning District have open space requirements. • Minimum driveway width of 9 ft. is provided. See Article 32.9 for more information.

Hillside Homes – Homes located on sites with an Fences, Sheds and Pools – Separate requirements are average slope of 30% or more may be subject to located in our Fences, Sheds, and Pools brochure. additional requirements.

City of Redwood City - Planning and Housing Division 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA 94063 [email protected] / (650) 780-7234

RH, R-1 and R-2 R-3, R-4, and R-5 Notes Maximum Lot Coverage 40% 60% Lot Coverage –the percentage Floor Area Ratio of the lot covered by None None (FAR) Limitation buildings, excluding eaves, Varies. Check individual Maximum paved areas or uncovered Building Height 2.5 stories , 28 feet zoning district recreational facilities. requirements. 2 covered spaces for homes with 4 bedrooms or fewer. Side Yard Setbacks – may be Parking Each bedroom above 4 requires an additional 0.5 space. reduced for lots less than 60 Requirements For example, a 5-bedroom house requires 3 covered feet wide or for homes with spaces. irregular side yards. Reduction in side yard setbacks will affect your required front and rear setbacks. Please speak REAR YARD with a planner for more 20 ft. min. information. 25 ft. min. for RH Architectural Features – including chimneys, bay windows, and canopies, may extend into any required yard Second story setbacks can maintain the no more than 3 feet. minimum side yard setbacks a STREET maximum of 25% of the lot depth, or SIDE Garage Dimensions – Two-car 35 feet, whichever is less. YARD garages must be 19 feet wide

Corner

” by 20.5 feet deep clear of any Remaining portions of the second floor lots must cabinets, appliances, or other must have a minimum setback equal to have a 15 obstructions. One-car garages SIDE one-half the height measured ft. setback must be 10 feet wide by 20.5

YARD STREET “B at plateline or ridgebeam, from the 6 ft. min. feet in depth clear interior whichever is highest. property 7 ft. min. dimensions. line and 15 ft. Driveways for Rear Garages – combined must be at least 9 feet in for RH) surface width, with 10 feet GARAGE width of unobstructed area. 20 ft. setback There must be a minimum of FRONT YARD for any 25 feet in backup distance 15 ft. min. garage or between the rear garage and 25 ft. min. for RH carport any structure.

STREET “A”

Revised Jan 2014