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Redwood City, in short
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property in Redwood City?
Yes, for a tree with a single trunk 38 inches around or more. The City’s code makes it unlawful to cut, move or remove one without first getting a permit from the Parks and Recreation Director. The code has the Director or a representative inspect the site within ten days after you apply.
The story of Redwood City
Redwood City, the county seat of San Mateo County, which the City says began as a port town of the Gold Rush.
The City’s history page says Redwood City was originally a port town during the Gold Rush before it became the County Seat of the newly formed San Mateo County in 1856. The General Plan’s history chapter says the town’s role as the judicial and administrative center of the county is reflected in four generations of courthouses on the same site.
The County of San Mateo’s page on its Ohlone-Portola Heritage Trail project speaks of “the history of the Ohlone people who lived in the area” along the trail’s route through San Mateo County.
The City’s history page says: “Originally a port town during the Gold Rush, Redwood City became the County Seat of the newly formed San Mateo County in 1856.”
The General Plan’s history chapter says the earliest landowners and residents shipped timber and agricultural products from “El Embarcadero”, in what is now Downtown Redwood City.
The City’s parks history page says that although the name Mezesville “has vanished into history”, “the present-day arrangement of Redwood City’s downtown streets can be traced to Mezes’ map.”
The General Plan’s history chapter says the town’s role as the judicial and administrative center of San Mateo County “is reflected in the fact that four generations of courthouses were constructed on the same site.”
Horace Hawes, known as the “Father of San Mateo County”, moved to Redwood City in 1857 and donated land for the city’s first schoolhouse in 1863, the City’s parks history page says.
The City says Redwood City was incorporated in 1867.
By the 1870s and 1880s, the General Plan’s history chapter says, Main Street and Broadway “boasted several hotels, saloons, and stables, as well as tin shops, butcher shops, barber shops, breweries, a flour mill, and a drug store.”
The same chapter says the waterfront industries included the Hanson-Ackerson Lumber Company, founded in the 1860s, and the S. H. Frank Tannery, founded in 1874, and that by the time the tannery opened “as many as 28 ships a day entered the Embarcadero to load products”.
Daniel R. Stafford served as City Clerk for 12 years and Mayor for 10 years and organized the Chamber of Commerce in 1892, the City’s parks history page says.
The General Plan’s history chapter says the Leslie Salt Company operated thousands of acres of salt ponds on the margins of the Bay northeast of the city from 1907 to 1978.
The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, the City’s parks history page says, has come a long way since a young man named Alfred “Red” Morton started a recreational softball league in 1937.
In 1946, the City’s parks history page says, Stafford gave the City eight lots of land for the park that now bears his name.
The same page says Morris Stulsaft’s projects in Redwood City included the Woodside Plaza and Roosevelt shopping centers and a 2,000 home housing development, and that he “was also influential in bringing Ampex to Redwood City”.
The Ampex Corporation opened its headquarters in Redwood City in 1951, the General Plan’s history chapter says, and became “a leading innovator in tape recording equipment”.
The General Plan’s history chapter says that in the mid-1960s Redwood City “annexed 25 square miles of tidelands and salt ponds located east of the U.S. 101, more than doubling the area of the city.”
The City’s history page says Downtown grew into “a vital center for commerce, government, and manufacturing in the early 20th Century, before declining in the 1960s and 1970s”, and that “During the late 1900s and early 2000s Downtown Redwood City began revitalizing, and this revitalization continues today.”
The City’s slogan, in its news release of October 1, 2026, is “Climate Best by Government Test”.
Fire safety
Your fire department
The Redwood City Fire Department is the City’s own. San Carlos’s page says “San Carlos partners with Redwood City for our fire and emergency services.” The City’s wildfire page tells residents to contact the Fire Department’s Community Risk Reduction Division.
Pages read Oct 29 2026
Roofs and gutters, from the City’s wildfire page
The page says: “Wind-driven embers can travel miles ahead of a fire and ignite homes in urban and suburban neighborhoods like Redwood City.” Among its advice it lists “Clean leaves and debris from roofs and gutters”.
Page undated, read Oct 29 2026
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Trimming and clearing
Grass must be trimmed. The City’s defensible space page also says: “Remove dead or dry leaves and pine needles from your yard, roof and rain gutters.”
Page undated, read Oct 29 2026
Hardening your home
The City’s Hardening Your Home page is a list of recommendations, not a rule. Of gutters it says: “Keep free and clear of leaves, needles, and other debris. Check and clean your gutters several times a year.” Of vents it says: “Cover vent openings with corrosion resistant metal screens with 1/8-inch mesh screening.”
Page undated, read Oct 29 2026
Defensible space inspection on request
The City’s Fire Prevention page lists a “Request for Defensible Space Inspection” form, effective 07-01-2025. By signing it the owner authorizes the Fire Department to “enter onto the named property to conduct a defensible space inspection”. The form says all fees must be paid before the inspection is scheduled, and that the hourly rate is in the City’s Master Fee Schedule.
Form effective 07-01-2025; page read Oct 29 2026
Looking up your address on the State’s map
The City’s wildfire page says the State has Fire Hazard Severity Zones and tells residents they can check their specific location on the State’s interactive map.
Page undated, read Oct 29 2026
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Redwood City this month
Storm season: the City’s Public Works Department has sandbags at its Corporation Yard, and a City news release of October 1, 2026 calls them “free sandbags from the City”. The storm page gives no hours, dates or limit, so call Public Works at (650) 780-7464 first.
The Redwood City blog starts when there is enough local news to keep it current.
Culture and history
Path of History
The City’s Path of History page invites you to “Step back in time, over 150 years, when much of Downtown Redwood City was made up of creeks and wharves.” It promises you will “Discover Wyatt Earp’s saloon, the hotel where President Herbert Hoover stayed, and why the town was originally called Mezesville.”
City page read Oct 29 2026
San Mateo County History Museum
The City’s news release of October 1, 2026 says the San Mateo County History Museum is “located in the county’s old courthouse”. More in The story of Redwood City, below.
News release of October 1, 2026, read Oct 29 2026
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Magical Bridge Playground
The City’s page says “Magical Bridge Playgrounds are universally designed to be a socially inclusive playground for everyone.”
City page read Oct 29 2026
Local History Collection
The City says the Redwood City Public Library’s Local History Collection covers the town’s development from the 1850s to the present day, with maps, city directories and over 5,500 photographs.
City page read Oct 29 2026
PortFest
The City’s page says “PortFest is a free community celebration and waterfront festival that takes place the first Saturday in October.”
City page read Oct 29 2026
Fourth of July
The City says Redwood City has hosted an Independence Day parade since 1939.
City page read Oct 29 2026
How the downtown streets began
The City’s parks history page says the name Mezesville “has vanished into history”, but “the present-day arrangement of Redwood City’s downtown streets can be traced to Mezes’ map.” More in The story of Redwood City, below.
City page read Oct 29 2026
Parks named for people
The City’s parks history page says Mezes, Hawes, Stafford and Stulsaft Parks “are named for people who played prominent roles in creating today’s Redwood City”. More in The story of Redwood City, below.
City page read Oct 29 2026
Community
Neighborhood associations
The City says “Some areas have their own organized neighborhood associations, affiliated with and recognized by the City”, and its page lists 17. It says they “are not to be confused with homeowners associations (HOAs) which are organized to manage their own privately-owned developments”.
Pages read Oct 29 2026; the list is dated May 7, 2025
CityTrees and Tree City USA
The City says Redwood City “has been a proud member of Tree City USA for over 35 years”. It names CityTrees as a volunteer organization formed in May of 2000 to promote and support urban forestry efforts.
City page read Oct 29 2026
City rules and regulations
Re-roofs in the City’s fee schedule
The City’s Master Fee Schedule lists “3. Reroof” among its building fees. The schedule is headed “MASTER FEE SCHEDULE FY 2025-2026”, so check the City’s fee page for this year’s amount. The City Code adopts the 2025 California building codes by reference, including the wildland-urban interface code (section 9.40), and the City’s Building FAQ says a building permit is required for all work not exempt under section 105.2 of the building code.
Schedule headed FY 2025-2026; read Oct 29 2026
Applying and inspections
To apply for a building or fire permit, the City asks for an application by upload and e-mail. In person, the City’s page says the counter is open “Monday – Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.” The inspection request line is (650) 780-7361.
Page undated, read Oct 29 2026; re-read the counter hours at staging
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The building code in force
The City’s building page carries the notice “New Building Code Effective January 1, 2026”. Sec. 9.40 of the City Code says Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which includes the 2025 California Building Codes with the Residential and Wildland-Urban Interface codes among those it lists, “are hereby adopted by reference, with the amendments, additions and modifications set forth hereinafter in this Chapter”.
Code read in Chrome Oct 29 2026, Supp. No. 61
Removing a tree on private property
The City Code defines a protected tree as a woody plant with a single trunk of 38 inches or more around, or a single trunk that the Park and Recreation Commission has found to have special significance, which is designated a “heritage tree”. The City’s Planning page says “The replanting of a minimum of one new tree for each tree removed is a normal condition of a Tree Removal Permit.” A Public Works handout of May 28, 2024 says removal on private property needs “A Certified Arborist’s written report”.
Code read in Chrome Oct 29 2026; handout of May 28, 2024
Street trees
The City says its Street Tree Ordinance “protects all street trees growing on public property adjacent to roadways throughout the city”. Public Works’ tree permit form says “A Tree Permit is required for all work on all trees in the Public Right of Way.” and “Tree Permits are FREE”, and its handout says “All Street Trees are protected, regardless of size.”
Pages and form read Oct 29 2026; the form shows no revision date
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Storms, flood and drainage
Free sandbags
The City’s storm page lists Public Works at (650) 780-7464 for fallen trees, flooding, sewer spills and blocked storm drains, and says “Visit to obtain sandbags.” A City news release of October 1, 2026 speaks of “free sandbags from the City”. The storm page gives no hours, dates or limit. The County’s free sandbags are for “County residents in unincorporated areas”; a Redwood City address uses the City’s.
Storm page undated and news release of October 1, 2026, read Oct 29 2026
Why the storm drains matter
The General Plan’s Public Safety Element says: “In Redwood City, localized flooding can occur when substantial rainfall overwhelms the capacity of storm drains to convey runoff to creeks or the Bay.” It adds: “Storm drains that are clogged with leaves and debris can also increase the chances of flooding during storms.” A City news release says “Keeping gutters and storm drains clear of leaves and debris helps rainwater move through the drainage system and can reduce localized flooding.” and does not say whether it means the roof’s gutters or the street’s.
Plan undated in its file; release of October 1, 2026; read Oct 29 2026
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Creeks on private property
The City’s Creekside Property Owner’s Guide of 2023 says Redwood City “has over 10 miles of creeks” and that “two types of creeks flowing through Redwood City: channelized and natural”. It says most of them are on private property.
Guide of 2023, read Oct 29 2026
The flood map
FEMA’s community status book lists Redwood City, community 060325, in the National Flood Insurance Program, with a current effective map dated 04/05/19. The General Plan says FEMA’s 2019 flood maps show the 100-year and 500-year flood areas, and that “The areas subject to 100-year floods are located nearest to the Bay, northeast of U.S. 101.” The City’s storm page says: “Obtain flood insurance if you are in a high-risk flood area. Homeowner insurance policies don’t cover flood damage.”
FEMA status book refreshed 2026-08-25; City page undated; read Oct 29 2026
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Programs, loans and insurance
Check back Habitat for Humanity home repair loans: check back
The City’s housing page lists Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco’s Home Preservation Program and says it “offers 0% interest forgivable loans for major home repair and improvement services for low-income homeowners in Redwood City”. The City’s list of what it covers includes “Replacing and repairing roofs, windows, and siding”. Habitat’s own page asks applicants to be owner-occupants, and it gives two different answers on whether applications are open, so check back.
City page undated, read Oct 29 2026
Rain barrel rebate
BAWSCA’s rain barrel rebate page lists “Redwood City” at “$200.00” in its table, with “City of Redwood City”. For a rain barrel of 200 gallons or more it shows “$150 (+ $50 from participating member agencies) = Up to $200 rebate per rain barrel”, with “Up to $150 rebate” for 100 to 199 gallons and “Up to $100 rebate” for 50 to 99 gallons. The amounts are “effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027”.
BAWSCA page, amounts effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027; read Oct 29 2026
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County-wide Safe at Home minor repairs (Rebuilding Together Peninsula)
The City’s housing page lists Rebuilding Together Peninsula’s Safe at Home programs, which it says “provide free home repair and modifications to low-income homeowners in San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County”. The program’s page says “certain larger repairs such as foundation work, roof replacement, and major plumbing or electrical system repairs” “are typically not covered by our funding”. Income must be no higher than “San Mateo County’s current ‘low’ income limit (80% AMI)”. To reach Safe at Home, call (650) 366-6597.
City page undated and program pages read Oct 14-29 2026
County-wide Resilient Homes (Climate Resilient Communities)
The City’s housing page lists Climate Resilient Communities’ Resilient Homes program, which it says “helps provide home repair/improvements focusing on home safety and energy conservation through weatherization and electrification.” The County’s notice describes the program as providing minor home repair “in San Mateo County and Redwood City”, with examples such as attic insulation, water heater wrapping and repair or replacement of doors, windows and fences. Neither names roof or gutter work.
City page undated and County notice read Oct 14-29 2026
County-wide EASE Home (BayREN): weatherization for moderate-income homes
The City’s housing page lists BayREN, which it says “offers rebates for energy efficiency improvements and free technical support with a home energy advisor to both single-family and multi-family property owners.” BayREN’s EASE Home page says “BayREN covers 80% of the cost for essential weatherization upgrades, including insulation and duct sealing.” To qualify you “Have a household income under or at 120% AMI.”, “Live in a single-family home (four or fewer units) built before 2010.” and “Are a PG&E customer.” The page names no gutter or roof work.
City page undated and BayREN page read Oct 14-29 2026
Check with the City City rebates for solar and electrification: check with the City
The City’s rebates page says “Redwood City homeowners can get a $500 rebate for installing solar on their homes.” It also lists “a $500 rebate for a new heat pump hot water heater, a $500 rebate for a high-efficiency heat pump, and up to $500 for an electrical panel upgrade if required for new heat pump equipment”. The page shows no open or closed word and no date, so call Public Works at (650) 780-7464 before you plan on it.
Page read Oct 29 2026; no date or open/closed word on the page
County-wide WestLight Energy rebates and loan
WestLight Energy, formerly Peninsula Clean Energy, says “We’re currently exclusive to residents and businesses in San Mateo County and Los Banos.” Its pages say “Apply for exclusive rebates on heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC systems, and used EVs.” and “See if you are eligible for our 0% interest loan for up to $10,000-no credit check required and no money down.”
Provider pages read Oct 14 2026
Check back Adopt a Neighborhood Storm Drain: check back
The City’s storm page invites residents to “Adopt a local neighborhood storm drain and keep it clean to reduce flooding during storms and protect water quality in our local creeks and San Francisco Bay!” A City news release of October 1, 2026 calls the Adopt-a-Drain program “upcoming”, so check back for when sign-up is open.
Storm page undated; news release of October 1, 2026; read Oct 29 2026
Check back Utility Rate Assistance Program: check back
The City’s Utility Rate Assistance Program “includes assistance for water, sewer, and solid waste (garbage) services” and is “contingent on availability of funds”. The page does not say whether funds are available now, so check back.
Page read Oct 29 2026; undated
Check back Mills Act contracts: check back
The City’s History Resources page lists its Mills Act program, a property tax relief program for owners of qualified historic homes, and says: “On March 9, 2026, the Redwood City City Council suspended the intake of Mills Act contract applications until an update to the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance and Mills Act program is completed.”
Page read Oct 29 2026
County-wide Check back PG&E Energy Savings Assistance: check back
PG&E’s page says the program lets you improve the energy efficiency of your home “at no cost to you”, with appliance upgrades and home repairs, for those who live in a house, mobile home or apartment “at least five years old”, and that its income guidelines are “Valid through May 31, 2027.” PG&E delivers electricity in Redwood City, but its page does not say whether the program is taking applications, so check back.
Valid through May 31, 2027; read Oct 14 2026
Check back Earthquake Brace + Bolt: check back
The California Residential Mitigation Program, a joint body, runs Earthquake Brace + Bolt, and its 2025 Northern California ZIP list names Redwood City with ZIP codes 94061, 94062, 94063 and 94065 and says eligibility is based on ZIP Code only. Its page says answers will determine if your home qualifies for “an EBB retrofit grant of up to $3,000”, and that an EBB retrofit “is only done on wood-framed, pre-1980 homes with a raised foundation”. When we read the program’s page on October 20, it said: “The EBB Program is currently closed.”
ZIP list printed 2025; registration page read Oct 20 2026
State-wide Check back California Safe Homes: check back
California Safe Homes is a State grant program created by a 2025 law, AB 888, and run by the Department of Insurance. No dated State page we read says it is open, and none gives an application window or a dollar amount.
Standing check last run Oct 8 2026; California sheet read Oct 20 2026
Who serves your home in Redwood City
- Fire: The Redwood City Fire Department, the City’s own. Its home page says it is “proudly serving the cities of Redwood City and San Carlos”.
- Water: The City’s Public Works Department, which says it provides water services to “over 24,000 customers in Redwood City, and portions of San Carlos, Woodside, and Unincorporated San Mateo County”. California Water Service, Bear Gulch District, says it has served portions of Redwood City since 1936.
- Sewer: The City’s sewer page says “The lower lateral is from the property line to the sewer main and is maintained by the City.” and “The upper lateral is the property owner’s responsibility.” Silicon Valley Clean Water, a joint powers authority, conveys and treats the wastewater of Belmont, Redwood City, San Carlos and the West Bay Sanitary District.
- Garbage, recycling and compost: Recology of San Mateo County, which the City calls “the City’s selected contractor to handle all solid waste collection and billing for Redwood City”. The City’s page says Recology bills all customers from January 1, 2026.
- Electricity: WestLight Energy, formerly Peninsula Clean Energy, which the City’s page says shows as “WestLightEnergy on the electricity generation portion of your PG&E bill”. The City’s storm page sends power outages and gas leaks to Pacific Gas & Electric at 1-800-743-5002.
- Schools: The Redwood City School District, which describes itself as a “PreK-8” district, and the Sequoia Union High School District. Neither district’s page says which city or streets it serves, so ask the district about your address.
- Flood control and storm drains: The General Plan’s Public Safety Element says major segments of the city’s creeks “are composed of concrete-lined channels, storm drainage pipes, and underground box culverts”. It says OneShoreline “is also managing the Bayfront Canal Flood Protection and Ecosystem Restoration Project on behalf of and with funding from Redwood City, adjacent cities, and San Mateo County.”
- Permits: The City’s Building Division, part of Community Development, issues building permits; its page asks you to “contact the city’s Building Division”.
Useful links: Redwood City Fire Department · City of Redwood City: Building & Code Enforcement · City of Redwood City: Master Fee Schedule · City of Redwood City: Trees (Public Works) · City of Redwood City: Storm Preparedness · City of Redwood City: Neighborhood Associations · Silicon Valley Clean Water · Recology San Mateo County · WestLight Energy · Cal Water: Bear Gulch District · San Mateo County History Museum · Port of Redwood City
The homes of Redwood City
Redwood City’s median home was built in 1968, and about 40 percent of its homes were built before 1960, our own calculations from the Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 tables. About 43 percent are single-family houses that stand apart, and about 49 percent of occupied homes are owner-occupied and about 51 percent are rented.
Before 1950
The older homes
About 18 percent of the homes were built before 1950, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
1950 to 1959
The 1950s
About 21 percent of the homes were built in 1950 to 1959, more than in any other decade, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
1960 to 1979
The middle years
About 25 percent of the homes were built from 1960 to 1979, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
1980 to 1999
The later decades
About 20 percent of the homes were built from 1980 to 1999, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
2000 and later
The newest homes
About 16 percent of the homes were built in 2000 or later, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
Before 1906
Victorian-era wood frame
The General Plan’s history chapter lists wood frame homes in various Victorian-era styles for the years before 1906.
1906 to World War II
Bungalows and revival styles
The same chapter says “bungalow and Spanish/Mediterranean revival styles predominate” in the wood frame homes of this period. It adds that the City’s policy for older homes is those constructed before World War II, while the State’s standard is over 50 years of age.
After World War II
Suburban tracts
The chapter describes a “major shift toward suburban tract developments and various California Ranch and other Contemporary styles”, and says the city’s population of 12,500 at the beginning of the war grew to more than 46,000 by 1960.
Styles in the design guide
Roof shapes by style
The City’s Residential Design Guide of July 2021 lists the styles it says are found in Redwood City, and describes a Spanish Revival “Shallow slope tile roof with Roman or Mission tiles, laid irregularly”, a Craftsman “low-pitched roof, projecting eaves”, and a Ranch “Long, low-pitch roofline with cross-gabled, side-gabled or hip roof”. The guide describes each style; it does not say how many roofs are of each kind.
Across the city
A mix of home types
About 13 percent of the homes are single-family attached and about 35 percent are in buildings of five or more units, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
Older roofs and gutters need a different hand: Gutter Repair · Roof Repair · Gutter Installation
The story of Redwood City
History and character
The County of San Mateo’s page on its Ohlone-Portola Heritage Trail project speaks of “the history of the Ohlone people who lived in the area” along the trail’s route through San Mateo County.
The City’s history page says: “Originally a port town during the Gold Rush, Redwood City became the County Seat of the newly formed San Mateo County in 1856.”
The General Plan’s history chapter says the earliest landowners and residents shipped timber and agricultural products from “El Embarcadero”, in what is now Downtown Redwood City.
The City’s parks history page says that although the name Mezesville “has vanished into history”, “the present-day arrangement of Redwood City’s downtown streets can be traced to Mezes’ map.”
The General Plan’s history chapter says the town’s role as the judicial and administrative center of San Mateo County “is reflected in the fact that four generations of courthouses were constructed on the same site.”
Horace Hawes, known as the “Father of San Mateo County”, moved to Redwood City in 1857 and donated land for the city’s first schoolhouse in 1863, the City’s parks history page says.
The City says Redwood City was incorporated in 1867.
By the 1870s and 1880s, the General Plan’s history chapter says, Main Street and Broadway “boasted several hotels, saloons, and stables, as well as tin shops, butcher shops, barber shops, breweries, a flour mill, and a drug store.”
The same chapter says the waterfront industries included the Hanson-Ackerson Lumber Company, founded in the 1860s, and the S. H. Frank Tannery, founded in 1874, and that by the time the tannery opened “as many as 28 ships a day entered the Embarcadero to load products”.
Daniel R. Stafford served as City Clerk for 12 years and Mayor for 10 years and organized the Chamber of Commerce in 1892, the City’s parks history page says.
The General Plan’s history chapter says the Leslie Salt Company operated thousands of acres of salt ponds on the margins of the Bay northeast of the city from 1907 to 1978.
The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, the City’s parks history page says, has come a long way since a young man named Alfred “Red” Morton started a recreational softball league in 1937.
In 1946, the City’s parks history page says, Stafford gave the City eight lots of land for the park that now bears his name.
The same page says Morris Stulsaft’s projects in Redwood City included the Woodside Plaza and Roosevelt shopping centers and a 2,000 home housing development, and that he “was also influential in bringing Ampex to Redwood City”.
The Ampex Corporation opened its headquarters in Redwood City in 1951, the General Plan’s history chapter says, and became “a leading innovator in tape recording equipment”.
The General Plan’s history chapter says that in the mid-1960s Redwood City “annexed 25 square miles of tidelands and salt ponds located east of the U.S. 101, more than doubling the area of the city.”
The City’s history page says Downtown grew into “a vital center for commerce, government, and manufacturing in the early 20th Century, before declining in the 1960s and 1970s”, and that “During the late 1900s and early 2000s Downtown Redwood City began revitalizing, and this revitalization continues today.”
The City’s slogan, in its news release of October 1, 2026, is “Climate Best by Government Test”.
Redwood City, roof and gutters
Redwood City runs from the Bay shore to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The City’s General Plan says its Hillside Neighborhoods are “influenced by topography changes in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains”, that their streets “are curvilinear, following the land”, and that “A majority of the hillside area consists of unincorporated lands.” Nearest the Bay, the plan says, “Significant open space areas include Bair Island, Bird Island, and Greco Island, the portions of the city’s land closest to the Bay.”
Yearly rain is about 17 inches, by NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals for the two weather stations nearest City Hall: 19.02 inches at the Redwood City station, about 0.8 miles away, and 15.12 inches at the Palo Alto station, about 5.6 miles away, a mean of 17.07 inches. By our own calculation from the same monthly normals, about 85.5 percent of the Redwood City station’s rain falls from November through March, and June to August together bring about 0.2 inch.
The City’s Master Tree List names coast live oak and coast redwood among its extra-large evergreen trees and valley oak among its extra-large deciduous trees. The Forest Service says coast live oak sheds its old leaves while the new ones come in, February to April, and that valley oak’s leaves fall in November; the University of California says coast redwood sheds needles several years old in late summer and early fall, a natural process.
We have been working on Bay Area roofs and gutters since 2002. If yours hasn’t had a look in a while, we’d be glad to come by.
Landmarks and parks
San Mateo County Courthouse
California’s list of historical resources for San Mateo County carries it, listed December 13, 1977, and the General Plan lists it among the places on the National Register of Historic Places.
Fox Theatre
Opened January 2, 1929, as The New Sequoia Theater, the theatre’s own page says.
Lathrop House
Built in 1863 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register, the County says, and designated a historic landmark by Redwood City; it was moved in May 2020 to make way for a new County office building.
Sequoia High School
Built in 1923-1924, the General Plan says, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a local historic landmark.
Union Cemetery
California Historical Landmark No. 816, which the State’s list says is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Redwood City Historic Commercial Buildings
California’s list of historical resources carries this district, dated November 7, 1977.
Port of Redwood City
In use since 1851 and founded by City Charter in 1937, the City’s page says.
Stulsaft Park
The City’s parks history page says Morris Stulsaft gave the City 38 acres in 1951 and that dedication ceremonies were held on September 6, 1952.
Mezes Park
The City’s parks history page says an Army tank was placed there in 1946, at the request of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, as a memorial to those who served in the two world wars.
Hawes Park
The City’s parks history page says it was built in 1934 but not officially named until the next year.
How we can help in Redwood City
Why Sunshine Gutters and Roofing
- Family-owned since 2002, trusted by thousands of returning Bay Area homeowners
- Licensed (CSLB #1053780), bonded, with $2 million in general liability coverage
- Our own crew, never subcontractors
- We keep track of local regulations, fire safety rules and insurance programs
- We show you what we found, with photos, so you decide what happens next
The year in Redwood City
| February | Coast live oaks shed their old leaves while the new ones come in, February to April, the Forest Service says |
|---|---|
| June | The dry months begin: June to August together bring about 0.2 inch of rain at the Redwood City station |
| July | The Fourth of July celebration and parade |
| September | Coast redwoods shed needles several years old in late summer and early fall, the University of California says |
| October | PortFest, the free waterfront festival on the first Saturday in October |
| November | The wet months begin: November through March brings about 85.5 percent of the year’s rain at the Redwood City station Valley oak leaves fall in November, the Forest Service says |
| December | Wettest stretch: December to February holds about 60 percent of the year’s rain at the Redwood City station |
Redwood City questions
What Redwood City homeowners ask us
Does roof replacement require a permit in Redwood City?
The City’s Building FAQ says: “A building permit is required for all work not specified in CBC 105.2.” Its Master Fee Schedule lists “3. Reroof” among its building fees. If you wish, we can also pull the permit for you, as most of our customers ask us to.
What hours can roofing and other construction work be done in Redwood City?
The City’s Building FAQ says: “Construction shall begin no earlier than 7 AM and be complete by 8 PM, Monday through Friday.” Contractors may not work Saturday, Sunday or City-observed holidays unless they submit a request 30 calendar days ahead and receive written approval “from the Building Official or their designee.” After hours, work may be performed for emergencies, and “Only residential property owners may work weekends and holidays from 9 AM to 5 PM.”
How long is a building permit good for in Redwood City, and does it belong to me or my contractor?
The City’s Building FAQ says: “A permit is valid for 365 days from the date of issuance.” and “Every passed field inspection extends the permit for an additional 365 days from the date of inspection.” It also says “A building permit belongs to the property owner.” and “The contractor acts as an agent of the owner and shall give the original permit card to the owner.”
Where can I get sandbags in Redwood City?
The County’s list of sandbag locations gives the public parking lot at the City Corporation Yard for Redwood City, and the City’s storm page says “Visit to obtain sandbags.” The storm page gives no hours, dates or limit, so call Public Works first.
What our customers say
Get a free estimate
We usually respond promptly within the day. Phone first for emergencies: (510) 525-0880.
Where we work
Redwood City neighbourhoods we serve
Downtown
The City lists Downtown among its recognized neighborhood associations, and it has a Downtown Precise Plan and a Greater Downtown Area Plan.
Redwood Shores
The City recognizes a Redwood Shores neighborhood association, and the General Plan says Master Planned Neighborhoods, “such as Redwood Shores, include a mixture of land uses”.
Friendly Acres
The City recognizes a Friendly Acres neighborhood association, and its Residential Design Guide shows “Continuous horizontal eavelines in the Friendly Acres neighborhood.”
Centennial
The City recognizes a Centennial neighborhood association, and the General Plan says a portion of Mezesville “is now a local historic district that is located within the Centennial Neighborhood.”
Mt. Carmel
The City recognizes a Mt. Carmel neighborhood association; the General Plan, which writes it Mount Carmel, calls it “largely a pre-World War II neighborhood” with “distinctive architecture”.
Stambaugh-Heller
The City recognizes a Stambaugh-Heller neighborhood association, and the General Plan says the Stambaugh-Heller Historic District is “located southeast of historic Main Street”.
Edgewood Park
The City recognizes an Edgewood Park neighborhood association, and the General Plan says the Bohemian Club of San Francisco re-subdivided land known as Wellesley Park, or Edgewood Park, after the 1906 earthquake, with “curvilinear streets and a small circular park with animal statuary”.
Canyon
The City recognizes a Canyon neighborhood association, and its Residential Design Guide shows “Flat or shallow-pitched rooflines in the Canyon neighborhood”.
Farm Hill
The City recognizes a Farm Hill neighborhood association.
Eagle Hill
The City recognizes an Eagle Hill neighborhood association.
Redwood Oaks
The City recognizes a Redwood Oaks neighborhood association.
El Camino Real Corridor
The City has an El Camino Real Corridor Plan.
Also serving nearby: San Carlos · Woodside · Menlo Park · Belmont · Atherton · North Fair Oaks · Emerald Lake Hills · Foster City