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New construction · Redwood City

Can I tear down and rebuild my house in Redwood City?

Tear-down and rebuild is allowed in Redwood City on most legally conforming parcels, but the path depends on the parcel's zoning, lot conformance, and any historic / hillside / coastal overlays. Buildable envelope set by R-1 coverage, setbacks, and 30-foot height limit; R-1-H adds slope-band density caps and ridgeline rules.

What changes the answer in Redwood City.

Redwood City uses R-1 sub-districts (R-1, R-2-A, etc.) plus Hillside Residential (R-1-H) in Emerald Hills; downtown precise plan controls the urban core. Most R-1 SFRs are ministerial; R-1-H hillside parcels add Architectural Review and slope-based density rules.

  • Buildable envelope set by R-1 coverage, setbacks, and 30-foot height limit; R-1-H adds slope-band density caps and ridgeline rules.
  • Most R-1 SFRs are ministerial; R-1-H hillside parcels add Architectural Review and slope-based density rules.
  • R-1-H zoning in Emerald Hills adds slope-band density, retaining-wall height limits, and Architectural Review.
  • Western hillside parcels (above Emerald Hills) approach VHFHSZ-mapped areas; verify on the CAL FIRE FHSZ map.

Source-backed note

Demolition + new construction are reviewed by City of Redwood City Community Development & Transportation Department — Building Division alongside any required planning / coastal / hillside review.

Local authority: City of Redwood City Community Development & Transportation Department — Building Division

Get a Redwood City-specific answer for your parcel.

Send us the address and we'll respond with a feasibility note that cites City of Redwood City Community Development & Transportation Department — Building Division and the parcel's actual constraints — not a generic checklist.

Start a Redwood City consultationCall (818) 650-3197

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