Upload the Correct Address-Named Files, Clear Plan Review and Protect Every Inspection
Redwood City accepts building permits and construction plans electronically through eTRAKiT. The application and every supporting file must be clearly named with the project address or the City may reject the intake package.
This guide explains the current 2026 code cycle, electronic application process, permit types, plan-review ranges, One-Stop service, inspections scheduled several days ahead, valuation-based fees, ADUs, SolarAPP+, construction-debris deposits, flood checks, Fire review and final closeout.
What Do You Need From Redwood City Building?
Redwood City Next-Step Finder
Select the project or permit problem that best matches your situation.
Redwood City Building Department Phone, Email, Address and Hours
Confirm Jurisdiction Before Creating the Permit Record
Use Redwood City Building when
- The parcel is inside incorporated Redwood City.
- The Community GIS identifies Redwood City jurisdiction.
- The eTRAKiT address search returns the correct parcel.
- Existing permits were issued by the City.
Check San Mateo County when
- The site is in Emerald Hills, North Fair Oaks or another unincorporated area.
- The mailing address says Redwood City but the parcel is outside City limits.
- eTRAKiT cannot locate the address.
- An older permit identifies San Mateo County Building.
Clear the Land-Use Rules Before Finalizing Construction Plans
Planning reviews
- Allowed use and occupancy
- Setbacks and lot coverage
- Building height and floor area
- Parking and driveway layout
- Historic and precise-plan requirements
- Redwood Shores planned-development or lagoon-bank rules
Building reviews
- Structural design
- Fire and life safety
- Accessibility
- Electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems
- Energy and CALGreen compliance
- Construction inspections and final approval
Which Redwood City Permit Route Fits the Work?
Project |
Starting route |
Check before submitting |
|---|---|---|
New single-family house or duplex |
Full building permit |
Planning, survey, utilities, Fire, drainage, C&D, energy and structural plans |
Residential addition |
Building plan review |
Setbacks, lot coverage, fire-sprinkler threshold, structural and energy work |
Kitchen or bathroom remodel |
Building and trade review |
Wall changes, fixtures, electrical, plumbing, ventilation and windows |
Reroof |
Roofing permit |
Roof type, sheathing repair, solar coordination and C&D recycling |
Shed or playhouse |
120-square-foot exemption test |
Zoning placement, utilities, use, wildfire provisions and floor area |
Fence |
Zoning plus seven-foot test |
Pool barrier, visibility, height, retaining conditions and neighborhood rules |
Retaining wall |
Four-foot exemption test |
Measure from footing bottom; surcharge, slope, drainage and property line |
Electrical, plumbing or HVAC work |
Trade permit |
Contractor license, equipment specifications and related building scope |
Commercial tenant improvement |
Commercial plan review |
Allowed use, licensed design professional, accessibility, Fire and occupant load |
Accessory dwelling unit |
ADU checklist plus building permit |
Size, setbacks, utilities, fire flow, address, survey and homeowner survey |
Residential solar |
SolarAPP+ or standard solar permit |
Eligibility, electrical service, battery scope, roof and structural information |
Demolition |
Demolition plus C&D plan |
Utilities, salvage period, PCB or hazardous materials, Fire and site restoration |
Apply Through eTRAKiT Without Failing Intake
Confirm City jurisdiction and property information
Use Community GIS to check the address, parcel number, zoning, flood layers and City boundary.
Choose the correct eTRAKiT account
Public users can self-register. Contractors with a valid Redwood City business license should obtain a contractor account by emailing permits@redwoodcity.org or calling 650-780-7350.
Complete the Building Permit Application
Enter the project address, APN, contractor or owner-builder declaration, workers’ compensation information, valuation, construction type, occupancy, zone and detailed scope.
Create the permit in eTRAKiT
Select the permit type matching the full project—not merely the fastest category available.
Name the application with the project address
The City’s example is “1017 Middlefield Permit Application.” Files without the address may not be accepted.
Upload plans and supporting documents
Construction plans, calculations, energy documents, surveys, specifications and supporting forms must also be clearly named with the project address.
Wait for the assigned permit technician
Once the record and documents are successfully created, a technician is assigned and will provide next instructions.
Pay the plan-review portion
The current fee schedule states that 50% of the calculated Building Permit Fee is due during plan-check review. The remaining base balance is due for issuance.
Respond to every correction as a coordinated set
Update all affected sheets and calculations, clearly identify revisions and submit a response explaining where each comment was resolved.
Complete issuance conditions
Resolve Planning, Fire, Engineering, C&D, owner-builder, contractor, utility and outstanding fee requirements before construction.
Post the permit and protect the inspection record
The front of the permit card must be visible from the street in a weatherproof sleeve. Keep the complete approved plan set and job card onsite.
Prepare These Items Before Creating the Record
Application information
- Project address and APN
- Property owner
- Applicant and project contact
- Contractor license and business license
- Complete scope
- Total labor and material valuation
Construction documents
- Site plan
- Existing and proposed floor plans
- Exterior elevations
- Building sections
- Structural drawings and calculations
- Electrical, plumbing and mechanical plans
Supporting approvals
- Title 24 energy documents
- CALGreen information
- Planning approval
- Fire-safety information
- Drainage and flood documents
- C&D Waste Management Plan
Show Enough Detail to Answer Building, Planning and Engineering Questions
Site plan
- Street names
- Lot dimensions
- Front, side and rear setbacks
- Easements
- Existing and proposed structures
- Parking and driveway
Architectural
- Room names and dimensions
- Existing and proposed walls
- Doors and windows
- Exterior elevations
- Stairs, guards and handrails
- Smoke and CO alarms
Structural
- Footings and foundations
- Floor and roof framing
- Beams, headers and posts
- Connections and anchors
- Calculations
- Special inspections
Energy and green building
- 2025 code references
- Title 24 forms
- Insulation and glazing
- HVAC efficiencies
- Electrification requirements
- CALGreen measures
Utilities and site work
- Water and sewer service
- Stormwater treatment
- Grading and drainage
- Flood-zone information
- Encroachment work
- Fire-flow information
Commercial and multifamily
- Licensed architect or engineer
- Occupancy and construction type
- Occupant load and egress
- Accessibility
- Fire-resistance ratings
- Fire sprinkler and alarm plans
Use Published Review Ranges as Planning Estimates—not Promises
Project category |
Published category estimate |
Practical interpretation |
|---|---|---|
Roofing and qualifying subpermits |
Over the counter |
Only properly scoped, complete work is eligible |
New building |
4–8 weeks |
Planning, Engineering, Fire and corrections can extend the total process |
Residential addition |
3–4 weeks |
Applies to a complete review cycle, not the full correction history |
Residential structural review |
3–4 weeks |
Engineering quality and coordination affect timing |
Residential alteration |
3–4 weeks |
Multiple trades or Planning review can add time |
Commercial tenant improvement |
4–8 weeks |
Fire, accessibility and change-of-use review can be separate |
Fire permit |
4–8 weeks |
Coordinate Fire comments with the Building plan set |
Engineering construction permit |
About 3 weeks |
Incomplete utility, grading or right-of-way plans delay review |
Ask Whether a Narrow Project Qualifies for One-Stop Service
Before requesting One-Stop
- Apply online for the building permit.
- Wait until the application is accepted.
- Obtain an assigned permit number.
- Email permits@redwoodcity.org to request One-Stop service.
Published service window
- Monday: 1:00–3:00 PM
- Tuesday: 1:00–3:00 PM
- Wednesday: 1:00–3:00 PM
- Thursday: 1:00–3:00 PM
- Friday: unavailable
Some Work Avoids a Building Permit—but Not Zoning or Other Approvals
Work |
Current building-permit exemption |
Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
Detached shed or playhouse |
One story and no more than 120 square feet |
Zoning, wildfire, use, utility and placement rules still apply |
Fence |
Not over seven feet, excluding pool barriers |
Planning, visibility, retaining and neighborhood requirements can apply |
Retaining wall |
Not over four feet from footing bottom to wall top |
No surcharge and no regulated liquid impoundment |
Sidewalk or driveway |
No more than 30 inches above grade, no lower story and not an accessible route |
Engineering, drainage and right-of-way approval can still be required |
Interior finish work |
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets and countertops |
Structural, electrical, plumbing, gas or mechanical changes require permits |
Small prefabricated pool |
Under 24 inches deep, no more than 5,000 gallons and entirely above ground |
Larger pools require barrier, electrical and zoning review |
Window awning |
Qualifying residential awning projecting no more than 54 inches without additional support |
Other occupancies or structural supports require review |
Minor plumbing repair |
Stopping a leak or clearing a blockage without replacing or rearranging concealed piping |
Replacement of defective concealed pipes is new work requiring a permit |
Schedule Several Days Ahead and Check the Day-of Time After 9 AM
Have this ready before booking
- Permit number
- Project address
- Exact inspection type
- Contact name and phone
- Complete work stage
- Access instructions
Have this ready onsite
- Permit posted from the street
- Approved plans
- Permit or job card
- Qualified contractor employee or owner-builder
- Safe access and required ladder
- Test equipment and reports
Do Not Cover Work Before the Required Approval
Inspection |
Work that should be ready |
Do not do yet |
|---|---|---|
Footing |
Excavation, forms and reinforcement complete and visible |
Place concrete |
Foundation |
Forms, reinforcing, anchors, waterproofing or drainage at the required stage |
Backfill or conceal required components |
Underground trades |
Electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems installed and tested |
Pour slab or cover trenches |
Rough trades |
All concealed electrical, plumbing, gas and mechanical work complete |
Install insulation or wall finishes |
Framing |
Structural framing, connectors and applicable rough approvals complete |
Conceal framing |
Insulation and energy |
Insulation, air sealing and energy components fully installed |
Install drywall |
Trade finals |
Fixtures, equipment, panels, controls and safety devices complete |
Request an incomplete final |
Building final |
All construction, revisions, trade finals, Fire, Engineering and documents complete |
Occupy before authorization |
A Passed Inspection Restarts the 365-Day Permit Clock
Initial validity
An issued Redwood City building permit is valid for 365 days from issuance.
Extension through inspection
Every passed field inspection extends the permit for another 365 days from that inspection date.
Expired permit
A permit issued within the current code cycle may qualify for one 365-day extension when there are no complaints or project issues.
Estimate a Single-Family Building Permit From the Official Valuation Table
Single-Family Base Fee Estimator
Enter the total construction valuation, including labor and materials. The tool applies the City’s current posted single-family table.
Single-family valuation |
Published formula |
|---|---|
$1–$500 |
$182.14 |
$501–$2,000 |
$182.14 for the first $500 plus $29.91 for each additional $100 or fraction |
$2,001–$25,000 |
$630.76 for the first $2,000 plus $46.27 for each additional $1,000 or fraction |
$25,001–$50,000 |
$1,694.93 for the first $25,000 plus $53.38 for each additional $1,000 or fraction |
$50,001–$100,000 |
$3,029.54 for the first $50,000 plus $30.30 for each additional $1,000 or fraction |
$100,001–$500,000 |
$4,544.75 for the first $100,000 plus $28.59 for each additional $1,000 or fraction |
$500,001–$1,000,000 |
$15,981.80 for the first $500,000 plus $8.28 for each additional $1,000 or fraction |
$1,000,001–$2,000,000 |
$20,120.59 for the first $1,000,000 plus $4.14 for each additional $1,000 or fraction |
Above $2,000,000 |
Use the nonresidential and multifamily valuation table |
Common Permit Amounts From the Posted Schedule
Project or service |
Current posted amount |
Important note |
|---|---|---|
Residential kitchen or bathroom remodel |
$1,244.65 |
Additional valuation, Planning or trade charges may apply |
Residential reroof |
$616.87 |
C&D diversion requirements apply to roofing |
Shed |
$302 + $66 per unit |
A qualifying shed no larger than 120 square feet may be exempt |
One- or two-car garage including electrical |
$1,874.24 |
Planning and valuation-related fees may be separate |
Garage for three or more cars |
$2,506.26 |
Confirm floor area, use and Planning review |
Residential solar, 15 kW or less |
$450 |
SolarAPP+ charges and related electrical work may be separate |
Residential solar, 16 kW or more |
$450 + $15 per kW |
Use the City’s invoice for the exact calculation |
Inspection outside normal hours |
$243.98 per hour |
Two-hour minimum |
Revision to submitted plan |
$228.45 |
Additional plan-check time can also be billed |
Reactivation of expired permit |
$184.83 |
Eligibility and current-code implications must be reviewed |
Submit the Waste Plan Before Issuance and the Final Report Within 60 Days
Covered work
- All new construction
- All demolition
- All roofing
- Additions or alterations valued at $50,000 or more
Diversion targets
- At least 65% of construction, roofing and demolition debris
- 100% of inert demolition material
- Separate records for demolition and construction phases
Deposit and administration
- Refundable deposit of at least $500 or $50 per estimated ton, whichever is greater
- Current Master Fee Schedule administration charge: $277.25
- Keep weight tags and salvage receipts
Use the Specialized Checklist Before Creating the Building Record
Accessory dwelling unit
- Complete the ADU Completeness Checklist.
- Submit plans, Building Permit Application and checklist in eTRAKiT.
- A new detached ADU requires a fire-flow test.
- The City lists a typical four-week fire-flow-test lead time.
- Detached side and rear setbacks are generally at least four feet.
- No impact fees are charged on ADUs under 750 square feet.
- Complete the ADU homeowner survey before finalizing the permit.
SolarAPP+ automatic permit
- Start in SolarAPP+ and obtain the approved compliance document.
- Use the City’s SolarAPP+ guide to create the eTRAKiT permit.
- Upload the SolarAPP+ approval and project documents.
- Use the standard review route when the project is not eligible.
- Battery, service-upgrade or unusual structural work may require added review.
A Building Permit Does Not Replace Fire or Engineering Approval
Fire plan review
Plans for incorporated Redwood City are routed through the City Building Permit Technician. Fire review can apply to sprinklers, alarms, commercial work, multifamily projects and major residential changes.
Fire-sprinkler 50% rule
An addition and remodel can trigger residential sprinkler requirements depending on the project scope. Review the City’s policy before finalizing construction cost or area.
FEMA flood zone
Development or significant redevelopment within a Special Flood Hazard Area can require Chapter 41 compliance, elevation information and additional Engineering review.
Redwood Shores
Waterfront or lagoon-bank work can require Planning approval, a Planned Development Amendment, grading or landscaping review and a Building permit.
Public right-of-way
Sidewalk, driveway, curb, utility, sewer, street or excavation work can require a separate Engineering or Public Works permit.
Reach and energy codes
New residential, multifamily and commercial projects can be subject to Redwood City’s local all-electric and EV infrastructure requirements.
Owner-Builder Status Transfers Construction Responsibility to the Property Owner
Application declarations
- Identify the owner-builder exemption used.
- Sign the owner-builder declaration.
- Complete workers’ compensation information.
- Disclose any construction lender.
- Provide authorized-agent documentation when applicable.
Responsibilities accepted
- Managing licensed subcontractors
- Jobsite safety
- Code compliance
- Permit posting
- Standing every inspection
- Corrections and final approval
Follow Redwood City Work Hours and Keep Dumpsters Off the Street
Contractor construction hours
- Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM
- Contractor weekend and City-holiday work is prohibited without written approval.
- Submit a weekend or after-hours request at least 30 calendar days before the work.
- Emergency work is handled separately.
Residential owner work
- Residential property owners may work weekends and holidays from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- Permit, safety and noise rules still apply.
- A contractor cannot use the owner’s weekend allowance.
Search eTRAKiT First, Then Request Missing Plans or Documents
Search by permit number or address
Use the public eTRAKiT search to locate Building records and available status information.
Compare the address with Community GIS
Confirm the parcel, City jurisdiction, zoning and available mapped permit information.
Review every related permit
A project may have separate Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, Fire, Planning and Engineering records.
Verify the final inspection
An issued permit does not prove that the work passed final inspection or received occupancy approval.
Request unavailable records through the PRA portal
Provide the exact address, parcel, permit number, approximate year and record type needed.
What to Check When the Application Stops Moving
Fix Common Redwood City Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Application files were rejected |
The address is missing from the filename or documents are incomplete |
Rename every file with the exact project address and resubmit a complete package. |
eTRAKiT does not find the address |
Search format or unincorporated jurisdiction |
Confirm the parcel in Community GIS and compare San Mateo County jurisdiction. |
Review takes longer than the category estimate |
Current queue, outside review or multiple correction cycles |
Use the assigned technician and eTRAKiT status to identify the exact pending review. |
Inspector cannot approve the work |
Plans, job card or qualified onsite representative is missing |
Prepare all documents and arrange the required onsite person before rescheduling. |
Work was covered too early |
Concrete, drywall, insulation or finishes were installed before inspection |
Ask the inspector what must be exposed and inspected. |
Permit is approved but cannot issue |
C&D, contractor, Fire, Planning, Engineering or fee condition remains |
Request a complete issuance checklist from the assigned technician. |
C&D deposit has not been returned |
Final report, receipts or diversion calculations are missing |
Submit the complete final report within 60 days and confirm every waste stream. |
Permit shows issued but property records are unclear |
Final inspection or Certificate of Occupancy is missing |
Check all inspections and request the final certificate or records through the City. |
What to Say When You Contact the City
“I plan to [describe exact work] at [full address and APN]. Which Building, Planning, Fire, Engineering and trade records are required?”
“I created eTRAKiT record [number] and uploaded address-named files. Please identify the exact item preventing application acceptance.”
“I need the [inspection type] for permit [number]. The approved plans and job card are onsite, the work is visible and [qualified onsite contact] will be present.”
“Permit [number] appears complete. Which trade final, Fire, Planning, Engineering, C&D, report or occupancy item remains open?”
Do Not Consider the Permit Finished Until These Are Confirmed
- City jurisdiction confirmed
- Planning and zoning approval complete
- Correct eTRAKiT permit created
- All files named with project address
- Current 2025-code plans approved
- Fire and Engineering approvals complete
- C&D plan and deposit accepted
- Contractor or owner-builder documents complete
- Permit formally issued
- Permit visible from the street
- Approved plans and job card onsite
- All revisions approved before inspection
- Every trade and Building final passed
- Occupancy and C&D closeout records saved
Redwood City Building Division Map
In-person Building counter: Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, excluding legal holidays.
Call 650-780-7350 before visiting for project-specific help or to confirm staffing.
Open the Correct Redwood City Permit Resource
Redwood City Building Department Questions
How do I apply for a Redwood City building permit?
Create an account at permits.redwoodcity.org/etrakit, complete the Building Permit Application and upload the application, plans and supporting documents. Include the exact project address in every filename. An assigned permit technician will provide the next instructions.
What is the Redwood City Building Department phone number and email?
Call 650-780-7350 or email permits@redwoodcity.org. The counter is at 1017 Middlefield Road and is open for in-person Building service Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Which building code applies to Redwood City permits in 2026?
Applications submitted under the current 2026 code cycle must comply with the 2025 California Building Standards Code and Redwood City’s local amendments, effective January 1, 2026.
Does a small shed, fence or retaining wall require a permit?
A qualifying one-story shed no larger than 120 square feet may be exempt. A fence not over seven feet may be exempt unless it is a pool barrier. A retaining wall not over four feet from footing bottom to wall top may be exempt when it does not support a surcharge. Zoning and other City rules still apply.
How do I schedule a Redwood City building inspection?
Request the inspection through eTRAKiT with the permit number, address, inspection type and contact information. Online inspections are currently scheduled approximately 3–8 days ahead. Check Today’s Building Inspections after 9:00 AM for the estimated time.
How long does Redwood City plan review take?
The category page lists approximately 3–4 weeks for many residential additions and alterations and 4–8 weeks for new buildings and tenant improvements. The current Building FAQ warns that total review can range from 6–24 weeks depending on scope and workload.
When does a Redwood City building permit expire?
An issued permit is valid for 365 days. Each passed field inspection extends it for another 365 days from the inspection date. Certain permits within the current code cycle may qualify for one 365-day extension.
How are Redwood City building permit fees calculated?
Most Building Permit Fees use a valuation table. For single-family work, the current published tiers begin at $182.14. Fifty percent of the calculated Building Permit Fee is due during plan review, with the remaining base balance due at issuance. Technology, General Plan and project-specific charges are additional.
What do I submit for a Redwood City ADU?
Submit the ADU Completeness Checklist, Building Permit Application and complete construction plans through eTRAKiT. A new detached ADU requires a fire-flow test, and homeowners must complete the City ADU survey before finalizing the permit.
How do I verify that an old Redwood City permit was completed?
Search eTRAKiT by permit number or address, review all associated trade permits and confirm the final inspection or Certificate of Occupancy. Request unavailable records through the City’s Public Records Act portal.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Redwood City.
This page was checked against Redwood City Building and Code Enforcement, eTRAKiT, electronic Permit Submittal instructions, current contact information, inspection scheduling, Building FAQs, One-Stop policy, plan-review estimates, January 2026 permit-exemption guide, Building Permit Application, Master Fee Schedule, January 2026 Construction and Demolition packet, Planning, ADU, SolarAPP+, Fire, Engineering, flood and public-record resources.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Portal functions, fees, code requirements, inspection availability, staff and department procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive information with the City before submitting, paying, ordering materials or beginning construction.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.