Redwood City OKs zoning code updates

Within the corridor zone, a new exemption hopes to incentivize residential developers to offer child care facilities because they would not count toward density numbers of occupancy and subsequent requirements. Also, use permits are no longer required of large child care facilities serving more than 60 children, and open space requirements are consolidated.

“Generally, staff feels this set of changes will help make child care facilities easier to build in Redwood City from the perspective of both space and financial feasibility,” Principal Planner John Francis said. 

A minor policy update addressed applicability of architectural permits by establishing a common threshold for both single- and multifamily residential developments — required only when construction goes above one story. Also, it adds exemptions for small residential additions and modifications such as balcony or window adjustments. 

Though streamlining permit requirements ultimately can dedicate staff time to larger scale developments and changes, Councilmember Diane Howard said these exemptions take away ability for oversight, particularly concerning changes to balconies that may impede on neighbor privacy. 

Conversely, Councilmember Chris Sturken felt these exemptions can ultimately promote housing for those in need by allowing for the enclosing of balconies to be turned into interior space. 

“Much like we did when we eliminated the park impact fee requirements for bedroom additions, we are incentivizing new bedrooms, potentially, to be created in people’s homes so they can move in an aging family member or rent out that room to someone in need,” Sturken said. “I’m very appreciative of these amendments.” 

A new temporary use permit was also established to streamline the review and approval process for structures that intend to operate for a finite time, such as a Christmas tree lot or seasonal farmers’ market. The only instrument the city had to regulate such uses was a use permit, which Francis said was “overly burdensome” due to the requirement of public hearings and noticing, for example. 

Additionally, various zoning updates made in compliance with the city’s housing element now explicitly allow for housing targeted to extremely-low-income households including single room occupancies, low-barrier navigation centers and limiting parking requirements for emergency shelters. 

The Planning and Transportation Commission proposed an amendment to a minimum parking requirement for group homes in mixed-use zoning areas, but Francis said staff will be presenting a holistic study on minimum parking requirements across the city’s varying zones at the beginning of 2025. This ongoing study aims to balance land use and parking to fulfill regional housing goals.