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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Redwood City
permits are generally required for all work not exempted under CBC 105.2, including interior remodels, alterations/additions, new construction, repairs with permit scope beyond simple routine exceptions.
Note: exemptions do not override all laws/code compliance; emergency work still must be reported the next business day, and many projects require a permit when in doubt.
- - completed building permit application form (including owner/contractor details and project data) - signed contractor declaration or owner-builder declaration - construction plans/drawings - workers compensation and other declarations as required - additional supporting docs for specific permit types (e.g., owner/business license, plans, engineering documents)
- Building code
- City references California Building Code provisions (CBC/IEBC/IRC framework), and permits/exemptions are linked to CBC 105.2.
- Permit validity
- permit is valid for 365 days from issue; each passed field inspection extends validity by 365 days.
- Owner-builder
- owner/builder option allowed with signed exemption declaration (CBC/state licensing declaration), but only for work performed by owner and owner’s employees; resale/intent-to-sell triggers additional legal risk.
- Contractor requirements
- work must be performed by appropriately licensed contractors for commercial/multifamily; California licensed contractor declaration is required on permit application; California Business & Professions Code references apply.
Application process
Typical processing: plan-review range on city page is 3-8 weeks for many building permit categories, and FAQ also cites 6-24 weeks depending on project scope.
- 01 Confirm permit type and scope by calling the Building Department at (650) 780-7350 or visiting City Hall counter.
- 02 Complete the Building Permit Application PDF and upload it (plus required documents) through the eTRAKiT upload link.
- 03 If doing One Stop, request it via permits@redwoodcity.org after permit submission.
- 04 Pay plan review fees (often by email invoice/Authorize.net).
- 05 Assign permit to a plan reviewer, then schedule review/inspection sequence through eTRAKiT.
- 06 Work cannot begin until permit is issued; permit is issued after approval of plans.
- 07 Track permit status online; call (650) 780-7350 for support.
Typical processing time: plan-review range on city page is 3-8 weeks for many building permit categories, and FAQ also cites 6-24 weeks depending on project scope.
Source: Building Division, Building Inspection & Code Enforcement, City of Redwood City ↗
Fee schedule
Redwood City building permit fees
eTRAKiT supports online permit and inspection transactions; planning/permit staff notes include payment by online methods, in person, or wire transfer for large charges; permit review invoices are also sent via Authorize.net.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- CentralSquare eTRAKiT permit portal (online)
- (650) 780-7361 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. for inspection operations; requests are typically scheduled 3-8 days ahead.
Typical sequence: submit permit and obtain approvals, use eTRAKiT to request inspections (including pre-added inspection sets), then complete each inspected trade/phase in sequence under active permit.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Redwood City permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Redwood City, CA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Redwood City, CA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Redwood City, CA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Redwood City, CA? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Redwood City, CA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Division, Building Inspection & Code Enforcement, City of Redwood City before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.