Redwood City · Land use · Duplex
Where is a duplex allowed in Redwood City?
In Redwood City, a duplex is allowed in 4 base zones (R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5), needs an use permit in 2 (MUT and MUW) and not allowed in 3 (Redwood City use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5
- Needs a permit: MUT and MUW
- Not allowed: RH, R-1 and MH
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Redwood City Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a duplex can go
Redwood City's code calls this use “Two-Family Dwelling, Duplex”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-2 Residential-Duplex | Allowed | Article 4 — USE REGULATIONS (RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS) |
| R-3 Multi-Family-Low Density | Allowed | Article 4 — USE REGULATIONS (RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS) |
| R-4 Multi-Family-Medium Density | Allowed | Article 4 — USE REGULATIONS (RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS) |
| R-5 Multi-Family-High Density | Allowed | Article 4 — USE REGULATIONS (RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS) |
| MUT Mixed-Use Transitional | Needs an use permit | § 55.2 |
| MUW Mixed-Use Waterfront | Needs an use permit | § 57.2 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 'SB 9 Project' row (RH and R-1 P, Section 5.10) restates state law and is not used as the duplex row.
- State law: SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21) allows two homes on most single-family lots with a ministerial permit, also where this table says no.
- Not covered here: Zones whose article is not in the packet (any specific plan, Downtown/other overlay districts); the packet holds Articles 4-6, 8-11, 13-20, 22-24, 28, 53-55, 57 only; Article 2 definitions (Assembly and Meeting Facility, School, Animal-Related Uses, General vs Small residential care facility) not in packet; Article 39 (child care), Sections 31.2, 31.4, 31.5 not in packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Redwood City
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a duplex in the MUT zone in Redwood City?
Only with an use permit. Redwood City's use table lists it that way in MUT (Mixed-Use Transitional) (§ 55.2).
Can I have a duplex in the RH zone in Redwood City?
No. Redwood City's use table does not allow it in RH (Residential-Hillside) (Article 4 — USE REGULATIONS (RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS)).
Can I have a duplex in the R-2 zone in Redwood City?
Yes. Redwood City's use table lists it as allowed in R-2 (Residential-Duplex) (Article 4 — USE REGULATIONS (RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS)).
General information, not legal advice.
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