Redwood City · Land use · Emergency shelter
Where is an emergency shelter allowed in Redwood City?
In Redwood City, an emergency shelter is allowed in 1 base zone (MUT-S, it with a condition) and not allowed in 2 (Redwood City use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: MUT-S
- Not allowed: MUT and MUW
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 an emergency shelter can go
Redwood City's code calls this use “Emergency Shelters”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| MUT-S | Allowed — see note Note -/P: Permitted only in the MUT-S District | § 55.2 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 'Low-Barrier Navigation Center' (P in MUC, MUN, MUT, MUW; CB and CG-R lists) is a separate row, not used.
- State law: State law (Gov. Code § 65583, SB 2) requires every city to allow emergency shelters by right in at least one zone.
- 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 an emergency shelter in the MUT zone in Redwood City?
No. Redwood City's use table does not allow it in MUT (Mixed-Use Transitional) (§ 55.2).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the MUT-S zone in Redwood City?
Yes, with a condition. Redwood City's use table lists it as allowed in MUT-S (§ 55.2). The code adds a condition: “Permitted only in the MUT-S District”
General information, not legal advice.
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