ADU permit process in Redwood City, California

Last verified August 29, 2026

Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error

This guide includes the portions of the City permit process that passed our evidence review. Confirm project-specific requirements with the City before submitting.

Where to apply

Department: Building Division
Permit portal: City Online Portal System
Contact: (650) 780-7350

Step by step

1
Prepare City checklist and submit ADU Building Permit application
Complete City ADU checklist and plan package Set up eTrakIt account and submit Building Permit materials online For new detached ADU, request Fire Flow test Online Building Permit application
2
City planning/building review of project-specific plans
Respond through current City-directed review process if requested For a pre-reviewed design, complete customized site planning and permit application City review path
3
Complete City finalization item and receive Building Permit
Complete City ADU Homeowner Survey and submit confirmation as required Pay applicable City fees through eTrakIt Building Permit finalization/issuance path
4
Schedule Building inspections in eTrakIt
Use eTrakIt dashboard to schedule or cancel inspection Inspection scheduling

What you need to submit

Digital PDF drawings and ADU plan set
Fire Flow Report — only in some cases
Structural and Title 24 energy calculations/forms
ADU Homeowner Survey confirmation

Pre-approved ADU plans

Use Redwood City’s official page to confirm which designs, site conditions, and supplemental documents qualify. Plan-check timing still depends on the project and city review.

View pre-approved plans

Project-specific next step

Build your Redwood City permit report

Choose your ADU type and size to bring the City process, researched permit fees, and early construction budget into one planning report.

Start my permit report

Sources for this guide

Additional city reference pages

CityMaster Fee Schedule
The live City landing page links the Master Fee Schedule and labels it effective July 1, 2026.
Accessed August 28, 2026
CityMaster Fee Schedule — Effective 7/1/2026
The current City schedule lists ADU flat building-fee bands, a 50%-of-building-fee plan-check payment, and separately identifies utility capacity fees.
Accessed August 28, 2026