Redwood City Floodplain, Wetland & Tree Removal Rules

Land Use and Zoning California 3 Minutes Read · published March 08, 2026 Flag of California

Redwood City, California property owners and contractors must follow local rules for floodplain management, wetland protections and tree removal on public and private land. This guide summarizes the municipal code, permitting paths, typical enforcement steps and how to begin an application or report a violation to city staff. It highlights roles for Planning, Code Enforcement and Public Works and shows where to find official forms and contact pages. For technical floodplain mapping or detailed code language consult the cited municipal code and planning pages below for the authoritative text.[1]

Scope & Key Rules

The city regulates activities that affect 100-year floodplains, wetlands and regulated trees within city limits. Protected wetlands and sensitive areas may require permits, mitigation, or avoidance measures. Tree removal often requires a tree removal permit or an approved arborist report for regulated species or trees over a certain trunk diameter; check Planning Division requirements for thresholds and exceptions.[2]

Check permit thresholds with Planning before work begins.

Penalties & Enforcement

Fines and monetary penalties for violations are set in the municipal code; specific fine amounts or per‑day rates are not specified on the cited municipal code page.[1] City enforcement may also use non-monetary remedies such as stop-work orders, restoration or replacement requirements, and civil or administrative orders; details and enforcement procedures are described by the Planning Division and Code Enforcement processes.

  • Typical monetary penalties: not specified on the cited municipal code page.[1]
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat or continuing violations follow progressive enforcement but exact escalation ranges are not specified on the cited pages.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, restoration directives, replacement planting or permit revocation may be applied under city authority; see Planning and Code Enforcement guidance.[2]
  • Enforcer and inspection: Code Enforcement handles complaints and inspections; submit complaints or evidence through the city complaint portal or contact the Code Enforcement office for case intake.[3]
  • Appeals and review: appeals routes (e.g., administrative hearing or Planning Commission review) exist, but specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited municipal code page.[1]
Document tree size and location before work to support permit review or appeals.

Applications & Forms

Permit names, application forms and fees are managed by the Planning Division; where a tree removal or wetland permit is required the Planning Division provides application checklists and submittal instructions on its forms page.[2] If an official form or fee schedule is not published on the cited Planning page, the Planning counter accepts project intake in person or via the online portal and will advise required materials on completeness review.

Common Violations

  • Unpermitted tree removal of regulated trees.
  • Work in a mapped floodplain without a floodplain development permit or required mitigation.
  • Dredging, filling or grading that impacts wetlands without permits.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on private property?
Many tree removals require a permit from the Planning Division depending on species, size and location; consult Planning for the exact threshold and permit process.[2]
Where can I check floodplain boundaries?
Refer to the city’s adopted floodplain maps and the municipal code for regulatory floodplain definitions and requirements.[1]
How do I report illegal tree removal or wetland damage?
Report violations to Code Enforcement using the city complaint portal or the Code Enforcement contact page; provide photos, location and dates when known.[3]

How-To

  1. Identify whether the tree, wetland or site lies within regulated areas by checking the municipal code maps or contacting Planning.
  2. Prepare required documents (site plan, arborist report, mitigation plan) and complete the Planning application checklist.
  3. Submit the application and fees to the Planning Division and respond to completeness or review comments.
  4. If cited or issued an order, follow enforcement instructions and use the city appeal process if you wish to contest a decision within the notified time limit.
Keep dated photos and measurements before work to simplify permit review and enforcement responses.

Key Takeaways

  • Check with Planning before altering floodplain, wetlands or regulated trees.
  • Report suspected violations to Code Enforcement promptly with evidence.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Library of Municode - Redwood City Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] City of Redwood City - Planning Division
  3. [3] City of Redwood City - Code Enforcement

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