Article 43

Redwood City Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Redwood City

VARIANCES*

Sections:

  • 43.1 Permit Purpose. 43.2 Applicability. 43.3 Review Authority. 43.4 Findings. 43.5 Review, Decisions, Appeals and Permit Duration.

43.1 Permit Purpose.

A Variance provides relief from Zoning Ordinance requirements where, due to special circumstances, strict application of the Zoning Ordinance would deprive the property owner of privileges enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity and under identical zoning classification. (Ord. No. 1130-368, § 5, 1-9-17)

43.2 Applicability.

Variances may be considered from the following requirements:

  • A. Height regulations;

  • B. Minimum building site areas;

  • C. Minimum average lot widths;

  • D. Minimum lot frontages;

  • E. Maximum lot coverages;

  • F. Pervious area minimums;

  • G. Yard requirements;

  • H. Off-street parking and loading facilities.

43.3 Review Authority.

Variances shall be decided by the Zoning Administrator at a public hearing, except as otherwise required in Section 41.4 (Review Authorities for All Permits). (Ord. No. 1130-368, § 5, 1-9-17)

43.4 Findings.

Variances may be approved if all of the following findings can be made:

  • A. That because of special circumstances applicable to the subject property, including size, shape topography, location, or surroundings, the strict application of this ordinance would deprive the subject property of privileges enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity and under identical zone classification.

*Editor’s note— Ord. No. 1130-368, § 5, adopted January 9, 2017, repealed art. 43, §§ 43.1—43.9; and enacted a new art. 4, to read as set out herein. Former art. 43, pertained to similar subject matter, and was derived from Ord. No. 1130, effective July 10, 1964; Ord. No. 1130.88, effective September 18, 1969; Ord. No. 1130.138, effective April 12, 1972; Ord. No. 1130.153, effective July 9, 1975; Ord. No. 1130.186, effective December 6, 1978; Ord. No. 1130.193, effective October 17, 1979; Ord. No. 1130.336 § 28, effective January 5, 2006; Ord. No. 1130-358, § 7, adopted January 23, 2012 and Ord. No. 1130-367, § 5, adopted June 13, 2016.

(Redwood City Zoning Supp. No. 19, 4-17)

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43.4

  • B. That the adjustment authorized by the Variance, if granted, shall not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone in which the subject property is located.

  • C. That the granting of the Variance will not be contrary to the intent of this ordinance.

  • (Ord. No. 1130-368, § 5, 1-9-17)

43.5 Review, Decisions, Appeals and Permit Duration.

Procedures for application review, decisions, appeals, permit duration and expiration and other requirements are located in Chapter 41 (Common Procedures). (Ord. No. 1130-368, § 5, 1-9-17)

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(Redwood City Zoning Supp. No. 19, 4-17)