Redwood City · Land use · Kennel
Where is a kennel (dog boarding) allowed in Redwood City?
In Redwood City, a kennel (dog boarding) is needs an use permit in 4 (CG, LII, MUT and MUW, 1 with a condition) (Redwood City use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: CG, LII, 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 a kennel (dog boarding) can go
Redwood City's code calls this use “Animal-Related Uses”. 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.
The code defines “Animal-Related Uses”: “Any commercial business providing services and care to animals, including, but not limited to, pet day care, pet hotel, kennel, veterinary clinic, animal hospital, and pet grooming. Does not include retail pet stores (see "Retail stores, general merc” (§ 2.2)
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| CG General Commercial | Needs an use permit — see note Note 15.4 C: Animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, and completely enclosed, soundproofed kennels | § 15.4 |
| LII Light Industrial Incubator | Needs an use permit | § 17A.2 |
| MUT Mixed-Use Transitional | Needs an use permit | § 55.2 |
| MUW Mixed-Use Waterfront | Needs an use permit | § 57.2 |
What else applies
- IR 17.4 D lists 'Animal hospitals, and veterinary clinics' (no kennels), not used.
- 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 kennel (dog boarding) in the CG zone in Redwood City?
Only with an use permit. Redwood City's use table lists it that way in CG (General Commercial) (§ 15.4). The code adds a condition: “Animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, and completely enclosed, soundproofed kennels”
General information, not legal advice.
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