Condo kitchen remodel in Redwood City, CA

Reading the HOA documents

The CC&Rs and any architectural or remodeling guidelines spell out what needs approval. Many associations ask for plans, the contractor's license and insurance, and a deposit, and set rules on work hours, elevator use and debris removal.

Shared systems

Drain and vent stacks, gas risers and fire-rated walls between units are usually common elements. A kitchen can often be renewed in place, but moving a sink far from its stack may not be possible.

Condo terms

CC&Rs: the recorded covenants that govern the property. Common element: a part of the building owned by all owners together. Exclusive-use area: common property assigned to one unit, such as a balcony. Sound underlayment: a layer under hard flooring that cuts noise to the unit below. Riser: a vertical pipe or duct that serves several floors.

Permits in Redwood City

Redwood City requires a building permit for any work that section 105.2 of the California Building Code does not exempt; the City's FAQ names painting, flooring and similar finish work as typical exempt residential items.
Applications are filed online through the City's eTRAKiT portal. Residential interior remodels can qualify for One-Stop plan review, in which Building Division staff review the plans with the applicant at City Hall.
The City says plan review takes 6 to 24 weeks depending on scope. A permit is valid for 365 days from issuance, and each passed inspection extends it another 365 days.

City of Redwood City Building Division · (650) 780-7350, [email protected]

Common questions

Does HOA approval replace a building permit?

No. The association's approval and the building permit are separate, and permitted work still needs its inspections.

Can I put tile in a condo kitchen?

Many associations allow it over a sound-rated underlayment. Check the CC&Rs for the required rating before choosing flooring.