Bolthole Index

Shasta County, California

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Redding, California

Inside Redding city limits, the City of Redding Building Division issues building permits and the city's Zoning Ordinance, Title 18 of the Redding Municipal Code, sets zoning12. Shasta County, not the city, runs the unincorporated-area rules, and Shasta County Environmental Health is the septic agency for the county34. We could not confirm who permits septic or wells at a city address, so ask both offices.

At a glance

Building permit
Required; issued by the City of Redding Building Division1
Zoning
City zoning, Title 18 of the Redding Municipal Code2
Septic
Shasta County Environmental Health is the county's septic agency; city-limits rule unconfirmed45
Camping on private land
Limited to 7 consecutive days, then a 7-day break6
Accessory dwelling unit
Allowed in qualifying districts without a discretionary permit7
Rural Lands minimum lot
1 acre in the RL district8
Tiny home or RV living
Not confirmed for city limits; ask the Planning Division9

Who to call

Building permits

City of Redding Building Division (Permit Center)

Building permits, plan review and inspections for addresses inside Redding city limits. Not the county's unincorporated-area permits.

530.225.4030

[email protected]

777 Cypress Avenue, Redding, CA 96001

Planning & zoning

City of Redding Planning Division

Zoning questions, the Zoning Ordinance and land use applications inside Redding city limits.

530.225.4022

[email protected]

777 Cypress Avenue, Redding, CA 96001

Septic permits

Shasta County Environmental Health Division (EHD)

Septic (onsite wastewater) permits for Shasta County; ask whether a city address is covered.

(530) 225-5787

1855 Placer Street, Redding, CA 96001

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Redding means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Redding, CA?

Yes, new construction and other building work inside Redding city limits needs a permit from the City of Redding Building Division, which reviews plans, issues permits and conducts inspections under the California Building Code.1

Some residential permit types can be applied for online, while other building permits are filed in person at the Permit Center with documents and fees, and plans are reviewed before issuance.10

We could not confirm an owner-builder exemption at the city level. California law lets an owner build on their own property, but the city still reviews and permits the work, so ask the Building Division what the owner-builder process requires.1112

Who issues building permits in Redding, and how do you reach them?

The City of Redding Building Division, part of the Permit Center at City Hall, 777 Cypress Avenue, issues building permits for city addresses.12 Its contact line is 530.225.4030 and its email is [email protected].12

Permitted work comes with a permit card listing the required inspections and how to schedule them by phone or through the city portal.13

The Shasta County Building Division on Placer Street serves unincorporated land only. A Redding address does not start there.3

Does Redding have zoning, and what does it mean for lot size and setbacks?

Yes, the Zoning Ordinance is codified as Title 18 of the Redding Municipal Code, and Redding's districts are separate from the county's zoning layer.23

In the RS single-family districts, the minimum lot is 10,000 square feet in RS-2 and 8,000 square feet in RS-2.5.14 The RL Rural Lands district has a 1-acre minimum lot area, with minimum yards of 25 feet in front and 20 feet on the side and rear.815

Maximum lot coverage in the RE and RS districts is 40 percent.16

The opened district tables did not establish a general minimum home size, so ask the Planning Division at 530.225.4022 about a very small dwelling.9

How do septic permits work in Redding?

We could not confirm the septic rule for lots inside Redding city limits. Shasta County Environmental Health administers onsite wastewater permits for the county, and its page says a permit is required before installing a new or replacement septic tank and leach field, with a site plan, fees and soil test data.45

State policy does not allow a new or replacement septic system where public sewer is available.17

Before planning a septic system on a city lot, ask the Permit Center whether the address has a sewer connection, then ask Environmental Health at (530) 225-5787 which agency permits the system.125

Well permits are issued by local environmental health agencies or water districts statewide, and whether that applies to a private well inside the city was not confirmed.18

Can you live in an RV, tiny home or ADU in Redding?

Camping on private property inside Redding is unlawful beyond 7 consecutive days unless there is an interruption of at least 7 consecutive non-camping days, though the rule does not apply to approved campgrounds or trailer parks.6 We could not confirm a full rule on long-term RV living on a city lot.

A qualifying accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is approved without a discretionary permit or public hearing when it meets the code and California Building Codes.7 Detached and attached ADUs generally may not exceed 1,000 square feet, and a complete application is decided within 60 days.7

Tiny-home rules inside the city were not confirmed. Under state rules a tiny home on wheels classed as an RV may be occupied generally only in mobilehome or special occupancy parks unless a local ordinance allows more.19 Ask the Planning Division.

Building a home in Redding: the steps, in order

  1. Call the Planning Division at 530.225.4022 to confirm the zoning district, lot size, setbacks and coverage for the parcel.92
  2. Ask the Permit Center whether the address is on city sewer; if not, contact Shasta County Environmental Health about septic and a well.125
  3. Create an account on the city portal or visit the Permit Center, submit plans and pay fees.10
  4. Wait for plan review, which varies with project size and plan quality.10
  5. Follow the permit card to schedule each required inspection.13

What stays with Shasta County, and what to check before you buy

Shasta County zones and permits unincorporated land only, and the cities zone their own land.3 Septic permitting in Shasta County sits with County Environmental Health.4

County context: the effective property tax rate is 0.7 percent, and about 42.1 percent of land is federal, so confirm legal access.2021

The nearest city of 100,000 or more people is about 68 miles from the county center.22

Watch-outs

  • Do not start at the Shasta County Building Division for a Redding city address; it serves unincorporated land.3
  • Septic, well, owner-builder, tiny-home and long-term RV rules inside city limits are not confirmed; ask the Building and Planning Divisions.129
  • Short-term rentals need city approval before any use or advertising.23

Sources

  1. Building (Redding), quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning Ordinance (Redding), quoted and re-checked
  3. Legend (Internet/Planning_Zoning_Layers), quoted and re-checked
  4. OWTS Supplemental Treatment Reporting Form, quoted and re-checked
  5. Shasta County Environmental Health Division (EHD) (shastacounty.gov)
  6. Redding Municipal Code §10.40.020 (Redding), quoted and re-checked
  7. Redding Municipal Code §18.43.140 (Redding), quoted and re-checked
  8. Redding Municipal Code §18.30.030 (Redding), quoted and re-checked
  9. City of Redding Planning Division (files.cityofredding.gov)
  10. files.cityofredding.gov (Redding), quoted and re-checked
  11. California Business and Professions Code Section 7044 (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. City of Redding Building Division (Permit Center) (files.cityofredding.gov)
  13. Building (Redding), quoted and re-checked
  14. Redding Municipal Code §18.31.030 (Redding), quoted and re-checked
  15. Redding Municipal Code §18.30.030 (Redding), quoted and re-checked
  16. Redding Municipal Code §18.31.030 (Redding), quoted and re-checked
  17. 2023 OWTS Policy, quoted and re-checked
  18. Wells, quoted and re-checked
  19. Information Bulletin 2016-01 Tiny Homes, quoted and re-checked
  20. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Redding Municipal Code §18.43.180 Short-Term Rentals (Redding), quoted and re-checked

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Redding

Redding’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New construction and other building work inside Redding city limits.

    • The City Building Division issues permits; emergency repair applications must be submitted to the Building Official by the next working business day.
    • For other building permits, plans and specifications must be reviewed before issuance.
    “The Building Division reviews plans, issues permits, and conducts inspections to ensure all new construction in the City meets the requirements of the California Building Code.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction inside Redding city limits.

    • The permit card lists required inspections and scheduling instructions.
    “Your permit card will have a list of required inspections and instructions on how to schedule those inspections by phone or through the COR portal.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Redding city limits.

    • The City of Redding Zoning Ordinance was adopted by the City Council on October 1, 2002.
    “The Zoning Ordinance is codified as Title 18 of the Redding Municipal Code.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    RS single-family residential districts inside Redding city limits.

    • RS-2: 10,000 square feet; RS-2.5: 8,000 square feet; RS-3: 7,000 square feet, or 8,000 square feet for a corner lot; RS-3.5: 6,000 square feet, or 7,000 square feet for a corner lot.
    • Lot sizes may be reduced for small-lot subdivisions under §18.31.050.

    RS-2 minimum lot area: >= 10000 square feet · RS-2.5 minimum lot area: >= 8000 square feet · RS-3 minimum lot area: >= 7000 square feet (8,000 square feet for a corner lot) · RS-3.5 minimum lot area: >= 6000 square feet (7,000 square feet for a corner lot)

    “RS-2 10,000 80 RS-2.5 8,000 75 RS-3 7,000 (8,000 sq ft corner lot) 70 RS-3.5 6,000 1 (7,000 sq ft corner lot)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — RL Rural Lands District inside Redding city limits.
      “Minimum lot area 1 acre See Section 18.46.080 (Nonconforming parcels) Minimum lot width (feet) 150 See Section 18.46.080 (Nonconforming parcels)”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    RL Rural Lands District inside Redding city limits.

    front yard: >= 25 feet · side yard: >= 20 feet · corner-side yard: >= 20 feet · rear yard: >= 20 feet

    “Minimum yards: (feet) 25 Front 20 Side 20 Corner side 20 Rear”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    RE and RS residential districts inside Redding city limits.

    • The schedule displays 40 percent maximum lot coverage for the RE/RS grouping; RM districts have separate treatment.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 40 percent

    “Maximum Lot Coverage 40% 40% (7) RM districts only”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping on private and public property inside Redding city limits.

    • Camping on private property is unlawful except for persons camping on their own land or with the written consent of the owner, subject to the seven-day limit and seven-day interruption.
    • The private-property rule does not apply to lawful camping within campgrounds or trailer parks approved under Title 18.
    • Camping on public city property is unlawful when overnight shelter is available, except as permitted within municipal parks or under Title 18.

    maximum consecutive private-property camping: 7 days (requires an interruption of at least seven consecutive noncamping days)

    “No person shall camp, or permit to camp, on private property for a period of time exceeding seven consecutive days without an interruption of at least seven consecutive noncamping days. For purposes of this section, camping for any portion of a day shall count as a full camping day.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Qualifying ADUs and JADUs inside Redding city limits.

    • ADUs may be constructed in RL, RE, RS, RM, GO, GC, GC-VR, DCD, and DMUD districts, and may be permitted in districts with MU or MU-N overlays.
    • JADUs may be constructed in any district zoned for single-family uses when the property use is single-family.
    • Applications meeting the section are approved without a discretionary permit or public hearing, subject to the code and California Building Codes.
    • Complete applications are approved or denied within 60 days.
    • Detached and attached ADUs generally may not exceed 1,000 square feet; JADUs may not exceed 500 square feet.
    • State ADU law supersedes conflicting local provisions.

    application decision deadline: 60 days (from the date the application is deemed complete) · maximum detached or attached ADU size: <= 1000 square feet (converted accessory structures have no size limit, subject to the code's expansion rule) · maximum JADU size: <= 500 square feet

    “Any application that meets the requirements of this Section will be approved without a discretionary permit or a public hearing subject to meeting all applicable provisions of this Code and California Building Codes.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision inside Redding city limits.

    • Small-lot subdivisions may be proposed for five or more lots in RS-3.5, RS-4, RM-6, and RM-9 districts.
    • Applications are made under Title 17.
    • Reduced lot-area, setback, coverage, and parking standards apply under §18.31.050.

    minimum lots for small-lot subdivision program: >= 5 lots (RS-3.5, RS-4, RM-6, and RM-9 districts)

    “Small-lot subdivisions may be proposed for subdivision of land (five or more lots) in the "RS-3.5," "RS-4," "RM-6" and "RM-9" districts.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals inside Redding city limits.

    • Hosted homestays require a Letter of Determination, affidavit, application fee, and annual renewal.
    • Vacation rentals require a Director-issued Site Development Permit, annual renewal, and compliance with Chapter 18.11 and Chapter 18.13.
    • Vacation rentals are subject to a 600-foot separation rule, a citywide cap of 400 rentals, physical inspection before permit issuance, and other requirements.
    • The June 17, 2025 ordinance limits hosted homestays to 180 rental days per calendar year and vacation-rental occupancy to two persons per rented bedroom and sixteen persons maximum on the property.

    hosted homestay maximum rental days: <= 180 days per calendar year · vacation rental citywide cap: <= 400 rentals (at any one time) · vacation rental separation: >= 600 feet (Director may allow 300 feet with a qualifying buffer) · permit renewal period: 12 months

    “No person shall use, advertise, or market for use, any dwelling unit on any parcel in any zoning district for Short-Term Rental purposes without first obtaining approval as required by this Section.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building and planning permit process inside Redding city limits.

    • Online permits are available for certain listed residential and commercial permit types.
    • For other building permits, applicants must come to the Permit Center, submit required documents, and pay applicable fees.
    • Plans and specifications must be reviewed before issuance for other building permits.
    • Inspection instructions appear on the permit card.
    “For all other building permits, the plans and specifications for the project must be reviewed before the permit can be issued. Timelines for review can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, as well as the quality and completeness of the submitted plans.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Redding or Shasta County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders inside Redding city limits.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Primary dwellings inside Redding city limits.
  • Living in an RV — Residential or long-term recreational-vehicle occupancy on private land inside Redding city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Redding city limits.
  • Septic permit — On-site septic installation or alteration inside Redding city limits.
5 more unanswered
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Redding publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Shasta County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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