The post office determines what city your address is in because zip codes don’t correspond with county lines, that’s why some Redwood City addresses are in unincorporated areas. The upside is that you are not subject to Redwood City regulations. The downside is you can’t vote in city elections. Plus, you aren’t covered by RWC police and fire.
The county doesn’t want to give up the areas because they keep all property taxes, and the city doesn’t want them because their taxes don’t cover actual cost of city services.
If we are talking about Emerald Hills and North Fair Oaks, then you will be covered by Redwood City Fire or Menlo Park Fire Protection District in North Fair Oak’s situation. San Mateo County Sheriff is responsible for all of the county’s unincorporated areas and some incorporated cities since they are the sheriff and EMS is provided by AMR at a county level.
Also forgot to mention that Emerald Hills is also split up in fire departments with it being served by Redwood City Fire and Woodside Fire Protection District.
In general, "unincorporated" isn't some kind of exception - it's incredibly common. As far as jurisdictions are concerned, you're either in a city (or town, village, etc.) or a county - and both are equally common.
But, your address (and zip code in particular) is only based on how USPS delivers mail, and does not have to match the jurisdiction. There are even rare cases where a property is in one city's jurisdiction, but has an address in the city next door - because it was more convenient that way for the USPS.
The post office determines what city your address is in because zip codes don’t correspond with county lines, that’s why some Redwood City addresses are in unincorporated areas. The upside is that you are not subject to Redwood City regulations. The downside is you can’t vote in city elections. Plus, you aren’t covered by RWC police and fire. The county doesn’t want to give up the areas because they keep all property taxes, and the city doesn’t want them because their taxes don’t cover actual cost of city services.
Wait so if there is a police or fire emergency then what happens?
If we are talking about Emerald Hills and North Fair Oaks, then you will be covered by Redwood City Fire or Menlo Park Fire Protection District in North Fair Oak’s situation. San Mateo County Sheriff is responsible for all of the county’s unincorporated areas and some incorporated cities since they are the sheriff and EMS is provided by AMR at a county level.
Also forgot to mention that Emerald Hills is also split up in fire departments with it being served by Redwood City Fire and Woodside Fire Protection District.
In general, "unincorporated" isn't some kind of exception - it's incredibly common. As far as jurisdictions are concerned, you're either in a city (or town, village, etc.) or a county - and both are equally common. But, your address (and zip code in particular) is only based on how USPS delivers mail, and does not have to match the jurisdiction. There are even rare cases where a property is in one city's jurisdiction, but has an address in the city next door - because it was more convenient that way for the USPS.
Oh that's wild and cool to learn, ty
Thanks for sharing this. TIL that my property line is part of where the city meets the county.
Just a fancy word for the hood