Department Services

The Planning and Building Department is open to the public for in-person and online services. Please see below for ways to access our services. Counter Services Information Counter – On the 2nd Floor, the counter is open to the public from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Thursday (closed 12:00 - 1:00 pm for lunch) and closed Friday - Sunday. Services available include:

Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft Environmental Impact Report & Scoping Session for North Fair Oaks Rezoning & General Plan Amendment Project

We are preparing a Draft EIR for the North Fair Oaks Rezoning and General Plan Amendment Project and are requesting comments on scope and content. Attend a public scoping meeting on May 11.

RFP for Independent Plan Check & Building Inspection Services

We are currently seeking proposals from professional firms to provide independent plan check and building inspection services on an as-needed basis.

Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) Summary

Here is a brief summary of Senate Bill (SB) 9, which will take effect on January 1, 2022, and will require local agencies to ministerially approve urban lot splits and two-unit residential projects in single-family residential zones when certain criteria are met.

Rose Mukhar Recognized with 2021 Hammerman Award

Justice At Last Founder Honored with 2021 Barbara Hammerman Award for Domestic Violence Prevention Efforts The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors at its meeting today honored Rose Mukhar as its 2021 winner of the annual Barbara Hammerman Award, citing her "outstanding service and devout dedication to the prevention of intimate partner violence."

2021 Barbara Hammerman Award Application Now OPEN

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 Barbara Hammerman Award! Please download a Nomination form for detailed instructions and what to submit. Deadline to submit nominations is Thursday, August 19 by the end of day. Questions? Email Tanya Beat, tbeat@smcgov.org.

Methods to submit verifications during COVID

IMPORTANT NOTICE! In accordance with the new social distancing mandate issued by county officials, clients are strongly encouraged to submit verifications using the following methods:

San Mateo County Supervisors Allocate $1.5 Million To Support Local Learning Hubs For Students In Need

Today, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved $1.5 million to create the Learning Hub Expansion Fund to increase the number of students from socioeconomically disadvantaged families who can participate in “learning hubs” – programs that provide safe, supportive places for K-12 students to engage in distance learning in underserved communities. Grants will be awarded to youth-serving organizations that already run such programs.

Next Domestic Violence Council Meeting in 2021

Join us for our first meeting of 2021 on Thursday, January 21 from 3:00pm - 4:30pm

New Proposed Building Permit & Inspection Fee Schedule

The County of San Mateo Board of Supervisors will open a public hearing on December 8, 2020 to consider adopting the Planning and Building Department’s proposed Building Permit and Inspection Fee Schedule effective January 15, 2021.

Voters save Caltrain with Measure RR passage in all three counties

Voters in the three counties served by Caltrain passed a measure that will add a one one-eighth cent sales tax in each county to help the financially struggling rail system. Measure RR will provide Caltrain an estimated $100 million annually for the next 30 years to help fund operations, including expansion of service and capacity, as well as major capital projects. The measure needs to pass by two-thirds among the ballots cast in San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

Fire Recovery & Rebuilding

Learn about our streamlined rebuilding process designed to assist those who have lost their homes or suffered property damage due to the CZU Lightning Complex fires.