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.

The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls Announces 7.9 Million Dollar Investment in Women’s Recovery Response

The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls is honored to announce that the state budget includes additional one-time funding of 7.9 million dollars, 5 million of which will be utilized to facilitate a statewide Women’s Recovery Response in the wake of COVID-19.  The Commission thanks the Governor and the California Legislature, especially Budget staff and Chairs Senator Nancy Skinner and Assemblymember Phil Ting, and Women’s Caucus Chair Assemblymember Christina Garcia, for their commitment to California’s women and girls.

Keynotes for RISE 2022 Announced

The Commission on the Status of Women is thrilled to introduce two amazing keynote speakers for the RISE 2022 Women’s Leadership Conference. Sallie Krawcheck, CEO and co-founder of Ellevest, will be providing a morning keynote at 9:00am while Lan Phan, CEO and founder of community of SEVEN, will be providing the closing keynote at 4:00pm.

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.

County Office of Public Safety Communications Earns Award for Dispatch Excellence

Redwood City — Striving for excellence, one call at a time. The San Mateo County Office of Public Safety Communications 9-1-1 dispatch center is being recognized by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) as an Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) for emergency medical dispatching

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:

New Commissioners join the Commission on the Status of Women!

The Commission on the Status of Women of San Mateo County received tremendous response for its vacancy recruitment. Over 24 applications were received from throughout San Mateo County and after a thorough review by a panel comprised of two County supervisors and representatives from the Commission and staff, seven applicants were offered appointments to the Commission.

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.

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.

Additional Outdoor Businesses Allowed

The County has expanded the temporary suspension of Use Permit, Parking and other zoning development standards to allow restaurants and other specified businesses to conduct business outdoors.