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:

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.

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.

New Local Energy Code Requirements Effective September 10, 2020

New Energy Requirements effective September 10, 2020 for new construction: Requirements include all-electric building, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and photovoltaic solar requirements.