The following are commonly referenced land use policies, regulations, and guidance that inform development in unincorporated San Mateo County. For guidance on specific permit types and requirements, please visit the Apply for a Permit page.

County Regulations and Development Standards
SB 684/SB 1123 – Small Lot Subdivision and Housing Development
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Smaller units built on the same property as, or attached to, an existing primary residence.
Child Care Facilities Ordinance
Streamlined permitting for child care centers and homes.
Commercial Cannabis Ordinance and Licensing
Requirements and application materials for cannabis cultivation and distribution.
County Ordinance Code
Collection of laws and regulations enacted by the County that cover various topics, including public safety, health, vehicles, and traffic, and more.
County Title 10 Building Regulations & California Building Standards Code
Building standards and regulations ensure the health, safety, and amenity of occupants and the public.
Design Review Standards

Standards and review for certain Midcoast, Bayside, and Emerald Lake Hills Projects.

 Farm Labor Housing Permit
Making it easier to create housing for farm laborers and their families.
Grading Regulations
Requirements for grading and clearing to promote conservation of natural resources and protect health and safety.
Historic Resources Ordinance
Safeguards and integrates historic resources into public and private development practices.
Inclusionary Affordable Housing Ordinance
Requirement to include affordable housing for certain projects.
Poultry Ordinance
Guidelines for the keeping of domestic poultry (chickens and ducks) in residential communities.
Senate Bill 9 (SB 9)
Requirements for construction in County rights-of-way.
Short Term Rental Ordinance - Coastal Zone
Short-term rentals as an allowed use in specified locations of the Coastal Zone.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Ordinance
Requirements to reduce surface water runoff and flooding from impervious surfaces.
Subdivision Regulations
Regulations around dividing land to create more parcels.
Tree Regulations
Regulations regarding trimming and removing certain trees.
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO)
Requirements for efficient water use in new and retrofitted landscapes.
Zoning Regulations
Dictates what uses are allowed on properties and other development requirements, such as size, placement, density, and height of structures.

County Policy Documents
Active Transportation in Unincorporated San Mateo County

Active transportation, which refers to any type of human-powered transport including walking, rolling and bicycling, can help reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions for trips between home, work, school, and other travel destinations. It is good for the environment and can be a relatively inexpensive means of transportation. You can help make a difference, starting with a few small alterations in how you travel. By changing at least one trip to walking or biking (also known as active transportation), you can improve your health, save money on gas and vehicle maintenance, and prevent the release of harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Explore our Biking in San Mateo County Brochure for helpful tips in English and Spanish to make your bike ride safer, easier, and more fun!
At the County of San Mateo, we strive to make walking and bicycling safe and comfortable for everyone. The County’s Active Transportation Program supports projects, policies and programs that reduce traffic congestion and encourage more bicycling and walking in unincorporated county communities.
Want to learn about active transportation projects and programs beyond the unincorporated parts of the County, such as those that are administered by other County-serving, Bay Area-wide and State agencies and organizations?

 Colma BART Station Area Plan

Establishes the vision, goals for the development and physical composition around the Colma BART station, in unincorporated Colma, including new policies, programs, and regulations.

 Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP)

Sets framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meet climate goals. Climate Change Element is part of the County General Plan.

 Connect the Coastside
Required by the Local Coastal Program, identifies transportation policies, projects, and programs for the unincorporated urban Midcoast.
General Plan

Vision for future development with goals, policies, and objectives that govern land use decisions.

 Local Coastal Program
Planning document that allows the County to implement the California Coastal Act in unincorporated communities within San Mateo County’s Coastal Zone.
Montara Moss Beach El Granada Community Plan
Establishes the vision, goals for the development and physical composition of Midcoast communities, including El Granada, Miramar, Montara, Moss Beach, and Princeton, including new policies, programs, and regulations.
North Fair Oaks Community Plan

Establishes the vision, goals for the development and physical composition of North Fair Oaks, including new policies, programs, and regulations.

State Laws

California's legislature passes laws that affect development at the local level, including intended housing production. Please visit our State Laws page for more information. Commonly requested or cited legislation are linked in this section.  

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) generally requires state and local government agencies to inform decision makers and the public about the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects, and to reduce those environmental impacts to the extent feasible. Categorical and statutory exemptions can be found in Articles 18 and 19 of the CEQA Guidelines. Completion of an Initial Study Checklist is required for all projects that are not exempt from CEQA.