Any construction, either residential or by a business, that occurs in the County right-of-way requires a permit from the San Mateo County Department of Public Works. Learn more about the County Right-of-Way

Your project may also require permits from other County departments, such as Planning & Building.

Project Requirements

 

Construction Permits
  • Drainage Facility Permit
    • Permit to install, replace, or modify a drainage facility in the right-of-way of unincorporated San Mateo County...
  • Driveway Permit
    • Permit to replace or construct a new driveway within the right-of-way of unincorporated San Mateo County...
  • Fence Permit
    • Permit to to build or replace a fence within the right-of-way of unincorporated San Mateo County...
  • Filming Permit
    • Permit to film within the right-of-way of unincorporated San Mateo County...
  • Monitoring Well Encroachment Permit
    • Permit to construct or deconstruct a monitoring well, or to perform other borings in the County of San Mateo right-of-way...
  • Sidewalk Permit
    • Permit to replace or modify a sidewalk within the right-of-way of unincorporated San Mateo County...
  • Transportation Permit
    • Permit for transportation involving the operation of oversize and/or overweight vehicles within the right-of-way of unincorporated San Mateo County...
  • Tree and Landscaping Permit
    • Beginning October 15, 2021 the Department of Public Works will allow the planting of trees and other softscape within a portion of the county right of way. Property owner must agree to maintain these softscape improvements at no cost to the county through a recorded agreement. Note that hardscape improvements (such as pavers, boulders, or structures) are still not allowed within the right of way...
  • Utility Trench Permit
    • Permit to dig a utility trench within the right-of-way of unincorporated San Mateo County...

View All Permits


 

Standard Drawings

Driveway Standard Drawings

Private Road within a Minor Land Division Standard Drawing

Sanitary Sewer Standard Details and Specifications

Sidewalk Standard Drawings

Sidewalk ADA details

Utility Trench Standard Drawings

Standard Details Book