Parking Rules in San Mateo, CA (2026)
7 verified parking rules for San Mateo, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
RV & Boat Parking
San Mateo bans RVs, oversized vehicles (7.5+ ft tall/wide or 22+ ft long), and unattached trailers from residential streets. Exception allows RV owners to park in front of their own residence for 24 hours, twice per week.
City of San Mateo RV & Oversized Vehicle Parking
Heavy RestrictionsDriveway Rules
Vehicles in San Mateo must be parked on approved paved parking areas on private property. Blocking public sidewalks is prohibited. Front yard paving for parking requires planning approval.
City of San Mateo Driveway Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsCommercial Vehicle Restrictions
Commercial vehicles in San Mateo are regulated under SMMC §11.32.100. Large commercial vehicles are restricted from residential streets. Home businesses must ensure commercial vehicles do not signal a commercial use at the residence.
City of San Mateo Commercial Vehicle Parking
Some RestrictionsStreet Parking Limits
San Mateo enforces CVC 72-hour abandonment rule, street sweeping restrictions, and residential permit parking zones. Time-limit zones and residential permit areas restrict parking in busy neighborhoods.
City of San Mateo Street Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Vehicle Code Sec. 22651 (Removal of Vehicles Obstructing Streets)
22651. A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or a regularly employed and salaried employee who is engaged in directing traffic or enforcing parking laws and regulations of a city, county, or jurisdiction of a state agency in which a vehicle is located may remove a vehicle located within the territorial limits in which th...
Overnight Parking
San Mateo restricts overnight street parking of commercial vehicles under SMMC Section 11.32.100. Oversized vehicles and unattached trailers are regulated under Section 11.32.105. RVs may park overnight on streets abutting the owner's residence for up to 24 consecutive hours twice per week.
San Mateo Overnight Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Vehicle Code Sec. 22651 (Overnight Parking — Local Ordinance Removal Authority)
22651. A peace officer [...] may remove a vehicle located within the territorial limits in which the officer or employee may act, under the following circumstances: [...] (k) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours in violation of a local ordinance authorizing removal. (m) If a vehicle is parked or left standing in violation of an ordinance, poste...
EV Charging
San Mateo follows CalGreen requirements for EV charging infrastructure in new construction. California AB 1236 mandates streamlined permitting for EV chargers. The city has public charging stations available. Residential charger installation requires a standard electrical permit.
San Mateo EV Charging Standards
Few RestrictionsCal. AB 1236 (2015) — Local Ordinances for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Existing law, the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Open Access Act, prohibits the charging of a subscription fee on persons desiring to use an electric vehicle charging station, as defined, and prohibits a requirement for persons to obtain membership in any club, association, or organization as a condition of using the station, except as specified. The bill would require a city, county, or ci...
Abandoned Vehicles
San Mateo enforces the 72-hour vehicle storage limit on public streets under California Vehicle Code 22651. Inoperable vehicles on private property visible for more than 10 days are prohibited. The San Mateo Police Department handles abandoned vehicle reports.
San Mateo Abandoned Vehicle Regulations
Some RestrictionsCal. Vehicle Code Sec. 22651 (Abandoned Vehicle Removal — 72-Hour and Expired Registration)
22651. A peace officer [...] may remove a vehicle located within the territorial limits in which the officer or employee may act, under the following circumstances: [...] (k) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours in violation of a local ordinance authorizing removal. (o) (1) If a vehicle is found upon a highway or any public lands with a registr...
Looking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Mateo city rules.
Parking Rules in San Mateo County →