Coastal Development: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do coastal development rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
San Mateo has fewer restrictions than Redwood City.
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo County administers its own certified Local Coastal Program (LCP) and issues Coastal Development Permits (CDPs) for projects in the Coastal Zone, which covers roughly 240 sq miles from Devil's Slide south through Pescadero, Año Nuevo, and the Santa Cruz County line. Projects in the Coastal Zone typically require a CDP from County Planning; certain appealable areas (near the shoreline, in sensitive habitat, or in rural areas) can also be appealed to the California Coastal Commission. ESHA (Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area) buffers, public access, and view corridors are key LCP policies.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
The City of San Mateo is located on the eastern (bay) side of the San Francisco Peninsula and is not within the California Coastal Zone. The California Coastal Commission has no jurisdiction in San Mateo, and no Coastal Development Permit is required for projects in the city.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| LCP Certified | Yes, since 1981 | - |
| Zone Extent | Devil's Slide to SCZ line | - |
| CDP Required | Most new development | - |
| ESHA Buffer | 100 ft from sensitive habitat | - |
| Appeals | To CCC in appealable areas | - |
| Coastal Zone | - | NOT in California Coastal Zone |
| CCC Jurisdiction | - | None — bayside location |
| Coastal Permit | - | Not required |
| BCDC | - | May apply near bay shoreline |
| Bay Shoreline | - | BCDC 100 ft jurisdiction |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
Do I need a Coastal Development Permit to remodel my kitchen?
Interior remodels and repairs that don't change the building envelope or intensify use are typically categorically excluded from CDP requirements. But additions, exterior changes, and any increase in footprint or height will require at minimum a CDP application — often processed alongside your building permit. Check with Planning at (650) 363-4161.
How do I find out if my property is in the Coastal Zone?
Use the San Mateo County GIS map (smcgov.org/planning/gis-map-zoning-and-other-info-0) and enable the Coastal Zone boundary layer, or check the California Coastal Commission's Coastal Zone Viewer. If your parcel is on the ocean side of Highway 1 or anywhere west of the ridge from Devil's Slide south, assume you are in the Coastal Zone until confirmed otherwise.
San Mateo FAQ
Does San Mateo have coastal development rules?
No. San Mateo is on the bay side of the Peninsula and is not within the California Coastal Zone. The Coastal Commission has no jurisdiction.
What about development near the bay?
Development within 100 feet of the San Francisco Bay shoreline may be subject to Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) jurisdiction.
Do I need a Coastal Development Permit?
No. CDPs only apply within the California Coastal Zone, which does not include San Mateo.
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