San Mateo requires Erosion and Sediment Control Plans for all projects requiring a demolition, grading, or building permit that involve site disturbance. Projects disturbing one acre or more require a state Construction General Permit with SWPPP. The city's hillside areas require particular attention to erosion prevention.
Erosion control in San Mateo is mandated for all construction involving site disturbance. The city requires an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan as part of the building permit process. Projects disturbing one or more acres must file a Notice of Intent with the State Water Resources Control Board and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). San Mateo's terrain includes steep western hillsides where erosion risk is elevated, particularly during the rainy season (October through April). Standard Best Management Practices include silt fencing, fiber rolls, gravel bags, stabilized construction entrances, and soil stabilization. The Public Works Department and Building Division jointly review erosion control measures during plan check and conduct field inspections during construction.
Failure to implement erosion control may result in stop-work orders and fines. NPDES violations carry state penalties up to $10,000 per day. Sediment discharge to storm drains or waterways is a federal Clean Water Act violation.
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo prohibits nuisance barking under the city's noise ordinance and animal control provisions. Owners must prevent habitual barking that disturbs neigh...
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo experiences aircraft noise from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), located approximately 3 miles north. The city cannot restrict FAA-contro...
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo regulates amplified sound under SMMC Section 7.30.080. Handheld amplified sound equipment cannot exceed 10 watts. All amplified sound must comply w...
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo limits permitted construction to 7 AM–7 PM weekdays, 9 AM–5 PM Saturdays, and noon–4 PM Sundays/holidays. Equipment cannot exceed 90 dB at 25 feet....
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo specifically regulates leaf blower operation under Chapter 10.80 in addition to the general noise ordinance. Leaf blowers must comply with both the...
San Mateo, CA
Fences up to 7 feet in San Mateo generally do not require a building permit if they comply with zoning regulations. Fences over 7 feet require a building per...
See how San Mateo's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.