Moving to San Mateo, CA?

San Mateo experiences aircraft noise from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), located approximately 3 miles north. The city cannot restrict FAA-controlled flight operations. SFO's noise monitoring program tracks noise levels and accepts complaints. New development within noise contours requires sound insulation.

San Mateo's noise ordinance (SMMC Ch. 7.30) uses a tiered time-based decibel standard. Nighttime limits are stricter than daytime. Pool equipment exceeding 35 dBA must be 25 feet from neighbors or enclosed.

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. Both the noise ordinance (§7.30.060) and building code (§23.06.060) apply.

San Mateo prohibits nuisance barking under the city's noise ordinance and animal control provisions. Owners must prevent habitual barking that disturbs neighbors. Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA handles animal complaints.

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 noise standards in Chapter 7.30 and the specific provisions of Chapter 10.80. Operation is limited to construction-permitted hours.

Industrial and commercial noise in San Mateo is regulated by the noise ordinance Chapter 7.30, which sets maximum permissible sound levels by noise zone. Noise Zone 3 (commercial) allows 60 dB at night and 65 dB during the day. Zone 4 (industrial) allows 70 dB at all times.

San Mateo regulates amplified sound under SMMC Section 7.30.080. Handheld amplified sound equipment cannot exceed 10 watts. All amplified sound must comply with the maximum permissible sound levels in Section 7.30.040. Residential Noise Zone 1 limits are 50 dB at night and 60 dB during the day.

The City of San Mateo requires every short-term rental host to obtain a Short-Term Rental Registration under San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 5.66 before advertising or accepting guests. Hosts must also hold a city Business License, file a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certification, and follow operating standards. The annual registration fee is $250, due July 1, and registration is personal to the host and expires automatically upon sale or transfer of the property.

San Mateo Municipal Code Section 5.66.040 caps un-hosted (host not on-site) short-term rentals at 120 days per calendar year, beginning on the registration date. Hosted rentals, where the registered host is present on-site for the duration of the stay, have no annual day cap. Occupancy is also limited to two people per bedroom or ten people per property, whichever is less.

STR guests must comply with all San Mateo noise ordinances. San Mateo's noise code is strict with tiered decibel limits. Hosts are responsible for guest conduct. Code enforcement hotline (650) 522-7150 handles complaints.

San Mateo requires STR properties with 1–3 bedrooms to have at least 1 off-street parking space, and 4+ bedrooms at least 2 spaces. Oversized vehicles (RVs) are prohibited from on-street parking in residential areas overnight.

San Mateo charges 14% TOT on all short-term stays under 30 days under SMMC Ch. 3.56. TOT is remitted monthly by the last day of each month. Registration fee is $250/year in addition to TOT.

San Mateo requires annual STR registration ($250/year), a business license, and TOT certification under SMMC Ch. 5.66 (effective Feb 1, 2021). ADUs cannot be registered. Unhosted stays capped at 120 days/year. HdL Companies administers the program.

San Mateo limits STR occupancy to two people per bedroom or ten people per property, whichever is less, under Chapter 5.66. Events including weddings, parties, and corporate functions are prohibited at STR properties. Un-hosted rentals are limited to 120 days per year.

San Mateo's STR ordinance (Chapter 5.66) does not mandate specific minimum liability insurance as a condition of registration. Operators are encouraged to carry adequate coverage. Platform insurance (Airbnb AirCover) provides some protection but has limitations.

The City of San Mateo enforces smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm requirements through the California Residential Code (CRC R314 and R315) as adopted under San Mateo Municipal Code Title 23, plus California Health & Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 17926. Alarms are required in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every story including basements. San Mateo Consolidated Fire enforces these standards across the city.

Outdoor wood-burning fire pits are banned on Spare the Air Alert days throughout San Mateo under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3. With 19–41 annual alert days expected, backyard wood burning is severely restricted.

All fireworks are illegal in the City of San Mateo, including 'Safe and Sane' varieties. Violations are misdemeanors. San Mateo County also bans all fireworks with a $1,000 fine; spectator fines of $500 were added in 2023.

Open burning is banned in San Mateo under BAAQMD Regulation 5. Wood-burning devices (fireplaces, stoves, fire pits) are prohibited during Spare the Air Alerts under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3.

Properties in fire-prone areas of San Mateo must maintain defensible space under California PRC 4291. The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department enforces vegetation management requirements. Hillside properties on the western slopes are subject to enhanced clearance requirements.

Portions of western San Mateo are mapped in CAL FIRE's Fire Hazard Severity Zones. New construction in these areas must meet Chapter 7A of the California Building Code for ignition-resistant construction. The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department enforces fire hazard zone requirements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 permit and a SPAR Fence Exception planning application.

Shared fence cost and responsibility between neighbors in San Mateo is governed by California Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act). Disputes are civil matters. SMMC Ch. 27.84 governs fence height and location.

San Mateo's fence height limits: front yard 3 ft solid or 4 ft if 75% open; side/rear max 6 ft (7 ft with permit). Fences over 7 ft require a building permit and SPAR exception. Code: SMMC Ch. 27.84.

Retaining walls in San Mateo under 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing) are generally exempt from building permits under the California Building Code. Walls over 4 feet require a building permit and may need engineered plans. San Mateo's hillside terrain makes retaining walls common.

Pool barriers in San Mateo must comply with the California Building Code (Title 24 Chapter 31) and the Swimming Pool Safety Act. Barriers must be at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. At least one additional safety feature is required.

San Mateo regulates fences under Section 27.84.010 of the zoning code. The ordinance does not specify required materials but fences must not create safety hazards. Barbed wire is restricted to non-residential areas. Building permits are required for fences exceeding six feet.

San Mateo does not have a breed-specific ban. All dogs must be licensed with San Mateo County and vaccinated. Dogs designated dangerous after an incident face enhanced restrictions including containment and insurance requirements.

San Mateo follows California CDFW regulations banning many exotic species. Local animal code may restrict wild or dangerous animals. Contact Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA for guidance on specific animals.

San Mateo requires dogs to be on a leash on all public property. No voice-control exemption exists in San Mateo County. Off-leash areas exist in designated dog parks. Animal control via Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA.

The City of San Mateo does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. Beekeeping in residential zones may be subject to nuisance provisions. Contact the Planning Division before installing hives.

Wildlife feeding in San Mateo is discouraged through the city's nuisance provisions and California Fish and Game Code Section 251.1 which prohibits feeding big game mammals. San Mateo County Animal Control handles wildlife complaints. Leaving food that attracts rodents or pest wildlife may be cited as a nuisance.

The City of San Mateo allows chickens in residential zones with limitations. Roosters are generally prohibited due to noise. The city's zoning code regulates animal keeping through the land use provisions in Title 27. San Mateo County Animal Control enforces animal-related complaints.

Private tree trimming in San Mateo does not require a city permit. Street trees (public right-of-way) require permission from the Parks Division. Trees must not encroach on adjacent properties or utilities without proper trimming.

San Mateo requires property owners to maintain their lots free of overgrown weeds, dead vegetation, and fire hazards. Code Enforcement addresses complaints about unmaintained vegetation. The fire department enforces vegetation clearance in wildfire-prone hillside areas.

San Mateo's water is provided by Cal Water (San Mateo District). Water conservation ordinances (SMMC Ch. 23.72) apply to landscaping. Year-round prohibitions include runoff, watering during/after rain, and midday irrigation.

San Mateo requires property owners to maintain their lots free of excessive weeds and overgrown grass. Overgrowth that constitutes a fire hazard or public nuisance is subject to code enforcement and potential city abatement.

Private tree removal in San Mateo generally does not require a city permit. Street tree removal requires Parks Division approval. Heritage or protected trees may require additional review.

Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in San Mateo under California AB 1750. Rain barrels under 5,000 gallons are exempt from building permits. Cal Water may offer rebates. Collected rainwater can be used for irrigation and non-potable purposes.

Artificial turf is permitted in San Mateo. California Government Code 65595 prohibits cities from requiring natural grass. HOAs cannot prohibit water-efficient landscaping under Civil Code 4735. Cal Water may offer rebates for turf replacement.

San Mateo encourages drought-tolerant and native landscaping consistent with California's MWELO. New landscapes over 500 square feet must comply with water-efficiency calculations. California law prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant plants.

Customer visits to home businesses in San Mateo are restricted to incidental levels. No retail sales, regular appointments creating parking demand, or large commercial deliveries are permitted.

Home-based businesses in San Mateo require a Home Occupation Permit. The business must be incidental to the residential use with no exterior evidence, no non-resident employees, and no customer traffic beyond residential norms.

No exterior business signage is permitted for home-based businesses in San Mateo residential zones. The home must retain its residential character with no commercial identification visible from the street.

Small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) are permitted by right in all residential zones under California H&S Code Section 1597.45. Large family daycare homes (9-14 children) require a conditional use permit. All providers must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services.

Cottage food operations in San Mateo are permitted under California's Homemade Food Act (AB 1616/AB 1266). Class A (direct sales) requires self-certification with San Mateo County. Class B (indirect sales to stores) requires a county health permit. Revenue is capped at $75,000 per year.

New pools in San Mateo require a building permit. Setbacks: 4 ft from property lines (single-family), 5 ft from structures. Prefab above-grade pools under 5,000 gallons are exempt from permit. Anti-entrapment drains required.

Prefabricated above-ground pools with walls entirely above grade and under 5,000 gallons are exempt from building permit requirements in San Mateo. All other pools require permits and must meet safety act fencing requirements.

San Mateo pools must comply with CA H&S §115920: minimum 60-inch (5 ft) barrier, self-closing/self-latching gates, ground clearance under 2 inches, no gaps over 4 inches. Two additional drowning prevention features required.

Swimming pools in San Mateo require building, electrical, and plumbing permits. Plans must verify proper setbacks per the zoning code. Pool barriers must comply with the Swimming Pool Safety Act. The Building Division reviews pool applications at 650-522-7200.

Hot tubs and spas in San Mateo require building and electrical permits. The same barrier and safety feature requirements as swimming pools apply under the Swimming Pool Safety Act. Safety covers meeting ASTM F1346 may substitute for the barrier requirement.

Small accessory structures (sheds) in San Mateo must comply with SMMC zoning setbacks. Sheds under 120 sq ft and under 8 feet average height generally do not require a building permit but must comply with zoning requirements.

Garage conversions to ADUs are permitted in San Mateo per California ADU law. Building permit required. No replacement parking is required when converting a garage to an ADU under state law.

San Mateo allows ADUs in all residential zones (SMMC Ch. 27.19). One-bedroom ADUs up to 850 sq ft; two-bedroom up to 1,000 sq ft; detached max 16 ft plate/24 ft peak; 4-ft setbacks. ADUs cannot be STRs.

Carports in San Mateo require a building permit under Title 23 and must comply with the zoning standards in Title 27. Carports count toward lot coverage calculations. Garage or carport conversions to ADUs are specifically addressed under Chapter 27.19.

Tiny homes in San Mateo are regulated through the ADU provisions of Chapter 27.19 and California Government Code 65852.2. Tiny homes on permanent foundations may qualify as ADUs (up to 1,200 sq ft detached) or JADUs (up to 500 sq ft). Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and cannot serve as permanent housing.

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.

Parts of San Mateo near the Bay shoreline and creek corridors (Coyote Creek, San Mateo Creek) are in FEMA flood zones. New construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas requires elevation and a floodplain development permit.

San Mateo enforces stormwater regulations under its NPDES Municipal Permit (San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program). Development creating or replacing 5,000+ sq ft of impervious surface must implement permanent stormwater BMPs. Illegal discharge to the storm drain system is prohibited.

Grading and drainage in San Mateo are regulated under the city's building code (Title 23) and the NPDES Municipal Permit. Projects requiring grading permits must submit drainage plans. All projects creating or replacing 5,000+ square feet of impervious surface must meet stormwater treatment requirements.

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.

San Mateo prohibits all cannabis dispensaries and commercial cannabis operations within city limits under Chapter 7.45 (Ordinance 2017-4). No storefront, mobile, or delivery cannabis businesses are permitted. The city exercised its local opt-out authority under CA Business and Professions Code Section 26200.

San Mateo adopted Ordinance 2017-4 adding Chapter 7.45 to prohibit outdoor cannabis cultivation within city limits. Indoor cultivation of up to six plants per residence is protected under Proposition 64 (CA H&S Code Section 11362.2). Plants must be in a locked space not visible from public areas.

San Mateo provides streamlined solar permitting as required by AB 2188 and SB 1222. Residential rooftop systems meeting standard criteria receive ministerial (non-discretionary) approval. The city processes solar permits within the required 3-business-day timeframe.

California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code 714) prohibits HOAs from effectively restricting solar panel installations. HOA rules cannot increase installation cost by more than $1,000 or reduce efficiency by more than 10%. San Mateo HOAs must comply.

Garage sale signs in San Mateo must comply with Chapter 25 of the sign code. Signs may not be placed on public property or utility poles. Temporary signs must be removed after the sale ends.

Holiday displays in San Mateo are generally exempt from the sign code under Chapter 25's exemptions. Residential decorations are permitted without a permit. Displays should not create safety hazards or violate electrical codes.

Political signs in San Mateo are protected by the First Amendment and California Elections Code Section 18310. Signs on private property cannot be prohibited. Under state law, political signs may be posted up to 90 days before and must be removed within 10 days after an election.

San Mateo enforces property maintenance standards through Code Enforcement. Blight conditions including overgrown vegetation, accumulated junk, graffiti, and dilapidated structures are subject to enforcement. The city promotes voluntary compliance and maintains a safe living environment.

San Mateo requires that garage sale activities not create property maintenance issues. Items must remain on the property and signs must be removed after the sale. Code Enforcement addresses ongoing property condition concerns from frequent sales.

San Mateo requires vacant lots to be maintained free of weeds, debris, and fire hazards. Code Enforcement and the fire department enforce maintenance standards. The city may perform abatement and lien the property for costs.

San Mateo has a mild Mediterranean climate on the San Francisco Peninsula and does not experience snowfall. There is no snow removal or ice clearing ordinance. Sidewalk maintenance relates to general repair and vegetation management.

San Mateo requires trash bins to be stored out of public view except on collection days. Recology San Mateo County provides residential waste services. Bins must be placed at the curb on collection day and retrieved promptly after collection.

San Mateo addresses light trespass through zoning development standards and nuisance provisions. New development must shield exterior lighting. Existing light trespass complaints are handled by Code Enforcement on a case-by-case basis.

San Mateo does not have a dedicated dark sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting on new development is regulated through the zoning code to minimize glare and light trespass. California Title 24 energy code sets efficiency requirements for outdoor lighting.

San Mateo does not have a local rent control ordinance. Covered rental properties are subject to California AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act), which caps annual rent increases at 5% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less. San Mateo County CPI determines the specific cap each year.

San Mateo adopted an emergency just cause eviction ordinance (Ord. 2019-12) providing local protections that complement AB 1482. Landlords must cite a specific just cause for terminating tenancies of 12+ months. No-fault evictions require one month's rent as relocation assistance.

San Mateo does not require a separate rental property registration program. Landlords must obtain a city business license. The city follows state law habitability requirements. Code Enforcement handles complaints about rental property conditions.

Recology San Mateo County provides scheduled bulk item pickups for residential customers. Additional large items may be taken to the Ox Mountain Landfill or Shoreway Environmental Center. E-waste and hazardous waste require special handling.

Recycling is mandatory in San Mateo. AB 341 requires businesses with 4+ cubic yards of waste to recycle. SB 1383 mandates organic waste diversion. Recology provides blue recycling bins to all residents. Multi-family properties must provide recycling access.

Recology San Mateo County provides weekly curbside collection of trash, recyclables, and organic waste. SB 1383 requires organic waste separation. Bins must be at the curb by collection morning and retrieved by evening.

Bins must be at the curb by collection morning with lids closed. Space bins 3 feet apart and 3 feet from obstacles. Retrieve by evening. Store out of public view when not at curb.

Recreational drone flying in San Mateo must comply with FAA regulations. Drones are prohibited in San Mateo County parks. Pilots near San Francisco International Airport (SFO) must check airspace restrictions as SFO's Class B airspace affects parts of San Mateo. LAANC authorization may be needed.

Commercial drone operations in San Mateo require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and may need LAANC authorization for flights in SFO's Class B airspace. The city may require filming permits for commercial drone photography on city property.

Food trucks in San Mateo require a San Mateo County Health Permit for mobile food operations and compliance with city zoning and business licensing requirements. Food trucks on private property require property owner consent. Special event food trucks may need additional event permits.

San Mateo regulates sidewalk vending consistent with California's Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946). Vendors may operate on public sidewalks maintaining adequate pedestrian clearance. Stationary vendors must maintain at least 4 feet of clear sidewalk passage.

Solicitors and peddlers in San Mateo must comply with city business licensing requirements. The city regulates commercial solicitation to protect residents from aggressive or fraudulent practices. Religious and political canvassers are exempt from licensing under the First Amendment.

San Mateo respects no-soliciting signs posted by residents. The city does not maintain a formal no-knock registry. California Penal Code 602 applies to solicitors who refuse to leave after being asked. Residents can post no-soliciting signs as a deterrent.

The City of San Mateo does not maintain a local juvenile curfew ordinance. San Mateo County enacted an emergency countywide curfew during the 2020 civil unrest but that was temporary. Standard juvenile supervision is enforced through state law including truancy provisions during school hours.

San Mateo city parks generally operate from dawn to dusk unless otherwise posted. Being in a park after posted closing hours is a violation of the parks and recreation rules. Some facilities with lighting have extended hours for permitted activities.

San Mateo establishes minimum residential setbacks by zone district in Title 27, Chapter 27.22 and the building line/setback standards in Section 27.38.100. Single-family zones require front setbacks of 20-25 feet, side yards of 5-10 feet, and rear yards of 20 feet or 20% of lot depth.

San Mateo regulates lot coverage through Title 27 of the zoning code. Maximum lot coverage and floor area ratio vary by zone district. ADUs of at least 800 square feet with 16-foot height and 4-foot setbacks may be built regardless of lot coverage, FAR, or open space limitations per state law.

San Mateo limits residential building height through Title 27. Single-family zones generally allow 28-35 feet depending on zone. The city applies a daylight plane standard that further limits height near property lines. ADU-specific height limits are 16 feet (detached) to 32 feet (attached) to roof peak.

San Mateo has a Protected Trees ordinance (Chapter 13.40) covering Heritage Trees, Street Trees, and trees designated through planning. Heritage Trees are oaks 10 inches+ diameter and other species 15 inches+ at 54 inches above grade. Damage or removal without approval is prohibited.

When a protected tree is removed in San Mateo, replacement is required under the Protected Trees ordinance (Chapter 13.40). Replacement value is assessed using the Guide for Plant Appraisal. Street tree replacement is managed by the city. Development projects must preserve or replace trees.

San Mateo requires permits for removing protected trees under Chapter 13.40. Heritage Trees (oaks 10+in, others 15+in diameter) and Street Trees cannot be removed without city approval. Standard private trees below heritage thresholds do not require removal permits.

San Mateo does not impose specific numerical limits on garage sale frequency. Frequent or continuous sales resembling retail operations may be cited as unauthorized commercial activity in residential zones under the zoning code.

San Mateo does not codify specific hours for garage sales. Sales should be conducted during reasonable daytime hours. Noise from setup or operations before 7 AM or after 10 PM may violate the noise ordinance (Chapter 7.30).

San Mateo does not require a specific permit for residential garage sales. Sales must comply with sign regulations and not create nuisance conditions. Signs advertising garage sales must comply with the city's sign code (Chapter 25).