San Mateo County, CA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- demolition, alteration, relocation of landmarks
- Designating body
- Board of Supervisors, by resolution
- Review board
- Historic Resources Advisory Board
- Scope
- unincorporated county only
- Adopted
- Ordinance No. 2894, June 5, 1984
Summary
In unincorporated San Mateo County, a Historic Preservation Permit is required before altering, demolishing or relocating any structure designated a County Historic Landmark or located in a historic district.
A permit shall be required to:
a. Demolish, alter, or relocate any structure(s), or any portion thereof, which has been designated an historic landmark or historic district pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
b. Construct, place, alter or relocate any signs, exterior lighting, fences, parking areas, or any other structure or pertinent feature within an historic district or on a landmark or landmark site. San Mateo County, California, Code of Ordinances
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47).
Full Breakdown
Under County Zoning Regulations § 8.428.050, any owner of a property the Board of Supervisors has designated a County Historic Landmark or historic district must obtain a Historic Preservation Permit before demolishing, altering or relocating the structure, or before constructing, placing or altering signs, exterior lighting, fences, parking areas or other features on the landmark site. Designation follows a public hearing before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors under § 8.428.030-.040, based on the property's cultural, historical, architectural or aesthetic significance. This applies only in the unincorporated county. Redwood City, San Mateo, Daly City and the other cities run their own separate historic preservation programs.
Violations & Fines
The Director of Planning and Building enforces this chapter and may refer violations to the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors or County Counsel for action, per § 8.428.090.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside Redwood City or San Mateo?
Can I repair my landmark home without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo County to another location·View the California historic preservation overview
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