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.
San Mateo Zoning Code allows home occupations in residential zones subject to a Home Occupation Permit. The business must be clearly secondary to the residential use and conducted solely by residents of the dwelling. No non-resident employees may work at the home. No exterior evidence of the business (signs, commercial vehicles, deliveries) is permitted. Contact Planning Services at (650) 522-7010 for application procedures.
Operating without permit: cease-and-desist. Zoning violations: $100 to $500/day. Business license violations: city finance penalties.
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...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Mateo County.
See how other cities in San Mateo County handle zoning restrictions.
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