San Mateo County, CA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Driveway and on-lot parking in unincorporated San Mateo County are governed by the County's Title 8 Zoning and Development Code rather than by a street ordinance. The Code provides that no required parking space is permitted within a required front yard unless a specific exception applies, such as where the front half of the lot slopes at least one foot of rise or fall for every seven feet measured horizontally, where it is an uncovered space serving a single-family dwelling on a Midcoast parcel under 3,500 sq. ft., or where it serves a qualifying substandard or affordable lot. Off-street parking areas must connect to the public right-of-way by access driveways, and the Code sets driveway and curb-cut widths for development (for example, 15 feet where not used for loading on smaller projects, and 20 feet for commercial loading or larger projects). For accessory dwelling units, parking may be uncovered and provided on pervious surfaces, up to three spaces may be located in the front or side yard, and no more than 600 sq. ft. of the front yard area may be used for parking; tandem parking on a driveway is allowed up to three cars. Because these standards vary by zoning district and by the Coastal/Midcoast designation, owners should confirm the rules for their parcel with County Planning before paving or expanding a driveway.