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.
San Mateo zoning and traffic codes require all vehicles on private residential property to be parked on approved paved surfaces. Converting front yards to paved parking areas requires planning review under SMMC zoning regulations. Vehicles blocking the public sidewalk are subject to citation. Garage-to-ADU conversions do not require replacement parking under California state ADU law. Contact Planning at (650) 522-7010 for driveway and front yard parking questions.
Sidewalk blocking: parking citation $50 to $200. Unpaved parking: code compliance notice. Unpermitted driveway work: stop-work order.
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 driveway rules.
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