San Mateo County, CA Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)

San Mateo County sits in USDA zones 9b-10a with average low temperatures well above freezing; snow occurs only sporadically at elevations above 2,000 feet (Skyline Ridge, Kings Mountain, upper La Honda). The County does not have a snow-removal ordinance because the hazard is rare. General sidewalk maintenance by abutting property owners is governed by California Streets & Highways Code §§5610-5618, which places responsibility on the adjacent property owner for keeping sidewalks in safe condition — including removing accumulated debris, vegetation, and rarely, snow/ice. When winter storms deliver snow at ridge elevations, Caltrans handles State Routes 35 (Skyline), 84 (La Honda Road), and 92 (Half Moon Bay Road), and the County Public Works crews clear major County roads. Property owners remain responsible for their driveways and the immediately adjacent sidewalk/shoulder. Ice on sidewalks from freezing fog or pipe leaks is more common than snow and creates slip-and-fall liability under general premises-liability law. No minimum clearance width or time deadline is specified.