San Mateo County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Ordinance Code Ch. 1.12
- Scope
- Unincorporated county only
- Cure period after notice
- 10 calendar days
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100
- Repeat fine (3rd+/yr)
- Up to $500
- Lien compromise authority
- Up to $10,000
- Appeal deadline
- 10 days to request hearing
Summary
In unincorporated San Mateo County, blocking a sidewalk or public right-of-way with an obstruction or excavation is declared a nuisance under Ordinance Code Chapter 1.12. The County can order the obstruction removed within 10 days or abate it directly and bill the owner, with citations, escalating fines and a property lien for noncompliance.
A nuisance is anything which (1) is injurious to health, (2) is indecent or offensive to the senses, (3) obstructs the free use of property in a manner that interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property, (4) obstructs the customary free use or passage of any navigable lake, river, bay, stream, canal, basin, public park, square, street, or highway, or (5) is specifically declared by this code or state law to be a nuisance. Examples of a nuisance include but are not limited to: ... 3. Any obstruction or excavation which interferes with the ordinary use of public streets, ways, alleys, thoroughfares, sidewalks or public grounds unless otherwise permitted by law;
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
" This applies only in the unincorporated areas of the county; Redwood City, San Mateo, Daly City and the other 18 incorporated cities enforce their own municipal codes for sidewalk obstructions. 020 lets the County serve written notice by registered or certified mail describing the condition and demanding it be cleared. The owner or possessor has 10 calendar days from service to abate it; if they do not, the County may abate the obstruction itself and charge the owner the actual cost plus an administrative fee capped at the lesser of actual cost or 15 percent.
040 the County may record a Notice of Abatement Lien, which the Environmental Health Director, Planning Director or Sheriff may compromise or subordinate for amounts of $10,000 or less. 050, filed with the San Mateo County Municipal Court. 030.
Violations & Fines
A citation carries a fine of up to $100 for a first violation, up to $200 for a second within one year, and up to $500 for each additional violation within that year, plus mandatory court assessments (Section 1.12.070). Each day the obstruction remains is a separate infraction (Section 1.12.080). Bail may be forfeited in lieu of a court appearance unless the person has three or more citations in a year, in which case both posting bail and a court appearance are required (Section 1.12.090).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule cover all of San Mateo County?
What counts as an illegal sidewalk obstruction?
How long do I have to remove an obstruction after notice?
Can I contest the County's abatement order?
What happens if I ignore the citation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo County to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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