San Mateo County, CA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- Director of Public Works
- Advance notice
- 24 hours posted signage
- Scope
- Unincorporated County highways only
- Enforcement
- Sheriff may tow
Summary
The Director of Public Works may temporarily close County highways in unincorporated areas for block parties, celebrations and parades.
The Director of Public Works may temporarily close County highways for parades, celebrations and other purposes for the protection of the public. In emergency situations the Director of Public Works may immediately restrict the use of, or close, any County highway whenever he considers such closing or restriction of use necessary:
(a)For the protection of the public;(b)For the protection of the County highway from damage during storms;(c)During construction, improvement or maintenance operations thereon. The Director of Public Works, or the Director's designee, is authorized to prohibit parking on County highways that are closed pursuant to this section, and in that case shall post for a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours in advance of said closure signs giving notice that vehicles parked or left standing on those County highways will be removed.
The Sheriff, or the Sheriff's designee, is authorized to remove or to cause the removal of vehicles parked or left standing on County highways that have been closed and posted pursuant to this section.
(Ord. 4393, 09/25/07)
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
County Ordinance Code § 7.02.010 lets the Director of Public Works temporarily close County highways in the unincorporated area for parades, celebrations and other purposes for the protection of the public. When a closure is authorized, the Director must post signs at least 24 hours in advance warning that vehicles left on the closed highway will be removed, and the Sheriff is authorized to tow vehicles left standing there. This applies only to County-maintained roads outside the 20 incorporated cities/towns; each city sets its own block-party process.
Violations & Fines
Vehicles left on a posted, closed County highway may be removed by the Sheriff at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who approves a block party street closure in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Does this apply inside cities like Redwood City or San Mateo?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo County to another location·View the California special events & permits overview
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