Skip to main content

Departments

  • Agriculture, Weights and Measures
  • Assessor, County Clerk-Recorder & Chief Elections Officer
  • Board of Supervisors
  • Child Support Services
  • Controller
  • Coroner
  • County Counsel
  • County Managers Office/Clerk of the Board
  • Court
  • District Attorney
  • Fire Protection Services
  • Housing (Department of Housing)
  • Human Resources Department
  • Human Services Agency
  • Information Services Department
  • Office of Community Affairs
  • Parks Department
  • Planning and Building
  • Private Defender Program
  • Probation
  • Project Development Unit
  • Public Safety Communications
  • Public Works
  • Revenue Services
  • SamCERA (Retirement)
  • San Mateo County Health
  • San Mateo County Library
  • Sheriff's Office
  • Sustainability Office
  • Tax Collector
  • Treasurer
County of San Mateo

County of San Mateo

Planning and Building

  • Our Department
    • Contact Info
    • News
    • Planning & Building Org Chart
  • Planning
    • Find My Zoning District
    • Planning Regulations
    • Planning Permits
    • How do I . . . ?
    • Contacts
    • Forms
    • Maps
  • Building
    • Building Permits
    • Flood Hazard Resources
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Alternative Water Sources
    • Encroachment Permit
    • Accessory Dwelling Units
  • Stormwater
    • Surface Water Drainage Review
    • Stormwater Treatment Requirements
    • Constructed Private Stormwater Treatment Measures
    • Erosion and Sediment Control
    • Areas of Special Biological Significance
  • Code Compliance
    • North Fair Oaks Code Enforcement Guide
    • Code Violation Complaint Form
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • North Fair Oaks Resources for Property Clean-up
  • Projects
    • Major Projects
    • Permit Center
    • CEQA Documents
  • Public Meetings
    • Board of Supervisors
    • Planning Commission
    • Zoning Hearing Officer
    • Design Review
    • Business License Board
    • Agricultural Advisory Committee
    • Historic Resources Advisory Board

Top Menu

  • Contact Us
  • Career
  • Departments
  • Translate

You are here

Home

About the San Mateo County Planning & Building Department

Helping Achieve a Better Future

Welcome to the San Mateo County Planning and Building Department website. The Planning and Building Department's mission is to plan and regulate land use and development within the unincorporated areas of the County so that diverse and livable communities can thrive. We serve the County's residents, businesses, and visitors through the preparation and administration of land use plans and regulations, and by reviewing land use proposals to ensure they are consistent with those plans and regulations.

To achieve our mission, the Department is organized into three Sections: 1) Long Range Planning, which prepares and updates land use plans and studies, ensures zoning ordinance compliance through code enforcement, develops and manages the Geographic Information System for the Department, and prepares land use planning maps; 2) Current Planning, which conducts project reviews and environmental impact analyses; and 3) Building Permits and Inspections, which protects life and property by issuing building permits and conducting inspections. These functions, taken together, protect our communities, conserve our natural resources, and enhance our quality of life.

View More
COVID-19 Info
County of San Mateo
  • County Home
  • Board of Supervisors
  • A-Z Services
  • Departments
  • Open Data
  • Careers
  • Visiting County Center
  • Email Updates
  • Media Contacts
  • SMC Alert
  • Feedback
  • Browser Compatibility
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Endorsement Disclaimers
Connect with the County!
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Twitter
  • Nextdoor
  • YouTube
Main: (650) 363-4000
Back to Top