Because of varying procedural requirements in state law and county ordinances, each type of permit may be subject to different processing requirements. We process each permit as quickly as possible while ensuring full compliance with the law. The Development Review Center (DRC) handles permit applications for all unincorporated areas of San Mateo County. If your property is within the boundaries of any incorporated city or town, contact that city rather than the DRC.
What's the status of my permit? What's the permit history (since 1999) of my property? Where can I apply for an Over-the-Counter permit (log-in required)?
The Planning fee schedule contains a listing of all fees applicable to a variety of Planning permits. Planning staff can assist with identifying the applicable permits and fees for a particular project.
The Planning & Building Department is open to the public for in-person and online services. Learn how to access our services.... View moreView Access Department Services
Anyone who requests a building permit in any of the three designated state scenic corridors must either have an architectural review or be granted an exemption from architectural review.... View moreView Architectural Review Permit / Permit Exemption
A Certificate of Compliance Type A verifies parcel legality for a parcel separately conveyed from any lots around it prior to the County's first Subdivision Ordinance (effective July 20, 1945) as verified by chain-of-title.... View moreView Certificate of Compliance - Type A
A Certificate of Compliance Type B legalizes a parcel and is a written statement, issued by the County upon request of a property owner or vendee, stating that a parcel of real property complies with the provisions of the State Map Act and the County Subdivision Regulations.... View moreView Certificate of Compliance - Type B
Anyone who develops property within the coastal zone is required to have either a coastal development permit or an exemption.... View moreView Coastal Development Exemption
Coastal Development regulations are designed to balance the desire of property owners to develop their property within the coastal zone with the protection of the coastal environment.... View moreView Coastal Development Permit (Hearing-Level)
The Confined Animal Regulations assure the proper and responsible care and management of confined animals. Confined animals include any domesticated animal, including but not limited to, a horse, mule, donkey, llama, and pot belly pig.... View moreView Confined Animal Permit/Exception
Development is limited in certain coastal and open space areas. Density analysis is a method of determining the number of units you may build on your land and the intensity of use for nonresidential development. It is a preliminary step before subdivision or nonresidential development.... View moreView Density Analysis
If your project is eligible (as determined by exemption guidance and Planning staff confirmation), you can qualify for an over-the-counter exemption or you apply for a formal exemption from the full design review process.... View moreView Design Review Formal Exemption
There are several design review districts in the County. If your property is located in a "DR" district, development will require a Design Review Exemption or Permit, including Committee-level review.... View moreView Design Review Permit
County ordinance allows for the provision of temporary farm labor housing (FLH) units for farms when there is a demonstrable need for such housing.... View moreView Farm Labor Housing Permit
A Fence Height Exception is required for fences exceeding 1) 4 ft. in height located in the front setback, exterior side (street facing) setback, or in the public right-of-way, or, 2) 6 ft. in height located in the rear setback or interior side setback.... View moreView Fence Height Exception
Projects that involve significant grading, including but not limited to construction projects with over 250 cubic yards of cut and/or fill, require a grading permit.... View moreView Grading and Land Clearing Permits
You must have a permit to do grading or land clearing unless your project is: exempted by the grading ordinance or covered under an approved building permit.... View moreView Grading Permit Exemption
The purpose of a home improvement exception is to allow, under special circumstances as stipulated by regulation, relief from the requirements of the development standards of the applicable zoning district for existing homes.... View moreView Home Improvement Permit Exception
Anyone who keeps more than ten dogs, more than ten cats, or more than ten dogs and cats in any combination is required to have a kennel/cattery permit.... View moreView Kennel/Cattery Permit
Major Subdivisions are all divisions of land that result in the creation of 5 or more parcels, 5 or more condominiums, or a community apartment project containing 5 or more parcels, or the conversion of a dwelling to a stock cooperative containing 5 or more dwelling units.... View moreView Major Subdivision Permit
Minor Subdivisions are all divisions of land that result in the creation of 4 or fewer parcels, 4 or fewer condominiums, or a community apartment project containing 4 or fewer parcels, or the conversion of a dwelling to a stock cooperative containing 4 or fewer dwelling units.... View moreView Minor Subdivision Permit
If a project is unable to provide the required number of off-street parking spaces, the applicant can revise the project so that fewer spaces are needed. Another option is to apply for an Exception to Off-Street Parking Requirements.... View moreView Off-Street Parking Permit Exception
The purpose of the Planned Agricultural District (PAD) is to ensure that the best available agricultural land is used primarily for agriculture and is not compromised by other, inappropriate uses.... View moreView Planned Agricultural Permit
