Planning Permits

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.

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Planning Fee Schedule

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.

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Planning Permit Application Form

Download the form required to apply for a San Mateo County Planning Permit.

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Appeal a Decision

Information on the appeals process and a form for submitting your appeal.

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Planning Permit Types

Architectural Review Permit / Permit Exemption

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.... ViewView Architectural Review Permit / Permit Exemption

Certificate of Compliance - Type A

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.... ViewView Certificate of Compliance - Type A

Certificate of Compliance - Type B

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.... ViewView Certificate of Compliance - Type B

Coastal Development Exemption

Anyone who develops property within the coastal zone is required to have either a coastal development permit or an exemption.... ViewView Coastal Development Exemption

Coastal Development Permit (Hearing-Level)

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.... ViewView Coastal Development Permit (Hearing-Level)

Coastal Development Permit (Staff-Level)

Coastal Development regulations are designed to protect the coastal environment and enable citizens to develop their property within the coastal zone.... ViewView Coastal Development Permit (Staff-Level)

Confined Animal Permit/Exception

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.... ViewView Confined Animal Permit/Exception

Density Analysis

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.... ViewView Density Analysis

Design Review Formal Exemption

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.... ViewView Design Review Formal Exemption

Design Review Permit

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.... ViewView Design Review Permit

Farm Labor Housing 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.... ViewView Farm Labor Housing Permit

Fence Height Exception

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.... ViewView Fence Height Exception

Grading and Land Clearing Permits

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.... ViewView Grading and Land Clearing Permits

Grading Permit Exemption

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.... ViewView Grading Permit Exemption

Home Improvement Permit Exception

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.... ViewView Home Improvement Permit Exception

Kennel/Cattery Permit

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.... ViewView Kennel/Cattery Permit

Large Family Day Care Permit

A Large Family Day Care operation involves 7 to 12 children in a residence. For permit requirements for larger and/or non-residence based facilities, see Child Care Facility Permit.... ViewView Large Family Day Care Permit

Major Subdivision 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.... ViewView Major Subdivision Permit

Minor 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.... ViewView Minor Subdivision Permit

Off-Street Parking Permit Exception

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.... ViewView Off-Street Parking Permit Exception

Planned Agricultural Permit

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.... ViewView Planned Agricultural Permit

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Planning Permits

Department Services Update

Planning Fee Schedule

Planning Permit Application Form

Appeal a Decision

Planning Permit Types

Architectural Review Permit / Permit Exemption

Certificate of Compliance - Type A

Certificate of Compliance - Type B

Coastal Development Exemption

Coastal Development Permit (Hearing-Level)

Coastal Development Permit (Staff-Level)

Confined Animal Permit/Exception

Density Analysis

Design Review Formal Exemption

Design Review Permit

Farm Labor Housing Permit

Fence Height Exception

Grading and Land Clearing Permits

Grading Permit Exemption

Home Improvement Permit Exception

Kennel/Cattery Permit

Large Family Day Care Permit

Major Subdivision Permit

Minor Subdivision Permit

Off-Street Parking Permit Exception

Planned Agricultural Permit

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