City Of San Mateo Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Official Contact

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San Mateo permit action guide

Apply Through CSS, Format the Plans Correctly and Reach Final Inspection Without Repeating Review Cycles

San Mateo’s permit process works best when the application, plans and related approvals are coordinated before the first upload. The Customer Self-Service portal handles applications, payments, resubmittals, permit records and inspection requests.

This guide explains the correct residential, commercial, express and virtual-review routes; the city’s digital-plan rules; current inspection cutoff and two-hour window; Planning, tree, Fire and right-of-way dependencies; and verified 2026–2027 building fees.

CSS application, payment, resubmittal and record search
VOTC minor-project screening and digital file rules
3:00 PM inspection deadline and 9:00 AM window
Open San Mateo CSS Portal Choose My Exact Task
San Mateo digital building permit process A property plan with a tree and bay moves through CSS digital review to an issued permit and final inspection. SAN MATEO PLAN SET CSS REVIEW APPROVED PERMIT FINAL INSPECTION CLOSED
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Next-day inspection deadline: 3:00 PM San Mateo does not accept same-day building inspection requests. Submit through CSS by 3:00 PM for the next business day. The inspector contacts the field representative before 9:00 AM with a two-hour window and confirms whether the inspection will be in person or virtual.
Start Here Phone & Hours Permit Type Permit Exemptions Apply in CSS Virtual Review Digital Plans Project Documents 2026–27 Fees Inspections Permit Records FAQs
Start here

Choose the San Mateo Building Department Task You Need

📝 Apply for a permit Register, select Apply, complete the pre-application and upload the complete project package. 🔎 Search permit records Search by address, permit number, parcel, date range or interactive map. 📅 Request an inspection Submit before 3:00 PM for the next business day; same-day requests are not accepted. ⚡ Check an express permit Use for listed work that needs no plan check or construction drawings. 💻 Check virtual review See whether a minor remodel, window, solar, deck or similar project qualifies for VOTC. 🏠 Plan an ADU or JADU Check zoning, flood, tree, address-assignment, Fire and current flat permit fees. 🌳 Check a protected tree Tree removal or major pruning may need concurrent review with the development permit. 🗂️ Research an open permit Check unpaid fees, review comments, inspection history, expiration and final status.
Official contact panel

San Mateo Building Division Phone, Email, Address and Counter Hours

Building Division 650-522-7172 Permits, inspections and plan-review help
Building Email building.info@cityofsanmateo.org Include the address and permit number
Planning Division 650-522-7212 Zoning, ADU and planning review
Planning Email planning@cityofsanmateo.org Setbacks, use, FAR, height and parking
Public Works 650-522-7300 Encroachment, sidewalk, driveway and sewer-related work
Fire Review 650-522-7940 Fire permits and residential sprinkler inspections
Code Enforcement 650-522-7150 Unpermitted work and correction notices
Office Address 330 West 20th Avenue San Mateo, CA 94403
Day
Building counter hours
Practical note
Monday
8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:30 PM
Full morning and afternoon counter schedule
Tuesday
8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Counter closed Tuesday afternoon
Wednesday
8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:30 PM
Full morning and afternoon counter schedule
Thursday
8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:30 PM
Full morning and afternoon counter schedule
Friday
8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Friday afternoon by appointment only
Make the contact useful: Provide the property address, permit or CSS application number, project type, responsible contractor, review discipline and exact question. Planning code-consultation hours are generally Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–11:30 AM, with afternoon consultations by appointment.
Jurisdiction and property check

Confirm City Jurisdiction and Zoning Before Preparing Plans

📍

Confirm the City of San Mateo

  • Verify that the parcel is inside the City of San Mateo.
  • Do not rely only on a San Mateo mailing address.
  • Use CSS map search when the address format is unclear.
  • Confirm whether another city or unincorporated San Mateo County has jurisdiction.
📐

Find the zoning district

  • Use the Property Information Lookup tool.
  • Record the zoning district and parcel information.
  • Check setbacks, floor area ratio, height, parking and daylight-plane rules.
  • Identify flood, heritage-tree and historic constraints before design.
Residential design tip: San Mateo’s current residential plan guide tells applicants to determine the property’s zoning district before preparing new-home, addition, ADU, JADU or duplex plans.

Open Property Information Lookup

Permit decision table

Match the Project to the Correct San Mateo Review Route

Project
Start with
Important related review
New single-family home or duplex
Residential building application
Planning, zoning, Public Works, Fire, tree protection, energy, CalGreen and utility requirements
Addition or second story
Residential addition/alteration
FAR, setbacks, daylight plane, parking, structural, Title 24, Fire and protected trees
ADU or JADU
ADU/JADU building application
Separate address assignment, zoning standards, flood zone, utilities, Fire and tree requirements
Kitchen or bathroom remodel without major structural work
Express or VOTC screening
Wall changes, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, ventilation, energy and Fire conditions
Window, door or skylight change
VOTC or full review
New opening size/location, structural calculations, energy compliance and egress
Reroof
Express building permit
Roof type, structural repairs, energy and inspection-stage requirements
Electrical service, furnace or water heater replacement
Express trade permit
Equipment specifications, utility coordination and final inspection
Deck
Planning check + building review
Height, attachment, area, slope, setback, structural details and exit-door relationship
Detached shed or accessory building
Planning check first
120-square-foot exemption limit, setbacks, height, utilities, tree roots and drainage
Fence or retaining wall
Planning and permit screening
Front/rear height, visibility, wall height, surcharge, drainage and structural design
Commercial tenant improvement
Commercial building application
Occupancy, accessibility, egress, Fire, Planning, Public Works, trade permits and business tax
Sidewalk, curb, gutter or driveway approach
Public Works encroachment permit
Right-of-way standards, street trees, drainage and building-site coordination
Protected tree removal or major pruning
Protected-tree permit
Concurrent Community Development review when connected to construction
Permit-exemption check

Some Work Is Building-Permit Exempt, but Planning Rules Still Apply

Examples listed by San Mateo

  • One-story detached accessory buildings not exceeding 120 square feet.
  • Rear fences not over seven feet and front fences not over three feet.
  • Retaining walls not over four feet from footing bottom to wall top when no surcharge or regulated liquid is involved.
  • Painting, papering and similar finish work.
  • Qualifying residential window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches.

Deck and pool examples

  • A deck may be exempt only when it is 200 square feet or less.
  • It must be no more than 30 inches above grade.
  • It cannot be attached to the dwelling.
  • It cannot serve an exit door.
  • A prefabricated pool may qualify only when it is 5,000 gallons or less and entirely above adjacent grade.
Exempt does not mean unrestricted. Planning, zoning, protected-tree, floodplain, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, drainage, encroachment and HOA requirements can still apply. Confirm the location and scope before construction.
CSS application workflow

Apply Online Without Creating an Avoidable Resubmittal

Confirm the correct application path

Choose residential building, commercial building, express permit, VOTC, Planning, tree-removal or another applicable record.

Do not choose by project value alone: Structural, zoning, Fire and Public Works impacts determine routing.

Create and confirm the CSS account

Register through Customer Self-Service and confirm the account through the email message sent by the portal.

Open the official CSS portal

Select Apply and complete the pre-application

Enter the property, applicant, owner, contractor, valuation and full scope. Upload every plan, calculation and supporting document required for the project.

Scope example: Convert existing garage area to conditioned living space, add one bedroom, relocate electrical outlets and install new insulation and windows.

Pay the application or plan-review fees

The city states that after payment, the project is assigned to Building staff for review.

Payment note: Credit and debit cards have processor service fees. Cash, check or e-check may avoid those fees where available.

Monitor the record as it becomes a full application

Once processed, the pre-application moves into the active application workflow. Watch CSS and email for reviewer comments and tasks.

Save: Application number, permit number, receipts and every portal message.

Answer every review comment

Prepare a comment-response letter, revise the correct documents and upload only the current resubmittal files.

Do not mix cycles: Old and new plan sets in one upload make it harder to identify the proposed correction.

Confirm all departments are approved

Building approval alone may not complete Planning, Fire, Public Works, tree, wastewater or other reviews.

Check before paying final fees: Look for every department’s completed status.

Pay issuance fees and download the permit documents

After the city confirms the project is ready, pay the required balance and obtain the issued permit, approved plans and job card.

Do not start at “plans approved.” Start only after the permit is formally issued.
OTC and virtual review

Use Virtual Over-the-Counter Review Only for Eligible Minor Work

Examples that may qualify

  • Kitchen or bathroom remodels with conventional wall alterations and no structural calculations or Fire review.
  • Window, skylight or door installations with conventional design.
  • Single-story interior alterations not exceeding 500 square feet when structural calculations are unnecessary.
  • Qualifying earthquake brace-and-bolt retrofit work.
  • Pool demolition, infill or abandonment.
  • Qualifying residential pool or outdoor-spa alterations.
  • Residential solar and energy-storage systems.
  • Ground-level residential decks up to 500 square feet on slopes not exceeding 15%, when other conditions are met.

Projects that may require full review

  • Projects connected to code-enforcement or stop-work cases.
  • Properties with several recently opened permits.
  • Projects with zoning or public right-of-way impacts.
  • Work requiring structural calculations.
  • Work requiring Fire review.
  • Reviews expected to take more than about 30 minutes.

Plans are still required

OTC or VOTC does not mean “no drawings.” The eligibility sheet requires plans and applicable specifications.

Availability

Plan checkers are listed Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, through the CSS virtual-review process.

City contact

After a complete VOTC submittal, the city says the applicant is contacted to schedule the virtual plan review.

Open the Current OTC/VOTC Eligibility List

Digital-plan formatting

Format the PDF Set the Way San Mateo Reviewers Expect

Core eReview rules

  • Submit PDF or PDF/A files
  • Combine plan sheets into one plan file
  • Keep supporting documents separate
  • Do not upload ZIP files
  • Do not password-protect files
  • Flatten drawing comments and layers
  • Use uniform page orientation
  • Bookmark and label every sheet
  • Keep plans legible in grayscale
  • Provide approval-stamp spaces

Current-file rule

For a resubmittal, provide files for the current cycle only. Do not include the original submission again.

First submission examples:

  • C1-PLAN.PDF — architectural, structural and trade plans
  • C1-CALCS.PDF — structural calculations
  • C1-BLDG-MISC.PDF — Title 24, CalGreen or supporting Building documents

Revision example:

  • R1C1-PLAN.PDF — first submission of the first scope revision
File problem
Why it delays review
Better method
One PDF for every sheet
Reviewers must manage many disconnected files
Combine the plan set into one bookmarked PDF
Plans and calculations mixed together
Documents cannot be routed cleanly by discipline
Upload plans, calculations and reports as separate files
Password-protected PDF
Reviewers cannot add markups or approval stamps
Upload an unlocked, unsecured PDF
Old and new cycles combined
The current correction is difficult to identify
Upload only the current cycle using C1, C2 or revision naming
No bookmarks
Reviewers must manually search a long drawing set
Bookmark every sheet with its number and title
Scanned low-resolution plans
Dimensions, notes and code details become unreadable
Export vector PDFs directly from the design software when possible

Open San Mateo eReview Requirements

Project document guide

What to Prepare for Common San Mateo Projects

Project
Prepare before applying
Common review problem
New home, duplex or large addition
Scope, title sheet, zoning data, site plan, existing/proposed floor plans, elevations, sections, foundation, framing, structural details, Title 24, CalGreen, landscape/tree and Fire information
Zoning calculations, floor area, parking, setbacks and structural plans do not agree
ADU or JADU
Property lookup, ADU standards, separate address-assignment application, site/floor plans, elevations, utilities, energy, Fire and flood information
Applicant treats the ADU as only an interior remodel and misses address, utility or Planning requirements
Kitchen or bathroom remodel
Existing/proposed layout, wall changes, structural information if needed, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, ventilation and energy details
The plans do not clearly distinguish cosmetic replacement from wall or system alterations
Window or door replacement
Opening schedule, location, dimensions, safety glazing, egress, structural changes and energy information
New opening size or location is treated as a simple like-for-like replacement
Deck
Scaled site plan, property lines, setbacks, slope, height, attachment, footings, beams, joists, connectors, stairs and guards
Planning impacts or exit-door relationship prevent OTC/VOTC review
Accessory structure
Site plan, lot size, existing structures, distances to property lines, dimensions, height, construction details and utilities
A structure under 120 square feet is assumed to be exempt from zoning and setback rules
Commercial tenant improvement
Code summary, occupancy, construction type, accessibility, occupant load, egress, Fire, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy and Planning information
The proposed business use differs from the approved occupancy or zoning use
Sidewalk or driveway approach
Public Works encroachment application, right-of-way drawings, drainage, curb/gutter details, street-tree information and traffic/access controls
Building plans show private work but omit the connected public right-of-way work
Protected-tree project
Tree species, trunk size, site location, arborist information, proposed work, construction impact and protection measures
Tree review begins after the building design has already placed work inside the protection area

Open Checklists, Guidelines and Forms

ADU action guide

Complete These ADU Checks Before Uploading the Plan Set

Find zoning district
Check FEMA flood zone
Check protected trees
Select ADU or JADU type
Submit building and address applications
Complete Fire, utility and final approvals

ADU application essentials

  • A building permit is required for ADUs and JADUs.
  • Use the current ADU standards and plan-submittal guide.
  • Apply for a separate address assignment with the building permit.
  • Confirm whether Fire sprinklers are required.
  • Check flood-zone and protected-tree conditions.
  • Coordinate Public Works and utility requirements.

Current 2026–2027 flat permit fees

  • New ADU: $2,831.57
  • ADU remodel: $2,031.12
  • Eligible manufactured, prefab or pre-approved ADU: $1,455.43
  • JADU: $1,454.02

Separate Planning, utility, Fire, address, impact or other charges may apply.

Open San Mateo ADU Resources

Owner-builder warning

Know What You Accept When the Permit Is Filed as Owner-Builder

You become responsible for the project

  • The permit identifies you as the responsible party of record.
  • You assume responsibility for code compliance and inspections.
  • You may be responsible for worker injuries and insurance gaps.
  • You must verify whether people performing regulated work are properly licensed.
  • You must manage corrections, revisions and final closeout.

Do not front for an unlicensed contractor

  • A contractor should normally obtain the permit in the contractor’s name.
  • An owner-builder permit is not a way to avoid contractor licensing.
  • Anyone acting as the project’s contractor must comply with California licensing rules.
  • Keep written contracts, payment records and inspection results.
  • Confirm insurance and workers’ compensation responsibilities before work starts.

Open the Owner-Builder Declaration

Related approval screen

A Building Permit May Not Be the Only Approval

Planning

Checks use, setbacks, FAR, height, parking, daylight plane, signs and neighborhood-development standards.

Open Planning

Protected trees

Protected-tree removal or major pruning requires a permit. Construction-related tree removal is reviewed with the development application.

Open Protected Trees

Public Works

Sidewalk, curb, gutter, driveway approach, under-drain and other right-of-way work can require an encroachment permit.

Call 650-522-7300

Fire

Fire alarms, sprinklers, commercial life-safety work and residential sprinkler inspections involve San Mateo Consolidated Fire.

Call 650-522-7940

Business tax

Commercial construction approval does not replace the business tax certificate or other operating approvals.

Call 650-522-7113

Code Enforcement

Unpermitted work, stop-work notices or active violations can prevent OTC/VOTC routing and require a full correction process.

Call 650-522-7150

Adopted 2026–2027 fees

Use the Current Fee Schedule Instead of a Generic Percentage Calculator

How valuation is established: The adopted schedule states that project valuation is based on the latest ICC Building Valuation Table with a regional cost modifier of 2.93 and includes building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing trades. The Building Official may adjust valuation when necessary.
Fee or project
2026–2027 published amount
What it means
Single-family/duplex plan review
70% of the calculated building permit fee
Plan review is separate from permit and inspection fees
Commercial plan review
75% of the calculated building permit fee
Fire, Planning, Public Works and consultant costs can be additional
Multifamily residential plan review
65% of the calculated building permit fee
Applies to the Building Division plan-review component
Reinspection
$282.78 per hour, one-hour minimum
Have the site ready, approved plans onsite and all corrections complete
Off-hours inspection
$282.78 per hour, two-hour minimum
Requires special city approval and scheduling
Plan changes, additions or revisions
$294.87 per hour, half-hour minimum
Also applies after more than two rechecks under the schedule
Expired-permit reactivation
$176.04 per reactivation
The schedule includes a reduced calculation when 50% of the original permit fee is lower
Single-family/duplex reroof
$539.14 flat fee
Structural repair or unusual scope can require added review
Minor residential kitchen or bathroom combination permit
$719.58 per remodel
Applies to the listed minor-remodel combination permit
Up to five same-location, same-size windows
$430.21 flat fee
New sizes, locations or structural changes may need full review
More than five same-location, same-size windows
$642.56 flat fee
Energy and safety-glazing requirements still apply
Residential electrical permit
$289.37
Specialized work may have a separate listed fee
Residential mechanical permit
$289.37
HVAC relocation or new installation has a separate listed charge
Residential plumbing permit
$289.37
Tankless and heat-pump water heaters have separate fee lines
Residential heat-pump water heater
$145.00
Confirm the current permit category and equipment scope
Residential solar or energy-storage system
$450.00 for the listed base category
Larger systems can use additional per-kilowatt charges
Single-family/duplex EV charging station
$213.45
Electrical service capacity or panel work can add scope
Temporary banner permit
$217.85
Permanent signs use valuation-based permit fees
Final invoice can be higher. Planning support, Fire review, Public Works, park, transportation, childcare, wastewater, protected-tree, consultant and payment-processing charges may apply. Review the CSS invoice before payment.

Open the Adopted 2026–2027 Fee Schedule

Inspection command board

Schedule the Correct Inspection Before Covering the Work

Request cutoff

Submit through CSS by 3:00 PM for the next business day.

Same-day inspection requests are not accepted.

Two-hour window

The inspector contacts the field representative before 9:00 AM on inspection day.

Daily schedule

The city posts the updated inspection schedule at approximately 9:00 AM, sorted by building permit number.

Inspection stage
What should be ready
Do not do this first
Foundation
Trenches excavated, forms and reinforcing steel in place
Pour concrete before approval
Under-floor
Under-floor framing, plumbing, electrical and mechanical work complete
Install insulation or subfloor before inspection
Roof nail
Roof deck installed and required nailing visible
Apply roofing materials before approval
Exterior shear nail
Shear walls installed with fastening visible
Apply exterior protection before inspection
Residential fire sprinkler rough
Piping, hangers and sprinkler locations complete
Request rough frame before the required Fire approval
Rough frame
Building weather-tight; framing, rough electrical, plumbing and mechanical complete
Install insulation or wallboard before rough approvals
Insulation
Required rough inspections passed and insulation remains visible
Cover insulation with drywall
Final trades
Electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems complete and operational
Assume the building final automatically closes every trade
Building final
Project complete, corrections resolved, safe access and all related approvals finished
Occupy before final approval or certificate issuance

Information required when scheduling

  • Last six permit digits
  • Project address
  • Contractor name
  • Actual field-contact phone
  • Inspection type
  • Requested date

Inspection-day readiness

  • Qualified person onsite
  • Approved plans onsite
  • Permit/job card onsite
  • Work complete for the stage
  • Safe ladders and access
  • Gates and work areas unlocked
Reinspection exposure: The current fee schedule lists $282.78 per hour with a one-hour minimum. A site that is incomplete, inaccessible or missing approved plans and the job card may be charged.
Virtual inspections: San Mateo can perform virtual inspections when appropriate. The assigned inspector decides whether the project and inspection stage are suitable.

Open Building Inspection Instructions

Construction hours

Keep Construction Activity Inside the City’s Published Hours

Monday–Friday

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Sunday and city holidays

12:00 PM–4:00 PM

Job-site tip: Deliveries, demolition, equipment operation and noisy subcontractor activity should be planned within the allowed construction hours. Additional project conditions may be more restrictive.
Permit life and revisions

Protect the Permit From Expiration and Unapproved Field Changes

Permit inactivity

San Mateo permit materials apply a 180-day inactivity framework when construction does not commence or work is suspended or abandoned.

  • Schedule required inspections as work progresses.
  • Do not leave an issued permit inactive.
  • Contact Building before the permit expires.
  • Do not restart an expired permit without city approval.

Changes after approval

Changes to approved plans can trigger additional plan-review charges and must be reviewed before the changed work is completed.

  • Identify every changed sheet.
  • Explain the reason and scope.
  • Use revision-cycle file names.
  • Wait for approval before proceeding.
Stop-work risk: Work outside the issued scope can lead to corrections, exposure of concealed work, doubled administrative effort, added plan-review fees or a formal stop-work notice.
Permit search and closeout

Search the Full Record and Prove the Permit Is Closed

Open the public CSS search

The portal supports record searches without visiting City Hall.

Open San Mateo CSS

Search by the most precise information available

Use permit number first. Address, parcel number, date range and interactive map search are useful when the permit number is unknown.

Open the complete record

Review application status, payments, plan-review comments, issuance, inspection requests and inspection results.

Do not stop at “issued.” Issued permits can remain open for months or years without a final inspection.

Find related permits

Search building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, Fire, Planning, tree and Public Works records connected to the project.

Check failed and cancelled inspections

Confirm that every failed result was followed by a passing reinspection and that no required inspection was skipped.

Contact the city for missing historical information

Email building.info@cityofsanmateo.org or call 650-522-7172 when the online record does not answer the question.

Save final proof

Keep the final inspection, certificate of occupancy when applicable, approved plans, job card, fee receipts and closed permit record.

Property-sale check: Review additions, ADUs, garage conversions, decks, window changes, roofs, electrical service, HVAC, sewer work and protected-tree permits. A remodel invoice does not prove the city approved and finalized the work.
Status decoder

What Common CSS Permit Statuses Mean

Pre-application The initial record exists but has not completed processing into a full application.
Fees due Application or plan-review payment is needed before the next review stage.
Under review One or more departments are checking the application and plans.
Corrections required Review comments must be answered with revised current-cycle files.
Approved Department review may be complete, but issuance fees or another department can remain.
Issued Work may begin within the approved scope and inspection sequence.
Expired Stop work and ask whether reactivation, updated plans or a new permit is required.
Finaled / closed Save the final result and verify every connected trade and related permit is also complete.
Troubleshooting

Fix Common San Mateo Permit and Inspection Problems

Problem
Likely reason
Best next action
Application remains a pre-application
Processing, payment or required information is incomplete
Open CSS tasks and fee notices, then contact Building if no action is shown
Digital plans rejected
Files are locked, separated by sheet, unbookmarked, illegible or named incorrectly
Rebuild the package using the eReview requirements
VOTC request moved to full review
Structural calculations, Fire, Planning, Public Works or code-enforcement issues apply
Submit the complete full-review package rather than repeatedly requesting VOTC
Planning comments appear late
Zoning, FAR, setbacks, height, parking or tree issues were not checked before design
Use property lookup and coordinate Planning before the next resubmittal
Inspection request unavailable
Permit is not issued, expired, wrong inspection selected or request missed the cutoff
Check permit status and submit by 3:00 PM for the next business day
Inspector cannot approve work
Plans/job card missing, site inaccessible, work incomplete or work concealed
Correct readiness issues before paying another reinspection charge
Rough frame cannot pass
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical or Fire sprinkler rough approvals remain
Complete prerequisite inspections before rescheduling rough frame
Field layout differs from plans
The contractor made an unapproved scope or design change
Stop affected work and submit a revision with updated plans and calculations
Permit is open during a sale
Final inspection, correction, fee or related trade permit was never completed
Ask Building for the exact current closeout or reactivation path
Ready-to-use scripts

What to Say When You Contact San Mateo

Permit-route question
“I am planning [exact work] at [full address]. Can you confirm whether I should use residential, commercial, express or VOTC review and whether Planning, Fire, Public Works or protected-tree approval is required?”
Plan-review question
“CSS application [number] for [address] has comments from [department]. I uploaded cycle [C2/R1C1]. Can you confirm which comment or document still prevents approval?”
Inspection request
“I need the [inspection type] for permit [number] at [address] on [date]. The work is complete and visible, approved plans and the job card are onsite, and the field contact is [name and phone].”
Open-permit question
“Permit [number] at [address] is not final. Which inspection, fee, correction, revision or related permit must be completed to close the record?”
Final project checklist

Do Not Consider the San Mateo Project Finished Until These Are Complete

  • City jurisdiction confirmed
  • Zoning district and development standards checked
  • Correct CSS application selected
  • Planning, tree, Fire and Public Works routes checked
  • PDF plans combined and bookmarked
  • Files unlocked and named by cycle
  • Current Title 24 and CalGreen documents included
  • Owner and contractor information accurate
  • Application and plan-review fees paid
  • Every review comment answered
  • All departments approved
  • Permit formally issued before work
  • Approved plans and job card onsite
  • Inspections requested before 3:00 PM
  • Work kept exposed until approval
  • Field changes approved as revisions
  • All building and trade finals passed
  • Certificate and closed record saved
Office map

San Mateo City Hall Building Division Location

Address: San Mateo City Hall, 330 West 20th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403.
Building Division: 650-522-7172.
Check the day-specific counter hours before visiting because Tuesday and Friday afternoon access is limited.
Official resources

Open the Correct San Mateo Portal, Checklist or Fee Schedule

🏛️ Building Division Current contacts, counter hours, codes, inspections and permit resources › 📝 Customer Self-Service Portal Apply, pay, resubmit, search records and request inspections › 💻 Online Permit Center Application types, payment, resubmittal and VOTC instructions › 📅 Building Inspections 3:00 PM cutoff, site readiness, virtual inspections and contact window › 🕘 Daily Inspection Schedule Published around 9:00 AM and sorted by permit number › 📂 Checklists, Guidelines and Forms Residential, commercial, CalGreen and project-specific documents › 📑 eReview File Requirements PDF format, bookmarks, stamp space, orientation and file naming › ⚡ OTC and VOTC Eligibility Minor-project examples and conditions requiring full review › 🏠 Residential Plan Guide New homes, additions, ADUs, JADUs and duplex plan requirements › 💵 2026–2027 Fee Schedule Building, plan review, reinspection, ADU and trade fees › 🏡 ADU and JADU Resources Zoning, flood, trees, fees, standards and pre-approved plans › 🌳 Protected Trees Removal, major pruning and construction-related tree review ›
Frequently asked questions

City of San Mateo Building Permit FAQs

Where do I apply for a City of San Mateo building permit?

Use the official Customer Self-Service Online Permit Center. Register and confirm the account, select Apply, complete the correct building or planning application, upload the project documents and pay the required application fees.

What is the San Mateo Building Division phone number?

Call the Building Division at 650-522-7172 or email building.info@cityofsanmateo.org. City Hall is at 330 West 20th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403.

What is the deadline for a next-day San Mateo inspection?

Submit the inspection request through CSS by 3:00 PM for the next business day. San Mateo does not accept same-day building inspection requests.

When will the San Mateo inspector provide the arrival window?

The assigned inspector contacts the field representative before 9:00 AM on inspection day with a two-hour window and confirms whether the inspection will be in person or virtual. The daily schedule is also posted around 9:00 AM.

What San Mateo projects can use virtual over-the-counter review?

Eligible examples include certain kitchen and bathroom remodels, conventional window or door work, small single-story interior alterations, qualifying residential decks, solar and energy-storage systems, pool alterations and earthquake retrofits. Plans and specifications are still required.

How should digital plans be named for San Mateo eReview?

Use uppercase file names with hyphens and a cycle number, such as C1-PLAN.PDF or C1-CALCS.PDF. A scope revision can use a format such as R1C1-PLAN.PDF. Upload only the files for the current cycle.

Does a small shed or deck need a San Mateo building permit?

A one-story detached accessory building not exceeding 120 square feet can be building-permit exempt. A deck may be exempt only when it is 200 square feet or less, not more than 30 inches above grade, unattached and not serving an exit door. Planning requirements still apply.

What are the current San Mateo ADU permit fees?

The adopted 2026–2027 schedule lists $2,831.57 for a new ADU, $2,031.12 for an ADU remodel, $1,455.43 for an eligible manufactured, prefab or pre-approved ADU and $1,454.02 for a JADU. Other city or utility charges may apply.

How do I search San Mateo permit history?

Use the public CSS portal to search by permit number, address, parcel number, date range or interactive map. Open the full record to review payments, plan-review comments, issuance and inspection history.

How do I prove a San Mateo building permit is closed?

Confirm that all building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, Fire, Planning and Public Works requirements are complete, every failed inspection has a later passing result and the permit shows final or closed status. Save the final inspection and certificate of occupancy when applicable.

Source and accuracy note

Official Information Used for This Guide

Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of San Mateo.

This page was rebuilt using the City of San Mateo Building Division, Customer Self-Service portal, Online Permit Center, inspection guidance, daily schedule, current OTC/VOTC eligibility sheet, eReview formatting rules, residential plan-submittal guide, ADU resources, protected-tree requirements and adopted 2026–2027 comprehensive fee schedule.

Last reviewed: July 21, 2026.

Counter hours, fees, portal behavior, permit types, codes and inspection procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive details with the City of San Mateo before filing, paying, scheduling or beginning construction.

Free Building Permit & Inspection Assistant

Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links

Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.

Start Permit Helper
8 toolsPermit finder, fee estimate, inspection checklist, zoning pre-check, and official searches.
All citiesWorks sitewide on city, county, village, and regional building department pages.
No loginNo address, permit number, email, or private data is required to use the tool.
Mobile-firstBuilt for visitors checking permits and inspections from a phone.

What building department task do you need help with?

Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.

Homeowner tip

Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.

Contractor tip

Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.

Building Permit Type Finder

Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.

Permit Fee Estimate Calculator

Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.

Inspection Readiness Checklist

Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.

Zoning and Setback Pre-check

Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.

Plan Review Timeline Estimator

Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.

Permit Records Search Helper

Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.

Official Building Department Resource Finder

Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.

Building Department vs Planning/Zoning

  • Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
  • Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.

Best sitewide placement

Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.

Important note

This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.

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