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New construction · San Mateo

What permits are needed for new construction in San Mateo?

New construction in San Mateo requires building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits through City of San Mateo Community Development Department — Building Division, plus any entitlements (zoning / planning review) triggered by the project. Plan check rigorous on Title 24, structural lateral, and (in Shoreview) FEMA elevation; protected-tree ordinance applies.

What changes the answer in San Mateo.

Most R-1 SFRs are ministerial; San Mateo Park's Architectural Review and HR-overlay parcels add design review and slope rules. City of San Mateo Community Development Department — Building Division schedules inspections through its permit portal; foundation, framing, rough trades, insulation, drywall, and final are the standard hold points for new SFRs in San Mateo.

  • San Mateo uses R-1 sub-districts (with size-keyed FAR and coverage), R-2, R-3 districts plus Hillside (HR) overlays in the western areas; downtown is governed by precise plans.
  • Buildable envelope shaped by FAR, side-yard daylight, and a 30-foot height limit; HR overlay adds slope-band density.
  • PG&E electric/gas; California Water Service (Cal Water) for water in most neighborhoods; City for sewer.
  • Municipal sewer service in developed San Mateo parcels; verify lateral condition and any point-of-sale sewer compliance requirement before scoping.

Source-backed note

Official source: City of San Mateo Community Development Department — Building Division. We link every cited form, fee schedule, and inspection page from the city's permit directory entry.

Reference: CSLB — License a Contractor — California Contractors State License Board

Local authority: City of San Mateo Community Development Department — Building Division

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Send us the address and we'll respond with a feasibility note that cites City of San Mateo Community Development Department — Building Division and the parcel's actual constraints — not a generic checklist.

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