2. Plan review services...of construction documents including plans, engineering data, energy conservation reports, fire sprinkler and fire alarm plans for compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.

3. Permit issuances...for building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire sprinkler and fire alarm construction, alteration or installation work.

Other services provided by the Building Inspection Division include off hour inspections, time extensions for building permits, inspection of fire sprinkler systems for one and two family dwellings, code interpretation consultation, and inspections of daycare facilities located in single family dwellings for 14 or fewer children.

Inspections are performed between

9:00 am - 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm

*Calls received after 4:30pm will be scheduled the next business day. To receive a morning inspection you need to request your inspection before 12:00pm. Any calls received after will be scheduled for the afternoon.

Before calling for an inspection you must have the following information:
-Permit number
-Contractor's name and phone number
-Project address, including floor number, suite number etc..
-Provide inspection code desired
-Date of desired inspection

Foundation: A foundation inspection shall be scheduled when the trenches are excavated, forms and steel reinforcing bars are in place, but prior to concrete being poured.

Under Floor: An inspection shall be scheduled after all under floor framing, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical is complete and before insulation and the sub-floor is installed.

Roof Nail: A roof nail inspection is required after the roofing deck is installed and before applying any roofing materials.

Exterior Shear Nail: A shear nail inspection is required after the shear walls are installed and before any exterior protection in applied.

Fire Inspection: A residential fire sprinkler system inspection is required for piping, hangers and sprinkler location before the rough framing inspection.

Rough Frame: The rough framing inspection shall be scheduled after the roof and walls are weather tight. All rough framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, and rough mechanical shall be completed prior to the inspection. Also, if automatic fire sprinklers are installed, a fire inspection shall be completed prior to a rough framing inspection.

Electrical: A rough electrical inspection shall be scheduled after all the electrical wiring is run and before the receptacles are installed. If a rough framing inspection is required, the electrical system will be inspected at that time. After all the work is completed, a final inspection shall be scheduled and the electrical fixtures and receptacles will be inspected.

Plumbing:
• Under floor plumbing: When all under floor work is installed, at under floor inspection. Drainage systems shall be tested and inspected while under 10 foot headwater test and water piping shall be tested under working pressure.
• Rough plumbing: A rough plumbing inspection shall be scheduled after all the plumbing systems (drainage, vents, water and gas piping) are completed. If a rough framing inspection is required, the plumbing system will be inspected at that time. Drainage and vent systems shall be tested and inspected while under 10 foot headwater and water piping shall be tested under working pressure.
• Main Sewer Line: The main sewer line and its connection to the public sewer shall be scheduled for a water test inspection.
• Gas Lines: All gas lines and systems require an inspection before connections are made to the supply lines. If a rough framing inspection is required, the inspection for the gas line shall be inspected along with the rough frame. For the inspection, the installer shall supply equipment to conduct an air pressure test of ten pounds for 15 minutes to be verified by the Building Inspector.

Mechanical:
• Under floor inspection: An inspection is required for under floor ducts or vents. If an under floor inspection is required, the mechanical ducts and vents will be inspected at that time.
• Rough mechanical: A rough mechanical inspection shall be scheduled after the mechanical system, heat ducts, exhaust and vent ducts are installed. If a rough framing inspection is required, the inspection for the mechanical system shall be inspected along with the rough frame

Lath and Plaster: An inspection shall be scheduled to inspect the attachment (screwing or nailing) of all firewalls and water-resistant wallboard. An inspection shall also be scheduled to inspect the attachment for all exterior lath.
• Insulation: All required insulation shall be inspected after installation and before the material is covered.

Final Inspection: When all work is completed a final inspection shall be scheduled prior to occupancy or use of the area. If automatic fire sprinklers were installed, a final inspection from the Fire Inspector shall be scheduled and approved prior to scheduling the final Building inspection.

The Property owner must supply the Building Official with a "notice of final inspection" by the special inspection agency before your job can be "finalized" by the City Building Inspector.

If you have any questions about the special inspection requirements you should contact the plan checker assigned to your project. Field problems with special inspection should be brought to the attention of you City Building Inspector.

*All new water services installed or modified as part of a residential fire sprinkler system installation must be flushed and witnessed by the inspector PRIOR to connecting to the fire sprinkler system. Failure to do so will result in the contractor disconnecting the fire sprinkler system from the water service and back flushing the fire sprinkler system.

*Please be aware that a framing inspection for your project cannot be scheduled until the fire sprinkler rough inspection has been approved.

Call (650) 522-7940
Bureau of Fire Protection and Life Safety

Normal Business Hours:
8:00am to 12:00 noon
1:00pm to 5:00pm

Inspections are performed between:
9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Only the contractor under permit may request the inspection. The following minimum information is required at time of requesting an inspection:

1. Permit Number__________.
2. Contractors Name and Phone No.
3. Project Address, including floor and suite #.
4. Type of inspection desired.

Fire Sprinkler systems and/or Fire Alarm systems may take more than the typical one hour inspection time allotted and may require more than one inspector to be scheduled. The contractor will be responsible for scheduling the appropriate inspection time and number of inspectors, technicians, etc.

Contact your Fire Inspector (number listed above) if you have any questions, before scheduling an inspection.

The installation contractor shall be on site at time of inspection and provide, at a minimum, the following:

The original approved plans and specification sheets, test reports, any written agreements, and two complete copies of as built drawings, if determined necessary by the Fire Inspector. Failure to comply will result in the inspections not taking place, and may result in additional inspection charges.

To avoid last-minute delays, we recommend that contacts with the field Fire Inspector be made early in the project. Final inspections should be made a minimum of two weeks before the intended occupancy date.

Many permits also require review by the Planning Division. The Planning Division reviews the height, size, and occupancy type of your project, as well as neighborhood concerns.

For over the counter Permits/Plan Check visit the Building Division Monday-Friday 9:30am-11:30am.

Building counter hours are:
Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesdays 9:00am to 5:00pm
Building Permit Application

A building permit issued while you wait is called and "Over the Counter Permit". Types of work that can be done over the counter are:
- Existing bathroom and kitchen remodels
- Repair of existing stucco or siding
- Most types of termite repair work
- Exterior stair repair
- Roof sheathing repair
- Replacement of existing windows

(Note: window replacements that are like for like and do not break through stucco or frame do not require a permit)

To fax your permit: (650) 522-7171

To mail your permit: Building Division
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403
Building Permit Application

A complete plan should illustrate the following items:
- Building location and relationship to the street, sidewalk, property lines and other items on or near the property.
- Distance(s) between the house walls and the front, back, and side lot lines.
- Exterior elevations illustrating the addition or the change being made.
- Plans for each floor being remodeled or added to show both the existing and proposed work.
- Type and size of all building materials to be used. Show connections/attachments.
- Structural drawings and calculations if required.
- Title 24 Part 6 Energy Calculation for new living areas.

Information and forms that have been glued, pasted or taped onto plans are not acceptable, nor is "white-out" allowed on permit drawings.

If any department has comments on your project they will issue a correction notice which will be faxed or mailed to the individual who submitted the plans. The applicant should make the corresponding corrections on a new set of plans and re-submit the plans. The plans are put back into the routing system and reviewed a second time.

Once the plans are approved by all departments, we will package your permit for issuance and call the applicant to come pick up the permit. Only the contractor or the homeowner may pull the permit at this time. An agent for the owner or contractor must have a letter from the owner stating that the agent has been given permission to pull the permit.

A Building Permit fee is paid at the time the permit is picked up. This fee is based on the construction valuation and any plumbing, mechanical, or electrical work being done.

However, special structural components such as engineered foundation or shear walls, retaining walls over four feet high, underpinning, rigid frames, structural steel or reinforced concrete or wood trusses, glu-laminated beams, columns and arches shall be designed and signed by a licensed architect, civil engineer or structural engineer.

Please be prepared with specific information, such as: the address of the property, detailed description of the situation, and the length of time you have observed the situation.

You do not have to identify yourself, however, having your name will assist us with follow-up and ensure we have all the information we need to resolve the situation.

-To be permitted, a home occupation must meet the following criteria:
-All employees of the business must be residents in the dwelling.
-Only 400 square feet of the home, or up to 20% of the living area, whichever is less, may be used for the business.
-Clients may only visit the dwelling between the hours of 8am and 6pm, and no more than five client visits per day are allowed.
-Parking must be provided for all business vehicles.
-Deliveries to the business may only be made by private mail service or the Postal Service.
-Outdoor storage of goods, equipment, or material is not allowed.
-A valid business tax certificate must also be maintained at all times that the home occupation is conducted.
-Vehicles used for the business may not have visible logos.
-For information regarding a Home Occupation Permit, please contact the Planning Division at (650) 522-7212. To apply for, or to request an application for a Home Occupation Permit and a business tax certificate, you may contact the Finance Department at City Hall, 330 West 20th Avenue. Their phone number is (650) 522-7100.

To view the SMMC regarding Home Occupation click on the following: Home Occupation (SMMC: 27.16.040)

Get a library card

If you are calling about a report that is already on file, and there is no emergency, dial (650) 522-7650, M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you prefer not to be contacted, you may also call the "Secret Witness" number, which is (650) 522-7676 and leave anonymous information.

The San Mateo County Narcotics Task force deals with drug-related problems outside the city limits and jurisdiction of the City of San Mateo. If your information applies to these areas, please call them at (650) 573-3991 to leave a message.

Free mediation services are available by contacting the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center at (650) 513-0330 or the San Mateo County Mediation Program at (650) 373-3490.
Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center

For general questions regarding detectives or investigations, call (650) 522-7650 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Completion of this project will remove approximately 6,000 parcels (Benefit Zone A) from the special flood hazard area.

The assessment district has provided funding to improve the South Bayfront levees and in doing so, will provide protection from tidal flooding to both zones.

Completion of the project will allow the Zone A properties to be removed from the Special Flood Hazard Area, thereby eliminating the requirement for mandatory flood insurance. Zone B properties will still need flood insurance after the project is completed, as they are also subject to stormwater/residual flooding.

In the case of the South Bayfront Levee Improvements, the project was identified as a candidate for an assessment district as the cost of $7.5M was spread over the 8,000 parcels that receive the direct benefit of protection from tidal flooding, resulting in a relatively low cost per owner.

Fiesta Gardens: The 19th Avenue Channel Upgrade Project ($5M) is needed to address stormwater flooding in this neighborhood.

San Mateo/Glendale Village; Laurie Meadows: Improvements are needed to upgrade and widen the Laurel Creek Channel ($27.5M) to address flooding in these neighborhoods.

Central/North Central/North Shoreview: Improvements must be made to the North Levees near Coyote Point ($7.5M), AND the Coyote Point and Poplar Avenue Storm Water Pump Station ($10M) must be rehabilitated to address the tidal and stormwater flooding problems in these neighborhoods.

In the case of the South Bayfront Levee Improvements, the project cost of $7.5M was spread over the 8,000 parcels that receive the direct benefit of protection from tidal flooding, resulting in a relatively low cost per owner.

The remaining flood improvement projects in other areas of the City are relatively more expensive when considering the number of property owners who would share the burden. This makes the formation of additional assessment districts unpractical and in some areas would cost more than flood insurance.

In addition, San Mateo has been working to enter into FEMA's Community Rating System Program which will provide discounted insurance based on flood plain management activities that the City takes above and beyond National Flood Insurance Program minimum requirements. We are working on being certified to meet the minimum requirements, and anticipate that once we are accepted by the program, the initial insurance discount rate will be between 5% to 10%. The discount will apply to all policy holders within the City of San Mateo. Once we are in the program, the discount will apply when you renew your insurance. While we continue to work with FEMA, we are not able to estimate when San Mateo will be accepted into the discount program.

A minimum of 3.0 feet of freeboard above the base flood elevation (BFE);

Geotechnical analyses to demonstrate that the levee foundations and embankments will remain stable during the base flood; and

An operation and maintenance plan to ensure the continued flood protection capacity of the levee system in the future.

The present levee systems contain temporary closures that cannot be credited by FEMA for protection from the base flood. It should be noted that even if the levee system is credited for providing protection from the base flood, it must be demonstrated that the subject area is not subject to flooding from other sources, riverine or coastal.

FEMA issued an appeal resolution letter on July 10, 2000, stating that the model submitted with the appeal could not be used because it incorporated proposed bridge improvements.

On August 1, 2000, FEMA received a letter stating that the model did not incorporated the proposed improvements and asking that the appeal determination be re-evaluated. FEMA sent a second appeal resolution letter on February 26, 2001, which included revisions to the FIRM based on the channel survey, topographic data, and crediting the traffic barrier under Highway 101 near 3rd Street as providing protection from the base flood.

The letters exchanged between the City and FEMA on this subject are on file at the City Department of Public Works.

On the map, the zone designation for over 8,500 residential and commercial buildings are now shown as in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA: Zone AE). This means that the buildings have at least a 1-percent chance of suffering a flood loss in any given year.

Flood insurance may be required for buildings located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) that serve as security for a federally backed loan or a loan from a federally backed lender. The Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended by the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, requires that lenders determine if a structure is in the SFHA. This requirement is overseen by Federal financial regulators and Federal agencies that provide funding or guarantee mortgages. Insurance is to be obtained and maintained during the term of the loan. Buildings that have been paid off are not required by Federal law to purchase flood insurance. The mandatory purchase requirement is usually triggered when a loan is made, increased, renewed or extended; or when a flood map has been revised placing additional area in a SFHA. If a loan is sold or its servicing is transferred to a different lender, this can also trigger the requirement to purchase flood insurance.

The City of San Mateo has adopted a floodplain ordinance meeting Federal standards and established procedures for regulating development in the Special Flood Hazard Areas shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map. All building and development permits for new and substantially improved structures issued on or after October 19, 2001 are required to meet the City ordinance provisions. Minimum standards include elevating the lowest floor of new or substantially improved structures to or above the base flood elevation; for areas enclosed below the lowest floor, adequate flood vents; and using flood resistant materials and construction.

Pre-FIRM structures: If owners of structures built before March 30, 1981, purchase flood insurance before the flood map becomes effective on October 19, 2001, the NFIP "grandfathering" rules would apply, as long as continuous coverage is maintained and the policy was rated correctly against the flood hazard map that was in effect at the time of construction. If a homeowner does not maintain continuous coverage, the flood insurance premium imposed when insurance is reissued would be rated based on the flood map in effect at the time of reissuance.

Post-FIRM structures: For owners of structures built on or after March 30, 1981, and before the flood map became effective on October 19, 2001, grandfathering rules allow the use, for flood insurance rating, of the flood map in effect at the time of construction.

Past experience is one of a number of factors used when determining flood potential. Another factor that will significantly change your flood risk over time is the amount of new development that has occurred in your watershed which will increase the speed and quantity of the storm runoff and greatly increase the extent of flooding. Inadequate levees can be very effective for smaller storm events but may fail dramatically in places when faced by a really major storm. The flood hazard areas were determined using analyses of records of riverflow, storm tides, and rainfall; information obtained through consultation with the community and topographic surveys. The Flood Insurance Study also assumes the free flow of floodwaters through bridge openings and culverts. During an actual flood event, these openings may become plugged and other areas not shown as floodprone may be flooded.

This Flood Insurance Study represents the best technical information on the current flood risk in your community.

Flood insurance does not cover the value of the land. The amount you purchase relates to the replacement cost of the building.

The maximum structural coverage available is $250,000 for residential buildings and $500,000 for commercial buildings. The maximum contents coverage available is $100,000 for residential buildings and $500,000 for commercial buildings.

Flood insurance can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on when the policy is purchased and the amount of coverage. (click here for rate tables)

Contact your local insurance agent;

Call the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) toll-free number, 1-800-427-4661, to request the name of an insurance agent in your area who sells flood insurance

Contact the City of San Mateo Department of Public Works to determine if your building has been removed from the SFHA. You may need to inspect the revised map panels attached to the Letter of Map Revision. If you determine that your building has been placed in Zone X, you should proceed with the remaining steps.

Obtain a copy of the Letter of Map Revision from the community. It is not necessary to obtain a copy of the map panel that is attached to the letter.

Send your lender a copy of the Letter of Map Revision along with a written request asking for a new map determination for your building. (Some lenders may charge a fee for this service.) Ask the lender to confirm in writing that (1) flood insurance was required as part of the mortgage; and (2) the requirement for flood insurance no longer applies because your building is now in Zone X.

If you purchased flood insurance through an insurance agent, provide the agent with the letter from your lender and ask the agent to cancel the policy and provide you with a refund.

If your lender purchased the flood insurance policy for you and billed you for it, ask the lender to cancel the flood insurance policy and issue a refund. Some policies purchased by lenders are not backed by the National Flood Insurance Program and have different refund standards.

For removal of existing structures on a case by case basis, please refer to the section below on "Map Change Information for Homeowners."

As an alternative, FEMA established procedures by which an interested community may compile appropriate data and request a map revision. Map revisions are often completed in less than 90 days from the date all data are received.

Corrects a mapping or study analysis error;

Is based on the effects of natural changes within a SFHA;

Is based on the effects of a federally sponsored flood-control project where 50 percent or more of the project's costs are federally funded;

Is based on a detailed hydrologic or hydraulic study conducted by a Federal, State, or local agency to replace an approximate study conducted by FEMA and shown on the flood map; or

Is based on flood hazard information meant to improve upon that shown on the flood map or within the flood study, and does not partially or wholly incorporate manmade modifications within the SFHA.

FEMA Form MT-1, entitled "Amendments and Revisions to National Flood Insurance Program Maps: Application/Certification Forms and Instructions for Letters of Map Amendment, Conditional Letters of Map Amendment, Letters of Map Revision (Based on Fill), and Conditional Letters of Map Revision (Based on Fill)"-This package includes instructive information for property owners who may be interested in requesting that FEMA remove their property from the floodplain shown on the flood map. The application/certification forms included in the package must be completed and submitted to support such requests.

FIA-12, [Appeals, Revisions and Amendments to National Flood Insurance Program Maps, A Guide for Community Officials]-This document provides extensive information on the various processes available to community officials, property owners, and others who are interested in changing the information shown on the flood hazard map for a community.

FIA-2, [Answers to Questions about the National Flood Insurance Program]-This document, which provides a good summary of the National Flood Insurance Program.

FEMA-258, [Guide to Flood Maps]-This document was designed to assist community officials, property owners, and others in reading and understanding the flood maps.

Traffic school is an option for those who meet the court requirements, and information can be obtained through the San Mateo County Superior Court at https://www.sanmateocourt.org/traffic.

If you have received a red light citation at an intersection equipped with digital video, you can contact Red Light Enforcement in San Mateo, by calling 650-522-7747 or sending an email to redlightphoto@cityofsanmateo.org. View the Video Violation Online

Hillsdale Blvd. & Saratoga Dr.

Hillsdale Blvd. & Norfolk St.

4th Ave. & Humboldt St.

Anyone needing further information should call (650) 522-7745 between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

If you wish to contest a citation you must do so within 21 days from the date of issuance by writing to the above address.

Please be sure to include your name, address, citation number, and vehicle license plate number when making payments or contesting a citation.

If you need further information or if you wish to pay by credit card, call (800) 352-7567 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Citizens wishing to report an abandoned vehicle located on public property should report the vehicle to the Abandoned Vehicle Hotline at (650) 522-7766.