Ordinances You Need to Know in San Mateo, CA
Local rules that could affect everyday life, property use or a decision to move to San Mateo, CA.
Local jurisdiction: City of San Mateo, California.
Home Occupation Certificate
San Mateo requires City approval of a Home Occupation Certificate. Only permanent residents of the dwelling may work in the home occupation, and the business area is limited to the lesser of 400 square feet or 20% of the dwelling floor area.
Source: City of San Mateo Law Library
Code section: San Mateo Municipal Code §27.16.040
Current municipal code: 2026
NTL verified: August 31, 2026
Client Visits and Deliveries
San Mateo limits home occupation client visits to 8:00 AM through 6:00 PM with no more than five client visits per day. Deliveries are also limited to 8:00 AM through 6:00 PM and no more than two per day.
Source: City of San Mateo Law Library
Code section: San Mateo Municipal Code §27.16.040(d)-(e)
Current municipal code: 2026
NTL verified: August 31, 2026
Outdoor Storage and Noise
San Mateo prohibits outdoor display or storage of goods, equipment or materials for a home occupation. The business also may not generate disruptive light, noise or vibration or other adverse neighborhood effects.
Source: City of San Mateo Law Library
Code section: San Mateo Municipal Code §27.16.040(g)-(i)
Current municipal code: 2026
NTL verified: August 31, 2026
Oversized Vehicles on Residential Streets
San Mateo prohibits oversized vehicles and unattached trailers from parking on public streets in residential zones, subject to listed exceptions. Recreational vehicles may park overnight immediately abutting the owner's residence for up to 24 consecutive hours twice in a seven-day period.
Source: City of San Mateo Law Library
Code section: San Mateo Municipal Code §11.32.105
Current municipal code: 2026
NTL verified: August 31, 2026
Disclaimer & Due Diligence
NarrowTheList includes only location-specific rules we could tie to the local jurisdiction and source shown with each item. State rules are not included on this page.
Ordinances can be amended, repealed, renumbered or interpreted differently depending on the property, zoning district, permit status or activity involved. These summaries are provided as a starting point for relocation research and may not reflect every exception, permit requirement or later amendment.
Before relying on an ordinance for a home purchase, rental, home business, vehicle, pet, property improvement or other important decision, review the linked source and do your own due diligence. Contact the applicable city clerk, municipal office, town or village hall, county office or other local government department to verify the current ordinance and how it applies to the specific property or activity you are considering.