City Guide · Verified 2026
Deck Construction Permits in San Mateo
Local Rule
City of San Mateo Building Division
The citys own exempt-work FAQ states the standard California exemption without modification: platforms and decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving an exit door, adding that the building exemption does not override separate Planning Department review. The citys own zoning code adds a layer the building exemption does not cover: an uncovered deck 18 inches or shorter can sit anywhere in a required yard, but one taller than 18 inches and up to 30 inches is only allowed in parts of a required yard, and only if kept at least 5 feet from the property line. A deck or balcony projecting 2 feet or less into a required yard is treated separately as a minor permitted projection.
Source · Verified September 2026
San Mateo Building Department
Office: City of San Mateo Building Division
Address: 330 W. 20th Ave., San Mateo, CA 94403
Phone: (650) 522-7172
Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.
How This Compares to San Mateo County
San Mateo's own rule is shown above (Depends on project scope). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:
San Mateo County Planning & Building Department
The County adopts the CRC, so a deck is exempt only if it is 200 sq ft or less, 30 inches or less above grade, detached and not serving a required exit door. Distinctively, a deck in a designated State scenic corridor (segments of Skyline Blvd/SR-35, Cabrillo Hwy/SR-1 and I-280) needs an Architectural Review Permit unless it is not visible from the roadway, and the County requires an Erosion Control and Tree Protection pre-site inspection for construction on certain site types; coastal-zone parcels also fall under the Local Coastal Program.
Nearby Cities with Verified Rules
Other cities near San Mateo with a confirmed deck construction rule:
FAQs
Which department handles Deck Construction permits in San Mateo?
City of San Mateo Building Division handles Deck Construction permits in San Mateo.
Is San Mateo different from San Mateo County on Deck Construction?
No. San Mateo's rule (Depends on project scope) matches the general pattern in San Mateo County.
Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need
Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a deck construction project:
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.