The mission of the Building and Safety Program is to ensure public safety, health and welfare through the effective administration and enforcement of local ordinances and California Building Codes; to provide professional services to our customers that will encourage the selection of San Mateo as the preferred location to live, work, and invest; while striving to sustain and promote the quality of life in our community.

We are responsible for ensuring that development projects are designed and constructed to a high level of quality and in compliance with adopted code standards.  We enfoce building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical installations and accessibility and energy compliance.  In the event of an emergency or disaster, it is our responsibility to perform damage assessments of all structures.  We also work hard to maintain accurate property and permit records.

This division is divided into three main work units:  Public Counter, Plan Review and Construction Inspection.  These three areas collaborate with customers to deliver public information, project review and approval, permit issuance, and inspection services.

In addition, we focus on 3 major principles:  Customer Service, Added Value and Quality.