In 2005, in order to "promote the general welfare through balancing the community’s physical growth and revitalization and its cultural and artistic resources", the San Mateo City Council passed an ordinance establishing the Art in Public Places Program. San Mateo’s ordinance requires the program allocation shall be established by City Council resolution and based upon total building valuation, excluding land acquisition and off-site improvement costs. Current fee (for project applications as of 1/15/2022) calls for 1.19% total building valuation. The fee applies to all commercial development projects and multi-family projects with a total building valuation greater than $3 million. That fee shall be computed using the latest building valuation data as set forth by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) unless, in the opinion of the Building Official, a different valuation measure should be used. 

Developers may apply the obligated fee amount to commission and install their own art in publicly accessible places within projects. Alternatively, if developers do not wish to install art, the City requires the in-lieu fee that is then reserved for the City's public art program. Projects may also do both; if installed art is less than the required obligation, they may pay the balance in-lieu. The Art in Public Places funds are restricted to art-related activities that include, but are not limited to, the acquisition, installation, maintenance, and administration of the City's public art program.  

•  Art in Public Places Gallery You’re invited to view the completed projects installed to date as part of this program.

The Civic Arts Commission (CAC) was established in 2008 as an advisory board to the City Council to implement the Art in Public Places program. Below are documents that establish and implement the program.

• Chapter 23.60 of the Municipal Code (Art in Public Places): CAC shall carry out the duties established by this ordinance.
• Guidelines for Art In Public Places: CAC follows these guidelines for selection & approval.
• Art In Public Places Administrative Process: Defines the process applicants are expected to follow to satisfy the required obligation.