May is Building Safety Month

Building Safety Month was established by the International Code Council (ICC) 46 years ago to raise awareness about the critical importance of safe buildings and the role that modern building codes play in improving public health, providing protection from natural disasters, and preventing property damage.  

BUILT TO LAST — the ICC-designated theme for the 2026 campaign — is more than a slogan. It's a commitment shared by City stakeholders, building professionals, and community members alike to uphold the standards that keep our homes, workplaces, and public spaces safe for generations to come. 

The City of San Mateo Building Division is proud to join the ICC and its 64,000 members — governments, professionals, and corporations worldwide — in promoting building safety where all of us live, work, and play. Together, we remain dedicated to fostering the development of safe, accessible, and sustainable facilities that serve and strengthen our community for decades ahead. 

Building Staff Working on a construction site
Construction site image used for Safety Month

Weekly Themes

The 2026 campaign theme is “Built to Last” and includes these special weekly themes. 

Week 1: Safe Homes, Strong Communities (May 1–10) focuses on simple actions homeowners can take to improve safety at home  

Week 2: Voices of the Built Environment (May 11–17) spotlights building safety professionals and the roles they play in keeping communities safe 

Week 3: Prepared to Protect (May 18–24) encourages community preparedness and highlights how disaster-resilient building codes protect people and property 

Week 4: Communities Without Limits (May 25–31) showcases the importance of accessibility in building construction and design 

More Information 

Visit the City of San Mateo, CA - Building Division webpage for Building Permits and Inspection information.

Visit the City of San Mateo CSS (Citizen Sel-Service Portal) a web-based platform that makes it possible to get same day permits for single-family residential solar and battery storage systems. Additional information can be found here→ Application Assistant (cityofsanmateo.org)


Other Resources