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1. What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
2. What is a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)?
3. Is an accessory dwelling unit the same as an accessory building?
4. Where can I put an ADU on my property?
5. How many ADUs can I add to my property?
6. Can I use my ADU for short-term rentals?
7. Can I Sell my ADU?
8. What are the requirements for an ADU/JADU?
9. Do I need to provide parking for my ADU?
10. Will the ADU count towards the density/floor area ratio of my property?
11. Is the ADU required to have fire sprinklers?
12. Is a Building Permit required for an ADU/JADU?
13. Is a Discretionary Permit required for an ADU/JADU?
14. Will my property taxes increase with an Accessory Dwelling Unit?
15. What if I currently have an unregistered ADU?
16. How do I know if my garage was built legally?
17. Can the City help me find a licensed professional? (i.e. architect, contractor, engineer, designer, etc.)
18. If I have questions about the ADU Code Ordinance what can I do?

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1. What is the Building Inspection Division?
2. What services does the Building Inspection Division provide?
3. How do I schedule an inspection?
4. What are the hours of construction?
5. Can I request a special time for my inspection?
6. What is the waiting time for an inspection?
7. How do I cancel an inspection?
8. At what stage do I need to call for an inspection?
9. When will I need a special Inspection?
10. When do I need a Certificate Of Occupancy?
11. When would I need a Temporary Certificate Of Occupancy?
12. What types of complaints does the Building Inspection Division handle?
13. How do I comply with a "Notice of Correction/Stop Work Order"?
14. How do I schedule a Residential Fire Sprinkler Inspection?
15. How do I schedule an inspection for a fire permit (other than Residential Fire Sprinklers)?

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1. Why do I need a permit?
2. When is a permit required?
3. What is exempt from a permit?
4. How do I obtain a building permit?
5. What is the permit process?
6. When are building plans required?
7. How does the plan check process work?
8. How do I get my plans checked or reviewed?
9. Do I need an Engineer or Architect?
10. May I do the work myself?
11. How do I know which materials are approved for construction?
12. What is an "Over-The-Counter" Mechanical Permit
13. What is an "Over-The-Counter" Plumbing Permit?
14. What is an "Over-The-Counter" Electrical Permit?
15. Are there any recycling or waste reduction requirements associated when applying for a building permit?

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1. Which organizations are covered by the ordinance?
2. Which employees are subject to fingerprinting under the ordinance?
3. How does an organization know which employees are in a "supervisory or disciplinary" position?
4. Can our organization use a volunteer screening company such as Volunteer Select?
5. Which volunteers are subject to the fingerprinting?
6. Which employees and volunteers should attend the two hours of training on child abuse?
7. If a coach attended a two-hour training session with the National Little League, does he/she also have to participate in a training as a Girl Scout leader?
8. How does a Little League coach or other adult prove she/he attended a two-hour training session?
9. If one adult is 35 yards away from the other adult while they are jointly coaching football practice instead of the 30 required by the ordinance, do they both need to be fingerprinted?
10. What does an organization do with an individual's criminal background record once they receive it?
11. What types of criminal history will the background check reveal?
12. Who decides whether or not to utilize an employee or volunteer based on the results of a criminal background check?
13. What is Megan's Law and why is it mentioned in the ordinance?
14. How does my organization demonstrate compliance with the ordinance to the City of San Mateo?
15. What happens if my organization does not comply?

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1. Where can I find the San Mateo Municipal Code?
2. I am a resident of San Mateo. Can the City Attorney help me with my legal problem?
3. How do I request public records from the City of San Mateo?

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1. Where do I get a birth or death certificate or a marriage license?
2. When will the City Council agenda be ready?
3. How can I find out what's on the City Council agenda?
4. Where can I find City Council meeting minutes?
5. What Commissions and Boards does the City have? How do I become a member of a Commission or Board?
6. Where can I obtain a Business License?
7. How do I register to vote?
8. How do I file a claim against the City?
9. When is the next Statewide Election?
10. What is a public record?
11. Where can I review Conflict of Interest Statements for elected officials and candidates for City Council?
12. Where can I find the Municipal Code?
13. Where can I find the City Charter?
14. Where can I find more information about the Brown Act?
15. Where can I find more information about the Political Reform Act?
16. Where can I find more information about the Public Records Act?
17. How do I submit a request to access public records from the City of San Mateo?

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1. How can I contact the Mayor or a member of the City Council?
2. When, where and at what time are City Council meetings held?
3. How can I find out what's on the City Council agenda?
4. Are the City Council meetings televised?
5. Where can I find City Council meeting minutes?
6. How do I get a copy of a City Council agenda report?
7. How long do Council Members serve?
8. How does the City Council operate?
9. What are Study Sessions and when are they held?

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1. How are codes enforced?
2. How do I notify the City about a possible code violation?
3. What penalties result from code violations?
4. What are the City's home business requirements?
5. What are the City's fence and hedge requirements?
6. What are the City's signage requirements?

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1. When is the next Statewide Election?
2. How do I register to vote?
3. Where can I review Conflict of Interest Statements for elected officials and candidates for City Council?

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1. What is the Housing Element?
2. What happens if the City does not have an approved Housing Element?
3. How are the City’s housing needs determined?
4. How was the (2023-2031) RHNA determined?
5. Why is San Mateo’s RHNA higher than rest of County?
6. Can the RHNA be challenged?
7. How does the RHNA impact the General Plan Update?
8. Does Measure Y impact the Housing Element?
9. When will the housing will be built?

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1. How do I find out about job opportunities with the City of San Mateo?
2. How do I apply for a job with the City of San Mateo?
3. How do I prepare for the testing process?
4. Does the City offer internships?
5. Where can I get more information about the labor agreements between the City and its employees?
6. Where is the Human Resources Department located, and what are its office hours?
7. Where can I get information on salaries for City positions?
8. Does the City of San Mateo contribute to Social Security?
9. What employment benefits does the City offer?
10. Where can I get a copy of my Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate?
11. How can I get CalFresh assistance or apply for the CalFresh program?
12. How do I apply for unemployment benefits?
13. How do I apply for Social Security? I have questions about my Social Security check.
14. I was fired from my job and the company was/is unfair with the employees. How do I file a complaint?

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1. Is there a time limit to use a computer? Is it free?
2. What do I need to use a computer at the library?
3. How can I make a purchase suggestion?
4. Is there parking at the Main library?
5. Does the library have wireless access?
6. How long can I keep borrowed items?
7. How can I reserve a group conference room?
8. How much does it cost to rent community meeting rooms?
9. How do I get a library card?

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1. What is Link+?
2. How do I use Link+?
3. What does it cost to request a book?
4. How many LINK+ items can I borrow?
5. How long does it take for a LINK+ request to arrive?
6. How long can I borrow LINK+ items?
7. How do I know when my LINK+ requests arrive at the library?
8. Can I renew the items?
9. Where do I pick up, check out, and return my LINK+ items?
10. What are the fees for overdue, lost, or damaged items?
11. How do I request an item from LINK+?
12. How can I check the status of my LINK+ request?
13. How do I renew a LINK+ item?
14. How do I cancel a LINK+ request?

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1. Can I have an inflatable jumper?
2. How many people can sit at each table?
3. Can we have alcohol at our party?
4. What outdoor equipment is available?
5. Can I reserve a space if I live outside of San Mateo?

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1. How do I file a missing person or runaway report?
2. How can I report a drug-related crime?
3. How are concealed weapon permits obtained?
4. What resources are there for dispute mediation?
5. How can I contact the detective who is handling a given case?
6. Who should I contact when I see graffiti?
7. How can I obtain a traffic collision report?

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1. Applying: I’m in college right now. What degree should I get to prepare me for a career in law enforcement??
2. Applying: I’m not ready to apply yet. Are there certain jobs I should work at to prepare me to be a police officer?
3. Applying: I’m interested in becoming a police officer. Where do I start?
4. Applying: Can I go on a ride along to meet your officers?
5. Applying: What are the minimum requirements to apply for police officer trainee?
6. Applying: Is there a minimum or maximum age to apply?
7. Applying: What are the education requirements?
8. Applying: Do I have to live in San Mateo to apply?
9. Applying: Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
10. Applying: Where do I apply?
11. Applying: Is there a minimum time commitment once I’m hired?
12. Applying: How many police officer vacancies are there?
13. Testing: What examinations do I have to take before applying?
14. Testing: Do you require the PELLETB and WSTB examinations to apply?
15. Testing: What are your minimum scores for the PELLETB and WSTB examinations?
16. Testing: Where do I sign up for the PELLETB and WSTB examinations?
17. Testing: Do you accept scores from the National Testing Network (NTN)?
18. Backgrounds: What are the milestones in the hiring process for candidates?
19. Backgrounds: How long does a background investigation take?
20. Backgrounds: What are possible disqualifiers for police officer applicants?
21. Backgrounds: What will disqualify an applicant during a background investigation?
22. Backgrounds: If my juvenile background is sealed, will my history affect recruitment?
23. Backgrounds: Will debt and bad credit disqualify an applicant during the background investigation?
24. Backgrounds: Do points on my driving disqualify me during the background investigation?
25. Backgrounds: Are drugs or excessive alcohol use disqualifiers?
26. Backgrounds: I’ve been arrested before. Does this disqualify me?
27. Incentives: What is the base salary range for officers?
28. Incentives: What incentives do you have if applicable?
29. Incentives: Do you offer a pension?
30. Incentives: Is there lifetime medical for officers?
31. Incentives: What medical benefits are available?
32. Incentives: What type of work schedule do your officers have?
33. Incentives: How many vacation, and sick time hours would I receive?
34. Incentives: Are there housing programs for police officers?
35. Incentives: Do you have an on-duty work out program?
36. Incentives: Can I have a beard as a police officer?
37. Incentives: Can I have tattoos as a police officer?
38. Incentives: Do officers have a take home car?
39. Laterals: How does the testing process differ for laterals versus new police officers?
40. Laterals: Is there a lateral officer testing timeline to avoid multiple trips to San Mateo, California?
41. Laterals: Can you tell me more about the exclusive hiring bonus?
42. Laterals: Does the police department issue uniforms and equipment?
43. Laterals: Are there other lateral incentives?
44. Laterals: I’m a police officer in another state. Can I apply as a lateral officer?
45. Laterals: If my name is listed on the National Decertification Index, am I disqualified?
46. Laterals: If I’m a lateral and I have Internal Affairs complaints, am I disqualified?
47. Laterals: If I’m a lateral and I have an active Internal Affairs investigation, should I apply?
48. Assignments: What are the different ranks at the police department?
49. Assignments: How many specialty assignments are there?
50. Assignments: Do I have to work the jail before becoming a patrol officer?
51. Assignments: Can I be a SWAT officer?
52. Assignments: Can I apply to be a detective and skip working patrol?
53. Assignments: Can I apply to be a Crime Scene Investigator?
54. Police Academy: How long is the police academy?
55. Police Academy: Is the police academy live in?
56. Police Academy: Does your department have its own police academy?
57. Police Academy: Will I be paid while attending police academy if I’m hired?
58. Police Academy: Do I have to buy my own equipment and uniforms to attend the academy?
59. Veterans: Do veterans get preferential hiring?
60. Veterans: Can active, reserve, or military veterans apply?

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1. What is the National Flood Insurance Program?
2. What is the "new" FEMA map?
3. How do I obtain a copy of the flood hazard map for the City of San Mateo?
4. Why do I need to purchase insurance if there has never been a flood in the neighborhood?
5. Why is purchasing flood insurance important to homeowners?
6. Is flood insurance required for all structures in the floodplain?
7. What is the difference between tidal flooding and stormwater/residual flooding?
8. What other projects are needed to get my neighborhood out of the flood zone?
9. What is the City doing to help residents stuck in the flood zone?
10. Why doesn’t the City form assessment districts to fund completion of all flood related projects?
11. How do I purchase a flood insurance policy?
12. How are flood insurance premium rates calculated?
13. If my agent has questions where should he/she call?
14. What processes are available for changing or correcting the information shown on the flood hazard map when large areas of a community are affected?
15. Why is the burden of proof placed on the community or person that requests a map change?
16. What can homeowners do if they believe their homes should not be included in an SFHA?
17. Under what circumstances will FEMA waive the review and processing fee for a map change request?
18. Where can I learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program?
19. Why did a lien show up on the property report in February 2020?
20. How do I obtain a flood elevation certificate for my property?

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1. Where are my property lines? Where is the easement on my property?
2. When is my street swept?
3. Where do I call when there is a maintenance problem on El Camino Real?
4. Who do I call to report a broken or burned out street light?
5. Where do I call when there is a clogged storm drain or sanitary sewer line?
6. Where do I call when there is a non-functioning traffic signal?
7. Where do I call to report a non-functioning parking meter?

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1. What types of recreation are available on the Lagoon?
2. We have mosquitoes around the backyard and our boat dock, how can I get help with this?
3. Who is responsible for maintaining the water quality of the lagoon?
4. What can residents do to help improve water quality of the Lagoon?
5. Have any other tips for citizen involvement?
6. Why is the water level in the Lagoon low in the winter months and higher in the summer months?

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1. Are construction projects still active during the Shelter In Place?
2. Do I still have to move my car if ‘no parking’ signs are up?
3. Do I have to move my car for street sweeping?
4. How do I know what Public Works projects are active?
5. How will I know if a construction project is in my neighborhood?

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1. What is a small cell facility?
2. What is Public Right of Way?
3. What is the range of these systems?
4. Can the City prohibit the installation of wireless telecommunication facilities?
5. Does the City prefer wireless facilities on wood poles?
6. What is 5G? How does it relate to current installations of wireless telecommunications facilities? What are requirements for 5G?
7. Which agency establishes limits for radio frequency (RF)?
8. How can I get more information about my health concerns?
9. Can Local and State governmental bodies establish limits for RF exposure?
10. Is a permit required from the City for these installations?
11. Does the City’s permit review address the design of the facility?
12. Are these facilities subject to the California Environmental Quality Act or additional environmental review?
13. UPDATED: Who legally owns the poles or wires? Who can legally attach equipment?
14. UPDATED: Once the City issues a wireless permit can other carriers install additional facilities on the same pole?
15. How long would construction take for a small cell facility?
16. Do other cities have these small cell systems?
17. Are Cities allowed to impose a moratorium?
18. NEW: How is it that other cities have successfully prohibited cell towers near residences? example: Palo Alto, Burlingame, Hillsborough near here but there are others.
19. UPDATED: Can I protest DPW’s tentative approval of a wireless permit?
20. NEW: How can a resident appeal? What basis of appeals that succeed?
21. NEW: Does the City of San Mateo have a conflict of interest in protecting the public because the city receives money from all the cell companies?
22. NEW: Who decides what is attractive?
23. NEW: Are you allowed to put small cells on schools? Near schools? On islands?
24. NEW: My house in the park is a cell phone "dead spot" Will the towers help with that?
25. NEW: There could be a proliferation of small cells as a result of 5G implementation. We could see boxes on poles less than 500 feet apart, can the city limit only one vendor per pole?
26. NEW: What control do we have on power poles in back of our properties? What protections do residents have?
27. NEW: What recourse do we have if a telecom wants to install a device by our house?
28. NEW: Where do we have cell towers now? Where are new ones going?
29. NEW: 401 Occidental was denied, the new location is just across the street - Why?
30. NEW: How many new towers will be installed in San Mateo Park and where will they be?
31. NEW: Who specifically at the city is responsible for keeping citizens of San Mateo Park and City of San Mateo informed about cell towers?