The Planning and Building Department is open to the public for in-person and online services. Please see below for ways to access our services.
Counter Services
Information Counter – On the 2nd Floor, the counter is open to the public from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Thursday (closed 12:00 - 1:00 pm for lunch) and closed Friday - Sunday. Services available include:
- General Questions related to accessing services
- Checking in for an appointment
- Assistance with scheduling an appointment
- Making a payment
- Hard Copy Plan/Document Drop Off
Counter Services Appointments – We strongly encourage you to make an appointment for an in-person or online meeting (see instructions) with a Planner or Building Technician. We make every effort to accommodate drop-ins as availability allows, but we suggest scheduling an appointment to ensure we can serve you effectively.
Phone or Email for Counter Services – Please get in touch with us by phone or email as shown below:
- General Information – call (650) 363-1827 or email plngbldg@smcgov.org
- Planning – call (650) 363-1825 or email planningprojects@smcgov.org
- Building Permits – call (650) 599-7310 or email buildingcounter@smcgov.org
- Building Inspections - call (650) 599-7311
- Automated Inspection Scheduling – call (650) 295-3650
- Code Compliance – call (650) 363-4825 or email codecomplaint@smcgov.org
Building Services
Apply for a Building Permit – For a list of permit types accepted online and to apply, please log in or register for a free account at our Permit Center.
Please see the Building Permits page for more detailed information on building permit processing steps, fees, and requirements for different permit types.
Schedule a Building Inspection – All inspections are now conducted on-site. Inspections are scheduled by calling the Automated Inspection Line at (650) 295-3650. On the day of the inspection, the 3-hour inspection window will be posted on the Automated Inspection Line by 8:00 am, so please call (650) 295-3650, follow the prompts to enter your permit number, and press option number 5 to get your inspection time.
Planning Services
Find Your Zoning District – You will need the property address or Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN – preferred) to determine your property's zoning district. Please reference the “Find My Zoning District” page and use the Planning GIS Map Viewer. If you don’t have the APN and the address doesn’t come up in the GIS, please contact the Planning Counter at planningprojects@smcgov.org.
Find Application Information on Planning Permits – Please visit our Planning Permits page for application information on planning permits, including required forms, fees, process, and timing.
If You Need Additional Information – If you have additional questions about the zoning regulations, permits required or need additional information related to the property's potential development, please contact the Planning Counter at (650) 363-1825 or via email at planningprojects@smcgov.org. In your email, please include the property address or APN (preferred) and specific questions you may have. You may also request an in-person or online appointment (see instructions) with a planner.
Apply for a Planning Permit
Initial Application – We are accepting applications for planning permits via email only. Here are the steps to follow:
- Fill out an application form and review the estimated permit fees, process, and timeline on our Planning Permits page.
- Print, sign, scan or e-sign the form and send it as a PDF to planningprojects@smcgov.org.
- Include application materials via a link from a file-sharing program or as PDF file attachments to the email. Include plans as one PDF and supporting documents as separate PDFs; be sure to title each PDF with the project location address, submittal cycle number (Cycle 1 for initial submittal), and document type (plans, biological report, etc.). For more information on PDF formatting requirements, file naming conventions, and drawing standards, please see our Electronic File Submittal Requirements.
- Your permit application will be assigned to one of our Planners within 2 business days. Your planner will contact you regarding the payment of fees and the next steps in processing.
Pending Applications – To check the status, submit additional correspondence, information, or revised plans in connection with a previously submitted permit application, email the planner assigned to the permit; see planners’ email addresses on our contact page. Please be sure to reference the permit number (i.e., PLN2020-01234), project location address, submittal cycle number (2,3, etc., if applicable), and document type (public comment, plans, supplemental reports, etc.).
Contact Code Compliance
We investigate zoning, building code, and other land use regulation violations, prioritizing and investigating potential violations that impact public health and safety. Please submit complaints via phone at (650) 363-4825 or email to: codecomplaint@smcgov.org.
View Public Meetings Remotely
Remote access is established for all public meetings hosted by the Department. For further information on accessing a public meeting, go to the meeting page for the meeting date. Instructions for participation will be posted 7 days before the meeting date.