How to respond to San Mateo County plan check corrections

How to resubmit to San Mateo County after plan check corrections, in the words of San Mateo County’s own page. Each fact links to its source.

From San Mateo County’s own page, read October 31, 2026: smcgov.org

How to resubmit, at a glance

In our words, from San Mateo County’s own page. The exact steps are on the page linked below.

1. Assemble 5 sets of revised plans plus the requested information.
2. Deliver the package at the Building Counter, not to individual review agencies.
3. Allow a 30-day window for the County to review your resubmittal.

From San Mateo County’s own page, read October 31, 2026: smcgov.org

What to include

• 5 sets of revised plans

From San Mateo County’s own page, read October 31, 2026: smcgov.org

Codes its letters cite

Local amendments to the building code

Filed local amendments with the California Building Standards Commission (ordinance 4916).

Source: dgs.ca.gov

Sections San Mateo County changes from the state code (summaries in our words; read the ordinance for the exact text):

• ADMINISTRATIVECODE 105.2: Amends work exempt from permit; exemptions do not authorize violations; adds leak repair and low-flow fixture replacement exemptions.
• CBC 101.1: Renames the code as the Building Code of the County of San Mateo.
• CBC 202: Adds and amends definitions, including alteration to officially designated historical structures.
• CBC J101.1: Amended; see the ordinance
• CBC 903.6: Amended; see the ordinance
• CRC R101.1: Renames the code as the Residential Code for One- and Two-family Dwellings of the County of San Mateo.
• CRC R202: Defines accessory structures with bathrooms exceeding specified size or fixtures as habitable space.
• CRC R309.2: Amended; see the ordinance
• CFC 101.1: Renames the code as the Fire Code of the County of San Mateo; coastal development permits still required.
• CFC 103.1: Authorizes Fire Chief to establish the San Mateo County Fire Marshal's Office as Bureau of Fire Prevention.
• CFC 103.2: Amended; see the ordinance
• CFC 105.5: Amended; see the ordinance

The ordinance amends more sections than these.

The amendments: smcgov.org

Official links

• Resubmittal instructions
• Permit Center
• Building department page
• Planning and Building Department: (650) 599-7310 (smcgov.org, checked October 31, 2026)
• Address: 455 County Center, 2nd Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063 (smcgov.org, checked October 31, 2026)

Links and facts checked on October 31, 2026.

California rules every plan check here follows

These come from California law and state agencies, so they apply in San Mateo County as well. Each links to its source.

Building code in force

The 2025 edition of Title 24, the California Building Standards Code, has been in effect since January 1, 2026.

Source: California Building Standards Commission, checked October 31, 2026

Energy code

If your permit application was filed on or after January 1, 2026, the project has to meet the 2025 Energy Code.

Source: California Energy Commission, checked October 31, 2026

Energy forms with the application

A building permit application covered by the energy code (Part 6) must include at least one copy of the required energy compliance documents.

Source: California Energy Commission, 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, checked October 31, 2026

Green building code (CALGreen)

The 2025 edition of CALGreen, the state green building code (Part 11), took effect on January 1, 2026.

Source: California Building Standards Commission, checked October 31, 2026

ADU decision deadline

If the city or county has not approved or denied a complete application for an ADU or junior ADU within 60 days, the application is treated as approved (Gov. Code § 66317).

Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, ADU Handbook, checked October 31, 2026

ADU denials must explain the fix

When a city or county denies an ADU or junior ADU application, it must send written comments within 60 days that list each problem and explain how you can correct it.

Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, ADU Handbook, checked October 31, 2026

Building permits for approved housing projects

For housing projects that already have planning approval, the city or county has 15 business days to say whether a building permit application is complete, then 30 or 60 days, depending on how many units are proposed, to decide whether it meets the standards.

Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, Housing Law Fact Sheets, checked October 31, 2026

What a good response to plan check corrections has

General guidance, not San Mateo County’s own rules. Check its page before you resubmit.

• Answer every comment, in the reviewer’s order and numbering, so nothing is missed.
• Say plainly what you changed for each comment, or why no change is needed.
• Name the sheet and detail where each change is, so the reviewer can find it fast.
• Mark changes on the drawings (clouds or deltas are common) and keep sheet numbers the same.
• Send the response letter, the revised drawings and any new calculations together.

Other California city guides

• Town of Atherton
• City of Belmont
• City of Brisbane
• City of Burlingame
• City of Daly City

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