San Mateo plan check and resubmittal guide
What we could verify about the City of San Mateo’s permit office from government and permit portal pages, what California law says about plan check there, and how to answer a correction letter. Each fact links to its source.
The City of San Mateo permit office
- Building Division: (650) 522-7172 (cityofsanmateo.org, checked October 31, 2026)
- Address: 330 West 20th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403 (cityofsanmateo.org, checked October 31, 2026)
- Resubmittal instructions
- Building department page
Links and facts checked on October 28, 2026.
How to resubmit after San Mateo plan check corrections, at a glance
In our words, from San Mateo’s own page. The exact steps are on the page linked below.
- Send your revised plans back as a resubmittal through the Customer Self-Service Portal.
From San Mateo’s own page, read October 31, 2026: cityofsanmateo.org
Codes its letters cite
Building code named on the city’s pages: 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code and California Code of Regulations, Title 24.
Local amendments to the building code
Filed local amendments with the California Building Standards Commission (ordinance 2025-09).
Sections the City of San Mateo changes from the state code (summaries in our words; read the ordinance for the exact text):
- CBC 1505.1: Roofing requirements amended; roof assemblies must meet Table 1505.1 as amended, based on construction type.
The amendments: law.cityofsanmateo.org
San Mateo and San Mateo County
San Mateo is in San Mateo County. See the San Mateo County guide.
California rules every plan check here follows
These come from California law and state agencies, so they apply in San Mateo 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 Correction Letter has
General guidance, not the City of San Mateo’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
How we help
Send us the whole Plan Check Correction Letter. We draft a response to every comment and list the drawing changes sheet by sheet. Your first letter is free. You review each response, then you sign and submit to the City of San Mateo yourself.
Cleared to Build is an independent service. We are not the City of San Mateo and are not affiliated with it.
Upload your correction letterOnly one comment to answer? Try the free one-comment tool.
Questions
What does the City of San Mateo call its correction letter?
The City of San Mateo calls it “Plan Check Correction Letter”.
What should a resubmittal to San Mateo include?
In general: a response letter answering each comment, the revised drawings with changes marked, and any new calculations or reports the comments ask for. The City of San Mateo may ask for more, so check with it before you send.
How long does San Mateo take to review a resubmittal?
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. Ask the City of San Mateo for its current review times.
Does San Mateo charge for another plan review?
This guide doesn’t list fees. Ask Building Division at (650) 522-7172 before you resubmit.
How many rounds of corrections can San Mateo send?
This guide doesn’t list a limit. Answering every comment fully the first time is the surest way to fewer rounds; ask Building Division at (650) 522-7172 if unsure.
Is Cleared to Build part of the City of San Mateo?
No. Cleared to Build is an independent service, not affiliated with the City of San Mateo or any permitting agency. You submit to the city yourself.