San Mateo · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Mateo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Food truck regulations on private property
The council is figuring out how to let food trucks operate legally on private property — with permits and health standards — while cracking down on unpermitted vendors with County Health's help. A draft program will come back later.
Home occupation and accessory commercial unit rules
Commissioner Williams made a closing pitch to loosen rules limiting home businesses to 400 square feet, no retail sales, and five client visits a day — arguing neighborhood bakeries, salons, and dog groomers would make walkable, vibrant blocks.
Downtown Business Improvement Area Renewal
The DSMA reported a strong year — 50 new businesses, 10,000 Facebook followers, and thriving events — and the council unanimously renewed the annual assessments for 2026-27.
Local union hiring on private development
Union carpenters backed Bespoke, but plumbing, electrical, and sheet metal reps said the developer refused labor agreements with their crafts. The project pays prevailing wage and uses union carpenters, but commissioners pressed the developer to keep talking with the mechanical trades.
Electronic billboard policy and pilot program
San Mateo currently bans billboards, but the council is exploring a pilot digital billboard on city-owned land to generate non-tax revenue — neighboring cities get $150K–$200K a year per sign. Residents near the old South Amphlett billboard want that sign removed as part of any deal. Final rules would require ordinance changes and CEQA review.