City of San Mateo Historic Preservation Ordinance
Summary
SCH Number
2026050886
Public Agency
City of San Mateo
Document Title
City of San Mateo Historic Preservation Ordinance
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/21/2026
Document Description
The City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance (SMMC Chapter 27.66) was first adopted in 1993. To incorporate missing key elements generally included in an effective historic preservation ordinance, update requirements that are outdated or inconsistent with current practices, and improve clarity around key processes and review requirements, an Ordinance update was completed.
Consistent with Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 Policy CD 5.1 (Comprehensive Approach to Historic Preservation) and to implement Action CD 5.8 (Update the Historic Preservation Ordinance), the City updated its Historic Preservation Ordinance to include a framework for the designation of historic resources and districts, establish updated review and permitting procedures for historic alterations and demolitions, ensure consistency with Federal and State standards and guidelines, and other goals and policies in the General Plan.
Contact Information
Name
Zachary Dahl
Agency Name
City of San Mateo
Job Title
Director, Community Development
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
San Mateo
Counties
San Mateo
Regions
Citywide, Northern California, San Francisco Bay Area
Other Location Info
citywide, City of San Mateo
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15308 (Class 8 – Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment)
Reasons for Exemption
The Historic Preservation Ordinance is exempt under Section 15308 (Class 8 – Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment) because the Ordinance regulates how properties can be modified, thereby protecting historic resources through maintaining the existing built environment. Therefore, the project meets the intent of CEQA Guidelines Section 15308 and, pursuant to this exemption, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment and is exempt from CEQA review.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption)
Reasons for Exemption
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) applies only to activities that may cause a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. The updated Historic Preservation Ordinance will update and clarify the City’s policies and processes surrounding historic preservation, but will not materially change or expand their applicability. Therefore, the proposed project meets the criteria of CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) and, pursuant to this exemption, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment and is exempt from CEQA.
County Clerk
San Mateo
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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