San Mateo County Zoning Decisions: April 2026

In April 2026, San Mateo County held 2 public meetings covering zoning matters. 3 zoning decisions had a recorded outcome this month: 3 approved (100% approval rate). Activity was up 564% compared to March (25 activity items across 3 meetings).

Zoning Decisions This Month

TEFRA Approval - Mercy Housing Tax-Exempt Bonds

Approved.

Resolution approving California Municipal Finance Authority issuance of up to $11 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds for Mercy Housing California to finance 42-unit qualified residential rental project at 903 Oceana Blvd. in Pacifica. County bears no financial obligation for debt repayment.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Housing Element Rezoning Implementation Phase 1

Approved.

Adopted ordinance creating three new zoning districts (R3MD, PCHD, TSMU) allowing 70-150 units/acre and 75-foot heights in Broadmoor, Harbor Industrial Area, and Unincorporated Colma. Includes general plan map amendments, Colma BART Station Area Plan amendments, and zoning map amendments for 35 parcels across approximately 24 acres.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Housing Element Amendment

Approved.

Adopted resolution amending the 2023-2031 County Housing Element to add one parcel in Unincorporated Colma, increase maximum density from 120 to 150 units/acre for Bayside sites, and separate coastal zone rezoning timeline. Creates surplus of 1,011 units countywide. Vote: 4-1 with Supervisor Mueller voting no.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Zoning Changes

• Various (including industrial, commercial) → R3MD (Residential Mixed Density), PCHD (Planned Colma High Density), TSMU (Transit Supportive Mixed Use), Approximately 24 acres at Broadmoor, Harbor Industrial Area, Unincorporated Colma - 35 parcels, approximately 24 acres (San Mateo County Planning Department)
• Various → PCHD with two subdistricts: High Density Residential and High Density Mixed Use, Not specified acres at Unincorporated Colma near BART station (San Mateo County Planning Department)
• Industrial/Commercial → TSMU (Transit Supportive Mixed Use) - 70-150 units/acre, 75-foot height, Not specified acres at Harbor Industrial Area (5 parcels adjacent to Belmont) (San Mateo County Planning Department)
• Current coastal zone designations → Higher density residential (proposed), Not specified acres at El Granada (CUSD parcel and other coastal zone sites) (San Mateo County Planning Department)

Top Keywords This Month

• density: 26 instances
• rezoning: 25 instances
• residential: 21 instances
• zoning: 20 instances
• land use: 13 instances

What to Watch

• Density is new this month with 26 mentions, not present in March.
• Rezoning is new this month with 25 mentions, not present in March.
• Residential saw 200% more mentions month-over-month.
• Zoning is new this month with 20 mentions, not present in March.
• Land use is new this month with 13 mentions, not present in March.

Stay on Top of San Mateo County Meetings

Stay in the loop on every San Mateo County meeting: ZoneWire sends a free email alert with the agenda as soon as a new one is posted.

Get free New Meeting Alerts for San Mateo County. No card required.