What we do
The Public Works and Map Checking Unit:
- Review subdivision maps within Unincorporated San Mateo County. Review all Records of Survey, and Corner Records in San Mateo County to assure technical accuracy and adherence to various State and County regulations.
- Perform field surveys in connection with Public Works related projects.
- Maintain indexes to various surveying and mapping records.
Please note:
- Public Works is open to public visitation, however appointments are highly encouraged. Please visit the following webpage for additional information and to make an appointment
- All project application submittals, and limited requests for copies of documents on file, can be emailed to: pw-surveying@smcgov.org.
- Project fees for process and review of survey and mapping products must still be submitted via hardcopy check, made payable to “Public Works”, include the subject property address and assessor’s parcel number, and sent to:
555 County Center
5th Floor, Public Works
Attn: Surveys and Mapping
Redwood City CA 94063
Researching Easements
Recorded easements may be shown on recorded maps, deeds, and occasionally on other recorded documents. You can access the County record maps and other mapping products on the County’s “Property Maps Portal”. Select the “Recorded Property Maps” link under the “Online Research” section on this web page. There is also a link on this web page for instructional YouTube videos on how to search our Public Works map records.
For deeds and other documents, please visit the office of the County Recorder:
https://www.smcacre.org/clerk-recorder
Please be aware that easements may exist which are not reflected on record maps or the latest deeds. You may need to contact the utility provider or user of the easement you suspect may exist, contact the City in which you live (If incorporated), or research other/older documents.
“Prescriptive easements” may also exist after prolonged use, even if not contained in a recorded document.
Online Research
Recorded Property Maps - View, download, or print Survey and Subdivision Maps. For inquiries please contact CountyGIS@smcgov.org
Video Instructions for the new online research site
Maps not filed for recording - An index of maps in County archives occasionally mentioned in older deeds
External Resources
San Mateo County Genealogical Society - The SMCGS has some land-related records in their databases.
On Site Research
The following records are not available online at this time but can be researched on-site at the Public Works Office:
- Field Books
- Right-of-Way Maps
- Miscellaneous Records
8:30am to 4:30pm
Please Note: All survey research must be performed by the surveyor / engineer. Public Works staff is only available to assist in locating the types of records to be researched and in reproducing maps and field books. We cannot take phone or email requests to research the above mentioned records.
Notice: Fee increase for the process and review of Record of Surveys.
Effective July 1st, 2022, the fees required to accompany Record of Surveys submitted for process and review are increased to the following:
a) Single Sheet Survey - which shall include the review of the original submittal and the review of one re-submittal:
Record of Survey Map Checking Fee | July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2023 | July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2025 |
July 1, 2026 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Single Sheet Survey Fee | $500.00 | $525.00 | $550.00 | $575.00 | $600.00 |
a) Multi Sheet Survey - which shall include the review of the original submittal and review of one-submittal:
Record of Survey Map Checking Fee | July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2023 | July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2025 | July 1, 2026 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
First Sheet | $500.00 | $525.00 | $550.00 | $575.00 | $600.00 |
Second Sheet | $100.00 | $100.00 | $100.00 | $100.00 | $100.00 |
Additional Sheet | $200.00 |
$200.00 |
$200.00 |
$200.00 |
$200.00 |
Link to Ordinance No. 4862, fee increase as adopted by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors on February 22, 2022.
https://library.municode.com/ca/san_mateo_county/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=1138264
Background: The fee increase is meant to reduce the gap between fees charged by the County, and actual process and review costs incurred by the County. Record of Survey fees were last adjusted in 2009. The 2022-2026 gradual fee increase is subsequent to an internal study conducted in 2021, and will better align with the current fees required by surrounding Bay Area counties.
Phone: (650) 363-4100
Email: pw-surveying@smcgov.org