New rule limits B&Bs to commercial zones New rule limits B&Bs to commercial zones (August 04, 2004)

Under a new ordinance introduced by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors on July 27, new bed and breakfast inns will be prohibited in residential areas in unincorporated San Mateo County outside the Coast -- except for the one on Selby Lane between Atherton and Redwood City that has been causing a fuss with neighbors.

The ordinance limits new bed and breakfast inns to commercial zones and requires them to obtain a use permit from the county. Residents of residential zones will still be able to rent rooms for 30 days or more, but not for short-term use.

The supervisors, however, declined to take steps to shut down the new bed and breakfast that recently opened on Selby Lane. That can continue operating under the conditions of the interim ordinance adopted last December after neighbors objected.

To close down the bed and breakfast, Supervisor Rich Gordon suggested, neighbors have to make a case that its operation is detrimental to the neighborhood, or creates problems of health and safety. "The place has just opened," he said.

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