Folks who have been frustrated when they couldn’t check their building permit or reach San Mateo County planners on Fridays can breathe a sigh of relief.
After five years of being closed Fridays, the San Mateo County Planning and Building Division will be open on Fridays once again starting May 26. Returning to a five-day work week is one part of a major overhaul of its operations.
“This is an important component of our response to public concerns regarding the division,” said Supervisor Rich Gordon. “Constituent services are at the core of planning and building; it’s crucial that we provide every feasible opportunity and convenience for our public clients to meet with staff.
The Planning and Building Division is located on the second floor of the county office building at 455 County Center (corner of Bradford and Hamilton avenues) in Redwood City. The building was closed on Fridays in April 2001 because of the energy shortage at the time. Employees worked four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days.
While the Planning and Building Division will be open for business on Fridays, other agencies in the building, including parks and recreation, environmental health, and human resources, will remain closed on Fridays.



