In 2005, in order to "promote the general welfare through balancing the community’s physical growth and revitalization and its cultural and artistic resources", the San Mateo City Council passed an ordinance establishing the Art in Public Places Program. San Mateo’s ordinance calls for a 0.5% building permit fee to be used directly by the developers to commission and install their own art in publicly accessible places within projects that are valued at or greater than $3 million, or to provide the City the required in-lieu fee that then is reserved for City acquisition, installation and maintenance of public art.

•  Art in Public Places Gallery You’re invited to view the completed projects installed to date as part of this program.

The Civic Arts Committee (CAC) was established in 2008 as an advisory board to the City Council to implement the Art in Public Places program. Below are documents that establish and implement the program.

• Chapter 23.60 of the Municipal Code (Art in Public Places): CAC shall carry out the duties established by this ordinance.
• Guidelines for the Art In Public Places: CAC follows these guidelines for selection & approval.
• Administrative Process: Defines the process applicants are expected to follow to satisfy the required obligation.