Prohousing Designation Program
The City of San Mateo is preparing an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for a Prohousing Designation under the state’s Prohousing Designation Program (PDP).
What is the Prohousing Designation Program?
The Prohousing Designation Program, or PDP, is a competitive program that recognizes local jurisdictions that go “above and beyond” to promote the production of housing and to increase affordable housing opportunities. The designation is valid for three years and prioritizes jurisdictions for various types of state funding, including the Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP), Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC), Infill Infrastructure Grant (IIG), Transformative Climate Communities (TCC), Solutions for Congested Corridors (SCCP), Local Partnership Program (LPP), Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) and Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program (STPG).
At its September 8, 2026 City Council Meeting, the Council directed staff to work with HCD to achieve a Prohousing Designation. This first public discussion kicked off the Prohousing application process.
On this webpage, you will find key dates, links to upcoming public meetings, recordings of past meetings, other opportunities to provide input, and the full set of draft documents that make up the Prohousing Designation application.
If you have any questions about the Prohousing Designation application, please reach out to housing@cityofsanmateo.org.
Public Meetings
| September 8, 2026 - City Council Meeting | Meeting Agenda |
| October 21, 2026 - Community Relations Commission Meeting | Meeting Agenda |
| October 27, 2026 - Planning Commission Meeting | Meeting Agenda |
| November 16, 2026 - City Council Meeting | Agenda forthcoming |
Prohousing Designation Program Application
The PDP application consists of a rigorous review of City policies and programs to demonstrate compliance with a menu of policies across four broad categories: Zoning and Land Use, Acceleration of Housing Production Timeframes, Reduction of Construction and Development Costs, and Providing Financial Subsidies. Applicants must score a minimum of 30 points across the four categories and provide supporting documents to demonstrate compliance with HCD policies.
Can I read the City of San Mateo Prohousing Designation Program Application?
Yes, you can! The City invites you to review its application and provide comments. Below, you will find links to each of the application components. Send your comments to housing@cityofsanmateo.org with "Pro-Housing Designation Program" in the subject line. To make sure your comments are included, please submit them by Monday, November 16, 2026.
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT – OCTOBER 16, 2026
Appendix 1 – Resolution (not part of public review - will be posted after City Council meeting on November 16, 2026)
Appendix 2 – Proposed Policy Completion Schedule
Appendix 3 – Self-Scoring Sheet
Appendix 4 – Examples of Prohousing Policies with Enhancement Factors from HCD (not part of public review)
Appendix 5 – Consistency of Encampment Response with the 7 Principles for Addressing Encampments
Appendix 5 – Compiled Backup Documentation
Appendix 6 – Diligent Public Participation Process
Appendix 7 – Supporting Documentation - Please see links below
Category 1: Favorable Zoning and Land Use
1B - Missing Middle Housing By-Right in Single-Family Zones
1C - Sufficient Sites Accommodate 125 to 149 Percent of Regional Housing Needs Allocation
1G - Zoning or Incentives to Increase Affordable Housing of All Types
1H - Allowing Residential or Mixed-Use in Some Non-Residential Zones
1I - Development Standards that Promote Greater Development Intensity
1K - Inclusionary Housing Program Consistent with AB 1505
Category 2: Acceleration of Housing Production Timelines
2B - Acceleration of Housing Production through Streamlined, Program-Level CEQA Analysis
2C - Streamlining Housing Development At the Project Level
2E - Eliminating Public Hearings for Projects Consistent with General Plan and Zoning
2H - Objective Development and Design Standards
2K - Standardized Application Form For All Entitlement Applications
2L - Publicly Posting Status Updates on Project Permit Approvals on Internet
2N - Other Policies that Decrease Production Timeframes or Streamline Approvals
Category 3: Reduction of Construction and Development Costs
3B - Reduce Barriers to ADUs/JADUs
3E - Measures to Promote Active Modes of Transportation
Category 4: Providing Financial Subsidies
4D - Grants or Low-Interest Loans to Moderate- and Lower-Income Households for ADUs
4E - Publicly-Owned Land for Affordable Housing
4G - Local General Funds for Affordable Lower-Income Housing
4H - Residual Redevelopment Funds for Affordable Housing