Council Priority Focus Area

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The City Manager's Department assists the City Council to achieve its vision for the community, manages the City's resources in a fiscally responsible manner to ensure the continuous delivery of high-quality services that promote the health, safety, welfare, and vitality of the community during normal operations and emergency situations; as a strategic partner to the City, advocates, supports, and maintains the necessary technology to achieve the mission of the organization.

The objective of the Human Resources Department is to attract, develop and retain a talented and well-qualified workforce and to help foster a positive working environment for employees.

 The City of Foster City is currently accepting applications for the Planning Commission to fill one vacancy. Term information is as follows:

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View the FCPD 2024 Annual Report below

You can also use this direct link to the Annual Report: https://www.flipsnack.com/fostercity/2024-annual-report-fcpd/full-view.html

The Innovation and Technology Advisory Committee serves to advise and assist the City Council and staff on emerging technology matters that meet the needs of the community today and prepare Foster City for the future.

The Foster City Traffic Review Committee receives and reviews appeals or requests from citizens or staff regarding traffic matters and makes recommendations to the City Council. The Committee meets at the call of the Chairman at such time and place as may be appropriate in order to receive and hear as much information as possible pertaining to the matters to be discussed.

Fire Administration sets Department policy and provides administrative support to the Department.  Fire Administration also maintains all records and provides administrative support to the organization.

The Fire Department protects lives, property and the environment from fire and exposure to hazardous materials, provides pre-hospital emergency medical care, offers programs which prepare our employees and citizens for emergencies and provides non-emergency services, including fire prevention and related code enforcement, emergency preparedness and fire prevention to residents, businesses and visitors of Foster City. 

Public Safety Communications provides dispatching for Foster City and all other fire agencies in San Mateo County.  Combined dispatch is a necessity as all fire agencies in San Mateo County have joined forces to provide engine-based paramedic service as subcontractors to the County's ambulance provider, American Medical Response. In order to provide this service most effectively, all fire agencies in San Mateo County respond outside their traditional City boundaries with the closest engine regardless of jurisdiction.

The Foster City Fire Department is committed to serving the residents of Foster City. In addition to responding to fire, medical, and other emergencies, the Fire Department also participates in neighborhood and community events. We are firmly committed to the safety and security for all residents of our beautiful city. Our firefighters are always ready to speak with you on any topic related to fire or life safety.

The Get Ready! emergency preparedness class provides you with information to respond effectively and decisively in an emergency. Taught by Fire Department personnel, you will learn about the types of disasters that could impact Foster City, how to create an emergency plan and emergency supply kit, and general disaster awareness and fire prevention.  

CPR/AED is offered to Foster City residents age 12 and older for a certification fee of $29. Call the Recreation Center at 650-286-3380 between 8am and 5pm, weekdays, for registration information.

A 2001 National Organization on Disability/Harris Poll survey found that 61% of people with disabilities had not made plans to quickly and safely evacuate their homes. Among those who were employed, 50% said that no plans had been made to safely evacuate their workplaces.  Don't wait for an emergency to occur to begin to think about safety!

It is important to know how to protect yourself and your family during an earthquake no matter where you happen to be when it occurs. It is also important to practice the things you will need to do during and after an earthquake.

Securing your furniture is among the most important steps to ensuring your safety during an earthquake.  It can be simple to do if you carefully look at your surroundings to see what could fall and take steps to ensure that it does not fall.  Remember that you should secure anything heavy enough to hurt you if it falls on you.

Options for household hazardous waste disposal for Foster City residents.

• Install and maintain fire sprinklers
• Install and maintain smoke detectors
• Install and maintain fire extinguishers
• Have an emergency plan for your home a business and practice it regularly
• Keep an eye on smoking materials
• Keep matches & lighters away from children
• Post emergency phone numbers
• Practice safety with electricity
• Be careful when cooking
• Store chemicals properly 

In July 1965, 10 original Public Safety officers were hired and trained to respond to both police and fire calls. The Public Safety officers were trained in both police and fire functions. They attended two weeks of training at Sunnyvale's Department of Public Safety to learn basic fire fighting techniques and advanced first aid. That was followed by officers taking turns attending San Mateo County's Police Academy to fulfill the minimum training requirement for police officers.

Coming Soon...

You can e-mail Captain Lee at MLee@FosterCity.org

The Foster City Communications Center is comprised of 5 Dispatchers, 1 Lead Dispatcher and is managed by the Dispatch Supervisor. Dispatchers work 10, 11 or 12-hour shifts and provide the community with 24-hour service 7 days per week.  Each Dispatcher is trained and committed to assisting citizens. Dispatchers evaluate situations and dispatch Officers when necessary, as well as refer citizens to other City departments or public agencies.

The emphasis of the Foster City Police Department's Youth Services Bureau is to work in coordination with the youth of Foster City, the Schools, and other county agencies. The Youth Services Bureau consists of one Officer. The Youth Services Bureau offers the following programs and services:

The Traffic Bureau works closely with other City departments and community agencies to resolve traffic issues at the neighborhood level and to reduce the number of automobile, bicycle, pedestrian collisions, and incidents of drinking and driving. Traffic Officers accomplish this goal by using:

Foster City Municipal Ordinances require all vehicles parked on public streets be moved at least 1/10th of a mile every 72 hours or they are considered "abandoned" and are subject to citation and/or towing. The purpose of the law is to prevent vehicles from being stored on the street.

Some police officers are specially trained to instruct new officers. They are known as Field Training Officers, or FTO's. To become an FTO, experienced Foster City Police Officers, who have shown exceptional leadership qualities, are selected to attend Field Training Officer School, where they learn to be instructors in the FTO Program.
 
The Field Training program is 16 weeks long (about 640 hours) for Entry-Level Officers, and can be as few as eight weeks (320) hours for Lateral-Entry Officers.

The Foster City Police Department utilizes a group of sworn and non-sworn employees dedicated to the processing and handling of crime scenes and evidence collection. These dedicated employees are called Field Evidence Technicians, more commonly referred to as FET's. Other agencies have similar teams referred to as Crime Scene Units, or Crime Scene Investigators.

The FET's are officers who have committed themselves to the handling of highly detailed assignments that require a systematic and painstaking approach to the identification, collection and processing of evidence.

Join a respected professional organization as a Reserve Police Officer.

The Reserve Police Officer Program has been operational for over 30 years.

It is working alongside the full time police officers, and augmenting the police force, in order to meet our objective of keeping Foster City a safe place to live, work, and play. If you thrive on responsibility, challenge, and have a spirit of service you should consider applying for a position as a Reserve Police Officer.

If you wish to remain anonymous while reporting information about criminal activity which does not require an immediate response, please use the Anonymous Tip Line at (650) 286-3323.

Here are some helpful tips and links on how to take care of a moving or parking ticket.

You must pay the parking fine or contest the citation within 21 days of issuance. Failure to do so may result in additional fines and the loss of your right to contest the citation. Also, a hold may be placed on your vehicle registration which will require you to pay all outstanding parking fines before you can register your vehicle. (402155 V.C.)

Answer: If you feel you received a parking citation that was unjustified or because of circumstances beyond your control, you are encouraged to contact the Police Department's Watch Commander as soon as possible. You may explain the circumstances to the Watch Commander, who in turn may make a recommendation that the citation be dismissed by the Court. The Watch Commander may be contacted at (650) 286-3300.
 

Before reporting a dog that barks loudly and frequently, first try to contact the dog's owner. If the problem is not resolved contact the Police Department at 650-286-3300. The Police Department will try to mediate the issue. If mediation does not work, you can request a Barking Dog Petition form. A minimum of three residences have to sign the petition and a list of incidents should be attached to show the ongoing issue. The petition is submitted to the FCPD for investigation and forwarding to the City Attorney.

Question: What can I do about cars that park and never move from in front of my house?

Any person desiring to solicit (including handing out flyers) within the City of Foster City must first obtain a "Solicitor's Permit" from the Police Department 650-286-3300 and a Business License from the Finance Department at City Hall 650-286-3258.

The fee for Solicitor's permit includes the permit, ID card, Livescan, and background check per person/solicitor. Inquire with the Police Department for current fees 650-286-3300.

Permits are valid for 90 days/ Renewal fees separate

I have been involved in a collision, and want a copy of the Accident Report. How do I get one?
 

The Foster City Municipal Code and the Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID) Code are a compilation of Foster City's and EMID's applicable ordinances (rules, regulations or standards). They are the City and District's primary codes. Secondary codes include any other codes adopted by reference, e.g., building, fire safety and electrical codes.

Residents can examine the Municipal Code Books at:

Foster City Library, 1001 E. Hillsdale Boulevard

To obtain information about Megan's Law, please go to California Department of Justice's official Internet web site, which lists designated registered sex offenders in Foster City, San Mateo County, and California.

The  Foster City Police Department provides referrals to the Peninsula Conflict  Resolution Center (PCRC) for the purpose of mediating neighborhood and family conflicts that do not rise to the level of criminal activity. 

PCRC is the primary provider of mediation services in San Mateo County. Typical issues resolved in the community mediation program are:

It is being there when you're needed, using your skills, experience and training to assist the Department in a variety of assignments and projects that are of importance to the agency and the community. In the face of growing demands for service, the assistance our citizen volunteers provide has become a vital component in the ability of the Foster City Police Department to continue to meet the needs of the community. It is also a personally rewarding and valuable experience for the participants.

Have you ever wondered what goes on during a typical day as a Foster City Police Officer? Now you can find out for yourself by riding along with an officer for a few hours. The Foster City Police Department offers a ride along program that allows citizens to ride with a police officer twice during a one year period.

If you are interested in the ride along program:

You must fill out the application below and return it to the police station. If you are under 18 you must have the consent of a parent or guardian who must sign and complete the application form.

Speaker Services
The Crime Prevention Bureau is available to provide speakers on various topics such as home and business security, robbery prevention, self-protection, child safety, senior citizen safety, alarms, or other topics of interest to the hosting organization. In the past our speakers have appeared at service clubs, senior citizen's groups, church organizations, business breakfast or luncheon meetings, homeowners area groups and commercial manufacturers.

The Foster City Police Department offers these Safety Tips and General Information.

The Foster City Police Department Dispatch Center receives approximately 15,000 911 calls each year. A large percentage of these calls are either misdials or disconnects, often from children playing with the phone. Handling these calls can sometimes interfere with the dispatcher's handling of real emergencies.

Properly secure all children riding in your car before every trip.

Thousands of children are injured or killed every year by safety seats that are improperly fastened by parents or caretakers. Remember,most collisions occur within a mile of the home - so buckle your child in a safety seat for every trip, no matter how short.

The Foster City Police Department would like to remind everyone that fireworks are banned within the city limits.

The Uniform Fire Code adopted by the City of Foster City prohibits any type of fireworks within City limits, including the so-called “safe and sane” variety. The only permitted use of fireworks is for professional fireworks shows, like the one taking place at Ryan Park on the evening of the Fourth.

One crime you can really help us prevent is auto-burglary. Almost all auto-burglaries have one thing in common: something to steal. That is, something valuable left in the car, often in plain sight of a passing burglar. Many auto-burglaries are "crimes of opportunity". These crimes can often be avoided if simple preventative steps are taken.

5.52.170 False Alarms

Each person, franchisee, owner, lessee, or premises maintaining a subscriber alarm system or audible alarm system, or silent alarm system, or any alarm contractor doing business in the city, shall comply with the provisions of this section:

Foster City Police Department's Crime Prevention Bureau would like to emphasize to you that during this Holiday Season, don't let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars, muggers, and pickpockets a chance to do their dirty work. Criminals love the holidays as much as everyone else, mainly because it is a perfect opportunity to commit a crime.

Keep the following tips in mind for a safe and happy holiday season:

Question: How can I get a traffic/parking citation signed off?

Session 4 of Foster City's CommUNITY Dialogue Series is entitled Commercial Retail. Childcare will be provided free of charge for children ages 4 to 11 by Foster City Recreation Center Staff. You must sign up in advance for childcare. Sponsored by the City of Foster City.

PJCC (Peninsula Jewish Community Center)
Multi-Purpose Room
800 Foster City Blvd.
Foster City, CA 94404

The United States Post Office, previously located at 1050 Shell Blvd., is working on establishing a new location in Foster City. This move is a result of a lease expiration, as the landlord of the current site has plans to redevelop the property. In the meantime, the following link provides information from the Post Office indicating where you can drop off mail in Foster City (including in front of City Hall): Foster City Mail Box Locations.

The Economic Development Strategic Plan was created by the Economic Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee and approved by City Council on September 19, 2016, this plan is the first two years of programs and initiatives supporting long-term economic development in Foster City.

We would love to come to your location to introduce ourselves, meet you and have an informal conversation about what you love about Foster City, why you located here and what makes you stay.  We'd also love to know what we could be doing to be a great partner for your business.  Contact vbrannon@fostercity.o

This Sustainable Foster City dashboard - an economic development dashboard - is provided to give you a "quick look" at the health and vibrancy of our community.  The City of Foster City, in partnership with the Foster City Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to provide you data, information and resources that give you a flavor of why we believe Foster City, California is the ideal place to live, work or play in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The City of Foster City and Foster City Chamber of Commerce have jointly partnered with the Silicon Valley Economic Development Alliance (SVEDA) to provide and maintain a listing of available commercial properties in Foster City. You may search the database for the type of property you are interested in, whether for lease or sale, and information will be provided regarding vacancies at each property, realtors, and asking price (where provided).

Sustainable Foster City ...

Are you looking to save water and save money? The Foster City Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID) can help! If you are an EMID water customer, there are rebates, information, and education available to help you reduce your water use. Rebates are granted in order of the date of the Notice to Proceed and funding is limited.  Please check with the city on availability of the program.

Is your outdoor irrigation system as efficient as it could be? Do you know how much water those azaleas or rose bushes really need? The Estero Municipal Improvement District has a resident expert in residential irrigation who can meet you at your home, inspect your outdoor irrigation systems, and develop detailed recommendations on how you may be able to conserve on the amount of water you use on your landscaping.

Reduce the Impact of Driving

• California Air Resources Board.  Learn more about vehicles that pollute less

Reduce the Impact of Daily Choices

Fiscal Year

License Fees

No. of Applications

2009-2010

A Police Academy is approximately 900 hours long and consists of over 40 separate learning domains, including:

• Criminal Law
• Laws of Arrest
• Search & Seizure
• Report Writing
• Vehicle Operations
• Defensive Tactics
• First Aid & CPR
• Firearms 

After the Police Academy, a recruit officer must complete approximately 600 hours of Field Training Program, riding with a seasoned and certified field training officer (FTO). 

Foster City Fire Department has trained 330 Foster City Residents to become active Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members to step into leadership roles in their neighborhoods in the event of a disaster situation. Since 2006, FCFD has trained 785 citizens in CERT. In 2014, 88 new members joined their neighborhood CERT teams! 

Reserve Hours

Explorer Hours

Foster City is very proud of its 218 acres of park space and amenities in 24 beautiful parks. Foster City has the most park space per capita in San Mateo County! Follow this link to view ALL Foster City parks and amenities!

Foster City's Parks and Recreation Department actively participates in planning and facilitating a huge number of large and small community events every year.

In 2015, the Parks and Recreation Department is planning and facilitating over 30 community events and participating in many more, both large and small.

Prepared as part of the General Plan Update in 2011, this report highlights the challenges and opportunities, strategies, policies, and programs that could be adopted to take Foster City where it wants to be in the next decades.

The year is 1958...across the Bay, Union City is on the verge of incorporation...the national flag still has only 48 stars...and developer T. Jack Foster is coming out of a short-lived Pebble Beach retirement, taking a $200,000 option to buy Brewer's Island in an unlikely venture to build a "new city," to be named Foster City, with Bay Area business magnate Richard Grant.

The scope of the engineering concept that created the land that Foster City sits on was truly dramatic. 2.5 million yards of material were excavated to create the lagoon (impoundment basin).

Waitlists for BMR Units

Coming Soon: In 2025, the City of Foster City will update the General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and Conservation Element. 

California’s Planning and Zoning Law (Government Code Sections 65000 et seq.) is the framework for local land use regulation. It requires every city to adopt a general plan for its physical development. 

Financial Services Department is also primarily responsible for the external audit of the City's financial records and preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Please email finance@fostercity.org for prior quarterly financial report.

Foster City Municipal Code requires that any person who engages in a business in the City must obtain and maintain a valid business license.  Most licenses are issued to individuals and firms located in commercial or industrial districts.  For businesses in a residential area of Foster City, "Applicant's Declaration of Home Occupancy" pages on the business license application must be read, signed, and complied. 

Effective December 11, 2023, businesses may start applying or renewing their business licenses at HdL business support center using the following:

Website: https://fostercity.hdlgov.com/

Email: fostercity@hdlgov.com

The Estero Municipal Improvement District is committed to providing the highest quality and reliable water and wastewater services at the lowest possible rates. To ensure this commitment, the District evaluates its infrastructure needs, and operations and maintenance costs for each year.  The files below contain information regarding this annual rate evaluation.

The City of Foster City/Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID) is pleased to present the current Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report). We want to let customers know where our drinking water comes from, how it is treated to make it safe and healthy, the results of water quality monitoring, and other important information about water quality.

The Community Annual Report reflects on the service efforts and accomplishments of the City of Foster City and serves as an essential tool to further the City's goal of transparency in local government. Featuring major projects and vital city information, the report displays the City's commitment to providing excellent service, programs, and infrastructure which contribute to the quality of life of its residents and community.  Click below to view the Community Annual Report.

Members of the public can observe and participate in in City Council or Planning Commission meetings from home via Zoom or in person,  and in Citizen Advisory Committee meetings in person, and unless otherwise noted.  Planning Commission and City Council meetings are streamed live online at www.fostercity.org/fctv or on FCTV on Comcast Channel 27 and AT&T Channel 99. Please check the agenda for specific information. 

The November 3, 2015 Election will be the first all-mailed ballot election conducted in San Mateo County. 41 cities, special districts and school districts in San Mateo County have approved a resolution for an all-mailed ballot election for the upcoming November 3, 2015 Consolidated Municipal, School and Special District Election to be a part of an All-Mail Ballot Pilot Program.

City of Foster City Policy Regarding the Distribution of Complimentary Tickets Pursuant to FPPC Regulation 18944.1

The purpose of financial disclosure is to alert public officials to personal interests that might be affected while they are performing their official duties, i.e., making governmental decisions. Disclosure also helps inform the public about potential conflicts of interest.

Public officials at every level of state and local government must disclose their personal financial interests. Elected officials, judges, and high-ranking appointed officials generally have the most comprehensive disclosure requirements. (Gov. Code Section 87200.) These include disclosure of:

Fair Political Practices (FPPC) requires officeholders and candidates without a controlled committee to report when less than $2000 is spent or will spend during a calendar year in relation with election to office or holding office.

On October 7, 2005, the Governor signed Assembly Bill No. 1234. AB 1234 requires that if a local agency provides any type of compensation, salary, or stipend to, or reimburses the expenses of a member of its "legislative body" (as that term is defined in California Government Code Section 54952), that local agency's officials must receive training in ethics.

Benjamin L. Stock of the law firm of Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP was appointed as the City Attorney on August 2, 2021. The City Attorney serves as the corporate counsel to the City as an entity and is responsible for providing legal services and counsel to the City Council and City staff on a broad range of municipal issues so that they may lawfully attain the City's goals and minimize risk to the City. The City Attorney drafts the City's ordinances, resolutions, and contracts.

The Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID) implemented a conservation-based water rate model that significantly changed the way that the District calculates customers' cost for water usage. With the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) as its sole source of water, EMID must manage its water consumption based upon a water supply assurance agreement with the SFPUC to provide up to 5.9 million gallons of water per day on average in a given year.

The Wastewater Division works to protect the health and safety of Foster City residents and to ensure the protection of the environment by effective treatment and disposal of all wastewater flows from commercial, industrial, and residential users. The Public Works Department Wastewater Division operates and maintains more than 43 miles of sanitary sewer lines, more than 8.5 miles of sewer force mains, 49 pumping stations, 15 permanent standby generators, and four (4) portable generators to ensure that the nearly three (3) million gallons of wastewater generated by Foster City each day is transmitted to the joint-owned San Mateo Treatment facility.

The Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) offers free landscape education classes in the spring and fall of each year. Aside from BAWSCA, there are also many other educational water resources available to the public.

Watch this video to find out what happens to the products you flush.

A compendium of the policies, procedures, and activities that are included in the planning, management, operation, and maintenance of the District's sanitary sewer system.

The Water Supply Agreement between the City and County of San Francisco and Wholesale Customers in Alameda County, San Mateo County, and Santa Clara County.

The Foster City Lagoon, as a drainage detention basin, is designed to successfully withstand a storm of 100-year return frequency or a storm of such severity that it is likely to occur only once each century. The lagoon therefore provides maximum drainage security for Foster City.

EVERY LAGOON USER HAS A ROLE TO PLAY
to ensure that the Lagoon continues to be a fun and safe place to recreate

At the City Council meeting on June 3, 2013, Ms. Kathy Lavezzo, Account Representative from PG&E, presented a ceremonial rebate check in the amount of $171,750 to the City Council for successfully completing the LED Street Lights Retrofit project. According to Ms. Lavezzo, Foster City and East Palo Alto are the only two cities in San Mateo County to have converted 100% of the street lights to energy efficient LEDs.

Under existing state law and City ordinance, Foster City property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks immediately adjacent to their properties. This includes, but is not limited to, sidewalks along major roadways, sidewalks located behind walls or fences, segments on the back of properties, and multiple segments for priorities with multiple sidewalk adjacencies.

The Engineering division of the Foster City Public Works Department is responsible for the design and maintenance of more than 2,000 street lights and 31 signalized intersections in Foster City.

During heavy storm seasons, Foster City residents and merchants can pick up a maximum of 10 sandbags at the City Hall parking lot (north corner), located at 610 Foster City Boulevard. It will be made available to the residents 24/7. There will be sand, bags, and a shovel for residents and merchants to bag it themselves.

The Additional Resources page offers miscellaneous information on other helpful services and resources related to the Public Works Department.

Find out the dates of Foster City's green events, such as electronic waste recycling, document destruction (shred), compost giveaways, home composting workshops, and household hazardous waste disposal.

The residential and commercial solid waste program rates for Foster City.

Since April 22, 2013, retail establishments in Foster City have been prohibited from distributing free single use carryout bags. Paper bags with a minimum recycled content or reusable bags (plastic or other materials) may be sold for a minimum charge of $0.10. Single use plastic bags may not be distributed.

Since April 1, 2012, food vendors in Foster City have been prohibited from using polystyrene-based disposable food service ware. The City Council adopted the County of San Mateo's ordinance by reference, meaning that all of the provisions of the County's ordinance apply in Foster City and the ordinance is enforced by the County.

The California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB 939) requires each jurisdiction to divert 50% of its solid waste from being disposed in landfills. SB 1016 builds on AB 939 compliance requirements by implementing a simplified measure of the City's recycling performance. Under this measurement system, a city needs to annually dispose of an amount equal to or less than its "50 percent equivalent per capita disposal target" calculated by CalRecycle.

California Assembly Bill (AB) 1826, Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling, requires jurisdictions to have a commercial organics recycling program in place. The law applies to businesses and multi-family residential dwellings that consist of five (5) or more units. Jurisdictions are required to include information on compliance with this law in their annual reports to CalRecycle.

Composting is nature's way of recycling fruit scraps, vegetable scraps, and yard trimmings. Compost provides valuable nutrients for garden soil and helps retain moisture, which saves water, prevents erosion,and loosens compacted soils for better drainage. The City of Foster City Compost Bin Incentive Program provides a rebate up to $40 to residents who choose to purchase a home composting bin that is at least $40 in cost.

The City's Solid Waste Collection service providers consist of three (3) environmental organizations: Recology San Mateo County, South Bayside Industries (operating the Shoreway Environmental Center), and RethinkWaste/South Bayside Waste Management Authority.

The Engineering Division provides the engineering and administrative services to maintain, operate, repair, and where necessary, improve City/District public facilities. This group also monitors the use of the public rights-of-way in the City/District, ensures that developments conform to City/District codes, and maintains the City/District mapping system.

The City occasionally will have open Bids or Requests for Proposals (RFPs) on a variety of different projects. From capital improvement projects, to parks maintenance or bids for information systems, the City will publish those open on the Bids and RFPs page.

Per Foster City Municipal Code, no person shall operate a vehicle on public streets exceeding the size limitation designated or the weight limitations designated without first obtaining a transportation permit from the City Engineer allowing such operation.

Documents, reports, and presentations related to the Public Works Department.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) posed to the Public Works department including FAQ about engineering, construction, the lagoon, the levee, recycling, garbage, streets, storm drains, wastewater, and water.

1. 1 Audits and Assessments
   1. 1.1 Conducts inventories of greenhouse gas emissions to guide and monitor the City's efforts to encourage emission reductions in City operations and the community as a whole.

o  2005 Government Operations Greenhouse Gas Inventory*

The Foster City Dog Park has separate, fenced-in areas for big and small dogs, and consists of synthetic grass and decomposed granite.

Other Parks for Dogs: Dogs may be off-leash (but under control) between the hours of 5:00am-8:00am daily in designated areas of the following parks (Please Note: Dogs are not ever allowed on the synthetic turf):

The City of Foster City Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to fostering healthy lifestyles and promoting lifelong wellness throughout the community. Our mission is to build a great community through people, parks, and programs. Athletic play is an important part of this and a partnership with youth and adult sports groups to provide organized play is fundamental in achieving this goal.

The Senior Wing offers a variety of Social Services that enhance the lives of seniors with the goal of helping older adults remain healthy, be active, and stay independent. The following services, along with a description, are listed below.

Arcturus Park offers 3/4 acre of playground area, small lawn area, and a tiny tot play area.  Near Foster City Elementary its a good spot to take the kids to run off some energy after school!

This park is not able to be reserved for parties/events; it can be used on a first-come, first-served basis for groups of 25 people or less. 

With access from Bounty Drive, Boat Park is a 3.2 acre boat launching facility, including parking, a boardwalk, picnic tables, and a lawn area. 
Adjacent to Boat Park and using the same parking lot is Dog Park. Bring your canine friends and enjoy a wonderful day of games and fun! The 20,000 sq. ft. area includes separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, synthetic turf and decomposed granite surfaces, as well as a watering station. There are also tables and benches for human relaxation after a long day at play.

Bridgeview is one of Foster City's newest parks! With picnic benches and a restroom it is a great spot for a picnic, or a nice spot to hop on the levee for a walk, run, or bike! For reservation inquiries, please call (650) 286-3374 or email dlandwehr@fostercity.org.

Foster City Recreation offers a variety of sports for all ages. Participating in a sport or league helps you meet your fitness goals, expand your social network, and reduces stress. This is the place to blow off some steam and have fun!

Edgewater Park is 9.5 acres with large lawn areas, lighted softball diamond, basketball courts, playground area, and tennis courts.

For reservation inquiries, please call (650) 286-3374 or email dlandwehr@fostercity.org.

Capacity: max 30

Congratulations to the La Bocce Vita on their 2017 Spring and Summer Bocce Championship on Monday Afternoons!

In addition, we would like to Congratulate Bocce Brawlers for winning our 2nd Annual -Ultimate Bocce Champions Tournament.  Bocce Brawlers beat the defending Champions Il Migliore and La Bocce Vita to win the Tournament! 

A small, serene neighborhood park near the Belmont Slough and the levee walkway, Gateshead Park provides shade trees, drinking fountains, and picnic tables perfect for small outings. Take a break in the shade while adventuring on the levee/pedway.

This park is not able to be reserved for parties/events; it can be used on a first-come, first-served basis for groups of 25 people or less.

The Foster City Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of classes, camps, and programs to meet the needs of youth, teens, and their parents. With programming specifically designed with youth and teens in mind, the department strives to create positive opportunities for healthy development, learning, and fun!

Apply to be a ARC Recreation Leader TODAY! Send completed application and questionnaire to the Recreation Center.

This program is open to all 1st - 5th graders at Audubon, Beach Park, and Foster City Elementary Schools, and will have a rotating group of classes in different categories to expand your child's fun and learning outside of the classroom. The Wednesday Enrichment program takes place on minimum day Wednesdays - your child will be dismissed from school based on the minimum day bell schedule, go to the lunch area to eat lunch, and then head to the assigned location of their Wednesday Enrichment class! 

Killdeer Park is 2.4 acres of playground area, swings, a sand beach (with an ever present guardian!) and lawn area.
 

One of Foster City's smaller neighborhood parks, Leo offers a grass area with shade trees and a bench. A nice place to relax on hot summer days!

Marlin Park offers 3.1 acres of a sandy beach, playground area, and large lawn area. The rental space is a uncovered picnic tables. For reservation inquiries, please call (650) 286-3374 or email dlandwehr@fostercity.org

Capacity: 50

One of Foster City's smaller parks, Pompano (1/2 acre) offers a nice lawn area perfect for that afternoon picnic!

Sea Cloud Park has been called the "sporting gem" of the Peninsula. It is the home for many Foster City youth sports organizations and offers more than 23 acres of baseball diamonds, soccer fields, lawn area, play apparatus, snack shack, batting cages, and restrooms.

On 3.5 acres, Shorebird Park offers Bay Trail access, gorgeous bay views, public art, benches, picnic tables, and a restroom.

FITNESS COURT
One of Shorebird Park's most popular features is a completely free outdoor bodyweight circuit training gym, featuring all-level workouts that can be completed in just 7 minutes a day and suitable for adults of all fitness abilities. Pair the court with its free mobile app, and users can take classes and learn workout routines.

With 1.53 acres, Turnstone Park features a basketball court, children's play area, and picnic area.

Foster City adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2015, including targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Foster City Climate Action Plan 

Foster City has also received multiple Beacon Awards from the Institute for Local Government for its Environmental Sustainability Programs.

The City of Foster City offers drop-in and after school programs at The Vibe. All programs are for middle school and high school aged students up to the age of 19 or until completion of the 12th grade, whichever comes first. The facility is open to both resident and non-resident teens. The Vibe also hosts a number of daily activities, special events and even teen trips which are open to all Vibe members.

Agency

4.1.      Reduce

4.1.1.      Reduces the amount of paper used by providing copies of agendas, staff reports and other documents on-line.

4.2.      Reuse

4.2.1.      Resurfaced streets using cold-in-place recycling of asphalt which reuses materials as well as reduces costs and reduces truck trips during construction.

4.3.      Recycle

Agency

5.1 Policies

Agency

8.1.      Encourage Compact, Efficient and Contiguous Development

8.1.1.      Approved the Pilgrim Triton Master Plan to create a compact, efficient mixed use development to replace an obsolete industrial park.

8.2.      Planning for a Variety of Transportation Choices

8.2.1.      Requires that bicycle racks be installed at all new commercial/office developments in town. Bicycle racks are also on all shuttles.

Agency

10.1.    Inform

10.1.1.    Created Green Footprint video series 

10.1.2     Maintains a "Go Green" webpage to provide education resources to the community.

Foster City Recreation has a variety of rooms available to rent for birthday parties, meetings or other special events. Picnic areas are also available for reservation at one of our beautiful parks! Thank you for considering the City of Foster City for your reservation.

Please note if planning to serve alcohol at your event, the reservation must be made at least 30 days prior to your event date

Rooms are available for rent at each of the facilities below:

The Foster City Youth and Teen Foundation was established to help fund the development of a new teen center in Foster City. The ViBE provides a safe alternative for latchkey kids and is purposely made accessible to help ease the stress on today's working families.

Foster City Recreation strives to provide excellent service, exciting programs, and exceptional places! We do this through the use of our three recreation facilities to offer classes and room rentals; 24 community parks that provide a variety of amenities for any occasion; and over 20 special events a year that bring the community together! Click on the images below to learn about the different opportunities you can be involved in,and support, the community.  

The Foster City Parks and Recreation Department has made special arrangements with Santa to accept mail for delivery to the North Pole!  

Our magical North Pole mailbox is available at The Vibe Teen Center & The Community Center lobbies during the weekday from 8am-5pm. Please note that The Vibe is closed on weekends for private reservations.

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs are sustained efforts by parents, schools, law enforcement, advocacy groups, community leaders and government to improve the well-being of children by walking and biking to school. Join the Foster City Parks and Recreation Department the first Wednesday in October and the second Wednesday in May by walking, biking, or rolling to school.

The school with the largest percentage of people walking or biking to school will receive the Golden Sneaker Award for the school with the highest participation, and will be able to hold on to it for the entire school year.

2017: Brewer Island Elementary School
2018: Brewer Island Elementary School  

The Wind Room is a large multi-purpose room ideal for parties, wedding receptions, corporate retreats, training sessions, seminars and meetings. The room features a fantastic view of Leo Ryan Park and the Foster City Lagoon.

The Starboard Room is a medium sized multi-purpose room, which can be used for a variety of activities such as meetings, workshops and small parties.

The Sports Wall of Fame was established on May 4, 2002, and is dedicated to recognizing outstanding contributions and commitment to Foster City youth in the spirit of sportsmanship, athletics, and teamwork.

The Active Access Initiative is a collaboration of San Mateo County, local recreation departments, and non-profit community partners. Our mission is to promote healthy physical activity in the community by offering you, the residents of San Mateo County, free and low cost (less than $5 per class) physical activities in the city where you live.

Check out http://www.smchealth.org/ActiveAccess for activities in Foster City.

The Foster City Parks and Recreation Department offers a broad and diverse selection of classes for children, teens, adults, and seniors. Community classes take place in many city facilities including the William E. Walker Recreation Center, Community Center, at municipal tennis courts and parks, and at local businesses. Interested in becoming a contract instructor with the department? Submit a Class Proposal Packet.

We have four easy ways for you to register!

Use our online registration system to sign up for classes 24/7.  Register Online Now!

New users will need to request an account. Your receipt will be emailed to you shortly after you have completed the registration.

Mail your completed registration form with a check or credit card information to:

Foster City Parks & Recreation
650 Shell Blvd.
Foster City, CA 94404

The City of Foster City participates in programs designed to assist first-time homebuyers with the purchase of a new home. These programs are:

Foster City strives to ensure that the sale, rental or financing of housing is not denied to any individual on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age, marital status, disability, or other arbitrary factors. Information and resources are provided below.

A building permit is required for all interior and exterior changes except for cosmetic changes such as carpeting or painting. A permit is required whether the change involves new construction or replacement.  

The purpose of building permits is to ensure that the proposed work complies with state and local codes enacted for health, safety and energy conservation purposes.

Step 1. Planning approval required prior to building application.

Step 2. Fill out Re-Roof Application Form below.

Step 3. Pay Fees. (Business Licenses if applicable)

Step 4. Permit is issued.

Step 5. Schedule required inspections. (General inspections include a tear off, materials, in-progress and a final inspection)

If your house was built prior to 1971 (when Foster City was incorporated) it is unlikely that the City will have the original plans for your house. When the City was incorporated, San Mateo County provided the City with a microfilm copy of the Building Permit Application and in some cases a copy of the Site Plan was also provided. The County does not have any plans for Foster City on file.

If your house was built after 1972, typical plans may be available for viewing between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday.

Review Process for Photography/Filming Temporary Use Permit

1. WHY REVIEW IS REQUIRED

The review of filming proposals is required in order to ensure that such activities are performed in a safe manner and do not interfere with traffic or the citizens' normal enjoyment of neighborhoods and City facilities.

2. WHEN REQUIRED

1. Property Maintenance Violations:

a. Weeds in the front yard, along the driveway, curb and sidewalk joints

b. Unlandscaped front yard areas including overgrown lawn, dead lawn and/or bare dirt areas

c. Trash, recycle and/or compost cart(s) stored in the front yard of the property visible from the public right of way or the lagoon

d. Accumulation of debris, litter, dirt, overgrown vegetation, dead trees or plant materials or weeds on a property which are visible from a public right-of-way or constitutes a fire hazard

On June 16, 2014, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 589 amending Chapter 17.52, Fences, Walls and Hedges and Chapter 17.70, Nonconformity Uses, of Title 17, Zoning of the Foster City Municipal Code.  The law in Foster City contains many limitations on the allowed height of fences, walls and hedges in residential areas. 

Foster City TV has been cablecasting in Foster City for over 30 years, and streaming live on the web since 2000.  Foster City TV is your link to what's going on in your town, airing live City Council and Planning Commission meetings, and keeping the latest City and community news accessible on the FCTV Bulletin Board.Become a part of FCTV's continuing history.  Watch Foster City TV today...It's where you live!  

Live City Meeting Coverage: Tune in to Comcast 27, AT&T 99, or watch streaming online HERE.

Foster City TV televises the Planning Commission's Regular  Meetings. The Planning Commission holds Regular Meetings on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.

All Planning Commission Meetings replay the following day at 1:00pm, and the following Sunday at 5:00pm.

Foster City Television is also on Comcast 27 & AT&T 99

Memorandum of Understanding between The City of Foster City/Estero Municipal Improvement District and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (2024 - 2027)

Management Compensation and Benefits Plan (Adopted November 1, 2021)

The purpose of this Policy is to comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (HR 5210) as passed by Congress

This policy provides definition for and a process to request family and medical leave.

The purpose of this policy is to define the City's policy and procedures regarding the prohibition of harassment and discrimination and give notice to all employees

The City of Foster City employs approximately 185 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees.  Applications for employment are accepted only for positions that are currently open. 

Congratulations on your decision to move to Foster City! Although we are, no doubt, biased in our opinion, we think your experience will also bear out that Foster City is a wonderful place to live, work and play.

On this page are links to some general information that is designed to help you understand our City and how it works. This information should help you as you enjoy the many amenities that Foster City offers as well as point out some of the unique aspects of our City.

Foster City attempts to provide a clean, safe environment for people as well as one that is friendly to animals. Many Foster City residents live in condominiums, apartment complexes or other housing that has limited space for pets to run.

The Peninsula Humane Society, or PHS, contracts with San Mateo County to provide animal control services for Foster City. PHS is available on a 24-hour emergency call basis to pick up stray animals or injured stray animals. The Humane Society will hold stray animals they receive for four working days before offering them for adoption.

If you find a lost animal you may run a free "found" advertisement in local newspapers for three days.