FAQs
Do portable/temporary spas and/or swimming pools require permits?
Yes. Any swimming pool, hot tub or spa require a building permit and may not be located closer than 5 feet from the rear or side lot line; heating/filter equipment shall not be closer than 5 feet from the property line.
What are the water conservation rebates available?
For a complete list of the water conservation rebates available, please visit the Water Conservation Rebate Programs page.
Are noise levels regulated?
Yes. Chapter 17.68 (General Performance Standards) regulates noise levels by restricting to certain decibel limits.
What can I do if I have a water leak, broken hydrant, or any type of water issue?
If you have any questions or need additional information regarding water service or water quality, such as reporting a water leak, broken hydrant, or any type of water issue, please contact the Public Works Maintenance Division at (650) 286-8140. For more information, please visit the Water Quality page.
My neighbor was emptying his radiator in the street in front of his house. Is that legal?
NO! Anything that is dumped in the street goes into the storm drainage system, which is part of our lagoon waterways, which discharges into San Francisco Bay. No waste materials of any kind (organic or inorganic) shall be dumped into any water course or upon any public property.
Chapter 6.08, Dumping - In watercourses ad on public property
Chapter 8.37, Section 8.37.280 - Notification of hazardous waste discharge
May I use my hose to wash down my house and clean sidewalks?
Sometimes. In times of water conservation and rationing, nonessential uses of water during a water shortage emergency is prohibited unless prior approval is obtained from the district
Chapter 8.60, Section 8.60.050 - Nonessential uses — Water conservation
Chapter 8.60, Section 8.60.060 - Nonessential uses — Water rationing
What does it mean that we are in a Water Shortage Emergency?
On August 4, 2014, the Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID) Board declared a water shortage emergency. In times of extended drought, declaration of a water shortage emergency allows the District to put in place measures to conserve water in the community. At this time EMID has only implemented measures A, B, C, E, F and L in District Code Section 8.60.050. For more information, please visit the Water Shortage Emergency Declaration page.
What is chloramines, and why was chlorine converted to chloramines as a water disinfectant?
Chloramines is a combination of chlorine and ammonia that offers a number of health benefits. It lasts longer in the water to more effectively remove pathogens, produces lower levels of disinfection byproducts, and may improve taste and odor. For more information on chloramines, please visit the Water Disinfectant Agent: Chloramines page.
What types of affordable housing programs are available in Foster City?
We have both rental and ownership programs for affordable housing, as well as a homeshare matching program. If you will provide your name and mailing address, we will send you a packet of information. You can make your request via e-mail to: planning@fostercity.org or by phone: (650) 286-3225.
Are there below-market-rate rental units available? How do I get on the waiting list?
There are several rental developments that include below-market rate units in Foster City. Each development keeps its own waiting list. See the contact information for the Rental of Below Market Rate Units.
Are there any new below-market-rate units coming? How do I apply for a unit?
Developers of multi-family residential development projects must provide below-market rate units pursuant to the City's inclusionary housing policy. Proposals must also include an affordable housing plan, including a marketing plan. After the City Council approves a proposal and construction is close to completion, developers will advertise available units through a variety of platforms and all information will be available on the City's website. Applications are handled by the developer's property manager.
What are the income limits for the program?
The income limits for affordable housing programs are adjusted in the spring of each year. You can look them up at www.hcd.ca.gov.
2023 Income Limits by Number of Persons in Household – San Mateo County ($)
| Income Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extremely Low | 39,150 | 44,750 | 50,350 | 55,900 | 60,400 | 64,850 | 69,350 | 73,800 |
| Very Low Income | 65,250 | 74,600 | 83,900 | 93,200 | 100,700 | 108,150 | 115,600 | 123,050 |
| Low Income | 104,400 | 119,300 | 134,200 | 149,100 | 161,050 | 173,000 | 184,900 | 196,850 |
| Median Income | 122,500 | 140,000 | 157,500 | 175,000 | 189,000 | 203,000 | 217,000 | 231,000 |
| Moderate Income | 147,000 | 168,000 | 189,000 | 210,000 | 226,800 | 243,600 | 260,400 | 277,200 |
What categories of affordable units are in each of the rental developments?
Foster City Below-Market-Rate Rental Units by Income Category
| Income Category | Very Low Income | Low Income | Moderate Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Pilgrim (BMRs) | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Metro Senior Apts. | 54 | 6 | 0 |
| Marlin Cove | 56 | 0 | 28 |
| Miramar | 32 | 0 | 16 |
| One Hundred Grand | 10 | 18 | 5 |
| Alma Point | 65 | 0 | 0 |
| The Triton | 8 | 31 | 9 |
| The Plaza | 15 | 40 | 5 |
Do the income limits and rents change each year?
Yes, HCD issues new income limits each year (usually in April or May). Rents are calculated based on each property's affordable housing agreement.
What is the City's Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate Program?
The Estero Municipal Improvement District is pleased to provide all residential and irrigation customers a rebate towards the purchase of a Smart Irrigation Controller. The rebate amount for residential customers covers 100% of the cost of the controller up to $250 maximum rebate. For irrigation customers, the rebate amount covers 100% of the cost of the controllers up to $50 per station with a maximum rebate of $7,500 for any one customer. To confirm eligibility for the rebate or for complete details on the program, please visit the Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate page.
Once a tenant is in the program, do they have to re-qualify each year?
Yes, the programs all require that a tenant be re-certified for the program each year.
What are the rents for the below-market-rate units?
The rent limits for the affordable units in Foster City are based on the income limits for the applicable categories, using a formula that includes an assumed household size and a utility allowance that varies with the type of appliances in the unit and which utilities are paid by the landlord. Actual rents may be less than the maximum amount. Examples below are 2023 rent maximums for Marlin Cove, Miramar, and the Plaza. Contact the property for the current rents. For rent maximums, you may contact the property or the City's Housing Coordinator at (650) 286-3230.
EXAMPLE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE BMR RENTS (Subject to change)
| Unit Category | Marlin Cove | Miramar | The Plaza |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very-low one-bedroom | $1,584 | $1,783 | $1,631 |
| Very-low two-bedroom | $1,725 | $1,981 | $1,798 |
| Very-low three-bedroom | NA | NA | $1,955 |
| Low one-bedroom | NA | NA | $2,748 |
| Low two-bedroom | NA | NA | $3,055 |
| Low three-bedroom | NA | $2,643 | $3,353 |
| Moderate one-bedroom | $3,569 | $3,544 | $3,616 |
| Moderate two-bedroom | $3,959 | $3,971 | $4,032 |
| Moderate three-bedroom | NA | NA | $4,438 |
*The landlord may choose to set the rent amounts below the limit provided by the program regulations.
Are there senior citizen apartments in the affordable housing program?
Yes, all 60 of the units at Metro Senior Apartments and the 65 units at Alma Point are reserved for senior citizens. The waiting list for the Metro Senior Apartments and Alma Point are closed at this time.
Are there below-market-rate ownership units available? Is there a waiting list?
There are seven below market rate units at Emerald Bay. They would only become available if one of the owners decides to sell. The Agency does not maintain a waiting list. Contact a local realtor to obtain information about how to watch for these listings.
Does the City own any rental units? Is there a waiting list?
The City of Foster City owns six homes (duplexes and single-family homes) reserved for very low and low-income families. All homes are occupied at this time, and there is no waitlist. The homes are managed by HIP The City also owns 22 one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, and two-bedroom workforce units at 501 Pilgrim Drive. 14 of these units are reserved for very low, low, and moderate-income households. These units are also managed by HIP Housing. There is a waitlist for this property but the waitlist is currently closed. Contact HIP Housing at (650) 348-6820 for more information.
What is the City's Synthetic Turf Rebate Program?
The Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID) is offering rebates to residential and irrigation customers that replace their existing grass lawns (including removal of sprinkler systems) with synthetic turf. The rebate amount for residential customers covers $4.00 per square foot up to a maximum rebate of $5,000 per customer. For irrigation customers, the rebate amount covers $4.00 per square foot up to a maximum rebate of $10,000 per customer. For complete details on the rebate, please visit the Synthetic Turf Rebate Program page.
What is the City's Toilet Rebate Program?
The Foster City Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID) offers EMID water customers, rebates, information, and education available to help you reduce your water use. For more information on the toilet rebate programs available, please visit the Water Conservation Rebate Programs page.
Are there preference categories?
Yes, the preference categories adopted by the City Council in Resolution 2020-24 are:
1a. Persons who are living in a Below Market Rate deed-restricted unit in Foster City for a minimum of twelve (12) months that is subject to termination of affordability restrictions within three (3) years;
1b. Persons who live and work in Foster City;
2. Persons who live in Foster City;
3. Employees of the City of Foster City;
4. Classroom teachers who are employees of the San Mateo-Foster City School District, the San Mateo Union High School District and the San Mateo County Community College District;
5. Persons who work in Foster City; and
6. All others who are income qualified.
Please note that preferences for Workforce Housing at 501 Pilgrim Drive are subject to preferences as stipulated in the property's affordability agreement.
Are there any first-time home buyer loan programs? What are the qualifications?
HEART of San Mateo County has a first-time homebuyer loan program. Follow this link for more information http://heartofsmc.org/.
Are there other first-time home buyer programs?
There is also Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC) for first-time homebuyers. The MCC Program is a means of providing financial assistance to first-time homebuyers by allowing those homebuyers to take fifteen percent of annual mortgage interest payments as a tax credit against their federal personal income tax in addition to the regular itemized deduction for the remaining 85% of the home mortgage interest payments. For more information, contact San Mateo County at (650) 802-5032.
