New Resident Information Packet

Dear New Resident:

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.

At the bottom of 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 is a master planned community, meaning that there is a great deal of focus on the maintenance and appearance of private as well as public property. We thank you in advance for your assistance keeping your property well-maintained. Remember that permits are required for much of the work that you will have done to your property and that the City strictly enforces the rules about interior and exterior changes and property improvements as well as making sure that properties are well-maintained. The Community Development Department is always ready to assist you in planning and achieving property improvements, just give them a call at 650-286-3225 or e-mail cdd@fostercity.org early on in your home improvement planning process.

Make a point to participate in the exciting and interesting programs offered through the Recreation Center. All classes are listed in the Leisure Update, which is mailed to all residences in Foster City or which is available online at the link below. In addition, you will want to check out the many parks and other recreational facilities and amenities that are located in all the neighborhoods in the City.

There are many opportunities for you to participate in Foster City's local government. Specifically, the City Council has a number of standing citizen advisory committees that provide recommendations and advice in a number of subjects. More about the committees is available at the link below. You might want to consider joining one or more of these committees if you have an interest in the topic they address.

Emergency Preparedness is very important to us. We all recognize that fact that potential widespread hazards exist in Foster City and the Bay Area. Remember that any hazard has the potential to tax local government and emergency response agencies beyond their capacity. Knowing this, it is imperative that all residents spend time and energy to prepare themselves for a major disaster before a disaster strikes. There is basic information available in the links below and the Fire Department is always willing to help you understand and prepare for disasters that may impact you. Don't miss the free seminars on Emergency Preparedness that the City offers several times a year and consider joining the Community Emergency Response Team in your area.

If you have any questions or problems with which the City can help, please feel free to contact us at 650-286-3200 or info@fostercity.org.

Sincerely,

Mayor and City Council
City Manager

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Learn More About Foster City!

History of Foster City.
Because of the way that Foster City was built and developed, it has a unique and interesting history, replete with photos.

Signing Up For Utility Services.
Utility services provided by the City of Foster City include water and sewer.

Foster City Chamber of Commerce.
The Foster City Chamber of Commerce offers business resources as well as community information through its website and annual Chamber of Commerce Community Guide. Among other things, street maps of Foster City are available at the Chamber of Commerce website.

Important Telephone Numbers.
This document contains many of the telephone numbers needed to accomplish business in Foster City, including City government, utilities, and much more.

Helpful Tips for New Residents.
This one-page brochure outlines some of the Municipal Code provisions that are of most direct interest to residents -- Resident Responsibilities for Sidewalk Repairs, Parking on City Streets and Storage of Trash and Recycling Containers.

Residential Property Improvement Basics.
This helpful document will give you the basic information to understand what is required if you want to make an interior or exterior change to your home.

Code Enforcement Information.
This short brochure will help you understand the property maintenance standards in Foster City and how they will be enforced. It includes contact information for the City's Code Enforcement Officer.

Parks and Recreation Leisure Update.
The City of Foster City offers an outstanding variety of Recreational opportunities, including classes and programs for children, youth and adults. The Recreation guide is printed four times a year and mailed to households in Foster City.

Guide to Responsible Pet Ownership.
It is the responsibility of all owners to ensure that their pets are good neighbors. This helpful guide explains specific regulations about pets in Foster City.

Voter Registration.
Municipal elections are held every two years in Foster City. New residents are reminded that they need to register with their new address in order to be able to vote in upcoming elections.

Recycling Guide For San Mateo County Residents.
Foster City takes its recycling responsibilities very seriously and seeks the assistance of residents in meeting recycling goals.

Emergency Preparedness Information.
Foster City has free written information to assist residents to become prepared for a disaster that may impact Foster City and the Bay Area. In addition, the Fire Department offers free training and coordinates volunteer Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT's) throughout the City.

Citizen Advisory Committees.
All residents are encouraged to volunteer their time on a committee that advises the City Council on matters related to its subject matter. Check for vacancies on committees in your area of interest.