Foster City, California Public Records

The court also operates a branch location at the South San Francisco Justice Center, 400 Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080, phone (650) 877-5400, which handles misdemeanors, traffic matters, limited civil cases (under $35,000), and small claims cases (up to $10,000 for individuals, $5,000 for businesses). Court records can be searched online through the California Courts Online Case Access system at www.sanmateo.court.ca.gov under "Case Information." The public portal allows searches by party name or case number for most civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. Some confidential matters, including juvenile cases and certain family law documents, are restricted. Remote access is free for searching, though detailed case documents may require in-person review or purchase. Certified copies of court documents cost $25 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page. Regular photocopies are $0.50 per page. Filing fees vary: civil case filing is $435 for unlimited civil cases, $225 for limited civil, and $30-$75 for small claims depending on claim amount. Traffic court and family law filings have separate fee schedules. Fee waivers are available for low-income individuals who qualify.

Users can view assessed values, property characteristics, exemptions, tax history, and parcel maps. The database is updated regularly and includes current and historical ownership information. The San Mateo County Recorder's Office, same location at 555 County Center, phone (650) 363-4500, records and maintains official documents including deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, easements, maps, and other instruments affecting real property. The Official Records Search is available online at https://acr.smcgov.org where users can search recorded documents dating back to the 1950s. Document images can be viewed and printed for free. Certified copies can be ordered online or in person for $11 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. Recording fees are $0 for e-recording real estate documents (effective recent legislation) and vary for paper submissions. Foster City residents can conduct property searches by entering an address (such as properties along Beach Park Boulevard or Edgewater Boulevard) or by owner name. The county also provides a GIS mapping system at https://gis.smcgov.org that displays parcel boundaries, zoning, flood zones, and other geographic data. Both the Assessor and Recorder databases are integrated, making it easy to view assessment and recorded document history for any Foster City property.

Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation) operates offices in Foster City, contributing to the city's tech-focused economy. These Fortune 500 and major employers attract highly educated professionals, contributing to Foster City's estimated median household income of approximately $160,000-$180,000, significantly above both the San Mateo County and California averages. The city's economy is dominated by technology, biotechnology, finance, and professional services industries. The planned nature of Foster City, with its modern office parks and proximity to San Francisco International Airport (approximately 15 minutes away), makes it attractive for corporate campuses. Retail and service businesses along East Hillsdale Boulevard and in the Metro Center area support the residential population. The Leo J. Ryan Park and the extensive marina and lagoon system also support recreational businesses and services. Recent developments include continued expansion of office space to accommodate growing tech companies and biotech startups. Foster City's location within Silicon Valley's broader ecosystem and San Mateo County's economic powerhouse status ensures steady growth. The city benefits from excellent schools (part of the San Mateo-Foster City School District), low crime rates, and high quality of life, all factors that attract corporations and affluent residents. Foster City functions primarily as a residential suburb and corporate campus city within the larger San Francisco Bay Area metropolitan economy, with many residents commuting to nearby cities like San Francisco, Redwood City, and San Mateo for additional employment opportunities. The city's tax base is strong due to commercial property assessments from major employers, supporting well-funded municipal services.

Foster City contracts its law enforcement services through the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, which provides a dedicated Foster City Police Services unit. The Foster City Police Department is headquartered at 1030 East Hillsdale Boulevard, Foster City, CA 94404, phone (650) 286-3000. Police reports, traffic collision reports, and incident records can be requested in person at this location or by submitting a written request. Certain records are available immediately, while others may require processing time under the California Public Records Act. The website www.fostercity.org/police provides information on requesting records and current crime statistics.

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office main headquarters is located at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063, phone (650) 363-4911, website www.smcsheriff.com. The Sheriff's Office has countywide jurisdiction and operates the Maguire Correctional Facility and Maple Street Correctional Center. Arrest and jail booking records for Foster City residents can be searched through the San Mateo County Sheriff's online inmate locator at https://sheriff.smcgov.org/inmate-locator. This database shows current inmates, booking dates, charges, bail amounts, and booking photos. Records are updated regularly and typically show individuals currently in custody.

Public records requests in California are governed by the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250-6270), which requires agencies to provide access to records within 10 days of a request. Requesters should submit written requests describing the records sought. Some records, including active investigations and certain personnel files, may be exempt from disclosure. Fees may be charged for copies and staff time exceeding specific thresholds.

Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks for mail requests, with same-day service available for in-person requests if records are on file. Only authorized persons can request vital records, including the subject (if adult), parents, spouse, children, legal representatives, and others with a direct tangible interest. For statewide records or if the event occurred outside San Mateo County, the California Department of Public Health Vital Records Office can be contacted at P.O. Box 997410, Sacramento, CA 95899-7410, phone (916) 445-2684, website www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital-Records.aspx. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with expedited processing for an additional fee. Birth records in California are confidential for 100 years; death records are public after one year. Marriage licenses are issued by the San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder at 555 County Center, Redwood City, phone (650) 363-4500. The marriage license fee is $100 ($66 with premarital counseling waiver). Couples must apply in person, and the license is valid for 90 days. Confidential marriage licenses are also available. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $17 each. Divorce records are maintained by the San Mateo County Superior Court where the dissolution was filed, not the Clerk's office. Divorce decree copies must be requested from the court at 400 County Center, Redwood City, with fees of $25 for certified copies. San Mateo County vital records are digitized back to the early 1900s, with some older records available on microfilm.

New businesses must also comply with zoning regulations and may require use permits from the Community Development Department at the same address, phone (650) 286-3270. Fictitious business name (DBA) statements for businesses operating in Foster City must be filed with the San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder's Office at 555 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063, phone (650) 363-4500. The filing fee is $26 if filed online or $31 if filed in person or by mail. DBAs must be renewed every five years. After filing, businesses must publish the statement in a newspaper of general circulation. Existing DBA filings can be searched online at https://acr.smcgov.org under "Fictitious Business Name Search."

California state-level business entity searches are conducted through the California Secretary of State's website at https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov. The free "Business Search" tool allows lookup of corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other registered entities by name or entity number. Results show entity status (active, suspended, dissolved), registration date, agent for service of process, and business address. Filing documents and annual statements can be accessed for a small fee. Most Foster City businesses, particularly those owned by Visa Inc. employees or tech professionals, register as California LLCs or corporations. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) lien searches are also conducted through the California Secretary of State's UCC database at https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov under "UCC Search." These searches reveal secured transactions and liens on business assets. Commercial property tax assessments and business personal property assessments in Foster City can be searched through the San Mateo County Assessor's Property Information Portal at https://propertysearch.smcacre.org using the business address or parcel number.

Foster City voters are served by the San Mateo County Registration & Elections Division, located at 40 Tower Road, San Mateo, CA 94402, phone (650) 312-5222, website www.shapethefuture.org. This office handles all aspects of voter registration, election administration, ballot processing, and voter information for Foster City residents. The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours before elections.

Foster City residents can register to vote online at https://registertovote.ca.gov, California's statewide voter registration portal. The deadline to register for an election is 15 days before Election Day, though California offers conditional voter registration allowing eligible citizens to register and vote provisionally up through Election Day at vote centers or the county elections office. Voters need a California driver's license or ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Voters can check their registration status at https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. California offers pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the next election.

Foster City is an incorporated city with its own municipal government. City Council elections for Foster City's five council member seats are held in November of even-numbered years, with council members serving staggered four-year terms. The next Foster City municipal elections will occur in November 2026, when voters will elect council members whose terms expire that year. The Mayor is selected by the City Council from among its members. Information about candidates, local ballot measures, and campaign finance disclosures can be found on the city's website at www.fostercity.org or through the San Mateo County elections website.

Foster City voters can find their assigned polling place or vote center by visiting www.shapethefuture.org and using the "Find My Polling Place" or "Find My Vote Center" tool, or by calling (650) 312-5222. San Mateo County transitioned to a vote center model where voters can visit any vote center in the county during the voting period, not just on Election Day. Vote centers open 10 days before Election Day and remain open through 8:00 PM on Election Day.

California law makes numerous election records publicly accessible. Voter registration lists are available for purchase by candidates and political committees (not for commercial use). Campaign finance records are searchable online through the California Secretary of State's Cal-Access database at http://cal-access.sos.ca.gov for state candidates and through the San Mateo County elections office for local candidates. Candidate statements, ballot measure text, precinct-level election results, and voter turnout statistics are all public records available at www.shapethefuture.org.

In the November 2024 presidential election, San Mateo County reported approximately 68-72% voter turnout among registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement. Foster City typically shows similar or slightly higher turnout rates due to its highly educated and engaged population.

On November 3, 2026, Foster City and San Mateo County voters will decide several important races. California's gubernatorial election will be held, as Governor Gavin Newsom's current term expires in January 2027. All of California's 80 State Assembly seats and 20 odd-numbered State Senate seats will be on the ballot, including local legislative districts covering Foster City. San Mateo County voters will elect county offices including Board of Supervisors seats (District 3 typically covers Foster City), District Attorney, Sheriff-Coroner, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder, and other countywide positions. Foster City will also hold City Council elections for seats expiring in 2026. No U.S. Senate seat from California is scheduled for election in 2026 (California's senators serve six-year terms with elections in 2024 and 2028), but all U.S. House seats are up every two years, so Foster City's congressional district (currently California's 15th District) will have a representative election.

California is a universal vote-by-mail state. Every registered voter automatically receives a mail ballot approximately 29 days before Election Day. Voters can complete and return the ballot by mail (postage-paid), drop it in an official ballot drop box (locations at www.shapethefuture.org), or bring it to any vote center. Voters can also choose to vote in person at vote centers instead of using their mail ballot. Military and overseas voters can request ballots electronically. Ballot tracking is available at https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/ where voters can sign up for notifications when their ballot is mailed, received, and counted.