Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: 4/5ths
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Ray Mueller, District 3
Supervisor Noelia Corzo, District 2
Subject: Interim Urgency Ordinance Establishing a Temporary Moratorium on New or Expanded Detention and Correctional Facilities
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt an Interim Urgency Ordinance of the County of San Mateo making findings and establishing a temporary moratorium on the siting, construction, conversion, and/or operation of new or expanded detention facilities and correctional facilities within the unincorporated area of San Mateo County, to the full extent authorized under State and Federal law.
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BACKGROUND:
The federal government intends to open two detention facilities in the Bay Area, one in unincorporated Santa Clara County (near the City of Gilroy) and one in the City of Dublin. Legal challenges have been successful in delaying progress on both facilities.
In light of these actions by the federal government currently taking place in neighboring counties, it is appropriate for the County to timely develop and consider adopting regulations regarding detention facilities and similar institutional land uses. At its August 11th 2026 meeting, the Board directed staff to prepare an Interim Urgency Ordinance to establish a temporary moratorium on new or expanded detention facilities, and similar institutional land uses, to protect County residents from the imminent harm posed by the unregulated establishment or expansion of such facilities while staff develops appropriate regulations.
DISCUSSION:
The construction and conversion of new detention facilities, and other similar land uses, such as correctional facilities, have the potential to cause significant environmental impacts, strains on local infrastructure, zoning and land use conflicts, and other negative impacts on public health, safety, and wellbeing. Detention and correctional facilities, regardless of th...
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