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Half Moon Bay, in short
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Half Moon Bay?
For one kind of tree, yes. The City’s code defines a heritage tree as “A tree located on public or private property, exclusive of eucalyptus, with a trunk diameter of twelve inches or more”. Removing one takes a permit, and so does pruning “more than one-third of the branches or roots within a twelve-month period”.
The story of Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay, on the San Mateo coast, and incorporated in 1959.
The History Association’s founder writes that the Miramontes land grant “is where the early community that became Half Moon Bay first emerged.” The Coastside’s first legal subdivision, in 1863, “became today’s downtown Half Moon Bay’s business district.”
The City’s Land Use Plan calls Half Moon Bay “one of the earliest settlements in San Mateo County”, with a “traditional downtown and unique agricultural heritage.”
The History Association’s article says, “Around the year 1841 Rancho Miramontes was known as Rancho San Benito”.
The Association adds, “(The town that grew on the Miramontes land was called San Benito after the rancho, then later Spanishtown; it is now Half Moon Bay.)”
The Association’s founder writes that a newcomer from Spain “arrived and married (in 1853) the eldest Miramontes daughter, Dolores”, and that his building on what became Block 13 was “used as a general store, saloon and hotel”.
In 1863, the founder writes, came “the first legal subdivision of previously open lands on the Coastside”, which “became today’s downtown Half Moon Bay’s business district.”
The Association says, “In 1871, The Brotherhood of the I.D.E.S. Society, a Portuguese fraternal organization, was organized in Half Moon Bay.” The Society’s own history says, “THE FIRST HOLY GHOST FESTIVAL was held at the home of Mrs. Rose Brown at Frenchman’s Creek in the year 1871.”
The Methodist Episcopal Church at Half Moon Bay was “built during the summer of 1872”, its 1980 National Register nomination says.
The Association’s article on Coastside inventors names Robert Knapp, a farmer, blacksmith, newspaper publisher and politician, “most notably inventor of the side hill plow”, and says “Knapp decided to make his own plow in 1873.”
The founder writes that in 1903 the old building on Block 13 was replaced with “a stately hotel building”, and that in 1905 the lease went to Charles P. (“Charley”) Mosconi, who named it the Hotel Mosconi.
Just after it opened, the Association says, the hotel “closed for repairs to the damage done by the 1906 earthquake.”
The I.D.E.S. Society’s history says, “In the year 1911 the first hall and Cappella was built.” It adds that the larger hall of 1928 “looks like a replica of the Hollywood Palladium.”
The Association’s jail timeline says that in 1919 “John Higgins sold his property to San Mateo County” and contractors “began work to create a county jail with two small cells.”
The County’s page gives the date of incorporation: “Date of Incorporation: July 15, 1959”.
The festival’s history page says the Art & Pumpkin Festival “began in 1971 when the Main Street Beautification Committee was formed.” It adds that in the first year “about 15,000 people attended”, and that now “dozens of local non-profit groups” run food and game booths.
The jail timeline continues: in 1989 “San Mateo County transferred the site and buildings to the City of Half Moon Bay to be used for historical purposes.”
The Coastside Land Trust says, “In 1997, a group of citizens concerned about the development of the stunning ocean bluffs in Half Moon Bay banded together to save that land.”
The City says, “The Half Moon Bay Library opened on August 18, 2018.”
The Association says, “The new Coastside History Museum opened on June 24, 2023.”
Fire safety
The State’s map and Half Moon Bay
The State published its 2025 fire hazard maps for local areas in four phases between February 10 and March 24, 2025. Read from that map, the Very High class reaches inside Half Moon Bay: parts of the city read Very High, parts High and parts Moderate, and the rest is non-wildland land. This is our reading of the map’s online layer, and it names no neighborhood or address. The State Fire Marshal’s page says, “You can enter your address to locate your property on a map showing Fire Hazard Severity Zones.”
State layer queried Oct 26 2026 (our own count)
Zone 0, the State’s rule: where it stands
The State’s rule for the first five feet around a home, called Zone 0: adopted by the Board; in final review with the Office of Administrative Law; no effective date known. This is the status on our standing check of October 22, 2026.
Standing check of October 22, 2026 (read again on the build day)
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Weeds and brush on your lot
The Coastside Fire Protection District’s Weed and Rubbish Abatement Program page says, “Items A through F are the basic standards employed by the Coastside Fire Protection District” “when abating hazardous conditions.” It adds, “Owners or private contractors shall comply with these standards when cleaning their properties.” Grass must be trimmed.
District page undated, read Oct 26 2026
Debris on the roof and in the gutters
CAL FIRE’s page on defensible space tells owners to “Remove all dead and dying plants, weeds, and debris (leaves, needles, etc.)” “from your roof, gutter, deck, porch, stairways, and under any areas of your home.” It is a statewide page; the Coastside Fire Protection District serves Half Moon Bay.
CAL FIRE page undated, read Oct 14 2026
Questions about defensible space
The District’s Inspections page sends questions about defensible space, weed abatement and vegetation management to an e-mail address printed on that page.
District page undated, read Oct 26 2026
Burning
The District’s page on burn permits says, “Residential burning is not permitted.”
District page undated, read Oct 26 2026
Fireworks
The District’s seasonal fire safety tips say, “All Fireworks are illegal to possess in unincorporated areas of San Mateo County and the City of Half Moon Bay”.
District tip dated July 4, 2026 on its page, read Oct 26 2026
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Half Moon Bay this month
Storm season: the City’s Flooding page says, “Keep storm drains in your neighborhood clear to prevent backups.” For a significant blockage it names Public Works Maintenance.
The Half Moon Bay blog starts when there is enough local news to keep it current.
Culture and history
Coastside History Museum
The History Association’s museum page says the museum is “open Saturdays and Sundays 10:30am-4:30pm” and “is free, no admission charge”. It sits “behind the historic 1919 Jail” on Johnston Street. The Association’s page said the jail itself would be closed for restoration until October 2026, so check its page for whether the jail has reopened. More in The story of Half Moon Bay, below.
Association pages read Oct 26 2026; hours as printed (refresh before use); the jail’s closure was to run until October 2026
The Coastside Trail
The City’s Parks and Trails page says, “The California Coastal Trail is a much-loved feature of Half Moon Bay – here we call it the Coastside Trail, and it’s accessible from a number of spots along the coast.” The City’s Beaches page adds that there are “varying jurisdictions – City, County, State, and private – along the coastline in and around Half Moon Bay.”
City pages undated, read Oct 26 2026
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Coastal Repertory Theatre
The Coastal Repertory Theatre says it “has been providing quality theatrical entertainment to the Coastside since 1986”, and performs in “the intimate 158-seat Mel Mello Center for the Performing Arts on the southern end of Main Street”. The visitors’ bureau lists “A Christmas Carol, the Musical” on December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20, 2026.
Bureau page read Oct 26 2026; each date prints its year
First Fridays: Art on Main
The visitors’ bureau lists the monthly downtown gallery walk on the first Friday of the month, 4:00 to 6:00 pm: November 6 and December 4, 2026, and monthly through September 3, 2027.
Bureau page read Oct 26 2026; each date prints its year
Coastside Farmers’ Market
The visitors’ bureau’s listing says, “Every Saturday from April to third Saturday in December, 9am – 1 pm.” at Shoreline Station. The dates it lists for this year run through December 19, 2026.
Bureau page read Oct 26 2026 (twice); December 19, 2026 is the third Saturday of December
Night of Lights
The I.D.E.S. Society’s list of “Events for 2026” shows “December 4-5 Night of Lights Celebration & Holiday Market”.
Society events page, headed Events for 2026, read Oct 26 2026 (twice)
Art & Pumpkin Festival
The festival’s history page says, “The Festival is traditionally held on the weekend after Columbus Day in October”, and “Admission is free.” This year’s festival is past, and the festival’s page we read does not yet give next year’s dates. More in The story of Half Moon Bay, below.
Festival pages read Oct 26 2026; the 2026 dates are past, so none is given
Wine & Jazz Festival
The visitors’ bureau’s page says, “The main event takes place annually on the day before Mother’s Day on Half Moon Bay’s historic Main Street.” It lists the next one for May 8, 2027, from noon to 5 pm.
Bureau page read Oct 26 2026; May 8, 2027 is the day before Mother’s Day, May 9
Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade
The visitors’ bureau lists the next Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade for July 4, 2027, from noon to 1:30 pm, in downtown Half Moon Bay.
Bureau page read Oct 26 2026; the date prints its year
The Holy Ghost Festival
The History Association’s article says, “In 1871, The Brotherhood of the I.D.E.S. Society, a Portuguese fraternal organization, was organized in Half Moon Bay.” The Society still holds the Holy Ghost Festival on its grounds. More in The story of Half Moon Bay, below.
Association article read Oct 26 2026; the 2026 festival dates are past, so none is given
A town with three names
The History Association’s article says, “(The town that grew on the Miramontes land was called San Benito after the rancho, then later Spanishtown; it is now Half Moon Bay.)” More in The story of Half Moon Bay, below.
Association article of February 2021, read Oct 26 2026
Community
Half Moon Bay History Association
The Association says, “We are volunteers dedicated to bringing together all members of the community to preserve and share the history of the San Mateo Coastside.” It adds, “We have no paid staff, operating completely with volunteers.”
Association page undated, read Oct 26 2026
Coastside Land Trust
The Land Trust says, “A non-profit organization since 1997, we safeguard scenic bluffs, open space, stream corridors and agricultural lands from the southern city limits of Half Moon Bay north through the community of Montara in San Mateo County.”
Land Trust page undated, read Oct 26 2026
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Half Moon Bay Downtown Association
The Downtown Association’s page on the visitors’ bureau’s site says, “We’re a team of volunteers made up of Main Street business owners”.
Bureau page undated, read Oct 26 2026
The Beautification Committee
The festival’s history page says of the Main Street Beautification Committee, “The all-volunteer, non-profit group was founded with the goal of raising funds for the revitalization of Main Street in downtown Half Moon Bay”.
Festival page undated, read Oct 26 2026
Coastside CERT
Coastside CERT says, “CERT is a national program that trains the general public in basic disaster preparedness”, and that “The Coastside Fire Protection District is a sponsor of CERT.” Its area runs “from the southern side of the Tom Lantos Tunnel (Devil’s Slide) to Tunitas Creek Road”, the page says; the page does not name Half Moon Bay.
CERT page undated, read Oct 26 2026
City rules and regulations
Re-roofs
A re-roof takes a permit and inspections. The City’s building FAQ says, “Property owners or licensed contractors may apply for a building permit or sub-permit.” The City takes applications in Cloudpermit, and its Applying for a Building Permit page tells contractors to “Register as a Contractor” there. Once a permit is issued, “Construction work must start within 365 days of the issuance of the permit.”
City pages undated, read Oct 26 2026
The building code
The City says, “Effective January 1, 2026: The city will comply with the 2025 California Building Standards Code.”
City page, effective date as printed, read Oct 26 2026
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The wildland-urban interface code
The City’s code adopts “2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code, Part 7 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations” by reference “without amendment” (section 14.04.135).
City code (eCode360 header Code 2026-05-05), read Oct 26 2026
Homes on the City’s historic list
The City’s code has the planning commission review plans “For the demolition, alteration or reconstruction of, or addition to, any residence or accessory structure listed as a historic resource”. The City’s historic chapter defines “Alteration” as “any kind of exterior change to an historic building, site or object”, and says the list is the inventory “published in 1981 and updated in 1995”.
City code (eCode360), read Oct 26 2026
Heritage trees along Main Street and Kelly Avenue
The code also counts as a heritage tree “A tree located within the public right-of-way along the entire length of Main Street or along Kelly Avenue between San Benito Street and Highway 1.”
City code (eCode360, Code 2026-05-05), read Oct 26 2026
Replacing a heritage tree
A person who removes a heritage tree under a permit “shall replace such tree on a one-for-one basis with a minimum size twenty-four-inch-box specimen tree”, the code says.
City code (eCode360, Code 2026-05-05), read Oct 26 2026
When you buy or sell The State’s sale rule
The State’s sale rule, Civil Code 1102.19, says a seller of a home in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, as the State identifies them, “shall provide to the buyer documentation stating that the property is in compliance with Section 4291 of the Public Resources Code or local vegetation management ordinances”.
State code, read Oct 20 2026
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Storms, flood and drainage
What floods homes here
The City names four types of flooding that “primarily affect Half Moon Bay”: creek flooding, stormwater ponding, flash floods and coastal floods. Stormwater flooding, it says, “occurs when rainfall and runoff accumulates in low-lying areas or areas with insufficient drainage, forming standing water.”
City report, read Oct 26 2026
Small creeks, short runs
The City says, “Watersheds around Half Moon Bay are relatively small and the run to the Pacific Ocean is relatively short.” Its flood-carrying watersheds are “Arroyo Canada Verde, Frenchmans Creek, Pilarcitos Creek, Arroyo Leon Creek”, plus three unnamed creeks.
City report, read Oct 26 2026
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County-wide Gutters, downspouts and the nearest storm drain
OneShoreline, the county’s flood and sea level rise district, tells households to “Clear leaves from gutters, downspouts, and the storm drain nearest your home.” The tip is on its household checklist under “Before Winter”.
District page undated, read Oct 14 2026
Flood insurance
The City’s Flooding page suggests flood insurance for homes in the mapped flood area, and says, “Regular homeowner’s insurance policies usually don’t cover flood damage.”
City page undated, read Oct 26 2026
Need a hand with this? Gutter cleaning
Programs, loans and insurance
County-wide Check back Rain barrel sale: check back
The City’s Rebates and Incentives page lists the “Flows to the bay rain barrel program”. The program’s sale page calls it an “Annual sale for high-quality 50-gallon rain barrels”, and for this year’s pick-up in Half Moon Bay it carries both “The limited-time Discount Rain Barrel Program is open now until supplies run out.” and “This event is now sold out”, so check back for the next sale.
Program page read Oct 26 2026 (it shows both lines); no figure is given
County-wide Rain barrel rebate (BAWSCA)
The Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) lists the Coastside County Water District, with Half Moon Bay beside it, in the table of water agencies on its rain barrel rebate page. The page says, “New rebated amounts are effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 for SMC”, and “You will need your water account number in order to register for an online account and submit your application.” The amounts on the City’s page and in the agency table differ, so check the table for the figure.
BAWSCA page read Oct 14 2026 (refresh before use)
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County-wide Lawn Be Gone! lawn conversion rebate
BAWSCA’s Lawn Be Gone! page says, “Rebates are available to customers of participating BAWSCA member agencies.” The Coastside County Water District’s own pages list no lawn rebate, and BAWSCA’s page does not list which member agencies take part.
BAWSCA page read Oct 14 2026 (refresh before use)
County-wide Safe at Home repairs (Rebuilding Together Peninsula)
Rebuilding Together Peninsula says it “partners with income-qualified homeowners in San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County” and that “RTP service is provided at no cost to qualifying homeowners.” The City’s page lists it under “Free or Low-Cost Housing Repair”. To qualify, “Your total household gross income is not higher than San Mateo County’s current ‘low’ income limit (80% AMI).” Its page says certain larger repairs such as “foundation work, roof replacement, and major plumbing or electrical system repairs” “are typically not covered by our funding,” and that “it may take up to six months or longer for work to be started or completed.”
Program pages read Oct 14 2026; the City’s page read Oct 26 2026
Home repairs for older and disabled neighbors (Senior Coastsiders)
The City’s page on Senior Coastsiders says, “Free home repairs for seniors age 60 or over and adults ages 18-59 with disabilities”. The County’s file lists the program’s activities, including “installing safety bars, building wheelchair ramps, repairing rotted stairs and decks, replacing flooring, enlarging doorways, painting, clearing outside debris for safety, and gardening,” and that “Recipients must meet income eligibility requirements.” To apply, “Call Senior Coastsiders at 650-726-9056” “for an application.”
City page read Oct 26 2026; County and program pages read Oct 14 2026
County-wide Check back Resilient Homes Minor Home Repair: check back
The County’s notice of May 26, 2026 lists the Resilient Homes Minor Home Repair Program, run by Climate Resilient Communities, as providing “cost-effective minor home repair improvements/repairs in San Mateo County and Redwood City”, and says “This program will serve single-family homes throughout the entirety of the County of San Mateo.” Its example services include “repair/replace doors, windows and fences”.
County notice of May 26, 2026, read Oct 14 2026
County-wide Check back Housing accessibility modifications: check back
The County’s Housing Repair Programs page lists “Free housing accessibility modification assistance” from the Center for Independence of the Disabled.
County page read Oct 14 2026
County-wide Check back Free minor home repair (El Concilio of San Mateo County): check back
The County’s Housing Repair Programs page lists “Free minor home repair services that help qualify homes” from El Concilio of San Mateo County.
County page read Oct 14 2026
County-wide EASE Home (BayREN): weatherization for moderate-income homes
BayREN’s EASE Home page says, “BayREN covers 80% of the cost for essential weatherization upgrades, including insulation and duct sealing.” To qualify you must “Live in a single-family home (four or fewer units) built before 2010.”, “Are a PG&E customer.” and “Have a household income under or at 120% AMI.” The page says, “Due to funding restrictions, this program cannot serve mobile or manufactured homes.” BayREN says it works “on a regional level in collaboration with the nine bay area counties.” The page names no roof or gutter work.
BayREN pages read Oct 14 and Oct 26 2026; refresh before use
County-wide Check back PG&E Energy Savings Assistance: check back
PG&E’s page says the program lets you “Improve the energy efficiency of your home at no cost to you”, and that “Participants must live in a house, mobile home or apartment that is at least five years old.” The page carries the note “Valid through May 31, 2027.”
PG&E page read Oct 14 2026 (refresh before use)
County-wide WestLight Energy rebates
WestLight Energy’s rebates page says, “Apply for exclusive rebates on heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC systems, and used EVs.” The page names no roof, gutter, repair or weatherization offer.
WestLight page read Oct 26 2026
Library toolkit for home energy and water
The City’s air-quality page says, “Home Energy and Water Savings Toolkit is available to check out at the Half Moon Bay Library.”
City page undated, read Oct 26 2026
State-wide Help with energy bills and weatherization (LIHEAP and the Weatherization Assistance Program)
California’s Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) administers LIHEAP, the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, through local providers. Its page says, “Eligibility for LIHEAP services can vary depending on income, household size, place of residence, and other factors.” CSD tells you to “Use the Find Services in Your Area function to locate the agency in your area, then contact them to apply for assistance.”
CSD pages read Oct 20 2026; neither page says whether the program is open
State-wide Check back Earthquake Brace + Bolt: check back
Earthquake Brace + Bolt is a program of the California Residential Mitigation Program, a joint body. Its page says, “Earthquake Brace + Bolt offers up to $3,000 for homeowners to seismically retrofit their houses.” It adds, “An EBB seismic retrofit is only done on wood-framed, pre-1980 homes with a raised foundation.” Income-eligible homeowners “can also apply for an additional grant of up to $7,000”, the page says. The program’s 2025 ZIP list for Northern California includes ZIP code 94019 and says, “Eligibility based on ZIP Code only, city provided as reference.” The program’s page said on October 20, 2026, “The EBB Program is currently closed.”, so check back.
Program page read Oct 20 2026; the ZIP list is headed 2025
State-wide Check back California Safe Homes: check back
California Safe Homes, the State’s home-hardening grant program run through the Department of Insurance, is not open: no dated State page says it is.
Our standing check
County-wide Check back Clean HEET wood stove and fireplace insert replacement: check back
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s page says, “The Clean HEET Program application period closed on July 14, 2026.” and “All Bay Area homeowners are eligible to apply.”
Air District page, read Oct 14 2026
Who serves your home in Half Moon Bay
- Fire: The Coastside Fire Protection District. Its own page says it “provides the fire protection services for the City of Half Moon Bay”. The District’s FAQ names CAL FIRE as working “under a cooperative contract with Coastside Fire Protection District to provide fire protection”.
- Water: The Coastside County Water District, which says it “provides treated water to the City of Half Moon Bay and to the unincorporated communities of Princeton, Miramar and El Granada.”
- Sewer: The City collects sewage south of Frenchman’s Creek: “The City of Half Moon Bay provides sewer collection service south of Frenchman’s Creek to Miramontes Point Road.” The Granada Community Services District, formerly the Granada Sanitary District, serves residents of the City north of the creek. Treatment is by the Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside, which “provides wastewater treatment services and contract collection maintenance services”.
- Garbage and recycling: Republic Services, under a City franchise: “The City of Half Moon Bay has a 10-year Franchise Agreement with Republic Services, Inc. to provide recycling, compost and garbage collection services.”
- Electricity: WestLight Energy, formerly Peninsula Clean Energy, is the community electricity provider: WestLight says, “WestLight Energy is the community electricity provider for San Mateo County and Los Banos.” The City’s Building Electrification page says, “97% of electricity users in Half Moon Bay are signed up to receive energy from Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE)”, and that “The remaining 3% of electricity users in Half Moon Bay receive their energy through Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E).”
- Storm drains: The City says its “storm drainage system covers about half the community and a portion of the surrounding unincorporated area, while runoff in the remaining area flows overland and directly discharges to a regional creek or the Pacific Ocean.” That is the street’s drainage, not roof gutters.
Useful links: Cabrillo Unified School District · Coastside Fire Protection District · Coastside Fire Protection District: Weed and Rubbish Abatement Program · City of Half Moon Bay: Applying for a Building Permit · City of Half Moon Bay: Building Inspection · City of Half Moon Bay: Flooding (sandbags) · Coastside County Water District · Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside · City of Half Moon Bay: Solid Waste, Recycling, Compost and Garbage · WestLight Energy · Rebuilding Together Peninsula · Senior Coastsiders · Coastside CERT · Half Moon Bay History Association · Coastside Land Trust
The homes of Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay’s median home was built in 1979, by the Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 survey, with a margin of error of 3 years. The State counted about 5,000 homes in January 2026, rounded from 4,960. The City’s 2015 Housing Element says, “Most homes in Half Moon Bay are single-family detached homes.”
Today
Mobile homes
The City’s Housing Element says, “many of the City’s mobile homes are located in Canada Cove, which is age restricted to 55 and over.”
Downtown
Historic buildings
The Plan says Heritage Downtown “contains the highest concentration of the City’s designated historic resources”.
Older roofs and gutters need a different hand: Gutter Repair · Roof Repair · Gutter Installation
The story of Half Moon Bay
History and character
The City’s Land Use Plan calls Half Moon Bay “one of the earliest settlements in San Mateo County”, with a “traditional downtown and unique agricultural heritage.”
The History Association’s article says, “Around the year 1841 Rancho Miramontes was known as Rancho San Benito”.
The Association adds, “(The town that grew on the Miramontes land was called San Benito after the rancho, then later Spanishtown; it is now Half Moon Bay.)”
The Association’s founder writes that a newcomer from Spain “arrived and married (in 1853) the eldest Miramontes daughter, Dolores”, and that his building on what became Block 13 was “used as a general store, saloon and hotel”.
In 1863, the founder writes, came “the first legal subdivision of previously open lands on the Coastside”, which “became today’s downtown Half Moon Bay’s business district.”
The Association says, “In 1871, The Brotherhood of the I.D.E.S. Society, a Portuguese fraternal organization, was organized in Half Moon Bay.” The Society’s own history says, “THE FIRST HOLY GHOST FESTIVAL was held at the home of Mrs. Rose Brown at Frenchman’s Creek in the year 1871.”
The Methodist Episcopal Church at Half Moon Bay was “built during the summer of 1872”, its 1980 National Register nomination says.
The Association’s article on Coastside inventors names Robert Knapp, a farmer, blacksmith, newspaper publisher and politician, “most notably inventor of the side hill plow”, and says “Knapp decided to make his own plow in 1873.”
The founder writes that in 1903 the old building on Block 13 was replaced with “a stately hotel building”, and that in 1905 the lease went to Charles P. (“Charley”) Mosconi, who named it the Hotel Mosconi.
Just after it opened, the Association says, the hotel “closed for repairs to the damage done by the 1906 earthquake.”
The I.D.E.S. Society’s history says, “In the year 1911 the first hall and Cappella was built.” It adds that the larger hall of 1928 “looks like a replica of the Hollywood Palladium.”
The Association’s jail timeline says that in 1919 “John Higgins sold his property to San Mateo County” and contractors “began work to create a county jail with two small cells.”
The County’s page gives the date of incorporation: “Date of Incorporation: July 15, 1959”.
The festival’s history page says the Art & Pumpkin Festival “began in 1971 when the Main Street Beautification Committee was formed.” It adds that in the first year “about 15,000 people attended”, and that now “dozens of local non-profit groups” run food and game booths.
The jail timeline continues: in 1989 “San Mateo County transferred the site and buildings to the City of Half Moon Bay to be used for historical purposes.”
The Coastside Land Trust says, “In 1997, a group of citizens concerned about the development of the stunning ocean bluffs in Half Moon Bay banded together to save that land.”
The City says, “The Half Moon Bay Library opened on August 18, 2018.”
The Association says, “The new Coastside History Museum opened on June 24, 2023.”
Half Moon Bay, roof and gutters
The City’s Local Coastal Land Use Plan says, “A majority of the Planning Area consists of a gently sloping marine terrace, containing watercourses and wetlands.” It adds that the western edges “consist of coastal bluffs, and sandy shoreline” and that the northeastern section “contains steep hills with erosion potential.” The City’s background report places the town “in between the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean”.
Yearly rain runs from 26.04 inches at the Half Moon Bay station to 31.88 inches at Pacifica 4 SSE, NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals for the two nearest stations with a published normal, so we say about 26 to 32 inches. The second station is about 9 miles away and stopped reporting in 2012; NOAA still publishes its normal. The City’s 2016 Storm Drain Master Plan says, “Mean annual precipitation is 28 inches, with the majority of that precipitation falling from November through March.” The City describes the town’s weather as “fog in the summer; crisp, clear days in the fall and spring; and wet, windy winters.”
The same plan names the stands of trees in the area. Of the Monterey cypress it says, “This species has been widely planted and naturalized throughout coastal California, including San Mateo County and Half Moon Bay.” It also names Monterey pine and blue gum eucalyptus, and says the canopy along the creeks is “typically dominated by willow (Salix sp.) but may include other riparian trees such as red alder (Alnus rubra)”.
We have been working on Bay Area roofs and gutters since 2002. If yours hasn’t had a look since the last wet, windy winter, we’d be glad to come by.
Landmarks and parks
Hotel Mosconi (San Benito House)
The History Association’s article says of the Hotel Mosconi, “Today it is called the San Benito House.”
Methodist Episcopal Church
The National Register lists it as “Methodist Episcopal Church at Half Moon Bay”; its 1980 nomination calls it “an outstanding example of a vernacular adaptation of Gothic Revival style”.
Coastside History Museum
The Association says the museum “was built inside the old Sheriff’s garage, maintaining the historic appearance and most of the structural components of the 1920s sheriff’s garage.”
I.D.E.S. Hall grounds
The visitors’ bureau says the land “continues to be the venue for the contemporary Holy Ghost Celebration.”
John L. Carter Memorial Park
The City calls it “Half Moon Bay’s newest community gathering place”, with “an outdoor amphitheater with seating for approximately 600 people”.
Half Moon Bay State Beach
State Parks describes “Four miles of long, sandy beaches on the San Mateo Coast with gentle dunes”.
How we can help in Half Moon Bay
Why Sunshine Gutters and Roofing
- Family-owned since 2002, trusted by thousands of returning Bay Area homeowners
- Licensed (CSLB #1053780), bonded, with $2 million in general liability coverage
- Our own crew, never subcontractors
- We keep track of local regulations, fire safety rules and insurance programs
- We show you what we found, with photos, so you decide what happens next
The year in Half Moon Bay
| April | The Coastside Farmers’ Market returns on Saturdays: “Every Saturday from April to third Saturday in December, 9am – 1 pm”, the bureau’s listing says |
|---|---|
| May | Wine & Jazz Festival, the day before Mother’s Day (May 8, 2027), on Main Street |
| July | Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade, July 4, 2027, noon, downtown |
| October | Art & Pumpkin Festival, which its history page says is “traditionally held on the weekend after Columbus Day”, on Main Street |
| November | First Fridays: Art on Main, November 6, 2026, 4 to 6 pm, downtown Rainy season: the City’s 2016 plan says the majority of the year’s rain falls from November through March |
| December | Night of Lights Celebration & Holiday Market, December 4-5, 2026 (the I.D.E.S. Society’s list for 2026) A Christmas Carol, the Musical, at the Coastal Repertory Theatre, December 4 to 20, 2026 The Coastside Farmers’ Market’s last Saturday of the season, December 19, 2026 |
Half Moon Bay questions
What Half Moon Bay homeowners ask us
Does roof replacement require a permit in Half Moon Bay?
A permit and inspections apply. The City lists its inspection times as “Monday through Thursday Mornings: 8 am – noon Afternoons: Noon – 3 pm” and “Fridays (morning only): 8 am – Noon”. If you wish, we can also pull the permit for you, as most of our customers ask us to.
What hours can construction and roofing work be done in Half Moon Bay?
The City’s code says, “All residential, commercial and industrial construction work shall occur only during the following hours: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturdays; and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sundays and holidays.” (section 14.40.010).
Where can I pick up sandbags in Half Moon Bay?
The City’s Public Works FAQ says, “During each rainy season, Half Moon Bay residents can fill up sand bags at the Train Depot” on Higgins Canyon Road, and its Flooding page says to “fill Sandbags to protect your property at the City fill in station.” The County’s own sites are for “County residents in unincorporated areas”, so inside the city, this is the City’s station.
Is my Half Moon Bay home in a floodplain?
The City’s FAQ says, “The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has maps available on their website that can help you to determine if your property is within a floodplain. Floodplain maps are also available for review at the Planning Department.”
What our customers say
Get a free estimate
We usually respond promptly within the day. Phone first for emergencies: (510) 525-0880.
Where we work
Half Moon Bay neighbourhoods we serve
Downtown Half Moon Bay
The City’s 2020 Land Use Plan says, “Heritage Downtown centers on Main Street between the Main Street Bridge and Correas Street.” The Half Moon Bay Downtown Association describes itself as “a team of volunteers made up of Main Street business owners”.
Main Street
The Plan says the Town Center “includes almost all lands designated Commercial – General, including the Main Street area”.
Frenchmans Creek
The City’s Chapter 5 of the Plan lists “the city’s northeast neighborhoods (e.g. Grandview, Sea Haven, and Frenchmans Creek)”. The City’s parks page lists “Frenchman’s Creek Park”.
Grandview
The Plan names Grandview among the city’s established neighborhoods, and a local news site’s headline of June 16, 2022 mentions work to “Replace Water Pipes in the Grandview Neighborhood”.
Sea Haven
The Plan says, “Rural Coastal lands are primarily clustered around the Sea Haven neighborhood, between Highway 1 and Pilarcitos Creek”.
Canada Cove
The Plan names “the Canada Cove neighborhood at the southern end of the city.”
Ocean Colony
The City’s 1995 Park and Recreation Element lists “North Wavecrest/Ocean Colony” among its neighborhood planning areas.
Wavecrest
The same element lists “South Wavecrest” as its first neighborhood planning area, and a local news site’s headline of September 10, 2026 reads “Coastside Land Trust Wavecrest Coastal Trail Update”.
Also serving nearby: El Granada · Pacifica