San Mateo County HOA Guide
Bay Meadows HOA Guide: Mello-Roos, Parks and the HOA
Bay Meadows is the former racetrack next to the Hillsdale Caltrain station, rebuilt under a plan the city approved in 2005. Parcels in a city Mello-Roos district pay a special tax, and the city’s HOA directory lists a master association with sub-associations.
Owners in Bay Meadows deal with a master association, a city special tax district and a development agreement that is nearing its end. This guide sorts out what the public record shows, so a board knows where to look.
Facts on this page were checked against City of San Mateo records and state CEQA filings on October 27, 2026. City records we read do not say who maintains each park, street and open space, or what the special tax pays for, so confirm details with the association and the offices listed before you rely on them. Sources are listed at the bottom of the page.
Bay Meadows at a glance
Who maintains what
City documents describe Bay Meadows’ main parks and streets as public. The city’s design guidelines name a Community Park designed by the city, a Linear Neighborhood Park, a Central Neighborhood Park, a Town Square and the 28th Avenue Promenade, along with public access easements. The city lists Bay Meadows Park at 301 East 28th Avenue among its parks, with sports fields, a walking loop and a pond.
We could not find an official document that assigns maintenance of each park, plaza, easement and street among the city, the master association and the special tax district. Your CC&Rs and recorded maps are the place to start, and the master association can tell you which areas it maintains.
What to do about it: What Are HOA Assets? explains how to build a list of what your association owns, and Who Pays for Repairs in an HOA? helps sort out the rest.
The CFD 2008-1 special tax
The City Council formed Community Facilities District No. 2008-1 (Bay Meadows) and levies its special tax under Ordinance 2012-1, for 2012-13 and later years. We could not read the ordinance or find a published rate schedule, so we do not say what the tax pays for or what it costs.
Parcels inside the district pay the tax, and the district line on a property tax bill shows what that parcel pays, along with the levying agency’s phone number. Buyers should find it in their disclosures. The county Controller’s office answers questions about special assessments on the tax roll at (650) 363-4388.
What to do about it: Planning Your HOA Budget and Buying a House in an HOA? Here’s What You Need to Know.
The development agreement
The Bay Meadows Phase II Development Agreement took effect in December 2005. The City Council extended it in 2023 to December 20, 2026, so the developer could finish the last two blocks and their public improvements. The agreement includes public benefits such as public parks and financial contributions, and the Planning Commission reviews compliance every year.
Those annual reviews are public. A board can use them to see which improvements were finished and which are still owed before the agreement ends. City planner: (650) 522-7219.
What to do about it: How to Minimize Homeowners Association Liability.
City rules
San Mateo rules owners run into
Bay Meadows is inside the City of San Mateo, so city rules apply on top of the CC&Rs. A few that come up often:
Gas leaf blowers
Banned citywide from January 1, 2027, and the city can cite the owner who hired the landscaper.
Short-term rentals
Registration is required, and unhosted stays are capped at 120 days a year. Your CC&Rs can be stricter.
California rules: For the California rules, see our guide to buying, selling and renting in a California HOA.
Bins
Carts may go out after noon the day before collection and must be put away by midnight on collection day.
More: the San Mateo HOA Guide covers the rest of the city rules.
Sorting out a master association and its sub-associations?
Two levels of associations, public parks and a city tax district make for a lot of moving parts. If your board is reviewing how the community is managed, start with Self-Managed vs. Professional HOA Management, or tell us about your community and we will send you options from affiliated management companies.
Compare HOA management optionsQuick answers
Questions Bay Meadows owners and board members ask
Is the CFD 2008-1 tax the same as HOA dues?
No. It is a city special tax on the property tax bill of parcels in the district. HOA dues pay for what the association owns and maintains.
Are the parks public?
City documents describe the main parks and streets as public, and the city lists Bay Meadows Park among its parks. Check your CC&Rs for areas the association maintains.
Which association do I belong to?
The city’s directory lists a master association and sub-associations. Your title report and CC&Rs show which ones cover your home.
When does the development agreement end?
It was extended to December 20, 2026.
Who to call
Bay Meadows contacts
| Office | Phone | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| San Mateo planner for the development agreement | (650) 522-7219 | Development agreement |
| San Mateo Planning | (650) 522-7212 | Zoning, permits |
| San Mateo Code Enforcement | (650) 522-7150 | Property violations |
| San Mateo tree permits | (650) 522-7420 | Heritage and street trees |
| County Controller, special assessments | (650) 363-4388 | Special tax lines on the bill |
Keep going
Where to go next on How2HOA
Sources for this guide
These sources open in a new tab.
City of San Mateo: Bay Meadows Phase II Development Agreement; Ordinance 2023-10, agreement extension; Ordinance 2012-1, CFD 2008-1 special tax; Phase II design guidelines, chapter 1; Phase II design guidelines, chapter 4; parks and picnic areas; Bay Meadows Community Park; gas leaf blower ordinance; short-term rentals; who to call; HOA listings.
Other: CEQAnet, Bay Meadows Specific Plan Amendment (SCH 2003042170); CEQAnet, Bay Meadows EIR; San Mateo County Controller, special assessments.
Professional management
Thinking about management help?
Tell us about your community and we will send you options from affiliated management companies.
Compare HOA management optionsBrowse all HOA topicsThis page is general educational information, not legal, financial or insurance advice. How2HOA is not affiliated with the associations or agencies named here. Ownership and maintenance vary parcel by parcel, so check your recorded maps and governing documents and talk with your association’s attorney or another qualified professional about your situation.