Two Detached ADUs in Burlingame (AB 956, 2027)
Plan Two ADUs in Burlingame: Free Site Assessment
Burlingame ADU rules today (2026)
From January 1, 2027, state law (AB 956) requires cities, including Burlingame, to approve up to two detached ADUs on a lot with a single-family home. Burlingame has updated its ADU code twice since a 2024 state review, and ADUs now go through the Building Division without a hearing. Here is how the new law and the city’s current rules fit together.
- Units allowed now: the city’s ADU code (Municipal Code §25.48.030, amended by Ordinance 2035 in December 2024 and Ordinance 2046 in March 2026) allows one attached or detached ADU plus one JADU, or a detached ADU of up to 800 sq ft plus a JADU.
- Size: up to 1,000 sq ft of living space. ADUs up to 800 sq ft do not count toward floor area or lot coverage; larger ones do. A JADU can be up to 500 sq ft.
- Height: 16 ft for a detached ADU, or 18 ft within a half mile of a major transit stop, plus 2 ft to match the main roof pitch.
- Setbacks: 4 ft side and rear. ADUs over 800 sq ft must meet the front setback.
- Parking: one space unless exempt, for example within a half mile of transit or in a historic district. No replacement parking.
- Process: ministerial review by the Building Division with no hearing. Incomplete applications are returned within 15 business days, and the city decides within 60 days.
State review of Burlingame's ADU rules
On April 11, 2024, the state housing department (HCD) sent Burlingame a letter with 25 findings on its earlier ADU ordinance. They included the single-ADU limit, the 16 ft height and one-story rule, a 4 ft separation rule, size caps, floor area and lot coverage limits, and the 60-day approval rule. The city responded with Ordinance 2035 in December 2024. Where local rules are stricter than state law, state law applies.
Recent Axiom work
Professional photos from a recent Axiom Renovation full remodel and addition in Los Gatos.
What changes on January 1, 2027
AB 956 raises the number of detached ADUs the city must approve on a single-family lot to two, both new construction. The city may limit each of the two to 800 sq ft of living space and apply its height limits, and side and rear setbacks can be no more than 4 ft. Where two detached ADUs are built, the city does not have to approve a JADU on the same lot. The law also limits how homeowners associations can restrict these units.
Burlingame’s code allows one new ADU per lot, so it will need another update. Its 1,000 sq ft limit is above the 800 sq ft each unit may be capped at. Two units at 800 sq ft or less would also stay out of floor area and lot coverage under the current code. We will confirm how the city adapts its rules as it adopts changes.
Planning two detached ADUs on a Burlingame lot
- Trees: heritage trees came up at City Council when it reviewed ADU setbacks. We check for protected trees before placing two units.
- Hillside Overlay: the Hillside Overlay Zone limits attached ADUs to 25 ft. We check the overlay on every lot.
- Sprinklers: required in an ADU only if the main house requires them. A JADU does not trigger them.
- Electrical: two ADUs usually need a load calculation and often a service upgrade.
Building ADUs in Burlingame with Axiom
Visit our Burlingame ADU builder page and Burlingame service area, or read the AB 956 overview. Nearby, see the guides for Millbrae and Hillsborough.
Process
Our ADU Process
Step 1
Initial Consultation
We begin with a thorough initial consultation to understand your needs, assess your space, and discuss your vision, budget, and timeline.
Step 2
Planning and Design
At Axiom Renovation, we understand that the planning and design phase of an ADU project is crucial to its success. Our dedicated project managers will work closely with you to understand your goals, design ideas and budget for the project.
Step 3
Material Selection
We guide you through selecting high-quality materials that fit your design and budget, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.
Step 4
Demolition and Preparation
Careful demolition and preparation work are performed to ready the space for construction, minimizing disruptions and ensuring a clean work environment.
Step 5
Construction and Installation
Our skilled craftsmen handle the construction phase, including obtaining permits, scheduling appointments, and the actual construction and installation with precision, building the new space according to the approved design.
Step 6
Electrical and Plumbing Work
Licensed professionals conduct all electrical and plumbing work, ensuring everything is up to code and seamlessly integrated into the new ADU.
Step 7
Painting and Finishing
We pay close attention to detail during the painting and finishing stage, ensuring all surfaces are properly prepared and beautifully finished.
Step 8
Fixture and Appliance Installation
We expertly install all fixtures and appliances, ensuring they function correctly and fit perfectly with the overall design.
Step 9
Final Touches and Clean-Up
Final touches are added, and a thorough clean-up is performed, leaving your new space pristine and ready for use.
Step 10
Final Walkthrough and Client Satisfaction
We conduct a final walkthrough with you to ensure every detail meets your expectations and address any remaining concerns, ensuring your complete satisfaction.
Burlingame Two-ADU FAQ
Can I build two detached ADUs in Burlingame?
From January 1, 2027, AB 956 requires the city to approve up to two detached, new-construction ADUs on a lot with a single-family home, if the project meets objective standards. Until then, Burlingame allows one ADU plus one JADU.
How large can each ADU be in Burlingame?
Today the code allows up to 1,000 sq ft of living space, and ADUs of 800 sq ft or less are exempt from floor area and lot coverage. Under AB 956, the city may limit each of two detached ADUs to 800 sq ft.
How tall can a detached ADU be in Burlingame?
The code sets 16 ft, or 18 ft within a half mile of a major transit stop, plus 2 ft to match the main roof pitch.
Does a Burlingame ADU need a public hearing?
No. The Building Division reviews ADUs ministerially, with no hearing. Incomplete applications are returned within 15 business days, and the city decides within 60 days.
Do I need fire sprinklers in a Burlingame ADU?
Only if the main house requires them. A JADU does not trigger sprinklers.
Who builds two-ADU projects in Burlingame?
Axiom Renovation designs, permits and builds ADUs in Burlingame and is planning two-unit projects for 2027. Call 408-702-2022, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Sources: AB 956 (Quirk-Silva), signed September 29, 2026, effective January 1, 2027, as summarized by Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and California YIMBY. This page is general information, not legal advice. Local rules change; we confirm current requirements with the city for every project.