ADU Builder in Burlingame, CA
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Burlingame ADU Rules
ADUs in Burlingame need only a building permit from the Building Division. A single-family lot can have one ADU plus one JADU of up to 500 sq ft.
- Statewide-exemption ADU up to 800 sq ft with 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
- Other ADUs up to 1,000 sq ft and no more than 50% of the house.
- Detached height 16 feet, or 18 feet within half a mile of transit, plus 2 feet to match the roof pitch; attached ADUs up to 30 feet and two stories.
- No parking within half a mile of transit or for conversions.
- Sprinklers if the house is sprinklered or the ADU is over 1,200 sq ft.
- The ADU must be within 150 feet of a public way for fire access, and its sewer must tie into the existing lateral.
- In flood zones, the finished floor must be at least 1 foot above base flood elevation.
Burlingame does not currently offer pre-approved ADU plans.
ADU Construction
Permits
Protected trees: any private tree 44 inches or more in circumference (about 14 inches diameter) at 54 inches. An arborist’s Tree Protection Plan must be verified before the building permit is issued.
501 Primrose Road, 2nd floor, Burlingame, CA 94010 · City (650) 558-7200
Planning (650) 558-7250, pl**********@********me.org · Building (650) 558-7260, bu*************@********me.org
Counters Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1); Fridays by appointment. A new City Hall is under construction, so call ahead before visiting. All permits run through eTRAKiT; inspections are requested at (650) 558-7260 or bu*****************@********me.org.
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Other Burlingame services: Bathrooms · Kitchens · Additions · New Homes · Burlingame overview
Same service nearby: Hillsborough · Millbrae · San Mateo
See how to build an ADU.
Burlingame ADU Builder FAQ
Does an ADU need design review in Burlingame?
No. ADUs need only a building permit.
How big can an ADU be?
Up to 1,000 sq ft and 50% of the house, or an 800 sq ft statewide-exemption ADU.
When does an ADU need sprinklers?
If the house is sprinklered or the ADU exceeds 1,200 sq ft.
Are there pre-approved ADU plans?
Not at this time.