Home Additions in Burlingame, CA
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Design Review for Additions
Burlingame design review (Chapter 25.68) is decided by the Planning Commission at a public hearing for a new house, any second-story or higher addition, substantial construction, or any addition with a plate height over 9 feet 6 inches. Upper-floor additions or decks of 200 sq ft or less are exempt if the roof pitch is compatible and the ridge is no higher than the existing house. A design review consultant reviews the project before the hearing, and notice goes to owners within 300 feet. Additions over 500 sq ft need renderings, and the landscape plan must include at least one 24-inch box non-fruit tree per 1,000 sq ft of living space.
Addition Work
Sprinklers, Trees and Plan Check
Fire sprinklers: all new homes; and in existing homes over 2,000 sq ft or over two stories, additions or alterations over 750 sq ft, unless the work is 20% or less of the building. Central County Fire, (650) 558-7600, handles fire review.
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.
Building plan check takes about 15 business days for a first review and 10 for a resubmittal, and at least 20 for new homes. The contractor and the designer both need a Burlingame business license. Before issuance, the City asks for a recycling plan, stormwater permit, encroachment permit and special inspection forms. Construction hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, with no work on Sundays or holidays without written approval.
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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Burlingame Home Additions FAQ
Does a second-story addition need design review?
Yes, at the Planning Commission, unless it is 200 sq ft or less with a compatible roof and no higher ridge.
How far does neighbor notice reach?
Owners within 300 feet.
When does an addition need sprinklers?
Over 750 sq ft in homes over 2,000 sq ft, unless 20% or less of the building.
Are trees protected?
Yes, trees 44 inches or more in circumference.