New Home Construction in Burlingame, CA
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New Homes in Burlingame
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.
Most new homes in Burlingame replace older houses. New homes need a soils report and at least 20 business days of plan check.
Construction in Progress
Ask us about recent new-home and rebuild projects during your consultation.
Requirements
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.
Older homes: Burlingame’s homes were built lot by lot from the 1890s to the 1960s, in brown shingle, Craftsman, Prairie, Tudor and Mediterranean styles, then ranch houses and Eichlers. The City created a local historic register in 2020, and buildings over 50 years old may be evaluated before major changes.
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.
Explore More
Other Burlingame services: ADUs · Bathrooms · Kitchens · Additions · Burlingame overview
Same service nearby: Hillsborough · Millbrae · San Mateo
See our custom home builder page.
Burlingame New Home Construction FAQ
Who approves a new home in Burlingame?
The Planning Commission, after design review consultant review.
Is a soils report required?
Yes, for new homes.
Are new homes sprinklered?
Yes, all new homes.
Can older homes be demolished?
Buildings over 50 years old may be evaluated for historic significance first.