Home Additions in San Bruno, CA
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Second Stories Without an ARP
No Architectural Review Permit for a compliant second story. Since 2024, San Bruno requires an Architectural Review Permit only when an R-1 or R-2 project exceeds a standard. A second story that meets the standards, including a 28-foot height on flatter lots (26 feet on steep downslope lots, 30 feet upslope), second-story front decks of 72 sq ft or less, and side-window limits, needs no ARP but must follow the Residential Design Guidelines. The Director can approve modest exceptions, such as setback encroachments up to 2 feet, lot coverage up to 110%, FAR up to 0.62 or height up to 3 feet over, after notice to adjacent owners at least 10 days ahead; anything beyond goes to the Planning Commission. Appeals are due within 10 days.
Addition Work
Submittal and Site Rules
Planning submittal: data chart (FAR, coverage, impervious area, average slope), a site plan showing neighboring buildings for two-story projects, elevations showing the daylight-plane or articulation option, a landscape and tree plan, and a boundary survey if within 3 inches of a setback. On hillside lots, FAR drops from 0.55 toward 0.383 as average slope rises. First building review typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, with rechecks in 1 to 2.
Heritage trees: native bay, buckeye, oak, redwood or Monterey pine of 6 inches or more in diameter, and any other tree of 10 inches or more, need a separate permit from Community Services, (650) 616-7196, with an arborist report.
Existing one- and two-family homes are exempt from San Bruno’s sprinkler trigger for remodels and additions.
Roofs: a Class A roof is required when more than 50% of the roof is replaced in a year, and wood shakes are prohibited.
567 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066 · (650) 616-7074 (option 2 Building, option 3 Planning)
Open Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; City Hall is closed Friday to Sunday, and Planning asks visitors to book an appointment. Permits run through SB Permits (MGO Connect): request inspections there with an AM or PM window by 3 p.m. the day before.
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Same service nearby: Millbrae · Burlingame · San Mateo
San Bruno Home Additions FAQ
Does a second-story addition need an Architectural Review Permit?
Not if it meets all the standards.
What is the height limit?
28 feet on flatter lots, 26 feet on steep downslope lots, 30 feet upslope.
Do additions trigger sprinklers?
Existing one- and two-family homes are exempt for remodels and additions.
How long is plan check?
Typically 3 to 4 weeks for a first review.