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New construction · Burlingame

What permits are needed for new construction in Burlingame?

New construction in Burlingame requires building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits through City of Burlingame Community Development Department — Building Division, plus any entitlements (zoning / planning review) triggered by the project. Plan check rigorous on Title 24, structural lateral, and tree-protection; comment cycles common for second-story projects.

What changes the answer in Burlingame.

R-1 SFRs over FAR or DHE limits require Design Review Commission action; otherwise ministerial. City of Burlingame Community Development Department — Building Division schedules inspections through its permit portal; foundation, framing, rough trades, insulation, drywall, and final are the standard hold points for new SFRs in Burlingame.

  • Burlingame uses R-1 sub-districts with detailed FAR, declining-height-envelope (DHE), and rear-yard rules; Burlingame Hills (county pocket / city edge) adds slope rules.
  • DHE and side-setback rules define what fits — Burlingame's declining-height envelope is one of the more restrictive on the Peninsula and frequently governs design.
  • PG&E electric/gas; California Water Service (Cal Water) for water; City for sewer.
  • Municipal sewer service in developed Burlingame parcels; verify lateral condition and any point-of-sale sewer compliance requirement before scoping.

Source-backed note

Official source: City of Burlingame Community Development Department — Building Division. We link every cited form, fee schedule, and inspection page from the city's permit directory entry.

Reference: CSLB — License a Contractor — California Contractors State License Board

Local authority: City of Burlingame Community Development Department — Building Division

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