On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Burlingame
when an owner or authorized agent intends to construct, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy, or install/alter regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses that do not exceed 120 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or impounding certain liquids
- Exempt Sidewalks, driveways, and similar flatwork not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a story below
- Exempt Painting, finish work, cabinets, countertops, and similar nonstructural finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep and certain movable fixtures or partitions
Note: this is a partial list, and any exempt work still must comply with all code provisions; structural/altering egress/support work is generally not exempt.
- building permit application, signed complete plan set, 24x36 minimum drawing sheets (with scale requirements), structural/energy calculations if needed, deferred submittal list and specialist data for larger scopes, site and elevation details, and supporting details from City submittal guide.
- Building code
- California Building Codes and City ordinances; City enforces current code cycle at plan submittal time.
- Permit validity
- applications without permit issuance after 180 days expire; permit card also has a project-specific expiration date and must be replaced before continuing work once expired.
- Owner-builder
- City form requires signed Owner/Builder Declaration; owner-builder exceptions are limited and include restrictions on sale period and proof requirements under B&P Code 7044.
- Contractor requirements
- permits are tied to active California contractor license and active City business license where contractor work is involved.
Source: Building Division, City of Burlingame, Community Development Department ↗
Application process
Typical processing: first submittal estimated 15 business days; resubmittals estimated 10 business days.
- 01 Determine permit type by scope and prepare complete, signed package with brief scope and valuation.
- 02 Submit drawings and submittal materials; plans routed to Planning/Engineering/etc. for review.
- 03 Pay plan-check fees at submittal.
- 04 Correct and resubmit within comments, then request final approval.
- 05 Pay issuance fees and receive permit card/plans for the job site.
- 06 Request inspections before work is concealed or covered.
Typical processing time: first submittal estimated 15 business days; resubmittals estimated 10 business days.
Source: Building Division, City of Burlingame, Community Development Department ↗
Fee schedule
Burlingame building permit fees
City lists 2.7% surcharge for card/debit payments and $1.00 eCheck fee; no service fee for checks.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- eTRAKiT (online)
- 650-558-7260 (phone)
- buildinginspections@burlingame.org (email)
- Inspection hours
- working construction restricted to 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Saturdays; no work Sundays/holidays unless urgent and approved.
- Time windows
- The city asks applicants to request inspections before work is concealed or covered and to coordinate jobsite access through eTRAKiT, phone, or email.
Typical sequence: permit issued after full fee payment, request inspection windows, inspection at stages of work, and final inspection before concealment/occupancy closure.
Source: Building Division, City of Burlingame, Community Development Department ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Burlingame permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Burlingame, CA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Burlingame, CA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Burlingame, CA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Burlingame, CA? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Burlingame, CA? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Burlingame, CA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Division, City of Burlingame, Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.