Burlingame Building Department 2026: Permits, Inspections & Services

Burlingame Building Department Address, Phone & Hours

Do You Need a Building Permit in Burlingame?

A permit is generally required before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving or demolishing a regulated building or structure, changing occupancy, or installing or altering regulated electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems.

The City’s December 2025 exemption handout identifies several types of work that may be exempt from a building permit. Examples include:

View the City’s Work Requiring and Work Exempt from Permits handout.

Which Burlingame Permit Type Should You Choose?

Single-family residential solar photovoltaic and energy-storage projects may also be eligible for the City’s Symbium automated permitting process.

How to Apply for a Burlingame Building Permit

1. Confirm the property and project jurisdiction.
   Make sure the site is inside Burlingame and identify whether Building, Planning, Public Works, Fire or another department must review the work.
2. Choose the correct permit type.
   Use Residential Alteration, Addition, New, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Demo or the appropriate commercial category. Selecting the wrong type can slow routing.
3. Check Planning requirements before preparing a full package.
   New structures and some additions normally require separate Planning review. Contact the Burlingame Planning Division when zoning, setbacks, height, design review or land-use approval may apply.
4. Prepare the application and PDF plans.
   Include the complete work description, project valuation and supporting documents appropriate to the scope.
5. Create or sign in to eTRAKiT.
   Open the official online permit database. Public users can select “Setup an Account.”
6. Start the permit application.
   Use “Apply / New Permit,” enter the project information and follow the instructions for the selected permit type.
7. Upload the complete submittal.
   The City directs applicants to use the paper-clip icon associated with the permit record to upload documents. Files should follow the City’s naming convention, such as Primrose Rd 501 – Building Plans.pdf.
8. Pay the required plan-check charges.
   The City’s September 2026 Building Permit Submittal Guide says plan-check fees are assessed at submittal and must be paid within 24 hours.
9. Respond to plan-check comments.
   If reviewing departments request corrections, revise the plans and resubmit the complete response. Reviews are processed in submission order.
10. Pay remaining fees and obtain the issued permit.
    After approvals and payment, the Building Division emails permit documents or provides a download link. Print the approved permit card and plans and keep them at the job site for inspections.

What Documents Should You Prepare?

The exact package depends on the project, but Burlingame’s current submittal guide and permit-type instructions commonly call for the following:

• Completed and signed permit application.
• Construction drawings; the City’s general guide calls for 24 × 36-inch sheets at a minimum 1/4" = 1′-0" scale, with possible exceptions for minor residential work.
• Site plan showing property lines, existing/proposed buildings, driveways, utilities, trees, power poles and other relevant fixed features.
• Existing and proposed floor plans and elevations when applicable.
• Framing and structural plans.
• Structural calculations where required.
• Title 24 energy documents where applicable.
• Manufacturer specifications for equipment or products.
• Soils report and review letter when required.
• Special inspection forms or deferred-submittal information when applicable.

Use the City’s Building Forms & Documents library for current applications, inspection checklists, re-roof requirements, EV-charger guidance, owner-builder declarations and other project-specific forms.

How Long Does Burlingame Plan Review Take?

The following are published minimum or estimated review periods, not guaranteed permit-issuance dates. Missing documents, Planning review, engineering review, corrections or other agency approvals can extend the process.

An application for which no permit is issued within 180 days after the original submittal date expires under the City’s current Building Permit Submittal Guide. A new application, new plan review and applicable fees may then be required.

Burlingame Building Permit Fees in 2026

The City of Burlingame Fiscal Year 2026–27 Master Fee Schedule became effective July 1, 2026. Building-permit charges can depend on project valuation and can be supplemented by plan review, trade permits, Planning, Engineering, fire review, recycling deposits and other applicable charges.

For Building Division payments, the City currently publishes a 2.7% processing fee for credit/debit cards and a $1 flat processing fee for eCheck. The City states that checks do not receive those service fees.

How to Schedule a Burlingame Building Inspection

After the permit is issued and the work reaches an inspection stage, request the inspection by calling 650-558-7260 or emailing buildinginspections@burlingame.org.

1. Confirm the permit is issued. Keep the permit card and City-approved plans available at the site.
2. Identify the inspection stage. Do not request a final when rough work or earlier required inspections remain incomplete.
3. Have the permit number, address and contact information ready.
4. Request the inspection. Use the Building Division phone number or inspection email.
5. Make the entire work area accessible. The City’s residential checklist says inspection activity generally occurs from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1 p.m.–4 p.m.; be prepared for the full scheduling window.
6. Do not conceal work before approval. Correct deficiencies and request another inspection if necessary.

Typical Residential Inspection Sequence

If you need to cancel an inspection on the scheduled day, the City’s FAQ instructs callers to contact the inspection line before 9:00 a.m..

Burlingame Building Codes for 2026

Burlingame’s published 2026 Building Safety Design Criteria identifies the following primary code set for residential and commercial projects:

• 2025 California Building Code with City of Burlingame amendments.
• 2025 California Residential Code, including Appendix H for patio covers.
• 2025 California Existing Building Code.
• 2025 California Historical Building Code.
• 2025 California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen).
• 2025 California Plumbing Code.
• 2025 California Mechanical Code.
• 2025 California Electrical Code with City amendments.
• 2025 California Energy Code.
• 2025 California Fire Code with City amendments.
• 2024 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code.

For adopted local provisions, also review the City’s Codes & Regulations page and the applicable Burlingame Municipal Code provisions.

Local Rules That Can Affect Your Project

Construction hours

For regulated construction, demolition, alteration and repair work, Burlingame generally allows work from 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Sunday and designated holiday work is generally prohibited unless an applicable written exception is approved.

In the Bayfront Commercial, Innovative Industrial and Rollins Road Mixed Use zones, work may begin at 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, but certain high-noise equipment is restricted from 7:00–8:00 a.m. unless approved. Public Works construction in the public right-of-way has separate published hours of 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on weekdays and non-City holidays.

Planning approval

A building permit does not replace zoning or design-review approval. New residential and commercial structures typically require Planning involvement, and some additions do as well.

Public right-of-way work

Work involving sidewalks, streets, utility connections or other public right-of-way areas may also require a Public Works encroachment or related permit.

Contractor requirements

The City’s September 2026 submittal guide states that permits are issued to the party doing the work after required fees are paid. Contractors must have an active California contractor license and an active City business license before issuance.

View the official Burlingame Construction Hours handout.

How to Search Permits, Check Status or Find an Expiration Date

The eTRAKiT portal provides public access to Building and Public Works permit information. From the portal, choose Search Permit to look for an existing record. An account is required to make online payments.

For your own active permit, sign in to review available permit information, fees and documents. The City states that permit expiration information is also available through eTRAKiT, and the expiration date can be found on the permit card.

For archived building permit material that is not available online, the City’s FAQ directs users to call the Building Division at 650-558-7260.

Official Burlingame Resources

Related California Building Department Guides