Building Division
The Building Division is open for business: Phone calls are answered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., except for Thursday from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. At all other times, you may leave a message and staff will return your call. We endeavor to return calls within one business day. You may also send an email to Building Division staff at buildingpermits@burlingame.org. We endeavor to respond to emails within one business day. We conduct as much business as possible electronically.
New Plan Submittals: The Building Division is accepting new permit submittals for projects that have already received Planning Commission approval, or for projects that do not require Planning Commission approval. Please email your project information to buildingpermits@burlingame.org. If total file size exceeds 10 MB please email as a cloud link, i.e., Dropbox, Google Drive, or similar.
Code change on January 1, 2023: The 2022 Building Codes took effect January 1, 2023. Projects whose initial submittal to the Community Development Department, Planning or Building, was after December 31, 2022, will be reviewed under the 2022 Codes.
Plan Re-Submittal / Revisions and Questions: The Building Division will continue to receive re-submittal of responses to plan check comments and revisions to active permits. E-mail buildingpermits@burlingame.org for further instructions on your re-submittals.
Remaining Items to Submit: When your permit has been approved by all departments you will receive an email with a list of any remaining items to be completed. This includes the Recycling Plan, Storm-water Permit, Encroachment Permit, Special Inspection Forms, Business License Renewals, etc. Complete and submit all documents to buildingpermits@burlingame.org.
Payment: At this point you will receive payment details. Follow the instructions to complete payment.
Building Permit Issuance: Once the fees have been paid you will receive an email from the Building Division. For most projects, this email will include your permit card and plans as an attachment. Larger jobs will receive a second email from 'We Transfer' which includes the permit card and plans. Either way, you will receive detailed instructions about printing out the plans, permit, and documents. These need to be at the job site during inspections.
Inspections: Building inspections may be requested by calling 650-558-7260, or by sending an email to the Building Division at buildinginspections@burlingame.org. Inspectors will ensure that jobsite safety procedures are in place. Social distancing measures will be implemented where warranted. Video apps and photos may be allowed in certain situations.
Fee Waiver for Heat Pump Permits: The Burlingame Building Department will waive the permit fees for the installation of Heat Pumps. This is only valid for the replacement of an existing water heater or furnace (with or without AC) with a Heat Pump installed by a licensed contractor. Certain State Fees apply, including the Building Standards Administration fee, and the SMIP fee. These fees are nominal.
Permit Expirations: Contact the Building Division for information about the expiration date for your project, at 650-558-7260, or e-mail buildingpermits@burlingame.org.
The Building Division of the Community Development Department is responsible for plan checking construction documents, permit issuance, and field inspections of most buildings and structures built within the City. Once plans are approved and construction begins, the Division inspects the work in progress assuring that minimum code compliance is achieved. The Division enforces the minimum requirements of California Building Codes, state and federal laws, and local ordinances, to ensure the safety of all structures. The Division also serves as a central clearinghouse, distributing plans to other departments to assure that a project complies with all the City’s requirements.
The information on this website should serve as a general guide. Please contact the Building Division at 650-558-7260 to confirm and clarify information provided here and to receive updates.