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    Home   Departments   Planning   Accessory Dwelling Units

    Accessory Dwelling Units

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    Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU)  

    In response to the Bay Area’s regional housing shortages, the State of California adopted legislation (SB 13, AB 68, and AB 881) to encourage the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) by reducing the regulatory barriers commonly found in local zoning ordinances.  Please click on the following link to view the ADU Regulations:

    Code Section 25.48.030 - Accessory Dwelling Units

    For an overview of the ADU requirements, including FAQs (frequently asked questions) and development standards, please visit our Accessory Dwelling Unit Guidelines. 

    Review and Approval Process:
    The approval process for ADUs and JADUs is ministerial (neighborhood notification is not required if they comply with all ADU requirements).  However, you will be required to file an application for an ADU Permit with the Planning Division.  Once the ADU Permit is approved, you may then submit an application for a building permit.

    Submittal Requirements
    Application Form
    Filing Fees (does not include building permit fees)

    * If you are considering a prefabricated ADU, please first review the ADU Regulations (Code Section 25.48.030) and ADU Guidelines to ensure that it is compliant with our regulations.  Should you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Planning Division at 650-558-7250 or planningdept@burlingame.org. 

    10.28.21 Second Unit Webinar Flyer

    ADU Webinar:     On October 28, 2021, the City of Burlingame partnered with Home For All and held a webinar to share general resources that the County of San Mateo and the City of Burlingame have developed in order to support homeowners in constructing ADUs.  The webinar explains why homeowners build ADUs, describes the rules and process for securing an ADU permit, and connects homeowners with free tools and resources that can help with your project.

    The general session presented by the County of San Mateo defines what an ADU is, why more people than ever before are building them, discusses some of the ADU options residents have and explains some of the tools and resources that are available to homeowners building an ADU project.   Please click on the following links to view the presentation slides and video:

    General Session Presentation Slides (presented by County of San Mateo)
    General Session Webinar Video

    The breakout session presented by the Burlingame Planning Division provides an overview of the guidelines and regulations for ADUs specific to Burlingame and also reviews the process for obtaining an ADU Permit.  In the breakout session, you can listen to questions from homeowners and responses from city staff.  Please click on the following links to view the presentation slides and video:

    City of Burlingame Presentation Slides (presented by Burlingame Staff)
    Burlingame Breakout Video