Comprehensive Guide to Acquiring an ADU Permit in Burlingame, CA
As an investment property owner in Burlingame, you're undoubtedly aware of the area's high demand and limited inventory. However, this scarcity shouldn't restrict your opportunities to enhance the cash flow from your real estate holdings.
That's why we've compiled this straightforward guide about acquiring an ADU permit for investors looking to add an extra unit to their property in Burlingame.
Defining an ADU
The City of Burlingame defines an Accessory Dwelling Unit as an attached or detached residential dwelling unit ancillary to a primary dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with an existing primary residence. The unit must be between 150 and 1,000 square feet in size with a maximum floor area of 850 square feet or 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms.
Location
According to Section 6427 of the San Mateo County Ordinance, ADUs are only permitted in areas zoned for residential uses. This includes Residential, Commercial Mixed Use, and Neighborhood Mixed Use zones.
Contractors
It's crucial to work with a developer who specializes in ADU construction and understands the process in Burlingame. Since neither Burlingame nor San Mateo County has partnerships with developers, you need to find someone adept at navigating the process to ensure your permits are approved promptly.
Applying for an ADU Permit
Applications for ADU permits must be submitted in writing to the Community Development Department. An application must also include the fee along with the ADU plans with the following information:
Show all existing and proposed elevations for the main dwelling and ADU.
Site plans that are drawn to scale.
Floor plans that show existing and proposed layouts.
Electrical, plumbing, water, and sewer connections are shown on the floor plan.
Roof plans that show existing and new roof configurations.
Final Step
Within 60 days of receipt of a complete application, the Community Development Department staff will process the application for an ADU permit. Incomplete applications will be returned with an explanation of what additional information is required. Upon finding that the ADU meets the requirements, the application shall be approved ministerially without discretionary review or public hearing and the applicant may proceed to acquire a building permit.
Additional Information
Be aware that most of this can change, especially with the ongoing housing crisis. You can read more about ADUs in Burlingame and San Mateo County from the official sources.
The Azucena Take provides an inside look into the investment real estate market using the research done by Marcus & Millichap.