Burlingame CA Real Estate & Homes For Sale

Luxury homes and estates in Burlingame

For Burlingame’s view homes, the main extra rule is the city’s Hillside Overlay (H) Zone, shown on the Zoning Map. It adds a view-protection step on top of the base zoning. Under Burlingame Municipal Code Chapter 25.70, a Hillside Area Construction Permit is needed for a new house, a new accessory structure, or an addition, including a change in roof height (BMC ch. 25.70). The chapter exists because such work "could affect existing distant views from inside structures on nearby properties."

• What’s excluded: code-compliant fences, interior remodels, accessory dwelling units, small structures that need no building permit, and filling in interior courtyards without raising the height (§25.70.020.C).
• How it’s decided: neighbors are notified, and the Director acts unless someone asks for a hearing within 10 days. A request sends the project to the Planning Commission, and story poles may be required (§25.70.030).
• Design review too: projects that also trigger design review under Chapter 25.68 must meet both chapters.

For a buyer, that means an upper-floor addition or a raised roof on a hillside lot is a discretionary approval, not a given. Price the home as it stands today. Other checks for a high-value Burlingame purchase include the city’s protected-tree rules for mature trees (urban forest), permit history for past additions (older-home records) and early insurance quotes (insuring a high-value home; FAIR Plan guide). Homes with a guest unit should have a permit for it (guest-house guide).

Some sellers here ask for discretion. Ask Diamond Real Estate Group which permitted private-marketing options fit your property, goals and the applicable MLS rules. Availability of any particular listing is not guaranteed. Related reading: private sales. We don’t promise access to any particular home. Estate areas next door, such as Hillsborough real estate, have their own rules; see San Mateo County luxury homes and estate town design review.

Property tax, relief and liens in Burlingame

Burlingame doesn’t send property tax bills; San Mateo County does. The Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder sets values and records deeds, and the bill combines the 1% base rate with voter-approved debt and any parcel charges (San Mateo County tax rate book). Programs that can lower a Burlingame owner’s bill:

• Homeowners’ exemption: $7,000 off the assessed value of your principal residence. New owners should receive the claim form by mail (Assessor).
• Decline in value and appeals: if the market value falls below the assessed value, you can ask the Assessor to review it or file an appeal (Assessor).
• Calamity relief: a home damaged by fire or another disaster can be reassessed if you file in time (Assessor).
• Proposition 19: eligible owners 55 and over, owners with severe disabilities and disaster victims can transfer a base year value to a replacement home (Assessor; Prop 19 base-year transfer).

The Assessor’s property tax relief page lists every program. Review the preliminary title report, tax records and any exceptions for unpaid taxes and recorded liens. Escrow must arrange any required payoff, release or other agreed treatment; sale proceeds do not always suffice and some obligations can remain (preliminary title report). For the full picture, see San Mateo County property tax.

Permits, ADUs and remodels in Burlingame

Burlingame is an incorporated city, so its Planning Division handles zoning, design review and hillside permits, and the city’s building division issues construction permits. Accessory dwelling units are excluded from the Hillside Area Construction Permit (§25.70.020.C). State law requires ministerial approval of ADUs and junior ADUs that meet the standards, and a decision within 60 days of a complete application (HCD). Removing a protected tree for a project needs its own city permit. On a lot near a creek, check the city’s flood protection information before you plan new ground-floor space. See buying a home with an ADU. Review periods apply to qualifying complete applications and the applicable state pathway, with statutory exceptions; they do not guarantee that a proposed unit is feasible or that a building permit will be issued. Confirm the current requirements with the permit agency and HCD.

Burlingame real estate: questions people ask

Is there property tax relief in Burlingame, CA?

Relief comes through San Mateo County, not the city. Eligible owners can apply for a homeowners’ exemption, a decline-in-value review, qualifying calamity relief or an applicable Proposition 19 base-year transfer. Each program has separate ownership, use, timing and claim requirements. The Assessor’s relief page lists the programs and deadlines.

How do I find tax liens on a Burlingame property?

Recorded liens are in the San Mateo County Recorder’s records, and a buyer’s preliminary title report identifies recorded interests and exceptions for review alongside tax and assessment records. Confirm which items must be paid or released, the actual payoff amounts and the agreed funding before closing. A seller with a lien should tell their agent early.

Who can help me buy or sell a Burlingame home?

Diamond Real Estate Group (broker Matthew Martinez, DRE #01869679). Ask for a Burlingame home valuation or read our Burlingame realtors guide.

Do I need a permit to add a second story on a Burlingame hillside lot?

Yes, if the lot is in the Hillside Overlay (H) Zone. An addition or a change in roof height needs a Hillside Area Construction Permit, neighbors are notified, and a hearing request sends the project to the Planning Commission (BMC ch. 25.70). Design review may also apply.

Sources for this section

1. Burlingame Municipal Code Chapter 25.70, Hillside Area Construction Permits: https://ecode360.com/49918493
2. City of Burlingame, Urban forest: https://burlingame.org/468/Burlingames-Urban-Forest
3. City of Burlingame, Planning: https://www.burlingame.org/211/Planning
4. City of Burlingame, Flood protection: https://www.burlingame.org/924/Flood-Protection
5. San Mateo County Controller, Property tax rate book: https://smcgov.org/controller/property-tax-rate-book
6. San Mateo County Assessor, Homeowners’ exemption: https://smcacre.gov/assessor/homeowners-exemption
7. San Mateo County Assessor, Appeal an assessment: https://smcacre.gov/assessor/appeal-assessment
8. San Mateo County Assessor, Calamity relief: https://smcacre.gov/assessor/calamity-relief-filing
9. San Mateo County Assessor, Proposition 19: https://smcacre.gov/assessor/proposition-19
10. San Mateo County Assessor, Property tax relief: https://smcacre.gov/assessor/property-tax-relief
11. California Department of Housing and Community Development, Accessory Dwelling Units: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/building-standards/adu