Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling in Burlingame: Permits, Design Review and Inspections
Do you need a permit to remodel a kitchen or bathroom in Burlingame?
For most real remodels, yes. Once a project involves new wiring, moved plumbing, a new exhaust fan or opened walls, plan on a building permit from the city's Building Division. Purely cosmetic work like paint is a different conversation, so if your scope is borderline, call the Division at 650-558-7260 and ask.
Burlingame's housing stock makes permits especially worthwhile. Easton, a neighboring town whose land began to be subdivided in 1905, was annexed in 1910 and is now the Easton Addition neighborhood. Many homes there and in Burlingame Park are old enough that what's behind the plaster is anyone's guess.
How do you submit a remodel permit in Burlingame?
According to the City of Burlingame Building Division, new building submittals are accepted by email. Send your project to buildingpermits@burlingame.org, and if your files total more than 10 MB, share a cloud link (such as Dropbox or Google Drive) instead. Corrections and revisions go to the same address.
The city's process, in order:
- Submit plans and application by email. New submittals are accepted for projects that already have Planning Commission approval or don't need it.
- Plan check by the departments involved.
- Remaining items. Once departments approve, you get a list of items still due, which can include a Recycling Plan, Stormwater Permit, Encroachment Permit, special inspection forms and business license renewals.
- Pay and issue. After fees are paid, the city emails the permit card and approved plans.
- Print the plans, permit and documents and keep them on the job site for inspections.
Does a kitchen or bath remodel trigger design review in Burlingame?
Usually not, if the work stays inside. According to the Planning Division, design review is required for all new houses, most second-story additions and some single-story additions. Design review checks the project against the city's Residential Design Guidebook and R-1 zoning standards like setbacks, lot coverage, height and floor area ratio.
| Your project | Typical path |
|---|---|
| Interior kitchen or bath remodel, no change to the footprint | Building permit, submitted by email |
| Bump-out or single-story addition for a bigger kitchen | May need design review; check with Planning first |
| Second-story addition with a new primary bath | Usually design review before building plan check |
| Work affecting a city street tree | Talk to the Parks Division first |
Because Planning approval has to come before a building submittal when it's required, ask Planning early if your remodel grows the house. Design review is a Planning Commission application, so it adds a step and time.
How do inspections work in Burlingame?
Request inspections by phone at 650-558-7260 or by email at buildinginspections@burlingame.org. Typically you'll have rough inspections before walls are closed and a final once the work is done. Keep the printed permit card and approved plans on site, since the city asks for them during inspections.
Planes descending into SFO overhead are part of the soundtrack here. Your inspector has heard them all before, so no need to pause mid-question.
What should you know about remodeling an older Burlingame home?
- Expect surprises. Early 20th-century homes can hide old wiring, galvanized pipe and materials that need testing before demolition. Our older-home hidden issues guide walks through asbestos, lead and plumbing.
- Trees matter. Burlingame calls itself the City of Trees. Removing or trimming city street trees without a permit can bring costly penalties, so protect them during deliveries and dumpster drops.
- Heat pump bonus. If you're also replacing a water heater or furnace with a heat pump, installed by a licensed contractor, the Building Division says Burlingame waives the city permit fee (state fees still apply). Our heat pump water heater guide covers the details.
- Code year. The 2025 California Building Standards Code took effect January 1, 2026, so new plans should be drawn to it.
Thinking about going electric in the kitchen too? Our California energy and water rules guide covers what state code asks of remodels. For neighboring rules, see San Mateo.
Working with ProRock in Burlingame
ProRock Remodeling is a licensed general contractor (California CSLB #1154078) with more than 20 years in business, $1M general liability insurance and a 2-year workmanship warranty. We focus on kitchen and bathroom remodels, and also handle whole-home remodels, ADUs, design and permits from San Jose to South San Francisco. We prepare the submittal, coordinate with the city and handle inspections. See finished kitchens and baths in our project gallery. Call (408) 991-4744 or request a free estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom in Burlingame?
Typically yes, when the work involves plumbing, electrical, ventilation or opened walls. Burlingame's Building Division accepts new permit submittals by email at buildingpermits@burlingame.org.
Does a Burlingame kitchen remodel need design review?
Usually not if the work is interior only. Burlingame requires design review for all new houses, most second-story additions and some single-story additions, so check with the Planning Division if your remodel adds space.
How do I request a building inspection in Burlingame?
Call 650-558-7260 or email buildinginspections@burlingame.org. Keep the printed permit card and approved plans on the job site for the inspector.
What happens after Burlingame approves my plans?
The city emails a list of remaining items, which can include a Recycling Plan, Stormwater Permit or Encroachment Permit. After fees are paid, you receive the permit card and approved plans by email.
Are permit fees waived for heat pumps in Burlingame?
Yes, Burlingame waives its permit fees for replacing an existing water heater or furnace with a heat pump installed by a licensed contractor. State fees, such as the Building Standards Administration and SMIP fees, still apply.
Planning a remodel in the Bay Area?
ProRock Remodeling is a licensed general contractor (CSLB #1154078) working from San Jose to South San Francisco, with $1M liability coverage and a 2-year workmanship warranty. Call (408) 991-4744 or request a free estimate.