Introduction
Garage Conversion in Burlingame offers a fantastic way to create more living space without the hassle of moving. By converting your garage, you can add a new room for various purposes, such as a home office, gym, or guest suite. This transformation can significantly increase the utility and enjoyment of your home while also adding value to your property. With Burlingame’s supportive community and beautiful surroundings, a Garage Conversion becomes an appealing and practical choice for homeowners.
Essential Garage Conversion Rules for Burlingame
What you can build
Maximum size
The maximum size allowed for a garage conversion is 500 square feet, ensuring adequate living space while adhering to local guidelines.
Side / rear setbacks
A minimum of 5 feet setback from the property line is required for side and rear placements to maintain privacy and safety.
Height limit
The height limit for a garage conversion is 16 feet, which allows for comfortable interior spaces without overshadowing neighboring properties.
Building separation
A minimum of 10 feet separation from other buildings on the property is required to ensure accessibility and fire safety.
Permitting Process Timeline
Standard
The standard permitting process usually takes around 30 days, allowing for a thorough review and approval of plans.
Historic Property review
If the property is historic, the review process may extend to 60 days to ensure preservation of architectural integrity.
Zoning Regulations in Burlingame
Zoning regulations dictate the specific requirements and limitations for garage conversions in Burlingame.
Garage Conversion Size Limitations
| Zoning District | Maximum Floor Area Allowed |
| R-1 (Single Family) | 600 sq ft |
| R-2 (Two Family) | 800 sq ft |
| R-3 (Multifamily) | 1000 sq ft |
| R-4 (Neighborhood Mixed Use) | 1200 sq ft |
Height Limitations
Garage conversions must not exceed a height of 16 feet, ensuring they blend well with existing neighborhood structures.
Building Coverage
The conversion should not cover more than 50% of the lot, allowing for adequate open space and landscaping.
Location
| Property Type | Location Requirement |
| Single-Family Homes | Rear or side yard |
| Duplex | Rear or side yard |
| Multifamily | Rear or side yard |
Exterior details
The exterior of the converted garage must match the primary residence in style, color, and materials to maintain visual harmony.
Setbacks and Buffer Zones
A minimum of 5 feet setback from property lines and buffer zones to ensure privacy and space between neighbors.
Minimum Lot Area
Connection for utilities
All converted garages must be connected to the main utilities, including water, electricity, and sewage systems.
Fire safety
Converted garages must include fire safety measures such as smoke detectors and fire-resistant materials to ensure occupant safety.
Room specifications
- Living Area: The living area should be at least 150 square feet, providing ample space for comfort and functionality.
- Kitchen: The kitchen area must be at least 50 square feet, equipped with essential appliances and storage.
- Bathroom: A minimum of 30 square feet is required for the bathroom, ensuring space for a toilet, sink, and shower.
- Ceiling Height: The ceiling height must be at least 7 feet to ensure a comfortable and spacious interior.
Short-term Rentals and Home Occupations Regulations
Regulations for short-term rentals and home occupations ensure proper use of converted spaces.
Building Codes
All garage conversions must comply with local building codes, ensuring safety and quality construction.
Burlingame Garage Conversion Permit Guidelines
| Permit Type | Description | Estimated Fee |
| Building Permit | Required for structural changes | $500 |
| Electrical Permit | Needed for electrical installations | $200 |
| Plumbing Permit | Required for plumbing work | $150 |
| Mechanical Permit | Needed for HVAC systems | $100 |
| Planning Review | Review of plans for compliance | $300 |
Property Requirements
Properties must meet specific criteria such as zoning and lot size to qualify for a garage conversion.
Parking
At least one off-street parking space must be provided for the converted garage to ensure adequate parking availability.
Front Setbacks
A minimum front setback of 20 feet is required to maintain the neighborhood’s aesthetic and safety.
Side and Rear Setbacks
Side and rear setbacks must be at least 5 feet to provide sufficient space between properties.
Open Space and Rear Yards
A minimum of 15% of the lot must be maintained as open space, ensuring a balance between built and natural environments.
Properties That Qualify
Properties with sufficient lot size, proper zoning, and no existing code violations qualify for garage conversions.
Development standards
Single-family Homes
Garage conversions for single-family homes must maintain architectural consistency and comply with size limits.
Multi-family Properties
Conversions must provide separate entrances and utilities for each unit, ensuring privacy and independence.
Duplex Properties
Duplex conversions should ensure equal access to amenities and maintain structural integrity.
Property designations
- Flood Zones: Properties in flood zones must implement flood-resistant measures to qualify for a conversion.
- Easements: Easements must be respected, ensuring no encroachments on utility or access rights.
- Historic Properties: Conversions in historic properties must preserve architectural features and comply with preservation guidelines.
Summary
Garage conversions in Burlingame offer a practical solution for increasing living space while adding value to your home. By following local regulations and guidelines, you can create a functional and stylish living area that meets your needs and enhances your property.
FAQs
The maximum size for a garage conversion in Burlingame is generally 500 square feet. This size provides ample room for a variety of uses, such as an additional bedroom, a home office, or a small studio apartment. Ensuring the conversion adheres to the specified size helps maintain neighborhood standards and zoning regulations.
Yes, the exterior of the converted garage must match the primary residence in style, color, and materials. This requirement ensures that the conversion blends seamlessly with the existing structure and maintains the aesthetic harmony of the neighborhood.
Yes, an electrical permit is required for any electrical installations during the garage conversion. This permit ensures that all electrical work meets safety standards and local building codes. Obtaining the permit involves submitting plans for the electrical layout and having the work inspected by a certified professional to ensure compliance and safety.
Properties located in flood zones can still be converted, but they must implement flood-resistant measures to qualify for a conversion. These measures might include elevating the floor, using flood-resistant materials, and ensuring proper drainage.
Yes, the ceiling height for a converted garage must be at least 7 feet. This requirement ensures that the interior space is comfortable and meets livability standards. Adequate ceiling height is important for providing a spacious feel and accommodating standard furniture and fixtures, contributing to the overall functionality of the space.
Yes, you can use the converted garage as a rental unit, but it must comply with local short-term rental regulations. This includes registering the unit with the city, adhering to occupancy limits, and ensuring the space meets health and safety standards. Renting out the converted space can provide additional income, but it’s important to follow all applicable laws and regulations to avoid penalties.
Yes, if your property is designated as historic, there are special rules for converting the garage. These rules focus on preserving the architectural features and historical integrity of the property. You may need to obtain additional approvals from historical preservation boards and use materials and designs that are in keeping with the historical character of the building.
The setback requirements for garage conversions in Burlingame include a minimum of 5 feet for side and rear setbacks. These setbacks provide adequate space between properties, ensuring privacy and safety for residents. Adhering to these requirements helps maintain the orderly development of the neighborhood and prevents overcrowding.
Yes, at least one off-street parking space must be provided to accommodate the converted unit. This requirement ensures that there is sufficient parking available for residents and guests, reducing the impact on street parking.
For a garage conversion, you will need several permits, including building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and planning review permits. Each permit covers a specific aspect of the construction process, ensuring that all work meets local codes and standards.
The standard permitting process for a garage conversion in Burlingame typically takes around 30 days. However, if the property is historic, the review process may extend to 60 days to ensure preservation of architectural integrity. This timeline allows for thorough review and approval of plans, ensuring that all work complies with local regulations.
Yes, duplex properties can be converted, but they must ensure equal access to amenities and maintain structural integrity. This means that both units in the duplex should have fair and convenient access to the converted space, and the overall structure must remain safe and sound. Converting a duplex garage can provide additional living space or rental opportunities while enhancing the property’s functionality.
Yes, the converted garage must be connected to the main utilities, including water, electricity, and sewage systems. Ensuring proper utility connections is essential for making the space habitable and functional. All utility installations must comply with local codes and standards, providing reliable and safe services to the converted unit.
The living area in a converted garage should be at least 150 square feet, providing ample space for comfort and functionality. This size allows for a practical and livable area, suitable for various uses such as a bedroom, living room, or workspace.
Yes, properties located in an R-3 zoning district can convert garages, with a maximum floor area allowed of 1000 square feet. This zoning district typically accommodates multifamily residences, making it suitable for larger conversions.
Yes, the height limit for a garage conversion is 16 feet. This limitation ensures that the converted structure remains compatible with surrounding buildings and does not obstruct views or overshadow neighboring properties. Maintaining the height limit helps preserve the visual and structural harmony of the neighborhood.
Yes, all garage conversions must comply with local building codes to ensure safety and quality construction. These codes cover various aspects of the construction process, including structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, and fire safety.
Yes, converted garages must include fire safety measures such as smoke detectors, fire-resistant materials, and proper egress routes. Ensuring fire safety is crucial for protecting the occupants and the property. Compliance with fire safety regulations helps prevent accidents and provides peace of mind for residents.
Short-term rentals in a converted garage must comply with local regulations, including registration with the city and adherence to occupancy limits. These regulations ensure that the rental space is used appropriately and does not negatively impact the neighborhood.
Yes, you can convert your garage if your property has easements, but you must respect the easements and ensure no encroachments on utility or access rights. Easements are legal rights that allow access to specific areas of your property for utilities or other purposes.
