Serving Burlingame, CA
Free estimates for paver patios, driveways, concrete work and wood fences in Burlingame, planned around the city's driveway and lot-coverage rules.
Working in Burlingame
Burlingame's single-family lots have minimum areas of 5,000, 7,000 or 10,000 square feet depending on the zone, with a 40% maximum lot coverage. Flat parts of the city sit near the Bay, and a Hillside Overlay zone covers the hills. Neighborhoods include Burlingame Park, Burlingame Hills, Burlingame Gardens, Burlingame Terrace, Easton Addition, Lyon Hoag, Ray Park and Oak Grove Manor.
The city also has more than 18,000 public trees, and its tree ordinance was rewritten in December 2024. Most of the planning rules here touch driveways, front yards and trees, so we go over them with you before we draw anything up.
Neighborhoods and places
What we build
The same eight services, built by the same Menlo Park crew. Tap one to see how we build it.
PaversA paver patio gives you a flat, tough spot for dining, grilling and hanging out. We lay out the shape, build a compacted base, set the pavers and lock them in.
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PaversA paver driveway adds curb appeal and handles daily traffic. The base does the heavy lifting, so we build it deep and set the pavers tight.
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PaversWalkways and steps that feel good underfoot and stay easy to keep clean. Straight, curved or stepped to follow the lay of your yard.
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PaversAdd a fire pit, seating area or a bigger patio footprint, so the yard works after dark too.
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ConcreteA poured concrete driveway is a clean, long-lasting surface. We prep the base, set the forms, pour and finish it.
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ConcreteFlat, smooth and built to last. Concrete patios, walkways, pads and slabs poured and finished to the shape you need.
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FencesA wood fence brings privacy and gives your yard a clear edge. We set the posts, hang the rails and boards, and keep the lines straight.
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FencesA leaning fence or a sagging gate doesn't always mean a whole new fence. We fix what can be fixed and build gates that swing right.
See detailsBefore you build
Local ground, local rules and local habits that shape a good paver, concrete or fence job.
The total width of all driveways in residential districts may not exceed 25% of the lot width, or 20% of street frontage on corner lots, and driveways must be at least 22 feet apart. The city engineer can allow more in some narrow-frontage cases.
Impervious surface in the front setback is capped at 40% in R-1 and R-2 zones, and R-1 lots have a 40% maximum lot coverage.
Any private tree with a circumference of 44 inches, about 14 inches across, or more, measured 54 inches above natural grade, is protected. A permit is needed to remove, structurally alter or excessively prune one. Excessive pruning means removing more than 25% of live tissue, or 15% of functioning root area, in 36 months.
Driveway gates must sit at least 20 feet back from the property line, and no fence or hedge over 3 feet is allowed within 20 feet of an El Camino Real property line that a driveway crosses.
Rules at a glance
A plain-language summary of what the Burlingame code says, to help you plan. Codes get amended and every lot is different, so treat it as a starting point.
| Topic | What the code says |
|---|---|
| Fence height, front setback | 3 ft if solid and 4 ft if open design (light and air pass through). No fence may extend into the required clear sight triangle. |
| Fence height, side and rear | 6 ft in side and rear setbacks, plus 1 ft (7 ft total) if the top foot is open design. |
| Fence permit | A building permit is required for any fence over 6 ft, including a fence on top of a wall that takes the combined height over 6 ft, and for any fence over 3 ft on a corner lot. |
| Driveway permit | A permit from the city engineer is required to build, repair or alter a sidewalk, curb, curb-cut or driveway on public streets. Public Works Engineering issues encroachment permits at (650) 558-7230. |
| Hillside Overlay | A hillside area construction permit applies to new dwellings, accessory structures and additions in the overlay. Fences that meet code are excluded. |
Rules change and lots differ. Check the current requirements with the City of Burlingame Building Division (501 Primrose Rd, (650) 558-7260). We walk the lot with you at the free estimate and point out what to ask.
Nearby
Same crew, same free estimate. Pick a nearby city to see what we build there.
ZIP codes we cover in Burlingame: 94010 and 94011. Not sure about yours? Use the ZIP checker.
Questions
The total width of all driveways in residential districts may not exceed 25% of the lot width, or 20% of total street frontage on corner lots, and driveways must be at least 22 feet apart. The city engineer can allow more in some narrow-frontage cases.
In a front setback, 3 feet if solid and 4 feet if open design. In side and rear setbacks, 6 feet plus 1 foot if the top foot is open. A building permit is required for any fence over 6 feet, and for any fence over 3 feet on a corner lot.
A permit from the city engineer is required to build, repair or alter a driveway, curb-cut or sidewalk on public streets, and Public Works Engineering issues the encroachment permits. Check current requirements with the city before work starts.
Let's talk
Call, text, email or send a request. Tell us what you want to build and we'll set up a free estimate.
Free estimates for pavers, concrete and fences, from Menlo Park to the whole Bay Area.
Menlo Park, CA · Serving the whole Bay Area · Estimates are free
