Pets, chickens and bees in Burlingame: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Burlingame Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Burlingame's code says

Burlingame code What Burlingame's code adds
Bees	A permanent fresh water source on the same parcel, within 15 feet of the hives. Applies: Beekeeping on any parcel; up to 3 beehives are allowed as an incidental use. § 25.48.290 · code text A permanent fresh water source shall be provided on the same parcel prior to the establishment of bee hives and maintained within 15 feet of the hives.
Chickens	Yes: no more than 12 poultry or rabbits in total. Applies: In a fenced yard or enclosure on the rear half of the lot; no roosters over 4 months old. § 9.08.010 · code text It is unlawful for any person in any event to keep or maintain more than a total number of 12 poultry or rabbits upon any single lot, parcel or piece of land within the city.
Coop setback	At least 35 feet from any dwelling and from any street line. Applies: Poultry or rabbit yards or enclosures. § 9.08.010 · code text The yard or enclosure shall not be within 35 feet of any dwelling or within 35 feet of any street lines.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Burlingame?

Burlingame's code: Yes: no more than 12 poultry or rabbits in total. (In a fenced yard or enclosure on the rear half of the lot; no roosters over 4 months old.) (§ 9.08.010); A permanent fresh water source on the same parcel, within 15 feet of the hives. (Beekeeping on any parcel; up to 3 beehives are allowed as an incidental use.) (§ 25.48.290).

Pets, chickens and bees in Burlingame

What Burlingame's code says

Who this affects

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