Burlingame · Land use · Live-work unit
Where is a live-work unit allowed in Burlingame?
In Burlingame, a live-work unit is allowed in 6 base zones (CMU, BRMU, RRMU, BMU, CAR and 1 more, all with a condition), needs a conditional use permit in 1 (MMU, it with a condition) and not allowed in 4 (Burlingame use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: CMU, BRMU, RRMU, BMU, CAR and HMU
- Needs a permit: MMU
- Not allowed: NBMU, BAC, CAC and DAC
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Burlingame Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a live-work unit can go
Burlingame's code calls this use “Live/Work”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| CMU California Drive Mixed-Use | Allowed — see note Note Specific Use Regulations: Live/Work not permitted on ground floor on Broadway or California Drive. See Section 25.48.150 | Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable uses, and Development Standards |
| BRMU Broadway Mixed-Use | Allowed — see note Note Specific Use Regulations: Live/Work not permitted on ground floor on Broadway or California Drive. See Section 25.48.150 | Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable uses, and Development Standards |
| RRMU North Rollins Road Mixed-Use | Allowed — see note Note Specific Use Regulations: Live/Work not permitted on ground floor on Broadway or California Drive. See Section 25.48.150 | Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable uses, and Development Standards |
| BMU Bayswater Mixed-Use | Allowed — see note Note Specific Use Regulations: Average maximum unit size shall be 1,250 sq. ft. Above first floor only in CAR, DAC and HMU zones. In the DAC zone, residential uses are permitted only on north side of Donnelly Ave. and on parcels that have sole frontage on Donnelly Ave. | Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable uses, and Development Standards |
| CAR California Drive Auto Row | Allowed — see note Note Specific Use Regulations: Average maximum unit size shall be 1,250 sq. ft. Above first floor only in CAR, DAC and HMU zones. In the DAC zone, residential uses are permitted only on north side of Donnelly Ave. and on parcels that have sole frontage on Donnelly Ave. | Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable uses, and Development Standards |
| HMU Howard Mixed-Use | Allowed — see note Note Specific Use Regulations: Average maximum unit size shall be 1,250 sq. ft. Above first floor only in CAR, DAC and HMU zones. In the DAC zone, residential uses are permitted only on north side of Donnelly Ave. and on parcels that have sole frontage on Donnelly Ave. | Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable uses, and Development Standards |
| MMU Myrtle Road Mixed-Use | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Specific Use Regulations: Average maximum unit size shall be 1,250 sq. ft. Above first floor only in CAR, DAC and HMU zones. In the DAC zone, residential uses are permitted only on north side of Donnelly Ave. and on parcels that have sole frontage on Donnelly Ave. | Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable uses, and Development Standards |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Overlay zones and specific plans can change the answer for a lot.
Other uses in Burlingame
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a live-work unit in the MMU zone in Burlingame?
Only with a conditional use permit. Burlingame's use table lists it that way in MMU (Myrtle Road Mixed-Use) (Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable uses, and Development Standards). The code adds a condition: “Average maximum unit size shall be 1,250 sq. ft. Above first floor only in CAR, DAC and HMU zones. In the DAC zone, residential uses are permitted only on north side of Donnelly Ave. and on parcels that have sole…”
Can I have a live-work unit in the NBMU zone in Burlingame?
No. Burlingame's use table does not allow it in NBMU (North Burlingame Mixed-Use) (Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable uses, and Development Standards).
Can I have a live-work unit in the CMU zone in Burlingame?
Yes, with a condition. Burlingame's use table lists it as allowed in CMU (California Drive Mixed-Use) (Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable uses, and Development Standards). The code adds a condition: “Live/Work not permitted on ground floor on Broadway or California Drive. See Section 25.48.150”
General information, not legal advice.
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