Burlingame · Zoning · R-1
Burlingame R-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Burlingame's R-1 zone, generally the front setback is 15 ft, the side setback limit is 3 ft and the FAR limit is 32% plus 1,100 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Burlingame code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft (1st Story)
- Minimum side setback: 3 ft (Lot widths of 42 ft. or less)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 32% plus 1,100 sq. ft. (Interior lots with attached garages)
- Maximum density: 8 du/ac
R-1 is a zoning district in Burlingame. Every value below was read from the Burlingame Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in R-1
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft Applies: 1st Story § 25.10.030 · code textTable row “Front 1st Story 2nd Story”, column “R-1”: 15 ft. 20 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum side setback | 3 ft Applies: Lot widths of 42 ft. or less § 25.10.030 · code textTable row “Side”, column “R-1”: Lot widths of 42 ft. or less: 3 ft. Lots wider than 42 ft., but less than 51 ft.: 4 ft. Lots 51 ft. wide or more, but less than 54 ft.: 5 ft. Lots 54 ft. wide or more, but less than 61 ft.: 6 ft. Lots 61 ft. wide or more: 7 ft. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 32% plus 1,100 sq. ft. Applies: Interior lots with attached garages § 25.10.060 · code textTable row “Interior lots with attached garages”, column “Floor Area Ratio”: 32% plus 1,100 sq. ft. |
| Maximum density | 8 du/ac § 25.10.030 · code textTable row “Density — Maximum”, column “R-1”: 8 du/ac |
Uses in R-1
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
- Community garden — Allowed
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1:
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — 2nd Story § 25.10.030
- Minimum side setback: 4 ft — Lots wider than 42 ft., but less than 51 ft. § 25.10.030
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — Lots 51 ft. wide or more, but less than 54 ft. § 25.10.030
- Minimum side setback: 6 ft — Lots 54 ft. wide or more, but less than 61 ft. § 25.10.030
- Minimum side setback: 7 ft — Lots 61 ft. wide or more § 25.10.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 32% plus 1,100 sq. ft., plus up to an additional 400 sq. ft. — Interior lots with detached garages § 25.10.060
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 32% plus 900 sq. ft. — Corner lots with attached garages § 25.10.060
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 32% plus 900 sq. ft., plus up to an additional 350 sq. ft. — Corner lots with detached garages § 25.10.060
Not on this page
We did not find a general height, stories, rear setback, lot size, lot coverage limit for R-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Burlingame Municipal Code.
Other Burlingame zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum front setback in Burlingame's R-1 zone?
15 ft (1st Story) — Burlingame Municipal Code § 25.10.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Burlingame's R-1 zone?
3 ft (lot widths of 42 ft. or less) — Burlingame Municipal Code § 25.10.030.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Burlingame's R-1 zone?
32% plus 1,100 sq. ft. (interior lots with attached garages) — Burlingame Municipal Code § 25.10.060.
What is the maximum density in Burlingame's R-1 zone?
8 du/ac — Burlingame Municipal Code § 25.10.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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