Burlingame · Zoning · RRMU
Burlingame RRMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Burlingame's RRMU zone, generally buildings can be up to 40 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 5 ft and the minimum lot size is 10,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Burlingame code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 40 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 5 ft (Rollins Road frontage, Tier 1; the setback may also be at most 15 ft)
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 sq. ft.
- Maximum lot coverage: 60%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.50 (Base Standard (Tier 1))
- Maximum density: 30 du/ac (Base Standard (Tier 1))
RRMU 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 RRMU
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.
| Maximum building height | 40 ft § 25.14.030 · code textTable row “Height — Maximum 1”, column “Base Standard (Tier 1)”: 40 ft. 3 stories |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 25.14.030 · code textTable row “Height — Maximum 1”, column “Base Standard (Tier 1)”: 40 ft. 3 stories |
| Minimum front setback | 5 ft Applies: Rollins Road frontage, Tier 1; the setback may also be at most 15 ft § 25.14.030 · code textTable row “Front: Mixed-Use Arterial (Rollins Road)”, column “Base Standard (Tier 1)”: 5 feet min. & 15 feet max. |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 25.14.030 · code textTable row “Side — Interior”, column “Base Standard (Tier 1)”: 10 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 25.14.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “Base Standard (Tier 1)”: 20 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq. ft. § 25.14.030 · code textTable row “Size”, column “Base Standard (Tier 1)”: 10,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% § 25.14.030 · code textTable row “Lot Coverage — Maximum”, column “Base Standard (Tier 1)”: 60% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.50 Applies: Base Standard (Tier 1) § 25.14.030 · code textTable row “Floor Area Ratio — Maximum”, column “Base Standard (Tier 1)”: 0.50 |
| Maximum density | 30 du/ac Applies: Base Standard (Tier 1) § 25.14.030 · code textTable row “Density — Maximum”, column “Base Standard (Tier 1)”: 30 du/ac |
Uses in RRMU
Uses the code's use tables allow in RRMU, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Live-work unit — Allowed — see note
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
- Child care center — Needs a minor use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Community garden — Allowed
- Emergency shelter — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RRMU:
- Maximum building height: 55 ft — Increased Intensity (Tier 2) § 25.14.030
- Maximum building height: 80 ft — Maximum Intensity (Tier 3) § 25.14.030
- Maximum building height: 50 ft — Industrial and Institutional Development § 25.14.030
- Maximum number of stories: 5 stories — Increased Intensity (Tier 2) § 25.14.030
- Maximum number of stories: 7 stories — Maximum Intensity (Tier 3) § 25.14.030
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft — All other streets, Base Standard (Tier 1) § 25.14.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.75 — Increased Intensity (Tier 2) § 25.14.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0 — Maximum Intensity (Tier 3) § 25.14.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0 — Industrial and Institutional Development § 25.14.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.5 — Industrial and Institutional Development with CUP § 25.14.030
- Maximum density: 50 du/ac — Increased Intensity (Tier 2) § 25.14.030
- Maximum density: 70 du/ac — Maximum Intensity (Tier 3) § 25.14.030
Other Burlingame zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Burlingame's RRMU zone?
40 ft — Burlingame Municipal Code § 25.14.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Burlingame's RRMU zone?
3 stories — Burlingame Municipal Code § 25.14.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Burlingame's RRMU zone?
5 ft (rollins Road frontage, Tier 1; the setback may also be at most 15 ft) — Burlingame Municipal Code § 25.14.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Burlingame's RRMU zone?
10 ft — Burlingame Municipal Code § 25.14.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Burlingame's RRMU zone?
20 ft — Burlingame Municipal Code § 25.14.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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