Burlingame · Zoning · BFC
Burlingame BFC zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Burlingame's BFC zone, buildings can be up to 65 ft tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 20,000 sq. ft. (Burlingame code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 65 ft
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 20,000 sq. ft.
- Maximum lot coverage: 60%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0 (Tier 1)
BFC 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 BFC
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 | 65 ft § 25.12.030 · code textTable row “Height-Maximum 1”, column “BFC”: 65 ft. (Special Permit required for heights greater than 65 ft.) |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 25.12.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “BFC”: 10 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 25.12.030 · code textTable row “Side — Interior”, column “BFC”: 10 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 25.12.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “BFC”: 10 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 20,000 sq. ft. § 25.12.030 · code textTable row “Size”, column “BFC”: 20,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% § 25.12.030 · code textTable row “Lot Coverage — Maximum”, column “BFC”: 60% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.0 Applies: Tier 1 § 25.12.030 · code textTable row “Floor Area Ratio (FAR) — Maximum”, column “BFC”: Tier 1:1.0 Tier 2:2.0 Tier 3:3.0 |
Uses in BFC
Uses the code's use tables allow in BFC, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Child care center — Allowed
- 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 BFC:
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 2.0 — Tier 2 § 25.12.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 3.0 — Tier 3 § 25.12.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, density limit for BFC 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 maximum building height in Burlingame's BFC zone?
65 ft — Burlingame Municipal Code § 25.12.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Burlingame's BFC zone?
10 ft — Burlingame Municipal Code § 25.12.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Burlingame's BFC zone?
10 ft — Burlingame Municipal Code § 25.12.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Burlingame's BFC zone?
10 ft — Burlingame Municipal Code § 25.12.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Burlingame's BFC zone?
20,000 sq. ft. — Burlingame Municipal Code § 25.12.030.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a Burlingame property in BFC
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question