City Government

City of Burlingame resources and information

The City of Burlingame is a suburban city of approximately 28,000 people in San Mateo County, California, and is often referred to as the City of Trees.  It is located on the San Francisco Peninsula and has a significant shoreline on San Francisco Bay.  The city is named after Anson Burlingame who was an attorney and a diplomat.  Burlingame was settled by wealthy San Franciscans looking for a better climate.

The City of Burlingame celebrated its centennial on June 6, 2008, and is a council-manager form of government.   Elected officials serve staggered 4-year terms.  The city has six commissions:  Beautification, Civil Service, Library Board, Parks & Recreation, Planning, and traffic, Safety & Parking.

The Planning Division’s scope includes preparing and implementing the General Plan, administering the Zoning Code (Title25), providing staff support for the Planning Commission, and relaying planning information to the public.

The Building Division enforces the minimum requirements of the State Building Codes, State and Federal Laws, and Local Ordinances.
For more information please visit the City of Burlingame website here.

Frequently Called Numbers:


Finance Department/Customer Service

Business Licenses
558-7210
Water & Sewer Emergencies
558-7682
Code Enforcement
558-7208
City Hall Receptionist
558-7200
City Manager’s Office
558-7204
City Attorney’s Office
558-7202
Public Works
558-7230

Community Development

558-7250
Fire Department
558-7600
Police Department
777-4100
Parks & Recreation
558-7300
Burlingame Library
558-7474
Human Resources
558-7206