Resident Resources & Neighborhood Guide
Essential information for living in Burlingame Hills — from jurisdictional boundaries and tree protection ordinances to wildlife safety, dispute resolution, and garden stewardship.
New to The Hills? Understanding Your Jurisdiction
City of Burlingame vs. Unincorporated San Mateo County
Welcome to Burlingame Hills! Nestled in a peaceful, private hillside forest just 20 minutes from San Francisco and 30 minutes from Silicon Valley, our community includes approximately 850 homes and 2,800 residents. Uniquely, each home lies in one of two distinct jurisdictions: roughly half are within the incorporated City of Burlingame, while the other half are in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County.
All new residents moving into The Hills within the past 12 months receive a complimentary BHIA membership through the next Annual Meeting. Contact Amy Sanford at president@burlingamehills.org to receive your welcome packet!
Homes in the City of Burlingame
Subject to City of Burlingame municipal ordinances and building codes.
- Police: Burlingame Police (650) 777-4100
- Fire: Central County Fire (650) 558-7600
- Planning & Permits: City Planning (650) 558-7250
- Public Works / Streets / Sewer: (650) 558-7230
- Water: Burlingame Water Dept (650) 558-7230
Homes in Unincorporated County
Subject to San Mateo County ordinances and County Planning rules.
- Law Enforcement: County Sheriff (650) 259-2300
- Fire: CCFD first responder (650) 558-7600 / Cal Fire
- Planning & Permits: County Planning (650) 363-1825
- Public Works & Roads: County DPW (650) 363-4100
- Water: Burlingame Water (or Hillsborough Water for upper Summit, Glen Aulin, 10-80 Tiptoe)
Tree Protection Ordinance & Canopy Preservation
San Mateo County Regulations & Penalties up to $10,000 per Tree
Maintaining our dense oak and woodland canopy is central to BHIA's mission. In the unincorporated area of Burlingame Hills, a strict County Tree Protection Ordinance protects Significant and Heritage trees from illegal cutting, severe topping, or unpermitted limb removal.
Penalties for Unpermitted Tree Removal
- • First Significant Tree (~12"+ trunk diameter): $2,500 fine
- • Second Significant Tree: $3,750 fine
- • Each Additional Significant Tree: $5,000 fine
- • Heritage Trees: $5,000 to $10,000 per tree
- • Plus After-the-Fact permit fees up to 10× standard cost
Mandatory 300-Foot Neighbor Notice
When a homeowner applies to remove or significantly trim a protected tree, County regulations require written notice to all property owners within 300 feet.
If you witness tree removal and did not receive a county notice, contact the Sheriff Dispatch immediately at (650) 363-4911. Work will be halted until permits are verified.
Neighbor-to-Neighbor Relations
A 10-Step Guide to Fostering Harmony & Resolving Disagreements
While the BHIA Board maintains a policy against arbitrating private disputes, our leadership has developed these 10 practical principles based on decades of hillside community experience:
1. Long-Term Perspective
You will likely live next to each other for many years. Avoid saying or doing anything in the heat of a moment that could permanently harm neighborly relations.
2. De-escalate First
Never approach a neighbor when feeling angry. Take a walk, calm your breathing, and only initiate conversation in a grounded, constructive frame of mind.
3. Consult a Neutral Friend
Before bringing up a complaint, talk it over with a wise friend who is emotionally detached from the situation and willing to offer objective advice.
4. Talk Face-to-Face; Avoid Notes
Emails, texts, and written notes easily convey an unintended harsh tone. An in-person conversation allows your neighbor to hear your goodwill and warmth.
5. Avoid Presumptuous Language
Avoid framing situations as 'conflicts' or 'problems.' Don't assume you know what your neighbor is thinking or what their motives are.
6. Respect Differing Perspectives
What seems self-evident to you may not be obvious to someone with different life experiences. Genuine mutual respect is the foundation of compromise.
7. Verify Understanding First
Ask: 'Is it correct that your concern is [X]?' Confirm you fully understand their perspective before proposing solutions.
8. Practice Empathy
If a neighbor reacts unexpectedly, keep in mind they may be facing unseen personal challenges, medical stress, or bereavement.
9. Offer a Peace Gesture
An invitation for an informal beverage with no strings attached can disarm tension and affirm your desire to be good neighbors.
10. Keep a Warm Smile
Maintaining a calm presence, natural smile, and relaxed tone goes a long way toward defusing potential tension.
Garden Club & Invasive Species Stewardship
Eradicating French Broom & Protecting Hillside Native Ecology
The Burlingame Hills Garden Club works to protect our native ecosystem and reduce wildfire fuel loads by eradicating high-risk invasive plant species.
French Broom (Genista monspessulana)
HIGH FIRE HAZARD3–8 ft perennial shrub with yellow pea-like flowers. Highly flammable and crowds out native flora. Pull gently from the base before it sets seed in late March/April.
Bermuda Buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae)
INVASIVE BULBGrows ~12" with clover-like leaves and bright yellow flowers. Rapidly smothers garden beds. NEVER yank roots (this spreads subterranean bulbils); instead, clip stalks at ground level.
Stay Connected Across The Hills
Connects 1,400+ residents for contractor referrals, lost pets, and neighborhood items.
Countywide emergency notification system for wildland fire, storm, and evacuation notices at smcalert.info.
Direct email broadcasts to 800+ residents for immediate local safety advisories and storm recovery.