From Volume 1, Number 1 Published August 1, 1999
Monster homes once preyed upon our neighborhoods, eroding the quaint charm of our city. But thanks to a recently approved design-review process, they are back in their cages-for now. Still, citizens need to remain vigilant about protecting the architectural character of Burlingame from those who favor easy profit and expediency.

Hearing an outcry from the community, the Planning Commission brought forward a creative approach to design review that offered guidance and incentives. Commissioners, however, also wanted to give homeowners substantial flexibility in meeting their needs while providing a building that would ‘fit’ their neighborhood. That goal was accomplished and, it is working!

In order to help architects, designers, homeowners and developers work their way through the review process a design review booklet has been assembled which will serve as a guide to the history, character and future of our neighborhoods. Hammered out over a period of several months, this booklet asks applicants of new homes and additions to design their projects so they respect the existing character of the neighborhood.

Burlingame’s residential areas are experiencing an unprecedented building boom, and entire neighborhoods could be dramatically altered. These new guidelines will help to preserve the character of our community and continue to make Burlingame the special city that brought us here in the first place.

You can find out more about design review, as well as have a chance to express your views, at a joint City Council / Planning Commission meeting on Saturday, February 26, 9 a.m. to 1130 a.m. at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel (Balboa Room), 600 Airport Boulevard, Burlingame.