Environmental Review Initiated for Five-Story Office Development in Burlingame

Planners in Burlingame, San Mateo County, have initiated the environmental review process for a proposed five-story office building at 1430 Chapin Avenue. The project, spearheaded by San Mateo-based developUrban, involves demolishing an existing Chase Bank structure to construct a new 103,010-square-foot complex. This development will feature approximately 61,860 square feet of commercial office space, alongside 4,050 square feet for a financial institution and a 2,050-square-foot ground-level cafe.

Designed by Portland-based Lever Architecture, the building will include modern aesthetics with floor-to-ceiling windows and cross-laminated timber as a primary structural material. On-site parking for 117 vehicles, utilizing automated stalls, and 23 bicycles will be provided. The 0.7-acre site is strategically located near Burlingame Avenue and El Camino Real, within walking distance of the city’s primary Caltrain Station.

The city's planning department recently issued a notice of intent to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) under CEQA, outlining how potential environmental impacts will be addressed. A 30-day public comment period on this document is currently open, concluding on August 25th, 2026. Developers and stakeholders interested in new commercial projects in the Bay Area should monitor such environmental review processes and participate in public comment periods to understand potential project timelines and requirements.