Announcements

Group-rate oak tree treatment program

November 4 - December 10 in Burlingame Hills

If you didn't receive a postcard with details about this money-saving program, click here to read the details. If you have any questions, write to Michael at michael@burlingamehills.org.

Large trees protected from

illegal cutting and trimming

Penalties of up to $10,000 per tree

Maintaining the rural character of The Hills is of primary importance to the members of our Community Association’s Board of Directors. It’s no surprise that it is in our mission statement. Illegal tree cutting has been a major problem in Burlingame Hills.

Two years ago, a County ordinance established major penalty fees for unpermitted cutting. Until then, there were no such penalty fees. There is no change to permitting fees for those who go through the regular process of removing or trimming a large tree. A large tree is generally defined as being at least 12” in diameter at 4.5 feet from the ground.

Violation of the revised regulations will result in penalty fees and After-the-Fact Tree Removal Permit fees.

After-the-Fact Tree Removal Application fees can be up to 10 times the normal permit fee. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that before you cut down a large tree or even trim large branches (12” or more), you call the folks at County Planning Department at (650) 363-4161.

In addition, fines up to $10,000 per tree are now in place for large trees that are removed without a permit. These higher penalty fees are intended to deter the unpermitted removal of trees, account for the increased time and administrative costs associated with the processing of violations and After-the-Fact Tree Removal Permits, and reflect the significant community and environmental benefits that our trees provide.

If a neighbor goes through the proper permitting process, then all neighbors within 300 feet should receive a notice. If you live within 300 feet of a large tree that is being removed, is having large limbs removed, or is otherwise being killed and you did not receive a notice in the mail from County planning department, then please call the Sheriff immediately at (650) 363-4911. You can remain anonymous if you choose.

Upon arrival, the Sheriff will halt the tree removal until such time as the penalty fee is paid and an After-the-Fact Removal Permit is issued.

Together we can preserve the forest in which we live, for its beauty, for its peacefulness, for the privacy it provides for us, and habitat it provides for animals.

Consultant selected for sewer district economic sustainability study

Study expected to be completed by November

For several years, the members of your Community Association Board of Directors have been concerned about the possibility that the financial future of Burlingame Hills Sewer Maintenance District (BHSMD) is unsustainable.

Rates are much higher than for homes adjacent to the unincorporated area and the District has significant capital improvements that need funding.

The Association has been working with San Mateo County government to learn about what alternatives there might be to the status quo.

Recently, San Mateo County took a big step forward by selecting Berkson and Associates to conduct an economic and service delivery analysis to evaluate the long term projections of sewer operation costs and rates for the District. The study is completely funded by the County and not BHSMD.

The study will consider three possibilities:

1) that the costs and liabilities for BHSMD remain the responsibility of homeowners;

2) that the County contracts with the City of Burlingame to provide sewer services currently provided by BHSMD, just as the City provides water service for most homes in The Hills; and

3) that all homes in BHSMD (AKA “the unincorporated area”) are annexed to the City, subject to the approval of the City, County, and a majority vote of the property owners, in accordance with State law. If approved, the entity “BHSMD” would be dissolved and its assets and liabilities transferred to the City.

While the study calls for various financial and service implications to be examimed, whether it is sufficiently comprehensive to cover all aspects of annexation is not clear at this point. If annexation is recommended by the consultant, then your Community Association will monitor the process to ensure that property owners receive comprehensive information critical to making a well-educated decision.

The consultant is empowered to identify other alternatives. The results of the study will assist the County with discussions and decisions regarding alternative service solutions and long-term fiscal sustainability of services.

The County expects the economic study to be completed by November 2019.

Past announcements

It's time to participate in our annual disaster drills: learn what you need to know and do in a disaster. Sunday, October 13, 9am sharp! Locations throughout Burlingame Hills. Click here to sign up and for details on a location near you!

You don't want to miss it...

BIENNIAL BURLINGAME HILLS COMMUNITY FESTIVAL

Sunday, September 23, 12-5pm

Kohl Mansion

Fabulous food * Children's fun activities * Live entertainment * Silent auction * Docent-led tours of the Mansion

Invitations to be mailed the week of August 26

A private party for residents of The Hills and their guests

Fire Safety Forum notes and presentation slides — Mar 2, 2018 8:07:12 AM

Join your Neighbors at the Fire Safety Forum on Tuesday, 2/27 — Feb 15, 2018 1:53:17 PM

Burlingame Hills Holiday Lights Program: neighbors helping neighbors — Nov 23, 2017 11:29:53 PM

2017 membership breaks new record — Nov 23, 2017 11:24:06 PM

House fire on Valdeflores — Nov 23, 2017 11:17:47 PM