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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

San Mateo County Grand Jury • 2023-2024

Restaurant Exteriors: the Neglected Space Issue The exterior trash areas of food service businesses are often unsightly

Published: June 30, 2025 25 pages
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Findings 7 findings

F1 Page 39
When an entity does not have a process to identify organizational risks, and the entity does not demonstrate how its internal controls address identified risks, the likelihood of a failure internal controls that results in fraud or waste increases. Response: The City of Burlingame agrees with this finding.
F2 Page 39
When an entity does not periodically assess its internal controls and the entity cannot demonstrate that it is monitoring its internal controls, the likelihood of a failure in internal controls that results in fraud or waste increases. Response: The City of Burlingame agrees with this finding.
F3 Page 39
When management does not report the results of its assessment of internal controls to its governing board and the entity has not communicated externally, the likelihood that others see this as an opportunity to commit fraud or waste increases. Response: The City of Burlingame agrees with this finding. Docusign Envelope ID: A81F77A6-69B1-4011-BA99-FEBE1E8BD83B The Honorable Amarra A. Lee September 3, 2024 Response to Recommendations
F4 Page 41
Most restaurant exterior areas are “out of sight” of the public and as a result complaints are less frequent. The City agrees with the finding.
F5 Page 41
Because they lack oversight, unacceptable conditions in restaurant trash areas are likely not to be rectified. The City agrees with the finding. Docusign Envelope ID: 6DFA0101-AADB-4F1F-A644-1DA35C73A3B2 Hon. Amarra Lee September 4, 2024
F6 Page 42
Waste water from the cleaning of trash areas and from rain flow into the storm drain systems. The City partially concurs with the finding. The Burlingame Municipal Code, specifically Section 25.31.130 Trash and Refuse Collection Areas, mandates that all restaurants must provide dedicated interior space or exterior trash enclosures for proper waste management. This requirement ensures that restaurants have designated areas for storing and handling their refuse. Furthermore, the City enforces strict guidelines for new construction and tenant improvements associated with restaurants. These establishments are required to have an interior dedicated trash washing area that is plumbed to the sanitary sewer system. This measure helps maintain cleanliness and prevent potential contamination. However, staff acknowledges the possibility of individual restaurant operators violating these code requirements despite the City's efforts. To address this issue, the City takes appropriate code enforcement action when necessary. This includes issuing warnings, fines, or other penalties to ensure compliance with the municipal code and maintain a clean and well-managed environment for the community.
F7 Page 42
Effective inspection of parklet sanitation can be severely hampered by closed skirting and lack of under floor access. Spacing between planking and lack of solid flooring can lead to accumulation of organic debris and possible infestation by vermin. The City agrees with the finding. Responses to Grand Jury Recommendations: Of the four Grand Jury recommendations, the City of Burlingame has been requested to respond to R4.

Recommendations 4

Observations 3