Informational Handouts

All documents are in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF) and can be read with Adobe Acrobat Reader.

The Planning Division has prepared a series of handouts with key development-related information to assist in the understanding of the Town’s requirements and processes:

• Appeal Procedure – Information for those who may wish to appeal a decision by the Architecture and Design Review Board (ADRB)

• City Council Projects – Information on what is required for projects which are subject to review by the City Council

• Development Standards – The handbook for developing houses and additions to houses in Hillsborough. This contains information on setbacks, height limits, house sizes, parking requirements, etc.

• Environmental Assessment for Grading Permits – This explains the environmental process for grading applications which are subject to approval by the City Council

• Extension Procedure – This explains how to request an extension to an approval which was granted by the Architecture and Design Review Board (ADRB)

• Landscape Certification – This is the form used to submit the certification by the project landscape architect that the project has been installed consistent with the approved plans
• Living With Fire in San Mateo County - This document contains information on how to reduce hazardous vegetation, create defensible space areound structures and provides a general overview of fire hazards and fire behavior.
• Wildland Urban Interface / High Fire Hazard Severity Zone - New construction and teardowns located in either the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) or High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (HFSZ) will be required to incorporate fire resistant construction methods & materials as well as defensible space and vegetation management plans in landscape designs.  For a determination if these requirements apply to your project, please contact the Building & Planning Department at (650) 375-7411.  The links will provide a listing of approved WUI & HFSZ materials, companies and methods.
• Lot and House Size – This answers common questions about lot sizes and house sizes in Hillsborough

• Preliminary Reviews – This explains the process for the preliminary review, by the Architecture and Design Review Board, of new houses and other projects

• "Replacement" Fencing Along A Street –This explains the approval process for replacing an older fence with a new fence when the fence runs along a street frontage

• Pre-Approved Roofing Materials for Re-Roofing – This is a list of roofing materials and colors which have been pre-approved for use on re-roofing projects

• Solar Panels – This explains the process for designing and installing solar energy systems

• Standard Conditions of Approval – This is the list of conditions of approval which apply to all new houses, second story additions and ground floor additions 500 sq. ft. in size or larger

• Story Poles – This explains the process for installing story poles for proposed development

• Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs – This provides all the basic information for designing and placing these structures

• Tree Protection Measures for Construction Sites

• Tree Removal Guidelines

• Water Efficiency in Landscaping – For information regarding the Town's Water Efficiency in Landscaping Ordinance and landscape design submittal requirements.  Information includes an interactive Water Budget Calculator (for use in calculating Maximum Applied Water Allowance and Estimated Total Water Use), submittal requirement checklists and access to the full text of the Ordinance. 

• What is the ADRB? – This provides some general information about the Town’s Architecture and Design Review Board