Architecture and Design Review Board (ADRB)

Regular Meetings

  • First Monday of each month
  • Town Hall
    1600 Floribunda Ave.
    Hillsborough, CA 94010

View the ADRB Meeting Schedule (PDF). Take a look at the Application Procedures page for more information on filing an application.

Click here for a link to ADRB applications and ADRB and Planning Application Fee Schedule (PDF). Please refer to documents below to educate you on the Planning review process.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

Most Recent Agenda (PDF) | View All Agendas and Minutes

Overview

The Architecture and Design Review Board (ADRB), part of the Planning Division, was created by the City Council to provide Hillsborough with a thorough design review process. The 5-member board of volunteers, consisting of citizens who typically have some background and/or experience in design or construction, is appointed by the City Council. The board serves as a link between the applicant and the town's goals for functional and aesthetic standards for development. Although the board's process is one of critique, the intent is one of guidance in order to create excellence in design as the prevailing standard for the town.

Purpose

The purpose of the ADRB is to promote the orderly and harmonious development of the town and maintain and enhance the desirability and historic quality of life in the town. In addition, the board encourages and promotes good design in order to maintain the environmental quality and high quality of aesthetic values which make the town unique.

Responsibilities

The ADRB conducts public hearings to consider the design of new houses, additions, landscaping, fencing and gates along the street, and other exterior changes. The ADRB has developed and adopted Residential Design Guidelines which provide guidance to applicants and are used in evaluating the applications.