Planning Applications

The Town will be only accepting applications in electronic format 

 Your time is valuable please schedule an appointment to meet with a Planner by emailing the Planner directly

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Administrative-Level Applications (Non-ADU)

Administrative level applications are for projects which can be approved directly by Town staff.  These projects include:

  • Fences, Walls & Gates & Columns
  • Landscape Design Review (not associated with a project requiring ADRB review)
  • Tree Removal (applies to trees with a total diameter of 36’’ or more and tree groves)
  • Film Permit Applications
  • Variance Applications
  • Minor & Major Architectural Design Review
    • Minor: Additions less 500 sq. ft. with no changes to architectural style/exterior materials
    • Major: Additions less than 500 sq. ft. and/or changes to architectural style/exterior materials 

Please send all inquiries related to submittal of Administrative Staff Applications to the Town's Associate Planner, Sarah Bowab at sbowab@hillsborough.net 

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Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Applications

Review of ADU applications must adhere to specific State-mandated rules and requirements.  

Please send all inquiries related to Accessory Dwelling Unit Applications to the Town's ADU Specialist, Mandy Kang at adu@hillsborough.net

  • ORD 777 - Amending CH 17.52 of the HMC relating to ADU's & JADU's
  • ORD 778 - Amending Sections 17.52.020(E)(l)(a) AND 17.52.020(D)(4) of the HMC regarding maximum size of ADU

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Architecture & Design Review Board (ADRB)-Level Applications

ADRB Level Applications are larger, more in-depth applications which require review from the Town’s Architecture and Design Review Board.  ADRB Level Applications include the following project types:

  • Preliminary Design Review
    • New Houses
    • Substantial Remodels that constitute a “tear down” and/or involve an architectural style change
  • Formal Design Review
    • Additions over 500 sq. ft.
    • Second story additions of any size that are visible from the public right-of-way
    • New Houses (must receive preliminary review by the ADRB prior to Formal review)
  • New Subdivisions
  • Landscaping Projects (only for projects associated with ADRB Level Applications) 
  • New Tennis Courts

More information on the ADRB may be found here: https://www.hillsborough.net/243/Architecture-Design-Review-Board 

Please send all inquiries related to submittal of ADRB Applications to planning@hillsborough.net and preapplication meetings the Town's Senior Planner, Linda Roberson at lroberson@hillsborough.net

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SB9 Lot Splits and SB9 Two-unit Projects

Review of SB9 applications must adhere to specific State-mandated rules and requirements.  

More information on SB9 Lot Splits and SB9 Two-unit Projects may be found here: https://www.hillsborough.net/604/SB-9-10

 Please send all inquiries related to SB9 and submittal of SB9 Applications to Liz Ruess, Long-range Planning & Special Projects at lruess@hillsborough.net 

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Wireless Communication Facility (WCF) Applications

Applications must be made with the appropriate department, depending on where the WCF is proposed to be located.

  • If on Private or Town-Owned Property: Building & Planning Department
    • An appointment with our Acting Director of Building & Planning, Tim Anderson is required prior to application submittal for projects on private or Town-owned property.  Please call (650) 375.7420 for more information or email at tanderson@hillsborough.net
  • If on Public Right-of-Way (PROW): Public Works Department
    • An appointment with staff from the Public Works Engineering department is required prior to application submittal for projects in the PROW.  Please call (650) 375.7444 for more information.

The Town's application form and 2019 Design Standards may be found below:

 APPLICATION FORMS

Administrative Level Review Application Forms (Non-ADU)

  1. Administrative Design Review, Architectural Projects (PDF)
  2. Administrative Design Review Fences, Walls, Gates Application (PDF)
  3. Administrative Design Review, Landscaping Projects (PDF)
  4. Administrative Design Review Extension Request Procedure (PDF)
  5. Satellite Dish Antenna Application (PDF)

Accessory Dwelling Unit Application Form

  1. Accessory Dwelling Unit Application (PDF)

Architecture & Design Review Board Level  (ADRB) Application Forms

  1. ADRB Application and Checklist
  2. ADRB Application Submittal Checklist
  3. ADRB Application, Tree Removal (not related to development) (PDF)
  4. ADRB Roofing Application (PDF)
  5. Preliminary Review Application by the ADRB (PDF)
  6. Procedure for Making Changes to ADRB-Approved Plans (PDF)

SB9 and submittal of SB9 Application

  1. SB 9 Urban Lot Split Application

Variance Application

  1. Variance Application (PDF)

Film Production Permit Application

  1. Motion Picture and Television and Other Commercial Photography Permit Process and Application (PDF)

Environmental Assessments

  1. Environmental Assessment for Grading Permits (PDF)
  2. Environmental Information Form (PDF)

Appeal Application Form

Planning Fee Schedule (Effective July 1, 2023)