Planning Handouts

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 (PDF) – Information for those who may wish to appeal a decision by the Architecture and Design Review Board (ADRB).
• City Council Projects (PDF) – Information on what is required for projects which are subject to review by the City Council.
• Design Professional Newsletters - Useful information to assist you with your project getting through the Planning and Building phases.
• 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 (PDF) – This explains the environmental process for grading applications which are subject to approval by the City Council.
• Energy Upgrade California Program - The Town of Hillsborough proudly promoted Energy Upgrade California through February 2012. Visit Energy Upgrade California for more information.
• Extension Procedure (PDF) – This explains how to request a extension to an approval which was granted by the Architecture and Design Review Board (ADRB) or Administrative staff review.
• Fee Schedule - The chart of all Planning review fees and department staff time.
• Guide to Creek and Wetland Project Permitting (PDF) - Should you have a project that is adjacent to or involves a riparian corridor or wetland, certain permits may be required from federal, state or local agencies.
• Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditors - The Irrigation Association provides an online tool for locating certified landscape irrigation auditors based on geographic areas. The town's Water Efficiency in Landscape Ordinance (WELO) requires all tier II landscape plans to be reviewed and certified by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. More information regarding the WELO requirements can be found online: TOH Water Efficiency in Landscape Requirements.
• Landscape Certification (PDF) – 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 (PDF) - This document contains information on how to reduce hazardous vegetation, create defensible space around 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 and materials (PDF) 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 and Planning Department at 650-375-7411. The links will provide a listing of approved WUI and HFSZ materials, companies and methods.
• Lot and House Size (PDF) – This answers common questions about lot sizes and house sizes in Hillsborough.
• Preliminary Reviews (PDF) – 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 (PDF) – This explains the approval process for replacing an older fence with a new fence when the fence runs along a street frontage.
• Residential Design Guidelines - The Residential Design Guidelines were adopted by the City Council in 2004 and subsequently amended in July 2006 (solar panels) and August 2012 (roofing). The purpose of the guidelines is to provide design guidance for new development which takes place in the town, including new houses, additions, landscaping, and fencing and gates. The guidelines provide flexibility for designers while assuring conformance to the community's vision and goals for development.
• Residential Design, Permitting, and Construction Process Brochure
• Residential Design, Permitting, and Construction Forum Presentation
• Solar Panels (PDF) – This explains the process for designing and installing solar energy systems.
• Standard Conditions of Approval (PDF) – This is the list of conditions of approval which apply to all new houses, second story additions and ground floor additions 500 square feet in size or larger.
• Story Poles (PDF) – This explains the process for installing story poles for proposed development.
• Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs (PDF) – This provides all the basic information for designing and placing these structures.
• Hillsborough Beautification Foundation Recommended Tree List (PDF)
• Tree Protection Measures for Construction Sites (PDF)
• Tree Removal Guidelines (PDF)
• Tree Removal and Maintenance Companies (PDF)
• Water Efficiency in Landscaping (PDF)– This link provides 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), WUCOLS Plant List, checklists and access to the full text of the Ordinance.
  • Outdoor Water Use Efficiency Checklist (MS Excel) (PDF)
  • Water Budget Calculation Worksheet (if applicable):
    • Interactive Version (MS Excel) (PDF)
  • WUCOLS Plant List (PDF)
  • Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (PDF)
• Please call 650-375-7422 with any questions regarding the Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance. Also, please check out these additional outdoor water conservation resources (PDF) which may be helpful on your project.
• What is the ADRB? (PDF) – This provides some general information about the town's Architecture and Design Review Board