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Permits & Signs

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1. Can I get a sign for my business?

In general, permanent signs for businesses are not allowed in town. Temporary signs are allowed for real estate and contractors. One sign, no larger than 12 by 15 inches, black and white only (no colors) may be posted on a property for real estate purposes or to identify a contractor working on a job for which there is an active permit.

Additional details are included in Hillsborough Municipal Code Section 17.48.040, the Sign Ordinance. Call 650-375-7411 for more information.

2. Do I need a permit for a home alarm system?

Hillsborough Municipal Code requires all residents to obtain a permit to install a burglary alarm system. Moreover, the Police Department offers alarm monitoring services. Interested residents should contact the Finance Department at 650-375-7402 for more information.

3. Do I need a permit for a new swimming pool?

Yes, a Building Permit is required for a swimming pool. In addition, the town has standards and requirements for the placement of pools, pool equipment, and spas. Please contact the Building department at 650-375-7411.

4. Do I need a permit for an estate sale or garage sale?

No permit is needed, but please keep in mind that residents are responsible for ensuring that traffic impacts are limited. Sales are limited to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on either 1 day or 2 consecutive days only. No more than 3 sales per year, per address, are allowed. Signs may only be posted on the sale site, not on adjoining properties or on public property (such as streets and poles). Call 650-375-7470 for more information.

5. Do I need a permit for my business sign?

Permanent business signs are not permitted in Hillsborough. Permits are not required for temporary business signs. Business signs permitted in Hillsborough are contractor's signs (on the job site) and real estate signs. Signs are limited to one sign per property, no larger than 12 by 15 inches. in black on white only. Contractor's signs must be removed within one week after the job is completed. Real estate signs may remain on the property only one week after the transaction has been completed.

6. Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

In some cases, yes. There are different procedures for tree removal, depending on the circumstance. If a tree is an immediate hazard, the tree removal request is given a top priority. View the town's tree removal guidelines, or call 650-375-7411 for more information.

7. Do I need a permit to place an antenna or satellite dish on my property or house?

The town has regulations about the placement of antenna and satellite dishes. View the Satellite Dish / Antenna Application, or call 650-375-7411 for more information.

8. How do I obtain a contractor’s license?

Please contact the State Contractor's License Board.

9. How do I schedule a building inspection?

Schedule an inspection by calling the Building Department at 650-375-7411 during regular business hours. Please call at least 48 hours in advance to ensure that your inspection can be scheduled according to your needs.

10. How large of an addition may I put on my house?

View the Lot and House Size handout to understand how the town regulates house sizes. The larger the lot, the larger the house may be.

To determine the possible size of an addition, you will need to know the exact lot size and the size of the current house. Lot size can be determined by contacting a surveyor or a civil engineer and having traverse closure calculations prepared (this does not require a survey). You may need to measure your house, or refer to plans which you may have (some plans are available on microfiche in the Building Department) to determine its size. Once you know these two key facts, you will be able to easily calculate the maximum size permitted for an addition.

If you need assistance, contact the Planning Department at 650-375-7411.

11. I am building a new house. Where can I get information?

The Planning Department has important information, such as Design Guidelines and Development Standards, which will help you and your architect understand the town's requirements and regulations. In addition, there is information about the town's Architecture and Design Review process for new houses.

12. I am planning a large function / party / fundraiser at my home. Do I need a permit?

For more information, call 650-375-7412 at least one month before holding your event. If you plan to use a temporary tent shelter, you are required to obtain the permission of the Central County Fire Department.

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13. I am remodeling my house. What permits or approvals do I need?

If the remodel will alter the exterior appearance or the size of your home, design review approval is required before applying for a Building Permit. The Planning Department has information, such as Design Guidelines and Development Standards, which will help you and your architect understand the town's requirements and standards. Designs for small-scale additions and exterior changes (such as ground floor additions smaller than 500 square feet, fencing along the street, driveway gates, and landscaping) may be approved administratively by the Planning Department staff. Designs for larger projects, including second-story additions, require design approval by the town's Architecture and Design Review Board.

14. I want to hold an outdoor / open-air event. Do I need a permit?

Call 650-375-7412 at least one month before holding your event. Fundraising permits are required for certain types of fund raising events. Events where more than 200 persons will be present require review of parking by the Police Department. If a tent is erected or persons will be indoors, the Central County Fire Department must also be consulted. Town ordinance limits the use of outdoor speakers and other amplification devices, and noise levels should remain below the nuisance level defined in the Municipal Code.

15. I want to install solar panels. Do I need a permit?

The installation of solar panels requires a Building Permit. Please contact the Building Division  at 650-375-7411 for more information.

 

16. I would like to film a commercial or a movie in Hillsborough. Do I need a permit?

The Planning Department administers film permits. Call 650-375-7411 for more information.

17. May I put up a sign on telephone or Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) poles?

No signs may be posted on poles.

18. How do I find more information on construction permits?

Permits are issued by the Building Department, located in town Hall, between 8 and 11:30 a.m. Permit fees are based on the value of the job. If you have already submitted a Building Permit application and plans for plan checking, the Building Department will call you, or your contractor, when the permit is ready to be issued. Building Permit applications are accepted during normal business hours.

Call 650-375-7411 for more information.

19. What is a Certificate of Occupancy?

A Certificate of Occupancy is issued when new structures are completed and fit to occupy. The Building Department issues Certificates of Occupancy when the final inspection has been made and the construction is complete. Call 650-375-7411 for more information.