Hillsborough · Land use · Single-family home
Where is a single-family home allowed in Hillsborough?
In Hillsborough, a single-family home is allowed in 2 base zones (RD-1 and RD-2) and not allowed in 1 (Hillsborough use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RD-1 and RD-2
- Not allowed: RD-3
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Hillsborough Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a single-family home can go
Hillsborough's code calls this use “Single-family dwelling”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| RD-1 Traditional Residential | Allowed | Chapter 17.16 — USES PERMITTED |
| RD-2 Mixed Residential | Allowed | Chapter 17.16 — USES PERMITTED |
Zones where it is not allowed
RD-3.
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 17.16.010(B)(1)(a): limited long-term room rental is part of the permitted use; § 17.16.020 limits the use to residential purposes only.
- State law: State law lets most single-family lots add an ADU and a JADU (California ADU law) and a second home or a lot split under SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21).
- Overlay zones and specific plans can change the answer for a lot.
Other uses in Hillsborough
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a single-family home in the RD-3 zone in Hillsborough?
No. Hillsborough's use table does not allow it in RD-3 (Governmental and Residential Mixed Use) (Chapter 17.16 — USES PERMITTED).
Can I have a single-family home in the RD-1 zone in Hillsborough?
Yes. Hillsborough's use table lists it as allowed in RD-1 (Traditional Residential) (Chapter 17.16 — USES PERMITTED).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a single-family home at an address in Hillsborough
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
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