Town of Hillsborough | FAQ: General Information

What are Hillsborough's tax rates?

Hillsborough's property tax rate is 58.7 cents for every $100 of assessed value. For property owners, each penny means $10 for those with a $100,000 home and $25 for those with a $250,000 home. For additional information, see the Orange County Tax Office website.

The town levies an additional 1% sales tax on prepared foods and beverages, with proceeds funding the Tourism Board. Details about the tax can be found in the Code of Ordinances.

The town levies a 3% hotel and motel room occupancy tax, with proceeds funding the Tourism Development Authority. Details about the tax can be found in the Code of Ordinances.

Is a Historic District Commission approval required for work that can’t be seen from the road or on a non-contributing house?

Yes. When the Historic District was established, the Board of Commissioners delegated authority to the Historic District Commission and adopted regulation over exterior changes into the Hillsborough Code of Ordinances. It is unlawful to begin construction, moving, demolition, alteration or restoration of any structure or site until a Certificate of Appropriateness has been issued.

For additional information, see the Historic District Commission page.

What is the difference between building and zoning permits?

Building permits deal with compliance with the state building code for structural, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work. Orange County issues these permits and enforces these codes.

For additional information, see the Orange County Planning and Economic Development Division website.

The Town of Hillsborough issues zoning permits to verify that the use of a structure is allowed in a given district and that structures are not too tall or too close to the property line. Any project that changes the footprint of a structure or adds a new structure or fence requires a zoning permit if the lot is within the town’s planning jurisdiction.

For additional information, see the Planning and Economic Development Division and the Jurisdiction and Service Areas pages.

What regulations does the town have regarding trees?

Trees are regulated by the town in three ways:

Any pruning or removal of trees on town property or in public rights of way must be approved by the Tree Board. Trees on private property outside the Hillsborough Historic District are not regulated by the town. For more information, contact Public Space and Sustainability Manager Stephanie Trueblood by email or by phone at 919-296-9481.
Routine pruning of trees within the Hillsborough Historic District does not require approval from the Historic District Commission, however, significant pruning or tree removal may. For more information, contact Planning Technician Evan Punch by email or by phone at 919-296-9470.
The town has a tree preservation ordinance that it follows during the approval process for new residential and commercial developments.

Where is the courthouse?

The Orange County Justice Facility is located at 106 E. Margaret Lane. All court-related inquiries should be directed there. The phone number is 919-644-4500.

For more information, see the North Carolina Court System Orange County — District 15B website.

Do I receive town services?

Many people have a Hillsborough mailing address but do not live within town limits. Additionally, the town limits do not match the zoning jurisdiction or the water and sewer service areas.

To help determine the services you receive, see the Jurisdiction and Service Areas page.