Unified Development Ordinance
The Unified Development Ordinance applies to all properties within Hillsborough's planning jurisdiction, which includes properties in the town limits and in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. See the zoning information page to view the zoning map and tables.
For application forms, fees and deadlines, please contact staff.
Download the complete ordinance or any of its sections below.
Unified Development Ordinance complete document - last amended Sep 11, 2023
Unified Development Ordinance Section 1 — legal framework for the ordinance - last amended Sep 11, 2023
Unified Development Ordinance Section 2 — boards and their authority - last amended June 2021
Unified Development Ordinance Section 3 — review processes and steps - last amended Oct 10, 2022
Unified Development Ordinance Section 4 — descriptions of each zoning district - last amended Oct 10, 2022
Unified Development Ordinance Section 5 — specific standards for all uses requiring permits, from fences and home occupations to telecommunication towers and schools - last amended March, 2023
Unified Development Ordinance Section 5.1.7 & 5.1.8 — the Permitted Use Table, which lists all uses and which districts they are allowed in - last amended June 2021
Unified Development Ordinance Section 6 — development requirements that apply to all uses, including parking, lighting, signage, landscaping, design standards, tree preservation, and stormwater provisions - last amended Sep 11, 2023
Unified Development Ordinance Section 6.18 — Signage Regulations - last amended June 2021
Unified Development Ordinance Section 6.3.1 — dimensional requirements (setbacks and lot sizes) - last amended Dec. 13, 2021
Unified Development Ordinance Section 7 — nonconformities, detailing how the town will treat situations that do not conform to the standards of this ordinance - last amended Dec. 13, 2021
Unified Development Ordinance Section 8 — enforcement procedures and steps, including prevention of demolition by neglect - last amended Aug 2, 2022
Unified Development Ordinance Section 9 definitions and general guidance on using the document, including rules of measurement - last amended March 13, 2023