City of Belmont
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Thinking About Buying Property and Considering Development in the San Juan Hills or Western Hills Areas of Belmont?
Welcome
The City of Belmont is committed to protecting the natural character and environmental sensitivity of the San Juan Hills and Western Hills areas. If you're considering purchasing property in these areas, it is essential to understand the hillside development constraints that may apply.
Know Before You Buy
Some properties in these hillside areas are advertised as developable but may face significant restrictions or challenges due to:
- Steep slopes
- Geological hazards
- Limited access and infrastructure
- Environmental protections
- Zoning and General Plan policies
Governing Documents
Development in these areas is guided by the following documents:
Key Considerations for Buyers
Before purchasing property in these areas, we strongly encourage you to:
- Review Planning and Zoning Documents
- Review the applicable Area Plan
- Consult with City Planning staff
- Research property history, including past applications
- Engage a licensed civil engineer or geotechnical consultant
- Verify access, utilities, and grading limitations
Hillside Development FAQ
The City has developed a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) summary that provides answers to common questions about developing property in Belmont’s San Juan Hills and Western Hills areas.
Why This Matters
Each year, the City encounters cases where buyers unknowingly purchase land expecting to build, only to find their parcel is undevelopable or requires costly and lengthy permitting processes. Our goal is to help you make an informed investment.
Certificate of Compliance
Many parcels in the San Juan Hills and Western Hills areas are subject to California's Certificate of Compliance (CoC) review. This is a legal determination by the City that a parcel complies with the State of California Subdivision Map Act and was legally created. If your parcel lacks a recorded legal history, it may not be recognized as a separate legal lot for development purposes.
Conditional Certificates of Compliance
A conditional certificate of compliance is used to establish a legal record when a parcel was not legally created. It contains conditions of approval that must be satisfied before any other permits can be approved or issued. The conditions are typically the same as those that would have been applied had the parcel been legally created through the subdivision process, based on the date that the property owner acquired their interest in the property.
To initiate a CoC review, a formal application is required. The City provides a Certificate of Compliance Application & Checklist that outlines the materials and documentation necessary to begin this process.
Roadway Improvement Requirements
Depending on a parcel’s location, development may be subject to roadway and access improvement requirements. These improvements help ensure safe and reliable access for emergency services, utilities, and future development. Required improvements may include:
- Roadway extension
- Pavement widening
- Driveway construction
- Roadside drainage and infrastructure
Details of these requirements are outlined in the San Juan Hills Area Plan and Western Hills Area Plan.
Contact Us First
We’re here to help. Reach out to our Planning Department before you buy to understand what’s allowed, what’s required, and what’s realistic.
- Email: cdev@belmont.gov
- Phone: 650-595-7417
- Permit Center Hours & Info: Click Here
Helpful Links