The quirky hilltop home is visible from the freeway, and commuters love it. The city, however, does not.
Officials in the town of Hillsborough in San Mateo County are not pleased with what is known as the "Flintstone House," an unusual home built by architect William Nicholson in 1976.
The current owner, Florence Fang, bought the house in 2017 for $2.8 million and has installed dinosaur sculptures and a "Yabba Dabba Doo" sign. "She also reportedly built a retaining wall, steps, columns, gates, a parking strip and a deck to 'accommodate her plan to use 45 Berryessa for parties and social gatherings.'" reports Michelle Robertson.
Almost all the work was done without the required approvals and permits, and the city deemed the additions "life safety hazards" and the dinosaurs a "highly visible eyesore," says Robertson. Fang has ignored notices from the city to stop work as well as an order to remove the dinosaurs. The city has now filed an injunction to enforce the earlier regulation decisions.
FULL STORY: Yabba Dabba Don't: 'Flintstone House' owner in trouble for dinosaurs, other landscaping improvements
What Has Measure ULA Achieved?
Los Angeles has imposed an additional tax on luxury home sales to generate millions for housing efforts in the city. Shelterforce checks in on where the money has gone, and what’s to come.
San Mateo County Launches AV Strategic Plan
The county is the first in California to develop a plan establishing “a shared vision” for autonomous vehicle deployment.
Top 5 US Cities for Office-to-Residential Conversions
As more and more cities look to adapt vacant office buildings into homes, a new analysis from Urban Institute says some cities will benefit more than others.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule
The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.
Indy Neighborhood Group Builds Temporary Multi-Use Path
Community members, aided in part by funding from the city, repurposed a vehicle lane to create a protected bike and pedestrian path for the summer season.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service