Hillside Combining District

The City of Morgan Hill is committed to the preservation and protection of the natural features within the city and limiting the extent of impacts to environmentally sensitive areas. Please review the Hillside Development Guidelines handout (PDF) for specifications.

Properties that are considered a “Hillside property” are located within the city’s overlay district called the Hillside Combining District. This means the property contains sloped/steep land features that are equal to or greater than 20% -- however, any property that has a slope of 10% or greater is considered a Hillside property. 

A Design Permit (Applications/Permits/Fees) through the Planning Division may be required prior to obtaining a Building Permit. 

Hillside Documents and Regulations 

Supplemental information relevant to Hillside properties: 

You can determine what zoning district your property is located in by looking at the Zoning Map (PDF) or by contacting the Planning Division. To confirm if your property is in the Hillside, please contact the Planning Division by phone (408) 778-6480 or by email: planning@morganhill.ca.gov 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build on a property located within the Hillside Combining District? 

Maybe. If the property contains an average slope of 20% or more, you will need to demonstrate if there are areas contain less than 20% sloped areas where development can potentially occur. 

How do I figure out the slope of my property? 

You will need to hire an engineer or a land surveying professional that can determine the slope of your property. The City has limited information regarding the slope of a property. A topographic map provided by the land surveying professional will outline the natural contours of your property and provide the slope. 

What is the permit process? 

If your project proposal requires a Design Permit through the Planning Division, you will need to review the Hillside Development Guidelines handout and submit a Uniform Application for a Design Permit along with all submittal requirements. 

What are the challenges of development on Hillside properties? 

Many Hillside properties are located within a “Very High Fire Severity Zone,” which means there are additional requirements to ensure fire safety. Sloped properties are susceptible to natural earth movements, including earthquake risk, liquefaction, landslides, etc. 

A Geotechnical Survey is required as part of your application to develop in the Hillside. This is to ensure a certified engineer has researched the property and provided measures for safe development. 

Can I subdivide a Hillside property? 

Maybe. We cannot support subdivisions if the resulting lot(s) would create a parcel only containing areas sloped 20% or greater.