‘Flintstone House’ Irks S.F. Bay Area Town

The quirky hilltop home is visible from the freeway, and commuters love it. The city, however, does not.

1 minute read

March 28, 2019, 2:00 PM PDT

By Camille Fink


Flintstone House

Sergei from San Bruno, USA, California / Wikimedia Commons

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.

Friday, March 15, 2019 in SF Gate

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

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