Hillsborough's Flintstone House owner files cross-complaint

Alioto said in a press release that Fang — formerly the owner of the San Francisco Independent and the San Francisco Examiner after it was sold by Hearst — is fighting back against the violations of her constitutional right to the free pursuit of happiness at her private property.

Easily spotted from Interstate 280, the unique home with a bulbous shape and bright colors has been lauded by many as a cherished landmark. But more recently, it has been dubbed a public nuisance by Hillsborough, which alleged in the suit Fang is long overdue in addressing municipal code violations and must remove the landscaping improvements officials say were installed at the home without planning approvals or building permits.

Since Hillsborough filed the suit March 13, Fang has indicated repeatedly she plans to fight the suit and preserve a landmark that has brought a smile to many.

“When this began, I thought the Flintstone House was what I needed for my energy — but I have learned that it gives energy to a world that needs joy,” said Fang in the release.

Among the improvements in question are several large dinosaur statues and other figurines, a sign with the words “Yabba Dabba Doo,” a retaining wall, deck, parking strip and steps — all of which were installed beginning in 2017 without required planning review and building permits, according to Hillsborough’s suit.

The improvements outside the scope of a permit to build a low wall on the front of the property were allegedly discovered in late 2017, after which point the Hillsborough Building Department issued a stop order Dec. 11, 2017, and issued two others Jan. 12, and Aug. 1, 2018, when work continued at the home, according to a suit and a Decision and Order of the town’s Administrative Hearing Panel.

“The cross-complaint seeks to divert attention away from the fact that the owner installed a large project without going through design review and without obtaining the required permits,” said Hudak. “This process applies to all residents, regardless of age, racial background or any factor.”

Alioto’s cross-complaint also alleges Tim Anderson, a Hillsborough building official, made a warrantless inspection of Fang’s backyard in December of 2017 and that Fang was working on submitting permit applications over the course of several months in 2018 but town officials changed the goal posts of what was required to obtain the permit. The document also claims another City Planner Elizabeth Cullinan offered to help Fang obtain all the permits needed to demolish the house shortly after she purchased the property in June of 2017.

Hudak called the allegations against Anderson and Cullinan wrong and offensive and maintained Hillsborough staff is respectful to all residents.