FAQs
How do I calculate lot coverage?
To calculate lot coverage, first identify the total square footage of your property (or rear yard area for calculating rear yard lot coverage). Next identify the total footprint of all enclosed structures on the property (or in the rear yard). The footprint of a structure includes only the covered ground floor area – a two-story structure would only count the floor area of the first floor when calculating lot coverage. Once you have added up the total square footage of the footprint of all enclosed structures, divide that number by the total square footage of the property, and multiply by 100 to express the lot coverage as a percentage. Only structures that are enclosed on three or more sides are counted toward lot coverage.
Example:
- 5,000 square foot lot (100 feet x 50 feet, 20-foot rear yard setback)
- 2,500 square foot, two-story home
- Ground floor: 500 square-foot garage + 1,500 square feet living area
- Second floor: 1,000 square feet living area
- 100 square-foot shed in rear yard
- 50 square-foot patio, enclosed on only two sides, in rear yard
Do I need a permit?
Permits through the Planning Division are required for most projects. Below are the types of projects or proposals that require a Planning permit.
- New residential, commercial, and industrial developments
- Multifamily residential, commercial, or industrial exterior modifications or site improvements
- General Plan and Zoning Amendments
- Conditional Use/Temporary Use Permits
- Subdivisions
- Sign Permits
- Environmental Review
What is my zoning?
You can determine what zoning district your property is located in by looking at the zoning map. After determining the zoning district, refer to Title 17 – Zoning of the Hollister Municipal Code for development regulations.
What is my Assessor Parcel Number (APN)?
You can find your APN by using San Benito County’s WebGIS. You can search for your property by address by selecting the “I want to…” button in the top left corner of the map and selecting “address search.”
What is my General Plan designation?
You can determine you General Plan designation by looking at the City’s current City of Hollister General Map Plan.
What can I do with my property?
The first step in researching what you can do with your property is to know your Zoning District (see “What is my zoning?”). Once the Zoning District is known, refer to Hollister Municipal Code Section 17.04.020 (Table 17.04-1) for uses in residential zoning districts, Chapter 17.06 for the Home Office Zoning District, Section 17.08.020 (table 17.08-1) for commercial zoning districts, Section 17.10.020 for industrial zoning districts, and Chapter 17.12 for special purpose zones such as airport or open space.
