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Zoning Ordinance Updates

ZONING ORDINANCE OVERHAUL
         
 
Overview
The City of Hollister is embarking on a comprehensive overhaul of its Zoning Ordinance to better reflect current planning practices, comply with evolving State laws, and create a more user-friendly framework for residents, developers, and city staff. This effort is being led by the Planning Department in response to direction from the City Council, and is closely tied to the ongoing review of the 2040 Hollister General Plan.

The goal is to ensure that the Zoning Ordinance is clear, effective, and aligned with both community needs and legal requirements—now and into the future.
 
Proposed Phases of Overhaul 
 
Phase 1 : State Law Consistency
Status: Ongoing
Over the past two years, City staff have made several amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to ensure consistency with evolving State Law. This phase remains active and will continue on an as-needed basis.
 
Phase 2: Use Tables and Definitions
Status: Approved by Planning Commission; City Council Hearing Pending
This phase focuses on clarifying inconsistencies and providing precise definitions for each use listed in the Zoning Ordinance's use table. The Planning Commission recommended approval during its July meeting. A City Council hearing is forthcoming. 
 
Phase 3: Permitting Requirements Overhaul
Status: Current Phase
Staff plans to repeal and replace Chapter 17.24, Administration and Enforcement, of the Zoning Ordinance. Study sessions to review proposed modifications are anticipated to begin in August/September 2025.
 
Phase 4: Final Ordinance Updates
Status: Upcoming
This final phase will address the remaining sections of the Zoning Ordinance. Upon completion, the entire ordinance will be repealed and replaced in full. 
 
Final Outcome
Once all phases are complete, the Zoning Ordinance will be fully updated to reflect modern standards, legal compliance, and community needs.
         

Public Meetings and Key Events
Find information about public meetings and key events related to the comprehensive update to the Zoning Ordinance here.
 
 
   City Council  Meetings          
  Monday, October 6, 2025
City Council Chamber, City Hall
375 Fifth Street, Hollister CA 95023
         
             
  Planning Commission Meetings          
  Thursday, September 25, 2025
City Council Chamber, City Hall
375 Fifth Street, Hollister CA 95023
Agenda Cover Page PDF
Agenda HTML | PDF
       
             
  Thursday, August 28, 2025
City Council Chamber, City Hall
375 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023
Agenda Cover Page PDF
Agenda HTML | PDF
Video