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Building
Path to a Completed ADU Resources Frequently Asked Questions

The Building Division is responsible for protecting life, safety, and property by administering and enforcing adopted building codes and municipal regulations. It ensure that all structures in the community meet minimum standards of structural integrity, with special consideration for Hollister's location in a seismic region. Through professionalism, consistency, and public service, the Division promotes safe, sustainable development and supports the long-term resilience and well-being of the community. 

Office Location: 339 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Phone: (831) 636-4355
Email: building@hollister.ca.gov
Announcements 
 
Ordinance No. 1263: City of Hollister Adopts Updated Building and Safety Codes
 
The Hollister City Council has officially adopted Ordinance No. 1263, repealing and replacing Chapter 15.04 of the Hollister Municipal Code. This ordinance updates the City's building regulations by adopting 2025 California Building Standards Code and other related codes, with amendments tailored to Hollister's unique climate, geological, and topographical conditions.

Codes Adopted by Reference:
  • 2025 California Building Code
  • 2025 California Residential Code
  • 2025 California Electrical Code
  • 2025 California Mechanical Code
  • 2025 California Plumbing Code
  • 2025 California Energy Code
  • 2025 California Historical Building Code
  • 2025 California Existing Building Code
  • 2025 California Green Building Standards Code
  • 2024 International Property Maintenance Code
  • 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
Why these changes matter: Under California Health and Safety Code 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5, cities are authorized to adopt and amend building standards to better serve local needs. The City of Hollister has made express findings that these amendments are necessary to address local environmental and geological conditions, ensuring safer and more resilient development across the comment.

Effective Date: The updated codes will take effect statewide January 1, 2026, and will be enforced locally in accordance with Ordinance No. 1263.

View the Full Ordinance: For full details, including specific amendments and findings, click here to view. 

 
Ordinance No. 1264: City of Hollister Adopts 2025 California Fire Code with Local Amendments

At its regular  meeting September 15, 2025, the Hollister City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1264, amending Chapter 15.04 of the Hollister Municipal Code to adopt the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code, including all appendices, as published in Title 24, Part 9 of the California Code of Regulations. The ordinance also adds Section 15.04.055 to establish local amendments tailored to Hollister's unique environmental and geographic conditions.

These amendments are based on express findings that Hollister's hot, dry summers. seasonal high winds, periodic droughts, and wildland urban interface increase the risk of fire ignition and spread. Additionally, winter storms, localized flooding, and seismic activity - due to proximity to the San Andreas Fault - pose challenges to emergency response and fire suppression. The city's varied terrain, limited access routes, and critical infrastructure vulnerabilities further justify the need for enhanced fire safety standards.

By adopting the California Fire Code with these local modifications, the City of Hollister aims to strengthen protections for life and property and ensure that fire prevention and emergency response measures are suited to the Community's specific risks.

View the Full Ordinance:  For full details, including the adopted amendments and findings, click here to view. 

 
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Document Center

The Document Center provides easy access to public documents. Click on one of the categories below to see related documents or use the search function.

Categories always sorted by seq (sub-categories sorted within each category)
Documents sorted by _RECORDID in Ascending Order within category

Solid Waste Recycling5 documents

  • Solid Waste Recycling Compliance Instructions
    document _recordid 236
  • San Benito County Construction and Demolition (C&D) Recycling Guide
    document _recordid 237
  • San Benito County Approved Haulers
    document _recordid 238
  • Solid Waste Construction and Demolition Recycling Plan
    document _recordid 239
  • Solid Waste Post Construction Report
    document _recordid 240

Forms7 documents

  • City of Hollister Building Dept Plan Revision Form
    document _recordid 190
  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Retrofit Verification
    document _recordid 192
  • Solid Waste Diversion Plan PRE-Construction
    document _recordid 198
  • Solid Waste Diversion Plan POST-Construction
    document _recordid 199
  • Construction and Demolition Debris accepting Facility in San Benito County List
    document _recordid 200
  • ReRoof Permit Application
    document _recordid 201
  • Cuidad de Hollister Division de Construccion Formulario de Revision de Plano
    document _recordid 431

Information10 documents

  • Bathroom Remodel Handout 2020
    document _recordid 203
  • Folleto de Remodelacion de Bano 2020
    document _recordid 204
  • Kitchen Remodel Handout 2020
    document _recordid 205
  • Folleto de Remodelacion de Cocina Hollister 2020
    document _recordid 206
  • Window Replacement Handout 2020
    document _recordid 207
  • Folleto Reemplazo de Ventanas
    document _recordid 208
  • Water Heater Handout 2020
    document _recordid 209
  • Folleto de Requisitos del Calentador de Agua Hollister
    document _recordid 210
  • Furnace and A/C Requirements 2020
    document _recordid 211
  • Folleto de Calefaccion AC
    document _recordid 212