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Hollister · Building on your lot

Running a business from home in Hollister

Hollister home businesses must stay in 1 room of up to 200 sq ft and see 1 client at a time, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

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Key points

  • Home businesses: Hollister home businesses must stay in 1 room of up to 200 sq ft and see 1 client at a time, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Each rule below links to the section of the Hollister Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Hollister's code says

Hollister code What Hollister's code adds
Space used
  • No more than 200 square feet.
    Applies: The business must stay in 1 room of the main home. More than 200 square feet needs a Conditional Use Permit.
    § 17.22.130 · code text
    Use exceeding 200 square feet;
Customer visits
  • Only 1 client, patient or pupil at a time, by appointment only, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    Applies: State-licensed small care homes and family care centers for 8 or fewer people are the exception.
    § 17.22.130 · code text
    A home occupation shall be limited to only one client, patient or pupil present on the premises at any time; except small residential care homes, small family home care centers, etc. licensed by the state for care of eight or fewer persons.
  • Home visits by 2 or more clients or patients at a time need a Conditional Use Permit.
    § 17.22.130 · code text
    One-chair barber shop or beauty salon, home visits for two or more clients, patients at a time, direct product distribution, pet grooming or any other use or occupation which the Director determines is similar in nature to the previously listed uses;
Employees
  • Only up to 2 residents may carry on the business.
    Applies: Employing more than 2 people on site who live elsewhere needs a Conditional Use Permit.
    § 17.22.130 · code text
    A "home occupation" is any use customarily conducted entirely within an enclosed dwelling and carried on only by up to two of its residents.
Permit
  • A business license and an Administrative Permit are required.
    Applies: Home occupations, allowed as accessory uses in residential zones.
    § 17.22.130 · code text
    A business license shall be obtained/posted in compliance with the Hollister Municipal Code for home occupations, which are allowed as accessory uses in all residential zoning districts. A statement of compliance with the following operating standards shall be signed prior to issuance of an Administrative Permit.
  • A Conditional Use Permit is required.
    Applies: Using an accessory structure, using over 200 square feet, more than 2 on-site employees living elsewhere, or other listed uses.
    § 17.22.130 · code text
    The following list presents land use activities that may not be in compliance with the operating standards outlined in subsections C and D of this section but may be allowable subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit by the Planning Commission:
Businesses not allowed
  • Adult businesses; animal hospitals or commercial harboring, raising, training, or treatment of animals or birds; gun or ammunition sales; medical and dental offices, clinics, and laboratories, except chiropractors and counselors/psychotherapists; massage; mini storage; print shops and photo shops; sale of products except artist's originals or products individually made-to-order on the premises; storage and delivery of materials and accessories for construction and service trades; vehicle repair, upholstery, automobile detailing and painting, and display or sale of any vehicle; welding
    § 17.22.130 · code text
    The following are examples of uses that are not incidental to or compatible with residential activities, and are therefore prohibited as home occupations:

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I run a business from my home in Hollister?

Hollister home businesses must stay in 1 room of up to 200 sq ft and see 1 client at a time, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

General information, not legal advice.

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Hollister Municipal Code — full text