Hollister OT-H zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

OT-H (Old Town High Density Residential) is a zoning district in Hollister. Every value below was read from the Hollister Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.

Development standards in OT-H

The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.

Maximum building height	50 feet Applies: Dwelling See notes 4, 2, 3, 5 below the table in the code. § 17.04.030 · code text Table row “(OT-H) Old Town High Density Residential”, column “Building Height (4)”: Dwelling: 50 (2) One and one-half story (3) Accessory: 15 feet (5) Note 4: See building height exceptions in Chapter 17.16. Note 2: Transition in building height and other design elements shall be incorporated into development near existing residential neighborhoods to assure that the new development is not out of scale with the character of the surrounding uses. Note 3: The half story shall be directed to the rear of the structure where the predominant development pattern surrounding the lot is single story and shall not overwhelm the historic character of the neighborhood. Note 5: Planning Commission approval is required for accessory structures higher than 15 feet.
Minimum front setback	15 feet § 17.04.030 · code text Table row “(OT-H) Old Town High Density Residential”, column “Front Yard”: 15 feet
Minimum side setback	5 feet or 1 foot per 3 feet of height, whichever is greater Applies: corner lot: 10 ft § 17.04.030 · code text Table row “(OT-H) Old Town High Density Residential”, column “Side Yard”: Interior: 5 feet or 1 foot per 3 feet of height whichever is greater Corner: 10 feet
Minimum lot size	8,000 sq. ft. for 3 units Applies: 3 units See notes 6, 5 below the table in the code. § 17.04.030 · code text Table row “(OT-H) Old Town High Density Residential (6)”, column “Minimum Lot Size (5)”: 1 unit: 4,000 sq. ft. 2 units: 6,000 sq. ft. 3 units: 8,000 sq. ft. Parcels of 8,000 sq. ft. or more shall be developed at a ratio of 3 dwelling units for the first 8,000 sq. ft. and 1,240 sq. ft. for each additional unit Note 6: An exception to the minimum lot size in the Old Town District may be allowed if the Planning Commission can make the following findings: (a) the subdivision includes at least one or two existing residences that have been included on a list of historic structures approved by the Hollister City Council or include defining characteristics to qualify for a list; (b) the location of the existing reside Note 5: Partially developed parcels with potential for infill development may be subdivided without a growth management allocation if the Planning Commission can make the following findings: (a) the minimum lot size of an existing residential use shall be at least 5,000 square feet and the setback requirements for the R1 District can be met; (b) the orientation of the single-family home will help support
Maximum lot coverage	50% § 17.04.030 · code text Table row “(OT-H) Old Town High Density Residential”, column “Lot Coverage (Max.)”: 50%
Maximum density	maximum of 35 units per acre See notes 6, 1, 2, 7 below the table in the code. § 17.04.030 · code text Table row “(OT-H) Old Town High Density Residential (6)”, column “Residential Density (1), (2), (7)”: Min. of 12 units per acre with a max. of 35 units per acre Note 6: An exception to the minimum lot size in the Old Town District may be allowed if the Planning Commission can make the following findings: (a) the subdivision includes at least one or two existing residences that have been included on a list of historic structures approved by the Hollister City Council or include defining characteristics to qualify for a list; (b) the location of the existing reside Note 1: Residential density does not include a density bonus. Note 2: Lots in the Monica Estates subdivision Tract 180 shall be considered conforming for minimum lot size. Note 7: The Planning Commission may waive the minimum density requirement for a development proposal with 100 percent multifamily affordable housing in the R4, R4-20, and OT-H Zoning Districts where it is demonstrated that the minimum density standard poses a constraint to the viability of the development. The manager's unit may be excluded from the affordability requirement. A Conditional Use Permit shal

Uses in OT-H

Uses the code's use tables allow in OT-H, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Duplex — Allowed — see note
Apartment building — Allowed
Bed and breakfast — Needs a conditional use permit (planning commission review)

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in OT-H:

Minimum side setback: 10 feet — on a corner lot § 17.04.030
Minimum rear setback: 10 feet — or 15 feet measured to the centerline of an alley § 17.04.030
Minimum lot size: 4,000 sq. ft. for 1 unit — 1 unit § 17.04.030
Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq. ft. for 2 units — 2 units § 17.04.030

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, rear setback, FAR limit for OT-H in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Hollister Municipal Code.

Other Hollister zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Hollister's OT-H zone?

50 feet (dwelling) — Hollister Municipal Code § 17.04.030.

What is the minimum front setback in Hollister's OT-H zone?

15 feet — Hollister Municipal Code § 17.04.030.

What is the minimum side setback in Hollister's OT-H zone?

5 feet or 1 foot per 3 feet of height, whichever is greater (corner lot: 10 ft) — Hollister Municipal Code § 17.04.030.

What is the minimum lot size in Hollister's OT-H zone?

8,000 sq. ft. for 3 units (3 units) — Hollister Municipal Code § 17.04.030.

What is the maximum lot coverage in Hollister's OT-H zone?

50% — Hollister Municipal Code § 17.04.030.