Hollister, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies within the City of Hollister. Work in unincorporated San Benito County is handled by San Benito County, not the City.

Department

City of Hollister Community Development Department, Building Division

Address

339 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023

Phone

(831) 636-4355

Email

building@hollister.ca.gov

Website

https://files.hollister.ca.gov/government/development_services/building.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Schedule a submittal appointment through the Community Development Permit Center booking link; walk-in submittals are accepted, but appointments get priority.
2. Submit the building permit application and associated forms. Applications are processed chronologically by date received.
3. Provide required construction documents if the scope requires plan review. Typical submittals include site plans, floor plans, and supporting documents.
4. Pay the required plan review deposit at the scheduled submittal appointment if formal plan review applies.
5. The city reviews the package for compliance with the California Building Code, Fire Code, Energy Code, and local municipal requirements; corrections may be issued.
6. After approval, the city issues an invoice for permit issuance fees and provides payment instructions.
7. Once fees are paid, the permit is issued; the permit card must be posted at the job site.
8. Schedule required inspections during construction and obtain final approval or a certificate of occupancy, if applicable.

Typical processing time: Minimum of 15 business days for plan review, plus 24 to 48 hours for processing.

Source: City of Hollister Community Development Department, Building Division

General Requirements

The city's application and submittal materials state permits are required when buildings or structures are constructed, altered, repaired, moved, converted, or demolished, subject to code exemptions.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Plan set
• PDF/electronic copy
• Site plan
• Floor plans
• Supporting documents as applicable
• Structural calculations
• Energy calculations
• Truss calculations/review letter
• Soils/geotechnical report
• Manufacturer specifications
• Special inspections form
• Construction and demolition recycling form
• Owner-builder form
• Agent authorization form

Permit validity

Applications remain active for 180 days from receipt; extensions of up to 180 days may be granted at the Building Official's discretion if requested 30 days before expiration. Issued permits are valid for 365 days from issuance or the last passing inspection; extensions may be granted at the Building Official's discretion if requested 30 days before expiration.

Building code

2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24, adopted by Ordinance No. 1264 on September 15, 2025

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must complete the city's owner-builder acknowledgment. The form warns that owner-builders remain the responsible party of record, may assume employer and liability obligations, and generally cannot build a single-family residence for sale unless the work is performed by licensed contractors within the limits of California law.

Contractor requirements

The application requires either a California contractor license declaration or a signed exemption basis. The form cites Business and Professions Code section 7031.5 and notes permit applicants may face civil penalties up to $500 for violations.

Fees

Plan check fee

Structural and architectural plan review is 65% of the building fee; plumbing/electrical/mechanical plan review is 55% of the structural/architectural plan review. A non-refundable plan check deposit is due at first submittal.

Permit fee formula

Residential building fees are valuation-based at 0.003 x valuation; commercial building fees are valuation-based at 0.002 x valuation. Some permit types are flat-fee items.

Reinspection fee

$269. Additional plan review is $341, permit reactivation is $540, and inspections outside normal business hours are $353.

Penalty (no permit)

Investigations for work without permits are listed as double the permit fee per city code.

Payment note

The application states permit issuance fees are invoiced after plan approval, with payment instructions provided. The Community Development page says appointments are strongly recommended for permit pick-ups or payments, though walk-ins are accepted with lower priority.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Small detached accessory structures under the code threshold
• Certain low fences and retaining walls
• Minor finish work such as painting, papering, cabinets, and countertops
• Some small accessory platforms or walks

Important: Because Hollister adopted the 2025 California Building Standards Code in full, standard California permit exemptions generally apply unless local conditions or other codes trigger review. Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical exemptions are narrower; even seemingly minor swaps can require permits if they affect safety systems, structural elements, fire/life-safety components, or code-required equipment. Verify exemptions with the Building Division before starting work. Zoning, floodplain, historic, fire, accessibility, and utility requirements can still apply even where a building permit is not required.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (831) 636-4355 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Posted permit card; inspections at required stages of construction; correction notices if needed; final approval and certificate of occupancy when applicable.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24, adopted by Ordinance No. 1264 on September 15, 2025
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Community Development Main Page
• Building FAQ
• Application Forms and Fees
• Municipal Code
• 2025 Code Adoption Ordinance
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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