Hollister · Zoning · R3
Hollister R3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Hollister's R3 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 feet tall, the front setback is 15 feet and the minimum lot size is 10,000 sq. ft. for 3 units, with the conditions listed below (Hollister code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 feet (Dwelling(s))
- Minimum front setback: 15 feet
- Minimum side setback: 5 feet or 1 foot per 3 feet of height, whichever is greater (corner lot: 10 ft)
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 sq. ft. for 3 units (3 units)
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum density: maximum of 12 units per acre
R3 (Medium Density Residential District) 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 R3
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 | 35 feet Applies: Dwelling(s) See notes 4, 2, 5 below the table in the code. § 17.04.030 · code textTable row “(R3) Medium Density Residential District”, column “Building Height (4)”: Dwelling(s): 35 feet (2) 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 5: Planning Commission approval is required for accessory structures higher than 15 feet. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 15 feet § 17.04.030 · code textTable row “(R3) Medium Density Residential District”, 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 textTable row “(R3) Medium Density Residential District”, column “Side Yard”: Interior: 5 feet or 1 foot per 3 feet of height whichever is greater Corner: 10 feet |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq. ft. for 3 units Applies: 3 units See note 5 below the table in the code. § 17.04.030 · code textTable row “( R3) Medium Density Residential District (5)”, column “Minimum Lot Size (5)”: 1 unit: 5,000 sq. ft. 2 units: 6,800 sq. ft. 3 units: 10,000 sq. ft. Parcels of 10,000 sq. ft. or more shall be developed at a ratio of 3 dwelling units for the first 10,000 sq. ft. and 3,600 sq. ft. for each additional unit 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 textTable row “(R3) Medium Density Residential District”, column “Lot Coverage (Max.)”: 50% |
| Maximum density | maximum of 12 units per acre See notes 5, 1, 2 below the table in the code. The code attaches note 7 to this value. This page does not show it; read the code before relying on the number. § 17.04.030 · code textTable row “( R3) Medium Density Residential District (5)”, column “Residential Density (1), (2), (7)”: Min. of 8 units per acre with a max. of 12 units per acre 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 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. |
Uses in R3
Uses the code's use tables allow in R3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Duplex — Allowed — see note
- Apartment building — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R3:
- 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: 5,000 sq. ft. for 1 unit — 1 unit § 17.04.030
- Minimum lot size: 6,800 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 R3 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Hollister's R3 zone?
35 feet (dwelling(s)) — Hollister Municipal Code § 17.04.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Hollister's R3 zone?
15 feet — Hollister Municipal Code § 17.04.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Hollister's R3 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 R3 zone?
10,000 sq. ft. for 3 units (3 units) — Hollister Municipal Code § 17.04.030.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Hollister's R3 zone?
50% — Hollister Municipal Code § 17.04.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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