PC Resolution 2026-XX
Objective Design Standards
PASSED AND ADOPTED, at the regular meeting of the City of Hollister Planning Commission held of the 26th day of March 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAINED:
ABSENT:
Chairperson of the Planning Commission
of the City of Hollister
ATTEST:
Eva Kelly, Secretary
DATE: January 12, 2026
TO: Eva Kelly, Ambur Cameron; City of Hollister
FROM: Greg Goodfellow and Zixuan Liu
SUBJECT: Downtown Objective Design Standards: Community Survey Results Introduction
This memorandum summarizes the results of a virtual public survey conducted as part of the outreach process for the Downtown Hollister Objective Design Standards (ODS) project. The survey collected community input on preferences related to design elements and amenities for new housing projects in Downtown Hollister. A total of 72 valid responses were received during the survey period. All responders identified as residents of San Benito County. While responders represent a wide range of tenure in the County, there was slightly higher participation among those who have lived in San Benito County for 4-10 years, 20-30 years, and more than 40 years.
This summary includes community feedback regarding topics that will not be directly addressed by ODS, including parking requirements, roadway/sidewalk paving and street tree maintenance.
Results Summary
Survey results indicate residents' desire for a walkable, green downtown with engaging entryways and storefronts, and where historic character is preserved.
Most responders supported walkable street designs and well -maintained sidewalks that accommodate all ages and abilities. Responders expressed a preference for new development to incorporate architectural elements consistent with existing downtown styles, with particular attention to maintaining cohesive physical design. Respondents generally supported the inclusion of green spaces and outdoor seating areas to enhance storefront activity and visual interest.
Feedback on landscaping and street trees was mixed, with some responders expressing concern about the need for long-term maintenance and upkeep. Parking was also a common concern, with many responders noting issues related to parking availability and enforcement. Overall, responders supported increasing parking availability and emphasized that parking structures should be designed to complement adjacent buildings and be screened from visibility along main streets.
Individual Question Results
Detailed question data is provided below, including bar charts that summarize the number of responses for each option. Because the survey design allowed responders to "select all that apply" for each question, the percentage result of each option on the bar chart reflects the percentage of responders that selected the option.
Q1: Which visual aspects of a downtown do you feel should be emphasized in Downtown Hollister?
Walkability and well -maintained sidewalks 59 (82%)
Welcoming storefronts and entries
Historic feel
Street trees and greenery
Variety of building styles
Figure 1. Visual Aspects
16 (22%)
52 (72%)
51 (71%)
47 (65%)
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Over 70 percent of all responders identified "walkability and well -maintained sidewalks," "welcoming storefronts and entries," and "historic feel" as important visual aspects of Downtown Hollister. 59 responders selected "walkability and well -maintained sidewalks," making it the most supported visual aspect. 47 responders also selected "Street trees and greenery," although some responders stated that street trees require extensive maintenance. In addition, several responders left comments about the need to repave and maintain existing sidewalks, particularly San Benito Street.
Januar 12, 2026 Page 2
Q2: What pedestrian amenities would you like to see emphasized in Downtown Hollister?
Adequate lighting for safety and ambiance
Street trees that provide shade along sidewalks
Outdoor seating areas
Shade structures along building frontage
Wider sidewalks
Special paving materials
Figure 2. Pedestrian Amenities
27 (38%)
25 (35%)
14 (20%)
58 (81%)
51 (71%)
45 (63%)
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Most responders supported prioritizing adequate lighting for safety and ambiance, street trees that provide shade along sidewalks, and outdoor seating areas. More than 80 percent of responders selected "adequate lighting for safety and ambiance." These amenities were viewed as important for creating a welcoming, comfortable, and accessible pedestrian environment. There was also moderate support for shade structures along building frontages and wider sidewalks. In open comments, one respondent raised concerns about the safety and accessibility of special paving materials, emphasizing the need for smooth, even sidewalk surfaces that accommodate individuals with disabilities, including users of wheelchairs, walkers, and canes.
Januar_y 12, 2026 Page 3
Q3: What building styles do you feel should encouraged in Downtown Hollister?
Spanish Revival
Victorian
Main Street Classical
Mission Revival
Main Street Mediterranean
Modern / Contemporary
Italianate
Figure 3. Architectural Styles
0 10
20 (28%)
32 (44%)
30 (41%)
27 (38%)
38 (53%)
14 (19%)
12 (17%)
20 30 40
There was generally similar support for Spanish Revival, Victorian, Main Street Classical, and Mission Revival architectural styles, in that order. This aligns with the general preference to preserve historical character of the area. There was some support for Main Street Mediterranean, Modern/ Contemporary, and Italianate.
Januar_y 12, 2026 Page 4
Q4: How should new development respond to existing architecture in Downtown Hollister?
All new buildings should include elements of an
existing Downtown architectural style.
The design of new buildings should be diverse,
but respect the scale and form of adjacent
buildings.
All new buildings should be designed in an
existing Downtown architectural style.
The design of new buildings should be diverse
and unrestricted by existing Downtown
architecture.
5 (7%)
0 Figure 4. New Development and Existing Architecture
10 16
8 (25%)
23%)
20 30
32 (45%)
40 Responders supported the idea of requiring new development to include elements of existing architectural style into project design. If combined with the results of the previous question, the ODS could identify defining elements of each preferred style and allow applicants to select one or more of those elements for project inclusion.
Januar_y 12, 2026 Page 5
Q5: What elements of a building's frontage would you like to see emphasized in Downtown Hollister?
Rooftop design
Thoughtful window design and placement
Mix of colors
Building articulation (e.g., breaks, extensions, and
recesses)
Special architectural features (e.g., tower
elements, signs, columns, overhanging roofs,
awnings, trellises)
Figure 5. Building Frontage
01111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 10 (14%)
28 (39%)
23 (32%)
42 (58%)
38 (53%)
0 10 20 30 40 50
Responders identified rooftop form and window design as integral to high quality frontages. There was moderate support for mix of colors and building articulation. However, several responders expressed concern for any extensive use of mixed colors, instead preferring visual cohesiveness.
Januar_y 12, 2026 Page 6
Q6: Which landscape features would you like to see emphasized in Downtown Hollister?
Street trees
Public art included in landscaping (e.g., sculptures,
murals, fountains)
Pocket parks or mini plazas
Native or drought -tolerant landscaping
Green "buffers" between buildings, sidewalks and
parking lots
Planted areas in surface parking lots ... 21 (29%)
0 Figure 6. Landscape Features
47 (65%)
45 (63%)
41 (60%)
39 (54%)
37 (51%)
2.0 40 60
Responses to this question indicate a wide swath of support across nearly all landscape features. Over 60 percent of responders supported street trees, public art, and pocket parks as landscape features.
Over 50 percent of the responders also supported native or drought -tolerant landscaping and the use of green buffers. However, some responders were concerned about maintenance required for street trees and greenery and whether the City has the capacity for maintenance. Finally, a few responders were opposed to pocket parks, writing that they may impede emergency vehicle access and are difficult to maintain.
Januar 12, 2026 Page 7
Q7: What types of common open spaces should new multifamily and mixed -use developments in Downtown provide?
Recreational open spaces behind new buildings
Street -facing plazas
Enclosed courtyards
Rooftop gardens
37 (51%)
30 (42%)
16 (22%)
47 (65%)
0 10 20 30 40 50
Figure 7. Common Open Spaces for New Multifamily and Mixed -Use Developments About 65 percent of responders supported recreational open spaces behind buildings for multifamily and mixed -use developments. There was also broad support for street -facing plazas and enclosed courtyards.
Januar_y 12, 2026 Page 8
Q8: What amenities should be included for residents of new Downtown developments?
Benches and shaded seating areas
Play structures
Dog parks
Fire pits
Barbeque area
Gyrns
Clubhouses
Bike repair stations
29 (40%)
0 16 (22%)
14 (19%)
(18%)
9 (12%)
9 (12%)
10 20
Figure 8. Amenities for New Downtown Developments
43 (60%)
59 (82%)
30 40 50 60 70
There was overwhelming support for benches and shaded seating areas for new developments. There was also support for play structures and dog parks. Other amenities responders identified in their comments include libraries, water fountains for children, and recreation sites catered to families.
Januar_y 12, 2026 Page 9
STAFF REPORT
HOLLISTER CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE: April 20, 2026
REPORT # City Manager -2026-19
AGENDA ITEM: RENAMING A CITY PARK AND A CITY AVENUE
DEPARTMENT: City Manager
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Ana Cortez, City Manager
COUNCIL NEXT STEPS: City Council will receive information on the new names for the park and avenue formerly known as Cesar Chavez.
DISCUSSION: The City of Hollister adopted a new Asset Naming policy on April 6, 2026. Consistent with that policy, staff gained feedback from The Latino Coalition on April 11, 2026 and from West Side residents on April 14, 2026. Based on those engagement efforts, the following names were selected:
Si Se Puede Park- Formerly known as C.C. Park.
Camino Campesino — Formerly known as Avenida CC.
Community Engagement consisted of a focus -group discussion at the monthly Latino Coalition Meeting and of 1:1 surveys with West Side residents. Staff visited the West Side of town at approximately 4:30 p.m. on April 14, 2026. Staff stopped at several locations, including Hollister Market, Dollar General, and El Nopal Bakery. During these visits, staff engaged with community members to gather input on potential names for both the avenue and the park. Participants were invited to select their preferred options.
Following this outreach, a comprehensive list of proposed names was compiled and organized into two categories: one for the avenue name and one for the park name.
Other considered names included:
Avenida de Campesinos
Avenida de Campesinas
Avienda Vida Campesina
Camino del Campo
Avenida De Libertad
Avienda Vida Campesino
Avenida Cosecha
Pueblo Park
La Causa Park
Parque de Paz
Raza Park
Parque de Libertad
Campesinas Park
Cosecha Park
Gente Park
FISCAL IMPACT: Renaming of the park has minimal fiscal impact as the project is under design. Renaming of the avenue will have a fiscal impact due to materials and labor.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL OR COMMISSION ACTION:
Resolution 2026-42 (rescinding park name)
Resolution 2026-43 (rescinding avenue name)
Resolution 2026-41 (adoption of naming framework)
CEQA:
ATTACHMENTS:
i
E UEST FOR FUTURE AGE A ITE
Council member(s) requesting item
(no more than two):
Topic to be Discussed:
Recommended City Council Action:
uo
Pa
Mayor Stephens
❑
Councilmember Picha, District 1
•
Councilmember Resendiz, District 2
❑
Councilmember Morales, District 3
❑
Councilmember De Anda, District 4
P
Background information, such as reasoning for recommended Council action, justification for placing on the agenda, etc.:
Requested date of discussion (minimum of four weeks from the date of the request):
Select the Applicable Strategic Goal(s) and list any Applicable Objective(s) City Council Goal: ❑ Infrastructure
Applicable Objective(s):
City Council Goal: ❑ Budget, Finances & Economic Development Applicable Objective(s):
City Council Goal: ■ Quality of Life and Public Safety
Applicable Objective(s):
City Council Goal: ■ Community Engagement, Education, and Transparency Applicable Objective(s):