Building permit fee reductions
Summary
Business owners say the permitting process is slow, confusing, and expensive — one cited his July 4th encroachment permit jumping from $180 to $1,075. Ideas include permitting-efficiency reviews, advisory meetings to interpret building comments, and technology like AI-guided online applications.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 17, 2026.
Impact analysis
Permit fees can run into the thousands for small events, directly eating into small-business margins.
Small businesses and anyone starting or expanding a business in Hollister.
The general fund forgoes the excess fee revenue it previously collected.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Business Advisory Commission Special Meeting
Business owners say the permitting process is slow, confusing, and expensive — one cited his July 4th encroachment permit jumping from $180 to $1,075. Ideas include permitting-efficiency reviews, advisory meetings to interpret building comments, and technology like AI-guided online applications.
City Council Meeting
Hollister's building permit fees were 62-85% higher than neighboring cities — a 700 sq ft addition cost one resident $26,000. The new fee schedule slashes major fees (an $18,000 permit drops to about $4,236) to attract development.
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