1. How many structures can be built on each 100+ acre parcel? What are some of the county requirements regarding building?
For residential use- One Main House and one Guest House. The Ranch Agricultural zoning also allows employee dwellings and barns. The local Coastal Zone Ordinance requires a one time $5,000 fee paid at the time of construction of the first dwelling.
The Guest House living area cannot exceed 800 sq ft. However, extra garage structures are permitted. Other restrictions apply, please call to discuss.
The Employee Dwelling may be constructed under conditional use permit for employees engaged in full time work on the ranch parcel. Barns and fencing may be built for use with agricultural projects.
2. What about water, electricity, and other utilities and fire protection?
Each parcel has it’s own water well or is on a Shared Water district System. Electricity is provided along the main road power poles and is currently available up some of the canyons. Most back parcels use solar electricity or gas powered generators. Electrical and phone line extensions must be buried underground to building sites. Neighboring parcels sometimes share costs.
Propane gas can be delivered to all parcels.
Septic tanks with leach fields or dry wells are used for sewage disposal.
Trash dumpsters are located on The Ranch for owner household convenience. The Ranch owns two firefighting trucks and has a volunteer fire department. A newer county fire station is located outside the main gate at Gaviota.
3. What are the first steps before making improvements on the Parcel?
First, review the Hollister Ranch Design Committee requirements. On a topographic map, design a Master Plan for the Parcel. Schedule a meeting with the Design Committee (meets the first Saturday of each month). There are several Contractor-Owners/Builders living on The Ranch that can help you. They have extensive knowledge in Hollister Ranch development. All previously built parcel plans are on file at The Hollister Ranch office.
4. Of the 136 Hollister Ranch parcels, how many are developed? How many full-time residences? Where are schools located?
Approximately 70+ Parcels have been developed
Approximately 50+ are full time resident parcels
The association owns 3 parcels totaling approximately 500 acres for owner’s use.
Schools: Vista De Las Cruces School (K-8th grade) is located 3 miles from the Ranch main gate. Bus service is provided within the ranch. Bus service is also provided to the Santa Ynez public high school, located 15 miles inland in the Santa Ynez Valley.
5. What are the annual Santa Barbara county property taxes per parcel?
Hollister Ranch is in an Agricultural Preserve Zoning status: Ag 320. Most underdeveloped, vacant, 100-acre parcels are taxed only a few hundred dollars per year. However, most structural improvements are taxed approximately 1% of the estimated construction costs by the Santa Barbara County Tax Assessor. These “lower” agricultural zoning taxes off-set the Owner’s Association fees (see # 6). Property taxes are not based on sale price, but relate to agricultural income and building improvement value.
6. What do the monthly Association Fees pay for?
The monthly Hollister Ranch Owner’s Association dues are $1,028 per 100 acre parcel as of 1/4/2010. This assessment pays for the services of the 24 hour security system, a full-time maintenance crew, ranch manager, bookkeeping and outside consultants. The fees also cover the maintenance of common area, ranch roads, the beach cabanas, limited insurance, some legal fees and other vital services.
