Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the developers?

The Santana Ranch development team is led by Hollister’s Guerra family, whose presence in the community dates back to the 1800’s, and Stonecreek Properties, a local land development company with offices in Hollister and Los Banos.

Who will oversee the allocation of water for the development?

The domestic water supply will be handled under the jurisdiction of the Sunnyslope County Water District (SSCWD). A Water Supply Assessment was prepared as required by state law, which determined that there is sufficient water for the project. Project plans meet or exceed the
demands of the San Benito County Water Conservation Plan. Dual water mains will be installed throughout the project to allow the use of recycled water.

How will Santana Ranch address traffic in the area?

The development’s Specific Plan proposes construction and contributions to the funding of major street improvements in the Specific Plan Area and in the surrounding community. Local and regional traffic impacts identified in the Environmental Impact Report will be addressed via on-site and off-site improvements, including encouraging pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. Those road and intersection improvements identified by the San Benito County Council of Governments (COG) will be funded by the developers’ payment of traffic impact fees (TIF), currently projected to be approximately $25 million. The application of those funds for off-site improvements is under the jurisdiction of San Benito County and the City of Hollister.

How will public safety be managed for Santana Ranch?

Police protection will be provided to the Plan Area by the San Benito County Sheriff’s Department. The department headquarters is located in Hollister approximately two miles west of the Plan Area. Fire protection in the Plan Area will be provided by the San Benito County Fire Department.

What is the plan for managing wastewater?

The City of Hollister has recently completed the construction of its new regional wastewater treatment plant, designed to serve the City of Hollister and areas within the County. Santana Ranch will be served by this new facility.

What is the timeframe for approvals and construction?

The current application to San Benito County for approval of the Santana Ranch Specific Plan will begin with an environmental review and assessment by the County and their consultants. The project approval process is expected to proceed through 2010. Upon approval, the project is estimated to be phased over a 10-13 year buildout.

How is Santana Ranch addressing affordable housing?

Santana Ranch will include affordable housing options at or above that required by San Benito County.

What kind of economic impact will Santana Ranch have on the Hollister area?

According to a fiscal analysis conducted by the Goodwin Consulting Group, the estimated economic impacts to be generated by the Santana Ranch are over $600 million. The study projects that over Santana Ranch’s phased construction period, approximately 500 local jobs will be generated each year. Post-construction, new business opportunities are projected to generate approximately 700 jobs.

What sustainable & green building techniques are being utilized?

With the guidance and support of the County Planning Staff, the Smart Growth principals incorporated into Santana Ranch provide opportunities for neighborhood interconnectivity and sustainability. A linear park, various pocket parks, an elementary school and a commercial area with onsite conveniences will function as gathering places in the community.

The Santana Ranch Specific Plan maintains a commitment to the preservation of natural resources by employing smart growth design elements.  Features of the community include:

  • Energy efficient homes designed following green building guidelines wherever possible: using recycled materials, passive solar site design, native, drought tolerant landscaping, and construction materials, appliances, heating and electrical systems designed to be energy and water efficient.
  • A recycled water system for irrigation and plumbed for future uses.
  • A convenient neighborhood commercial center and school connected by miles of bicycle and pedestrian trails. By living in a mixed-use walkable community, residents are encouraged to support local restaurants and retailers, which benefits everyone by strengthening local economies, providing clean transportation options and strengthening the social fabric of the community.

How many homes are proposed for Santana Ranch?

Santana Ranch is proposed to include 697 single-family homes, 318 smaller detached or attached homes and 77 residential lots available for sale.

What community amenities are included in the plan?

Santana Ranch offers a variety of housing types, styles and prices. The project will create a large number of jobs both during and post-construction. Santana Ranch’s onsite amenities include a neighborhood-serving commercial area; an extensive system of public parks, trails and open space spanning 23 acres; a K-8 school site; and a large number of street and intersection improvements proposed near existing infrastructure and services, all within a planned future growth area of the City of Hollister and San Benito County.


Santana Ranch, New Community in Hollister, CA