Hercules, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)

300 of the Hercules Municipal Code sets performance standards for the HTC Historic Town Center District, the zoning district covering the city's historic downtown, requiring that development first meet the standard performance standards of Chapter 13-31 and then meet district-specific standards. Chief among them: design guidelines addressing building architecture, historic design styles and elevations, and compatible fencing, landscaping, lighting, and accessory structures must be prepared prior to approval of any new or expanded development in the district, and all new and expanded development must comply with those adopted design guidelines for the site.

The same section layers on additional downtown-specific standards: structures should use nonreflective surfaces and night lighting must be designed to minimize glare within the historic district, public access along the existing pedestrian trail must be maintained, development over areas of Bay mud should be avoided where possible, and predrilling is required for driving piles in the historic area. 200, all new and expanded commercial, office and residential development in the HTC district is separately subject to Chapter 13-42 Design Review, and projects over one acre also require a Planned Development Plan under Chapter 13-48, with review handled by the Community Development Director. 40, capped at 40 residential units district-wide.