Bolthole Index

San Benito County, California

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in San Benito County, California

41Index Score / 100
#32 of 58 in California

Unincorporated San Benito County, California requires a building permit for new construction and has its own zoning, with the city of Hollister setting its own zoning inside city limits123. The county's Resource Management Agency issues building permits and administers zoning, while county Environmental Health permits septic systems456. Rural districts carry real minimums: Agricultural Rangeland requires 40 acres per lot7.

At a glance

Building permit
Required, issued by the Resource Management Agency's Building Division1
Zoning
Yes, countywide in the unincorporated area with AR, AP, R, RT, RR, R-1 and RM districts289
Minimum lot size
40 acres in Agricultural Rangeland, down to 2.5 acres in Rural Transition, and as small as half an acre in some residential districts7
Septic
County-issued by Environmental Health; a new system permit runs $85510611
Owner-builder
Allowed with a signed owner-builder declaration; you become the responsible party of record1213
Tiny home
Allowed outside Hollister as a primary home or ADU, 150 to 400 square feet, meeting a detailed county checklist14
RV living
Temporary low-impact camping only (14 nights) in AR, AP, R, RR and RT zones; permanent RV living only in qualifying farmworker housing1516
Wells
Permitted through the San Benito County Water District17

Who to call

Building permits

San Benito County Resource Management Agency — Building & Code Enforcement Division

Building permit applications, plan review and inspections for unincorporated San Benito County

831-637-5313

2301 Technology Parkway, Hollister, CA 95023

Zoning

San Benito County Resource Management Agency — Planning Division

Zoning applications, variances and subdivision review for unincorporated San Benito County

831-637-5313

2301 Technology Parkway, Hollister, CA 95023

Septic permits

San Benito County Environmental Health

Onsite wastewater treatment system (septic) permits, site evaluations and inspections for San Benito County

(831) 636-4035

environmentalhealth@sanbenitocountyca.gov

351 Tres Pinos Rd. C-1, Hollister, CA 95023

Well permits

San Benito County Water District

New and modified well permits and groundwater-protection standards in San Benito County

(831) 637-8218

30 Mansfield Road, Hollister, CA 95023

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 16, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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Do you need a building permit in San Benito County, California?

San Benito County, California requires a building permit before you build, add onto, alter, move or demolish most structures in the unincorporated county1. The Resource Management Agency's Building Division reviews plans and issues permits under the California Building Code, the International Code Council's model codes and the National Electric Code4. California's own permit statute puts it plainly: no building or structure may be erected, altered, repaired, moved or demolished without a separate permit from the local building official18. San Benito County's own code adopts the 2022 California building, residential and fire codes by reference with local amendments, and we could not confirm a county ordinance adopting the newer 2025 edition, so ask the Building Division which edition applies to your application19. If you remodel, repair or enlarge more than 50% of an existing structure, the county treats the whole structure as new and requires it to meet current code, with added fees20. Inside Hollister, the city runs its own zoning, and the county's rules here cover only unincorporated land3. Owner-builders may pull the permit themselves by signing an owner-builder declaration and becoming the responsible party of record1213.

Who is the San Benito County building department and how do you reach them?

San Benito County's Resource Management Agency (RMA) issues building permits and reviews plans through its Building and Code Enforcement Division4. RMA brings together planning, building, code compliance and public works at 2301 Technology Parkway in Hollister4. The same office and phone line handle the Planning Division, which reviews zoning applications, variances and subdivision maps for the unincorporated county21. The county's Building Permit Application and related forms are posted online, but the page does not lay out the full review, payment and inspection sequence, so ask the Building Division what to expect after you apply22.

Does San Benito County have zoning?

San Benito County zones the entire unincorporated county: every parcel has a base zone, and specific-plan or combining zones can modify the rules28. Districts include Agricultural Rangeland (AR), Agricultural Productive (AP), Rural (R), Rural Transition (RT), Rural Residential (RR), single-family Residential (R-1) and Multifamily Residential (RM)9. Minimum lot sizes are large in the rural zones: 40 acres in AR, 5 acres in AP and R, and 2.5 acres in RT; RR runs 0.5 to 1 acre depending on public sewer and water, and R-1 needs 5,000 square feet, 1 acre or 2.5 acres depending on services, with septic on a well pushing it to 2.5 acres7. Height is capped at 35 feet in AR, AP, R, RT, RR and RM, and 30 feet in R-123. Front setbacks are 30 feet in AR, 25 feet in AP, R, RT and RR, and 20 feet in R-1 and RM; interior side setbacks are 32 feet and rear setbacks 35 feet in the four rural districts24. Residential lot coverage tops out at 40% in RR and R-1 and 60% in RM25. Inside Hollister, the city adopts its own zoning ordinance, which it is currently overhauling, so a mailing address alone will not tell you which rulebook applies326.

How do septic permits work in San Benito County?

Septic systems — formally onsite wastewater treatment systems, or OWTS — fall under San Benito County Environmental Health, which permits new systems, repairs, engineered systems, commercial systems, alternative or innovative systems, and system abandonment1011. Fees are non-refundable and vary by system type: $855 for a new system or major repair, $445 for a minor repair, $980 for an engineered individual system, $1,100 for a commercial system, $2,148 for an alternative or innovative system, and $151 to abandon an old system11. You will need an accurate plot plan showing the system and its 100% expansion area, and you must notify Environmental Health with your installer's name and license number before work begins11. California's statewide OWTS policy sets minimum standards through the State Water Board and regional water boards, but San Benito County Environmental Health administers the permit locally, and its local rules must stay consistent with that statewide policy27. We could not confirm from an official county source whether a separate final inspection is required before a system can be covered, so ask Environmental Health directly when you apply5.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in San Benito County?

San Benito County allows a tiny home on wheels as a primary residence or accessory dwelling unit on unincorporated land outside Hollister city limits, as long as the zoning district allows a residential dwelling or ADU and the unit meets the county's detailed standards14. Those standards are specific: the tiny home must run between 150 and 400 gross square feet, sit on a paved parking pad with its wheels and undercarriage hidden behind a solid apron, connect to approved water and sewer utilities, and meet either ANSI 119.5 or NFPA 119214. A tiny home on wheels can be towed at up to 14 feet tall, though a home placed permanently on a lot may exceed that height if it still meets local roadway limits14. An ordinary RV is a different case: California generally limits RV occupancy to mobile home parks or special occupancy parks unless a local ordinance says otherwise28. San Benito County's own ordinance allows low-impact camping, including dry RV camping, only in the AR, AP, R, RR and RT zones, and it is temporary only: the sleeping accommodation may not be used for permanent human occupancy, and no camper may stay more than 14 consecutive nights15. The county allows permanent RV occupancy only in a qualifying rural farmworker housing project of at least five farmworkers, with a county license and permits16. We found no county rule letting an owner live full time in a single RV on raw land, so confirm with the Resource Management Agency's Planning Division before you try21. A detached accessory dwelling unit, up to 1,500 square feet, has no minimum size beyond the building code's efficiency-unit standard and needs Environmental Health clearance for water and wastewater29.

How do you build a home in San Benito County, step by step?

  1. Confirm your parcel's zoning district and minimum lot size with the Resource Management Agency's Planning Division before you buy — San Benito County's rural districts require anywhere from 2.5 to 40 acres depending on the zone217.
  2. If you are dividing or combining parcels, get your map reviewed under the county's Subdivision Map Act ordinance before you record anything3031.
  3. Apply for your septic permit with San Benito County Environmental Health and budget for the system-specific fee, from $151 for an abandonment to $2,148 for an alternative or innovative system511.
  4. If you need a new or modified well, apply through the San Benito County Water District, which coordinates with Environmental Health on groundwater-protection standards3217.
  5. Submit your building permit application to the Resource Management Agency's Building Division along with your site plan, and expect published engineering and planning fees on top of the permit itself, such as $255 for a C-District review of an existing building or $523 for new construction433.
  6. If you are putting an agricultural building on a parcel larger than 5 acres, ask the Planning Department about the impact-fee exemption when you file the building permit application; the exemption does not waive the permit itself, and projects that miss it can ask the Board of Supervisors for a reduction, deferral or waiver34.

What should you check before buying land in San Benito County?

San Benito County's nearest metro-scale city is about 36 miles from the county's center, so factor real drive time into daily life if you are not near Hollister35. Land here is not cheap relative to its rural feel: farmland recently priced around $5,362 an acre, and the typical home value is about $771,210, among the higher figures in this county-guide series3637. Water is the county's biggest swing factor — it gets only about 17 inches of rain a year and has been in severe drought roughly 37% of years on record, and any new or modified well needs a San Benito County Water District permit383932. Septic siting deserves real scrutiny here: only about 6% of the county's soil is rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so plan on an engineered or alternative system being the norm rather than the exception, and budget accordingly40. Only about 20% of the county's land sits at 15% slope or less, so a lot of San Benito County is hillier than it looks on a map, and grading and access costs can add up fast41. Property taxes run a typical effective rate around 0.8%, with a median bill near $6,078 a year, reflecting the county's high home values4243.

Watch-outs

  • San Benito County's zoning ordinance applies only outside Hollister city limits; the city of Hollister runs its own separate zoning ordinance that it is currently overhauling, so confirm which jurisdiction actually covers your parcel26.
  • Driveways onto a State highway need a Caltrans encroachment permit, and we could not confirm San Benito County's own driveway or encroachment permit process, so ask the Resource Management Agency before you plan a new access point444.
  • Only about 6% of San Benito County's soil is rated free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so budget for a site evaluation and likely an engineered or alternative system before you commit to a building site40.
  • We could not confirm a minimum dwelling size for a primary home in unincorporated San Benito County; only detached accessory dwelling units are stated to have no minimum beyond the efficiency-unit standard, so ask the Resource Management Agency's Planning Division before you design a small home2921.
  • The county's building codes cite the 2022 California edition, and we could not confirm a county ordinance adopting the 2025 edition, so ask the Building Division which applies to your application19.
  • Residential developments subject to the county's inclusionary-housing in-lieu fees must pay them in full before a certificate of occupancy and final inspection45.

Sources

  1. codelibrary.amlegal.com (2026 county census)
  2. 25.03: Zoning Map and Zoning Districts (2026 county census)
  3. Hollister: Hollister Municipal Code 17.04.030 Residential general development standards (San Benito County), quoted and re-checked
  4. San Benito County Resource Management Agency — Building & Code Enforcement Division (sanbenitocountyca.gov)
  5. San Benito County Environmental Health (hhsa.sanbenitocountyca.gov)
  6. Environmental Health – San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency, quoted and re-checked
  7. § 25.03.004 Agricultural and Rural Districts, quoted and re-checked
  8. 25.03: Zoning Map and Zoning Districts, quoted and re-checked
  9. 25.03: Zoning Map and Zoning Districts, quoted and re-checked
  10. Environmental Health – San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency (2026 county census)
  11. Sewage Disposal System Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  12. Application for Building Permit — Owner Builder Declaration (2026 county census)
  13. Application for Building Permit — Owner Builder Declaration, quoted and re-checked
  14. Tiny Home on Wheels Permit Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  15. § 25.08.031 Low Impact Camping, quoted and re-checked
  16. § 25.08.022 Agricultural Employee (Farmworker) Housing, quoted and re-checked
  17. San Benito County Drought Resilience Plan, quoted and re-checked
  18. Do I need a building permit for my project? (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. § 21.01.021 Adoption of 2022 California Building Codes, International and Uniform Codes, quoted and re-checked
  20. codelibrary.amlegal.com, quoted and re-checked
  21. San Benito County Resource Management Agency — Planning Division (sanbenitocountyca.gov)
  22. Application, quoted and re-checked
  23. § 25.03.004 Agricultural and Rural Districts, quoted and re-checked
  24. § 25.03.004 Agricultural and Rural Districts, quoted and re-checked
  25. § 25.03.005 Residential Districts, quoted and re-checked
  26. 25.03: Zoning Map and Zoning Districts, quoted and re-checked
  27. Water Quality Control Policy for Siting, Design, Operation and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS Policy) (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. hcd.ca.gov (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. § 25.08.002 Accessory Dwelling Units and Innovative Housing, quoted and re-checked
  30. § 23.25.002 Subdivisions; Minimum Parcel Size Less Than Five Acres, quoted and re-checked
  31. California Government Code Section 66424 (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  32. San Benito County Water District (sbcwd.com)
  33. Engineering Fees, quoted and re-checked
  34. § 21.01.111 Exemption Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  35. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  36. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  37. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  38. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  39. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  40. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  41. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  42. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  43. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  44. Encroachment Permits | Caltrans (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  45. § 21.03.008 In-lieu payment and other alternative compliance mechanisms, quoted and re-checked

Written October 16, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, San Benito County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleSan Benito CountyMonterey CountyMerced CountySanta Clara CountySanta Cruz CountyStanislaus CountyKings County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health & Human Services AgencyCounty Health Dept.County Div. of Env. HealthCounty Dept. of Env. HealthCounty Health Services AgencyCounty Dept. of Env. ResourcesCounty environmental health

County locator

San Benito County in California

41
County map
San Benito County highlighted among the California counties · colored by Index score

How San Benito County scores

Seclusion35100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency4096% ev.
Admin Boringness41100% ev.
Durability25100% ev.
Property Autonomy56100% ev.
Carry Cost61100% ev.

Evidence strength: 99%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$771kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$5,362Land / acre
17.2"Annual rain
36.9% of yrsSevere drought
10.5 / yr (+7.1)Mid-century 100°F days
105.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.45" (+6.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.1×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,261Home insurance / yr
6% / yrInsurance growth
0.83%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
21,755Radius comparison (15 mi)
49.1People / sq mi
13%Federal land
20.3%Land at 15% slope or less
6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
52,643 acWorkable land screen
34.2%Wooded land
25.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
59.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in San Benito County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Answers from the rulebook for San Benito County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

San Benito County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, reconstruction, installation, moving, alteration, enlargement, repair, demolition, or occupancy changes involving buildings or structures, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work in unincorporated San Benito County.

    • The owner or authorized agent must first apply to the Building Official and obtain the required permit.
    • A written construction permit must be obtained before erection, construction, reconstruction, installation, moving, or alteration of a building or structure.
    • The county code states that if more than 50% of an existing structure or its components is remodeled, altered, repaired, enlarged, converted, or replaced, the structure is deemed new and the entire structure must meet current code; additional fees and impact fees may apply.
    • Incorporated municipalities may administer separate building-permit requirements.

    remodel threshold: > 50 percent (If exceeded, the structure is deemed new and the entire structure must be brought up to current code.)

    “shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permit.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Property owners applying for an owner-builder building permit through San Benito County.

    • The owner-builder declaration must be completed and signed by the property owner before the permit can be issued.
    • The owner-builder is the responsible party of record and legally and financially responsible for the proposed construction.
    • For single-family residential structures built with intent to offer for sale, work must be performed by licensed subcontractors and the number of structures must not exceed four in a calendar year, or all work must be performed under contract with a licensed general building contractor.
    • The owner must provide a driver’s-license copy, notarization, or other agency-acceptable verification of the signature when the permit is issued.
    • If the owner later hires contractors, the owner is responsible for verifying contractor licensing and workers’ compensation insurance.

    construction value threshold for possible employer status: >= 500 USD (Applies when the owner employs or otherwise engages persons other than California licensed contractors.) · maximum single-family structures offered for sale under the stated owner-builder exception: <= 4 structures per calendar year (Unless all work is performed under contract with a licensed general building contractor.)

    “Before a building permit can be issued, this form must be completed and signed by the property owner and returned to the agency responsible for issuing the permit.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Building-code requirements administered under San Benito County Code § 21.01.021 in unincorporated San Benito County.

    • San Benito County adopts the listed 2022 California building, residential, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, green-building, energy, historical, existing-building, referenced-standards, fire, and related codes by reference.
    • The adoption is subject to express county amendments or superseding provisions in § 21.01.021.
    • Subsequent errata or supplements published by the California Building Standards Commission are adopted.
    • The California Fire Code is adopted with appendices and county local amendments.
    • The cited operative county section is a 2022-code adoption; this research did not establish a county ordinance adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code.

    California building-code edition: 2022 edition (subject to county amendments and superseding provisions) · California Residential Code edition: 2022 edition (subject to county amendments and superseding provisions) · California Fire Code edition: 2022 edition (adopted with appendices and county amendments)

    “The following publications are hereby adopted by reference and incorporated in this code, except as expressly amended or superseded by the provisions of this section.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Residential developments subject to San Benito County inclusionary-housing in-lieu-payment provisions.

    • In-lieu fees must be paid in full before issuance of a certificate of occupancy and final inspection, unless an affordable-housing agreement provides otherwise.
    • This is a condition tied to applicable inclusionary-housing compliance, not a general certificate-of-occupancy requirement for every ordinary construction project.
    “Payment of in-lieu fees shall be made in full to the county prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy and final inspection”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    San Benito County zoning in the unincorporated county.

    • The County is divided into zoning districts.
    • Every parcel has a base zone establishing the primary type and intensity of permitted land use and development regulations.
    • Specific plan and combining zones may add or modify regulations.
    • The cited document is marked REVISED 4-15-2025; this is a revision date, not treated as an effective date.
    “The County is divided into zones to allow for orderly, planned development and to implement the General Plan. Table 25.03-A (Zones Implementing the General Plan) identifies all zones in San Benito County. All zones shall be listed and appropriately designated on the official Zoning Map. A. Base Zones. Every parcel shall have a base zone that establishes the primary type and intensity of land use permitted, along with development regulations for that particular type and intensity of land use.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    The countywide aggregate of local zoning in San Benito County, including County zoning in unincorporated areas and municipal zoning within incorporated Hollister.

    • The County zoning ordinance applies to the unincorporated county.
    • The City of Hollister separately administers its own Zoning Ordinance and zoning districts.
    • Rules vary by jurisdiction and district; this aggregate claim does not treat the County as administering municipal ordinances.
    “The City of Hollister is embarking on a comprehensive overhaul of its Zoning Ordinance to better reflect current planning practices, comply with evolving State laws, and create a more user-friendly framework for residents, developers, and city staff.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    County-published agricultural zoning districts and associated land-use table for unincorporated San Benito County.

    • The cited table identifies Agricultural Rangeland (AR), Agricultural Productive (AP), Rural (R), and Rural Transition (RT) classifications.
    • The table states that some new structures require review under Section 25.02.001.
    • This claim does not establish the complete county zoning-district inventory.
    “Table 25.03-B Land Uses - Agricultural Zones P = Permitted Use A = Administrative Use Permit Required C = Conditional Use Permit Required “—” = Use Not Allowed Some new structures require review, per Section 25.02.001 of this Code Land Use Classification Agricultural Rangeland (AR) Agricultural Productive (AP) Rural (R) Rural Transition (RT)”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone (with conditions)

    Detached accessory dwelling units in San Benito County zoning districts that permit single-family or multi-family homes.

    • The minimum-size exception is limited by the requirements for an efficiency unit as defined in the Building Code.
    • A detached accessory dwelling unit must be on the same lot or parcel as a primary dwelling unit.
    • A detached accessory dwelling unit may not exceed 1,500 square feet.
    • Four-foot side and rear setbacks apply.
    • Environmental health clearance is required for water and wastewater systems serving the accessory dwelling unit.
    • All accessory dwelling units require a building permit and remain subject to all other applicable codes.

    maximum detached accessory dwelling unit size: <= 1500 square feet

    “No minimum size, except as needed to conform with the requirements for an efficiency unit as defined in the Building Code.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots and building sites in the Agricultural Rangeland (AR), Agricultural Productive (AP), Rural (R), and Rural Transition (RT) zoning districts in unincorporated San Benito County.

    • The standards apply to every lot and building site in the AR, AP, R, and RT districts except where modified by a combining zone.
    • Minimum lot size for the Table 25.03-B use standards is 40 acres in AR, 5 acres in AP, 5 acres in R, and 2.5 acres in RT.
    • Minimum lot size for subdivision is 160 acres in AR, 20 acres in AP, 5 acres in R, and 5 acres in RT.

    AR minimum lot size for Table 25.03-B: 40 acres · AP minimum lot size for Table 25.03-B: 5 acres · R minimum lot size for Table 25.03-B: 5 acres · RT minimum lot size for Table 25.03-B: 2.5 acres · AR minimum lot size for subdivision: 160 acres · AP minimum lot size for subdivision: 20 acres · R minimum lot size for subdivision: 5 acres · RT minimum lot size for subdivision: 5 acres

    “Minimum Lot Size for Table 25.03 B 40 acres 5 acres 5 acres 2.5 acres Minimum Lot Size for Subdivision 160 acres 20 acres 5 acres 5 acres”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lots and building sites in the RR, R-1, and RM residential zoning districts in unincorporated San Benito County
      “Minimum lot size | 0.5 to 1 acre• 0.5 acre: public sewer + public water• 1 acre: only one public water/sewer service provided) | 5,000 sq. ft., 1 acre, and 2.5 acres minimums for single family homes, depending on availability of services:3• 5,000 sq. ft.: public sewer + public water• 1 acre: septic tanks + public water• 2.5 acre: septic tanks + well water) | No minimum lot size for multi-family 2 Single family development intensity depends on availability of services: 3• 1 acre: septic tanks + public water• 2.5 acre: septic tanks + well water)”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lots and building sites in unincorporated San Benito County zoning districts.
      “Minimum lot size | 40 acres | 5 acres | 5 acres | 2.5 acres”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building setbacks in the AR, AP, R, and RT zoning districts in unincorporated San Benito County.

    • The standards apply to every lot and building site in the AR, AP, R, and RT districts except where modified by a combining zone.
    • Distance between buildings is subject to California Building Code requirements.
    • In R and RT zones in a state responsibility area, a vegetation-clearance easement may be required for defensible space for firefighting.

    AR front setback: 30 feet · AP front setback: 25 feet · R front setback: 25 feet (State-responsibility-area defensible-space easement may be required.) · RT front setback: 25 feet (State-responsibility-area defensible-space easement may be required.) · AR side interior setback: 32 feet · AP side interior setback: 32 feet · R side interior setback: 32 feet (State-responsibility-area defensible-space easement may be required.) · RT side interior setback: 32 feet (State-responsibility-area defensible-space easement may be required.) · AR rear setback: 35 feet · AP rear setback: 35 feet · R rear setback: 35 feet (State-responsibility-area defensible-space easement may be required.) · RT rear setback: 35 feet (State-responsibility-area defensible-space easement may be required.)

    “Front Setback 30 feet 25 feet 25 feet2 25 feet 2 Side, Interior Setback 32 feet 32 feet 32 feet 2 32 feet 2 Rear Setback 35 feet 35 feet required 35 feet 2 35 feet 2”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Primary structures in the RR, R-1, and RM residential zoning districts in unincorporated San Benito County
      “Front setback | 25 | 20 | 20 feet, except the setback shall be 15 feet for parcels of less than 7,200 square feet if administrative approval by the Planning Director is granted Side setback (each side) | 15% of width (not less than 8 feet, but not more than 32 feet required) | 10% of the lot width (not less than 6 feet, but not more than 20 feet required) | 10% of the lot width (not less than 6 feet, but not more than 20 feet required) Rear setback | 20% of lot depth, not less than 20 feet, but not more than 35 feet required | 20% of lot depth, not less than 20 feet, but not more than 35 feet required | 20% of lot depth, not less than 20 feet, but not more than 30 feet required”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Front, side, and rear setbacks for lots and building sites in unincorporated San Benito County agricultural, rural, and residential zoning districts.
      “Side setback (each side) | 15% of width [...] | 10% of the lot width”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Maximum lot coverage in unincorporated San Benito County RR, R-1, and RM zoning districts.

    • RR and R-1 maximum lot coverage is 40 percent; RM maximum lot coverage is 60 percent.
    • The standards apply to every lot and building site in these districts except where modified by a combining zone.
    • An adopted specific plan may establish separate coverage limitations.

    RR maximum lot coverage: 40 percent · R-1 maximum lot coverage: 40 percent · RM maximum lot coverage: 60 percent

    “Maximum lot coverage (percentage) | 40% | 40% | 60%”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Maximum building height in unincorporated San Benito County agricultural, rural, and residential zoning districts.

    • AR/AP/R/RT maximum building height is 35 feet in each district.
    • RR maximum building height is 35 feet; R-1 is 30 feet; RM is 35 feet.
    • Residential standards may be modified by a combining zone or adopted specific plan.
    • Distance between main buildings is subject to the California Building Code.

    AR/AP/R/RT maximum building height: 35 feet · RR maximum building height: 35 feet · R-1 maximum building height: 30 feet · RM maximum building height: 35 feet

    “Maximum building height (feet) | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Dry RV camping and similar low-impact camping in the AR, AP, R, RR, and RT zones of unincorporated San Benito County.

    • Low-impact camping is permitted only in the AR, AP, R, RR, and RT zones.
    • There may be one campsite per acre, up to nine campsites, and no more than six campers per campsite.
    • Campsites must be set back at least 100 feet from property lines.
    • Sanitation facilities must be fully self-contained or connected to a permitted sewage disposal system, and at least one ADA restroom is required.
    • All solid waste must be removed after each occupancy; no on-street parking is permitted.
    • The sleeping accommodation is temporary only and may not be used for permanent human occupancy.
    • Temporary sleeping accommodations may not exceed 14 consecutive nights per camper.
    • Noise, on-site management, fire-pit, and transient-occupancy-tax requirements also apply.

    maximum consecutive nights per camper: <= 14 nights · minimum campsite setback: >= 100 feet (from property lines) · maximum campers per campsite: <= 6 campers · campsites: <= 9 campsites (one campsite per acre)

    “Temporary sleeping accommodation only. (a) No temporary sleeping accommodation shall be used for permanent human occupancy.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Permanent occupancy of RVs in qualifying rural farmworker housing projects in San Benito County.
      “Up to 12 mobile homes, manufactures homes, travel trailers, RVs for permanent occupancy”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Tiny homes on wheels on properties outside Hollister city limits in unincorporated San Benito County, when used as a primary residential dwelling unit or accessory dwelling unit and all applicable county standards are met.

    • The checklist does not apply to properties within Hollister city limits.
    • The zoning district must allow residential dwellings or accessory dwelling units under Chapters 25.03 and 25.08 of the County Zoning Ordinance.
    • The tiny home must comply with applicable density standards.
    • Maximum height is 14 feet when being towed; a tiny home placed on a lot may exceed 14 feet if roadway height limits are met, and a static tiny home's height must comply with the zone standard.
    • The tiny home must comply with zoning-district setbacks, or ADU setbacks under Section 25.08.002 when used as an ADU.
    • Minimum size is 150 gross square feet and maximum size is 400 gross square feet.
    • Parking requirements are the same as for other residential dwelling units or ADUs.
    • The undercarriage, including wheels and axles, must be hidden from view with a solid wood, metal, or concrete apron.
    • A paved parking pad is required; alternative paving methods may be permitted at the Planning Director's discretion.
    • Mechanical equipment must be incorporated into the structure and not be on the roof except solar panels.
    • Exterior wall materials must include wood, HardiePanel, or equivalent; single-piece composite laminates, interlocked metal sheathing, or similar materials are prohibited.
    • Windows must be double-pane glass or better, labeled for building use, and trimmed out.
    • The tiny home must connect to approved water and sewer utilities through dedicated pipes; generators are prohibited except in emergencies; a GFI shutoff breaker is required.
    • The tiny home must meet either ANSI 119.5 or NFPA 1192.
    • The tiny home must be licensed and registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

    maximum towing height: 14 feet (A tiny home placed on a lot may exceed 14 feet if roadway height limits are not exceeded.) · minimum size: >= 150 gross square feet · maximum size: <= 400 gross square feet

    “This checklist does not apply to properties within Hollister city limits. [...] Tiny homes shall be allowed as primary residential dwelling unit or an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) subject to Chapter 25.03 and 25.08 of County Zoning Ordinance.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    County Environmental Health oversight of onsite wastewater treatment systems in San Benito County.

    • The official page identifies onsite wastewater treatment systems as an area under the Department of Environmental Health's oversight.
    “THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OVERSITE: [...] On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New, repaired, engineered, commercial, alternative/innovative, and abandoned sewage-disposal systems covered by the San Benito County Environmental Health permit application.

    • The County form is a sewage-disposal-system permit application and lists new systems, major repairs, minor repairs, engineered individual systems, commercial systems, alternative/innovative systems, and septic-system abandonment.
    • The listed fees are non-refundable: $855 for a new system or major repair, $445 for a minor repair, $980 for an engineered individual system, $1,100 for a commercial system, $2,148 for an alternative/innovative system, and $151 for septic-system abandonment.
    • The applicant must submit an accurate plot plan showing the sewage disposal system and 100% expansion area.
    • The applicant must notify Environmental Health before installation and provide the installer's name and license number.
    • The form states that false information voids the permit.

    new system fee: 855 USD (fees are non-refundable) · major repair fee: 855 USD (both tank and drainfield; fees are non-refundable) · minor repair fee: 445 USD (tank or drainfield; fees are non-refundable) · engineered individual system fee: 980 USD (fees are non-refundable) · commercial system fee: 1100 USD (fees are non-refundable) · alternative/innovative system fee: 2148 USD (fees are non-refundable) · septic system abandonment fee: 151 USD (fees are non-refundable)

    “CHECK ONE: _____ NEW SYSTEM $855.00 [...] _____ ALTERNATIVE / INNOVATIVE SYSTEM $2,148.00 _____ SEPTIC SYSTEM ABANDONMENT $151.00”
  • Well permitRequired

    New or modified wells in San Benito County within the San Benito County Water District's permitting jurisdiction.

    • The San Benito County Water District oversees the well-permit process.
    • New or modified wells must comply with local and state groundwater-protection standards.
    • The Water District coordinates with County Environmental Health and other regulatory bodies.
    • During declared drought or water-shortage emergencies, the plan describes an expedited process that can usually approve new or rehabilitated well permits within a few days; the expedited process does not relax water-supply criteria such as proximity to other wells or water-quality requirements.
    “SBCWD oversees the well permit process and ensures that all new or modified wells comply with local and state groundwater protection standards.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Impact-fee exemption or waiver for agricultural buildings or structures in San Benito County.

    • Qualifying construction, repair, or remodeling may be exempt from impact fees only if the building is on a parcel greater than five acres and there is an existing agricultural use or obvious potential for an agricultural use for which the building is needed.
    • The applicant must apply through the Planning Department with the building permit application and attest compliance.
    • The Building Official or Planning Director determines eligibility.
    • The exemption does not eliminate required building permits.
    • Noncompliance may result in denial and payment of full impact fees.
    • Applications are subject to a fee established by the Board of Supervisors.
    • The Board may optionally reduce, defer, or waive impact fees for agricultural projects that fail the ordinary exemption if it finds minimal impacts; benefit-area impact fees cannot be reduced, deferred, or waived.

    minimum parcel size: > 5 acres

    “The buildings or structures for the above mentioned uses must be located only on parcels of land greater than five acres;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Agricultural building projects in San Benito County seeking reduction, deferment, or waiver of county impact fees
      “The Board of Supervisors may reduce, defer, or waive impact fees for projects deemed by the Board to be agricultural in nature but which fail to qualify for an agricultural exemption of impact fees pursuant to § 21.01.111, above. The Board may reduce, defer, or waive impact fees individually or collectively. In order for the Board of Supervisors to reduce, defer, or waive impact fees, the Board must find that the construction and addition of buildings to the subject property, and the use that will be conducted within said structures will have a minimal impact on County Fire, Sheriff, traffic, schools, or other impact fee designation for which the reduction, deferment, or waiver is requested. Impact fees associated within an area adopted as a “benefit area” by the Board of Supervisors may not be reduced, deferred, or waived.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivisions in San Benito County, including unincorporated areas.

    • For subdivisions with minimum parcel sizes under five acres, minimum lot size is controlled by the County Zoning Ordinance or amendments.
    • Minimum average lot width-to-depth ratio may not exceed one to three.
    • Septic tanks require percolation tests by a registered engineer or public agency showing soil suitability determined by the Health Department.
    • The Board of Supervisors may require urban services and may exclude or limit septic tanks where development intensity could overload soils.
    • Open space must be provided pursuant to general plan policies and the zoning ordinance.
    • County fee schedule lists major tentative-map and minor tentative-map services and fees.

    minimum average lot width/depth ratio: <= 1 to 3 · major subdivision tentative map threshold: >= 5 lots · major subdivision tentative map fee: 1485 USD (plus $15 per lot) · minor subdivision tentative map fee: 756 USD (plus $20 per lot; no sewer and water)

    “Minimum lot size: as provided in the San Benito County Zoning Ordinance or amendments thereto.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published San Benito County engineering and planning-related fees for county-administered reviews and permits.

    • Fees vary by service and project type.
    • The cited schedule includes engineering, CEQA, subdivision, use permit, variance, zone change, and related fees; it does not establish a single universal building-permit fee.

    C-District Review – Existing Building(s): 255 USD · C-District Review – New Construction: 523 USD · CEQA Documentation: 359 USD · Major Subdivision – Tentative Map: 1485 + 15 per lot USD (Five or more lots) · Use Permit – Major (Conditional, General): 838 USD · Zone Change (Filed with Project): 208 + 1 per acre USD · Zone Change (Filed Separately): 208 + 2 per acre USD

    “Service | Fee C-District Review – Existing Building(s) | $255 C-District Review – New Construction | $523 CEQA Documentation (Initial Study, Exemption Determination, Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations, etc.) | $359”
  • Permit processPartial

    County building-permit applications and related application forms administered by San Benito County Building and Code Enforcement.

    • The page identifies the available Building Permit Application and related forms but does not provide the complete review, payment, inspection, or approval workflow.
    “Building Permit Application REQUEST FOR PERMIT & APPLICATION EXTENSION Property Inquiry Application Public Records Request Form REVISION APPLICATION/LETTER UNREASONABLE HARDSHIP WAIVER/APPLICATION SOIL IMPORTATION APPROVAL APPLICATION”

California rules that apply here

  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction projects within HCAI jurisdiction involving California health facilities.

    • HCAI field personnel make periodic site visits.
    • The Inspector of Record is responsible for continuous inspection of the work.
    • The inspections address seismic, fire, life-safety, and other building-code requirements.
    “The approved IOR with the required personal knowledge performs only those duties associated with the required continuous inspections”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — California owner-builder projects addressed by the Contractors State License Board guidance.
      “Your project must pass codes and building inspections.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping in units operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation statewide.

    • Camping is confined to areas designated for that purpose.
    • Occupancy by the same persons, equipment, or vehicles is generally limited to 30 days in any calendar year in that unit.
    • The Department may establish shorter or longer occupancy limits.
    • When a shorter seasonal limit applies, the camper must vacate the campsite and may not reregister in the unit until 48 hours have expired, measured from 12:00 noon on the checkout day to 12:00 noon on the second day following.
    • A district superintendent may permit one-night camping in a day-use area or portion of one, subject to Department-established fees and vehicle limitations; occupants must vacate by 9:00 a.m. the following morning.
    • California State Parks' current reservation policy states that each campground has a consecutive-night limit, requires a 48-hour absence after that limit, and generally has a 30-night annual maximum, subject to individual park policies.

    general annual occupancy limit: 30 days per calendar year per unit (The Department may establish shorter or longer limits of occupancy.) · return interval after shorter seasonal limit: 48 hours (Measured from 12:00 noon of the checkout day to 12:00 noon of the second day following.) · one-night camping in day-use area: 1 night (Only if permitted by the district superintendent; occupants must vacate by 9:00 a.m. the following morning.)

    “Occupancy by the same persons, equipment, or vehicles of any camping facility is limited to a total of 30 days in any calendar year in that unit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Temporary camping in California special occupancy parks, including parks containing recreational vehicles, tents, or camping cabins.
      ““Special occupancy park” means a recreational vehicle park, temporary recreational vehicle park, incidental camping area, or tent camp.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy of manufactured homes inside or outside mobilehome parks in California.

    • The manufactured home must satisfy applicable federal standards and California Manufactured Housing Act and Title 25 requirements.
    • Installation and approval for occupancy are governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act.
    • HCD or a local enforcement agency with assumed Mobilehome Parks Act authority is responsible for ensuring compliance with statutory construction and maintenance requirements.
    • Local agency approvals may be necessary for the project.

    minimum width for a new manufactured home: >= 8 body feet (The statutory definition also includes units at least 40 body feet in length.) · minimum erected floor area for a new manufactured home: >= 320 square feet

    “MHs may be occupied outside or inside of mobilehome parks and installation and approval for occupancy is governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act (MPA), HSC Sections 18200, et seq., and Title 25, CCR Sections 1000, et seq.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    ADUs and junior ADUs subject to California State ADU Law.

    • Approval is ministerial and without discretionary review or a hearing.
    • Development standards must be objective and knowable in advance.
    • The local permitting agency must determine application completeness and provide written notice within 15 business days.
    • If an application is incomplete, the agency must identify missing items and explain how to complete it.
    • Local site, building, health, safety, fire, utility, and other applicable requirements continue to apply.

    written completeness determination: <= 15 business days (Measured from the permitting agency's receipt of the application.) · final written determination after appeal: <= 60 business days (Applies after receipt of the written appeal.)

    “A permit application for an accessory dwelling unit shall be considered and approved ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing [...] A permitting agency shall determine whether an application to create or serve an accessory dwelling unit is complete and provide written notice of this determination to the applicant not later than 15 business days after the permitting agency received the application.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    OWTS in a Tier 3 Advanced Protection Management Program with supplemental treatment components, including systems in specified impaired-water-body areas statewide.

    • The requirement applies to OWTS in an Advanced Protection Management Program with supplemental treatment components.
    • Ongoing monitoring must follow the OWTS operation and maintenance manual or occur more frequently if required by the local agency or Regional Water Board.
    • Where telemetry is not possible, the owner or owner's agent must inspect at least monthly while the system is in use and notify the service provider at least quarterly of observed operating parameters.
    • For systems designed to meet disinfection requirements, a service provider must inspect proper operation quarterly while the system is in use unless continuous telemetric monitoring is capable of assessing operation.
    • Quarterly effluent sampling and certified-laboratory requirements apply to systems subject to the disinfection provisions.

    inspection frequency where telemetry is not possible: per monthly (While the system is in use.) · inspection frequency for disinfection systems: per quarterly (While the system is in use, unless continuous telemetric monitoring is capable of assessing operation.)

    “Where telemetry is not possible, the owner or owner’s agent shall inspect the system at least monthly while the system is in use as directed and instructed by a service provider and notify the service provider not less than quarterly of the observed operating parameters of the OWTS. [...] OWTS in an Advanced Protection Management Program designed to meet the disinfection requirements in Section 10.10 shall be inspected for proper operation quarterly while the system is in use by a service provider unless a telemetric monitoring system is capable of continuously assessing the operation of the disinfection system.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Certain existing OWTS in California Tier 3 impaired-water-body areas that commit to connect to a centralized wastewater collection and treatment system regulated through waste discharge requirements.

    • The OWTS must have been constructed and operating, or permitted, on or before the date the nearby water body was added to OWTS Policy Attachment 2.
    • The owner must commit by legally binding document to connect to a centralized wastewater collection and treatment system regulated through waste discharge requirements.
    • The owner must sign the legally binding document within 48 months after the nearby water body's initial listing on Attachment 2.
    • The specified connection date may not extend beyond nine years after the date the nearby water body is added to Attachment 2.
    • The rule is an exception to Section 10 requirements for qualifying existing or permitted systems; it is not a general statewide requirement that every property connect to public sewer.

    deadline to sign connection commitment: 48 months (Measured from the date the nearby water body is initially listed on Attachment 2.) · maximum time to complete connection: <= 9 years (Measured from the date the nearby water body is added to Attachment 2.)

    “The owner must sign the document within forty-eight months of the date that the nearby water body is initially listed on Attachment 2. The specified date for the connection to the centralized community wastewater collection and treatment system shall not extend beyond nine years following the date that the nearby water body is added to Attachment 2.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways and driveway connections involving proposed encroachments within, under, or over State highway rights of way.

    • The requirement applies to proposed activities related to placement of encroachments within, under, or over State highway rights of way.
    • Applications are submitted to the appropriate District Encroachment Permits Office having jurisdictional authority over the site.
    • Local or other agency requirements may also apply outside State highway rights of way.
    “An encroachment permit must be obtained for all proposed activities related to the placement of encroachments within, under, or over the State highway rights of way.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Occupancy and use of manufactured homes and mobilehomes in California mobilehome parks and other locations subject to HCD jurisdiction.

    • HCD administers titling and registration for manufactured homes and mobilehomes.
    • HCD-inspected mobilehome parks are subject to health and safety enforcement where local government has not assumed enforcement.
    • Manufactured/mobilehome park regulations address construction, use, maintenance, and occupancy.
    • Separate local land-use, building, fire, health, and utility requirements may apply.
    “MHs may be occupied outside or inside of mobilehome parks and installation and approval for occupancy is governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act (MPA), HSC Sections 18200, et seq., and Title 25, CCR Sections 1000, et seq.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy and use of recreational vehicles in California special occupancy parks and designated RV sections of mobilehome parks.
      “Unless otherwise allowed by a local ordinance, RVs generally may be occupied only in mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    California county legislative bodies' authority to adopt zoning ordinances regulating buildings, structures, land uses, lots, yards, open space, lot coverage, intensity of use, parking, loading, and setbacks within county jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas.

    • The authority is exercised pursuant to Government Code Chapter 4, Zoning Regulations.
    • The statute separately authorizes city legislative bodies; incorporated municipalities may exercise their own zoning authority.
    • Government Code Section 65850 also lists authority to regulate signs and billboards, building and structure location, height, bulk, number of stories, and size, lot and open-space size and use, lot coverage, intensity of land use, offstreet parking and loading, and building setback lines.
    • The cited section states it was amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 376, Sec. 1, effective January 1, 2018.
    “The legislative body of any county or city may, pursuant to this chapter, adopt ordinances that do any of the following:”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    California counties administering and enforcing state building standards through county building departments, including residential construction in unincorporated areas.

    • Each county must maintain building standards and state building regulations in the office of the building official responsible for administration and enforcement of state building standards.
    • The statewide Title 24 standards apply subject to statutory exceptions and any authorized local amendments or local requirements.
    • The cited HCD bulletin concerns the 2019 California Building Standards Code and its July 1, 2021 supplement; later code editions may supersede those particular edition dates.
    “These codes shall be maintained in the office of the building official responsible for the administration and enforcement of state building standards”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems, including alternative sanitation systems, in San Benito County.
  • Building in a floodplain — Development in floodplain areas of unincorporated San Benito County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in San Benito County, including unincorporated areas subject to the county zoning ordinance.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in San Benito County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from California’s water agency.

Over-appropriated / declining

The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.

Household wellPermit required — restricted

California requires no STATE permit for a domestic well — wells are permitted by the county — but under SGMA a Groundwater Sustainability Agency can meter or restrict new wells in medium/high-priority and critically overdrafted basins, and Executive Order N-7-22 requires counties in those basins to get GSA verification that a new well is consistent with the Groundwater Sustainability Plan before permitting.

Limit: 2 acre-feet/year de minimis under SGMA (Water Code §10721(e)) — largely exempt from GSA metering/fees

California DWR / State Water Board — SGMA de minimis & EO N-7-22 Action 9 FAQ ↗

Hybrid state (appropriation + riparian). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the California state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in San Benito County, California

Is San Benito County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

San Benito County scores 41/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure and sparse surroundings — about 21,755 people within 15 miles.

Do you need a building permit in San Benito County, California?

San Benito County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency, Environmental Health Services. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in San Benito County?

Living in an RV on your own land in San Benito County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Dry RV camping and similar low-impact camping in the AR, AP, R, RR, and RT zones of unincorporated San Benito County. Low-impact camping is permitted only in the AR, AP, R, RR, and RT zones. There may be one campsite per acre, up to nine campsites, and no more than six campers per campsite. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in San Benito County, California?

Land in San Benito County runs about $5,362 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in San Benito County?

San Benito County gets about 17.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 36.9% of years. On water rights, San Benito County lies in the Pajaro Valley Basin — Critically Overdrafted — Managed via an approved GSP-Alternative with basin-wide extraction fees; new wells subject to county permit + EO N-7-22/GSA review..

How remote is San Benito County?

A typical private-land location has about 21,755 people within 15 miles and 10,104,048 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How San Benito compares in California

Compare side-by-side →See all 58 California counties ranked →