Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in San Benito County

San Benito County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

RR zone cap
40% lot coverage
R-1 zone cap
40% lot coverage
RM zone cap
60% lot coverage
Governing table
Table 25.03-E, § 25.03.005

Summary

In unincorporated San Benito County, maximum lot coverage is capped at 40% in the Rural Residential and Single-Family Residential zones and 60% in the Residential Multiple zone, per the county's residential development standards table.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of San Benito County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Development Standard Rural Residential (RR) Single Family Residential (R-1) Residential Multiple (RM) ... Maximum lot coverage (percentage) 40% 40% 60%

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).

Full Breakdown

The county's zoning code sets lot coverage, the share of a lot's area covered by buildings, through Table 25.03-E in § 25.03.005. Rural Residential (RR) and Single-Family Residential (R-1) parcels are capped at 40% coverage, while the higher-density Residential Multiple (RM) zone allows up to 60%. Lot coverage is calculated under § 25.07.004(G) as the ratio of total structure gross floor area to total lot area; unenclosed decks, uncovered patios, and driveways are excluded from the calculation. These limits apply only outside Hollister and San Juan Bautista.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the 40%/60% coverage cap without an approved modification or variance is a zoning violation, enforceable as a code infraction and subject to correction before a building permit can issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the maximum lot coverage on a single-family lot in unincorporated San Benito County?
40% in the Single-Family Residential (R-1) and Rural Residential (RR) zones, rising to 60% in the Residential Multiple (RM) zone, under Table 25.03-E.
Do decks and patios count toward lot coverage?
No: unenclosed, unroofed decks and uncovered patio slabs are excluded from the lot coverage calculation under § 25.07.004(G)(2)(a).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Benito County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsSetback RulesSome RestrictionsStructure Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningFew Restrictions

All San Benito County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview

Get notified when Lot Coverage Limits in San Benito County, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.