San Benito County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- R-1 front setback
- 20 feet
- R-1 side setback
- 10% of width, 6-20 ft
- R-1 rear setback
- 20% of depth, 20-35 ft
- RR front setback
- 25 feet
Summary
Unincorporated San Benito County sets minimum front, side, and rear yard setbacks by residential zone in Table 25.03-E: for example, a 20-foot front setback and 10%-of-width side setbacks in the Single-Family Residential (R-1) district.
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)
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 residential development standards table (§ 25.03.005, Table 25.03-E) sets setbacks by zone. In the Single-Family Residential (R-1) district, the front setback is 20 feet, the side setback is 10% of lot width (minimum 6 feet, maximum 20 feet required), and the rear setback is 20% of lot depth (minimum 20 feet, maximum 35 feet required). Rural Residential (RR) parcels carry a larger 25-foot front setback and a wider 15%-of-width side setback (8 to 32 feet). Setback lines run parallel to the corresponding property line per § 25.07.004(I). These standards apply only outside Hollister and San Juan Bautista.
Violations & Fines
Building within a required setback without an approved modification or variance violates the zoning code and can require the structure to be relocated, modified, or removed before a permit is finalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must a house sit from the front property line in unincorporated San Benito County?
How are side and rear setbacks measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.