5 rules for unincorporated San Benito County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated San Benito County regulates accessory dwelling units under County Zoning Code § 25.08.002, which implements California's state ADU law (Gov. Code §§ 66310-66342). One ADU plus one junior ADU is allowed on a single-family parcel, with ministerial (no-hearing) approval and reduced parking, setback, and size standards mandated by the state.
Unincorporated San Benito County regulates sheds and other detached accessory buildings under Zoning Code §§ 25.07.006-25.07.007. Detached accessory buildings may not exceed one story or 20 feet, and structures under 120 sq ft are limited to 10 feet. Lot limits cap the number of accessory buildings, and residential-zone sheds generally must sit in the rear half of the lot.
In unincorporated San Benito County, converting a garage into living space is generally treated as an accessory dwelling unit under Zoning Code § 25.08.002, following California ADU law (Gov. Code §§ 66310-66342). Garage conversions to ADUs are exempt from added setbacks, but parking the conversion displaces must usually be replaced and a building permit is always required.
Carports are regulated as accessory structures under San Benito County Zoning Code §§ 25.07.006-25.07.007. A detached carport may not exceed one story or 20 feet, must generally sit in the rear half of the lot in R-1/R-M zones, and any driveway serving a carport must be at least 20 feet deep per § 25.07.010.
San Benito County adopted a dedicated tiny home ordinance, Zoning Code § 25.08.029 (effective March 31, 2024), permitting tiny homes including movable tiny homes (THOWs) in all zoning districts that allow residential dwellings or ADUs. Units must be 150 to 400 sq ft, with the undercarriage skirted and the unit anchored on a paved pad.
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