Environmental Rules in San Benito County, CA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated San Benito County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Grading, excavation, and fill work in unincorporated San Benito County requires a county grading permit, and drainage plans must retain stormwater on-site to pre-development runoff levels.
San Benito County Stormwater Drainage Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsSan Benito County Code § 19.17.011(C)(13)
Drainage plans shall meet the specifications listed in the county subdivision ordinance and shall include on-site retention of water to pre-development levels
Erosion Control
Anyone grading, excavating, or filling land in unincorporated San Benito County needs a grading permit from the Building Inspection and Planning Department before starting work, with engineered plans required for larger or steeper projects.
San Benito County Grading & Drainage Permits
Significant RestrictionsSan Benito County Code § 19.17.008
Except as otherwise exempted by this chapter, no person shall do any grading without first obtaining a grading permit from the Building Inspection and Planning Department. A separate permit shall be required for each site and may cover both excavation and fills. Grading permits are not transferable.
Defensible Space
New buildings on parcels one acre or larger in unincorporated San Benito County must sit back 30 feet from property lines, and defensible space must meet or exceed state fire clearance standards.
San Benito County Defensible Space Setback Rule
Some RestrictionsSan Benito County Code § 21.01.021 (Appendix Q, §§ Q106.1, Q109.1)
Q106.1 Setbacks. (FIRE 016). Except as permitted by the Fire Code Official, all parcels one acre and larger shall provide a minimum thirty (30) foot setback for new buildings and accessory buildings from all property lines and/or the center of the road. For parcels less than one-acre, alternate fuel modification standards or other requirements may be imposed by the Fire Code Official to provide...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In unincorporated San Benito County, new floodplain construction must be certified at least one foot above the 100-year flood elevation, and a licensed civil engineer must submit and certify the plans before a building permit issues.
San Benito County Flood Elevation Rules
Some RestrictionsSan Benito County Code § 25.08.026(G)(2)
Each property owner or his or her agent who proposes a project for which a building permit is required in a floodplain area shall, prior to approval thereof, submit plans prepared by a civil engineer, licensed by the State of California. The plans shall establish the living area, manufacturing area or storage area of any structure for which a building permit is required at a minimum of one foot...
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