San Benito County, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Under § 19.17.008, no person may grade, excavate, or fill land in unincorporated San Benito County, outside Hollister and San Juan Bautista, without first obtaining a grading permit from the Building Inspection and Planning Department; a separate, non-transferable permit is required for each site. Section 19.17.009 requires plans signed by a licensed civil engineer whenever grading exceeds 1,500 cubic yards, involves a dam, retaining wall, or fill over four feet, or occurs on slopes steeper than 20%. Permits expire if work isn't started within 90 days or is suspended for 30 days, and grading between October 15 and April 15 needs a separate winter grading permit under § 19.17.003.