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San Benito County, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

Permitting agency
Building Inspection and Planning Department
Drainage standard
On-site retention to pre-development runoff levels
Small-grading exemption
Non-agricultural grading under 50 cubic yards
First-offense fine
$100, up to $500 for repeats
Geographic scope
Unincorporated San Benito County only

Summary

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.

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.

Drainage plans shall meet the specifications listed in the county subdivision ordinance and shall include on-site retention of water to pre-development levels

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

Under San Benito County Code § 19.17.011, anyone doing grading, excavation, or fill in unincorporated San Benito County needs a permit from the Building Inspection and Planning Department before starting work. Approved drainage plans must meet the specifications in the county subdivision ordinance and include on-site retention of stormwater to pre-development runoff levels, so a project cannot simply push more runoff onto neighboring land. Small non-agricultural grading under 50 cubic yards that doesn't block a natural drainage course is exempt. This chapter governs unincorporated county land only: it does not apply inside Hollister or San Juan Bautista, which enforce their own municipal codes.

Violations & Fines

Grading without a permit is an infraction: up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each further violation; each day of continued violation counts separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does San Benito County require a permit for grading or drainage work?
Yes. Under § 19.17.008, unincorporated San Benito County requires a grading permit from the Building Inspection and Planning Department before excavation, fill, or drainage work begins, with limited exemptions.
What stormwater standard applies to new development?
Drainage plans must follow the county subdivision ordinance and retain stormwater on-site to pre-development runoff levels, so new grading can't increase runoff onto neighboring properties.
Does this rule apply inside Hollister?
No. This chapter governs unincorporated San Benito County only; Hollister and San Juan Bautista enforce their own separate municipal grading and drainage codes.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Benito County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsDefensible SpaceSome RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsErosion ControlSignificant 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

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