County of San Benito 2023-2031 Housing Element Implementation Project

The County of San Benito is implementing its 2023–2031 Housing Element to meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation by amending the General Plan and Zoning Code to permit residential development on 12 identified sites totaling approximately 100 acres within unincorporated areas of the County, primarily near Hollister. The project requires updates to land use policies to align with state housing mandates, including compliance with Government Code §65583.2, and supports housing production at densities consistent with approved capacity assumptions and California Housing and Community Development (HCD) requirements. Key deliverables include the adoption of revised housing policies, rezoning of candidate sites, implementation of affordability and energy efficiency programs, and completion of environmental review under CEQA, including preparation of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and analysis of greenhouse gas emissions under MTC’s MM GHG-1 methodology. Compliance with state standards such as CALGreen, Title 24, and the California Energy Code is mandatory, with specific requirements for noise insulation, seismic setbacks, hazardous materials handling, and vibration controls. Environmental review includes evaluation of impacts to biological, cultural, and air quality resources, with mitigation measures documented in a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program to ensure enforceable compliance. All actions are subject to tribal consultation under Public Resources Code §21080.3.1 and oversight by the County’s Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Office located at 2301 Technology Parkway, Hollister, CA. The project spans a nine-year planning horizon from July 1, 2023, through 2031, with no formal federal contract value, pricing structure, or procurement clauses applicable, as this is a municipal land-use planning initiative rather than a federal acquisition. Public submissions for environmental documentation must be provided in both hardcopy and electronic formats, with the County serving as the lead agency and final approval authority for all entitlement and permitting actions.