County of San Benito 2023-2031 Housing Element Implementation Project

The County of San Benito 2023-2031 Housing Element Implementation Project, identified by solicitation number REF250003, is a government legislative action to amend the General Plan and Zoning Code. The primary objective is to implement the 6th Cycle Housing Element to accommodate the Regional Housing Needs Allocation of 754 dwelling units. This involves rezoning 12 candidate housing sites, totaling approximately 100 acres within unincorporated county land, from Rural Residential and Agricultural Productive designations to a new Residential High zoning district. This change allows for residential densities between 20 and 45 units per acre, facilitating a maximum potential buildout of 4,497 housing units in accordance with HCD requirements. The project has undergone a comprehensive environmental review process pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. A program-level analysis resulted in a Mitigated Negative Declaration, which addressed potential impacts on biological and cultural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, transportation, and tribal resources. The project was officially approved on January 13, 2026, following a public review period and a public hearing. Administration of the project is led by the San Benito County Resource Management Agency, with primary coordination handled by the Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement.