Title 21 (Building and Engineering) Chapter 21.04 (Local Tenant Preference)

San Benito County has adopted Chapter 21.04, known as the Local Tenant Preference, which is an addition to Title 21 regarding Building and Engineering. This ordinance establishes a comprehensive resident and workforce preference policy specifically for affordable housing units throughout the county. The policy is designed to prioritize certain groups for housing opportunities, including displaced individuals, neighborhood residents, local workers, school district employees, agricultural workers, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. It also extends preferences to public safety employees, first responders, healthcare providers, and residents facing high rent or household costs, as well as those with children in local school districts. The preference policy applies to several specific types of housing developments, including projects resulting in five or more detached units, projects that restrict occupancy to lower-income households, and any affordable units produced under County Code Chapter 21.03. Additionally, the policy covers projects that receive county development assistance for new construction or substantial rehabilitation. This legislative action was processed through a Notice of Exemption, noting that the ordinance is consistent with the 2035 San Benito County General Plan and does not have significant environmental effects under the California Environmental Quality Act. The policy is managed by the San Benito County Resource Management Agency.