San Benito County, CA

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 4, 2026

San Benito County Housing Element and Rezoning Approved by the State of California

SAN BENITO COUNTY, CA – The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has officially certified that the County of San Benito’s 6th Cycle Housing Element (2023–2031) and associated rezoning actions are in full compliance with State Housing Element Law. This milestone ensures that the County meets statutory requirements for planning and accommodating its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).

The adopted Housing Element, originally approved by the Board of Supervisors on May 20, 2025, and submitted to HCD for review in December 2025, includes critical rezoning measures and programs designed to support housing development across all income levels. Compliance was confirmed following Resolution No. 2026-5 and Ordinance No. 1091, which implements the necessary zoning changes to provide adequate housing sites.

“We are very happy to receive the much-anticipated news that the county’s housing element has been completely accepted by HCD. This is a tangible and monumental step in the right direction towards ending sprawl development and out-of-control growth. Additionally, this positions our county to accept the millions of much-needed grant dollars to improve our infrastructure. I’m proud that the board of supervisors and county staff were able to receive approval from the state on such a pivotal plan.” — Dom Zanger, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors

County staff worked tirelessly to address all HCD’s concerns toward developing a fully compliant housing element. The Housing Element serves as a framework and planning tool for meeting state housing requirements. Property owners are not prevented from seeking rezoning of their properties for future development consistent with local policies. With this approval, the County is no longer subject to the “Builder’s Remedy” for high-density housing development, ensuring the County’s future local land-use control.

The Housing Element outlines a comprehensive strategy, including programs to:

•  Expand affordable housing opportunities
• Support accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and workforce housing
• Facilitate emergency shelters and transitional housing
• Promote fair housing and anti-displacement measures

Compliance also positions the County to compete for funding through programs such as the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program, Pro-housing Incentive Program, and Permanent Local Housing Allocation.

San Benito County will continue to monitor and report progress annually, as required by state law, and remains committed to implementing housing programs that serve the community’s diverse needs.

For more information on the Housing Element and related programs, visit www.sanbenitocountyca.gov (Resource Management Agency – Housing Programs Division) or contact the Planning and Land Use Division at (831) 637-5313.

***Please note: The official HCD approval letter confirming compliance is attached to this press release for reference. ***

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