San Benito County Local Tenant Preference

On October 14th, 2025 the San Benito County Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance No. 1085 to add Chapter 21.04 (Local Tenant Preference) to Title 21 (Building and Engineering) of the San Benito County Code of Ordinances. 

This policy shall apply to all residential units in housing projects in the County of San Benito that meet any of the following criteria:

1.  The project has five (5) or more attached or detached units.
2.  The units are restricted as affordable housing to occupancy by or sale or rent.
3. The project receives development assistance from the County for new construction or substantial rehabilitation.
4. The development assistance was approved by the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, or the Planning Director.
5. Any affordable units produced pursuant to San Benito County Code Title 21.03 Affordable Housing Regulations.

The following preferences for local housing are provided to San Benito County Residents for affordable housing units:

1. Displaced households
2. Neighborhood residents (of a new development project)
3. San Benito County residents
4. San Benito County workers
5. San Benito County school district employees
6. San Benito County residents with high rent or household costs
7. San Benito County residents with children in a local school district
8. San Benito County agricultural employees
9. San Benito County seniors
10. San Benito County individuals with disabilities
11. San Benito County veterans
12. San Benito County public safety employees and first responders
13. San Benito County health care providers

Each preference identified above shall constitute one point towards local tenant preferences, except that San Benito County Seniors and Veterans shall qualify for two points towards local tenant preferences. Points can be added for each preference an individual is eligible for, provided they have submitted the proper documentation proving that they qualify for each preference.

 For more information contact the San Benito County Planning and Building Department at:

2301 Technology Parkway
Hollister, CA 95023
Phone: 831-637-5313
Email: sbcplan@sanbenitocountyca.gov