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San Benito supervisors adopt sweeping Title 25 zoning amendments, allowing two ADUs per lot and updating kennel, cannabis and short‑term rental rules
Summary
The board voted unanimously to adopt targeted amendments to Title 25 that clarify administrative procedures, raise the accessory structure threshold to 2,500 square feet, permit two ADUs per lot consistent with state law, reorganize cannabis rules, and add standards for vehicle storage, kennels and short‑term rentals.
The San Benito County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a focused package of amendments to Title 25 of the county zoning code June 23, revising land‑use tables and standards across residential, agricultural and commercial districts.
Senior planner Stephanie Rex told the board the package is intended to improve clarity and consistency after code changes adopted in 2022. Key changes include increasing the maximum accessory structure size that is allowed without an administrative use permit from 1,000 square feet to 2,500 square feet; allowing two accessory dwelling units per lot to align with state law; reorganizing cannabis provisions to match earlier cannabis code updates; establishing objective standards and permitting pathways for pet shops and kennels; setting limits on outdoor storage and repair of vehicles in residential areas; and formalizing short‑term rental rules (maximum 28 days, zoning clearance and business license required).
Rex said the amendments also add a two‑year waiting period before substantially similar applications may be resubmitted after denial and refine thresholds for minor and major development plan review to allow staff to elevate projects when warranted by complexity or public concern.
Board members asked clarifying questions about setbacks for retail cannabis dispensaries (a 600‑foot sensitive‑use setback was confirmed), the rationale for a two‑year resubmission period and the kennel rewrite. Supervisor Cosmiki praised the staff work and stakeholders involved. The board waived the second reading and adopted the amendments by roll call vote 4–0.
What changed (highlights): - ADUs: Conforms to state law by allowing two ADUs per lot and updates related ADU provisions. - Accessory structures: Threshold raised to 2,500 sq ft before administrative use permit required. - Cannabis: Land‑use table reorganized to clarify cultivation, distribution, manufacturing, retail and microbusiness rules; dispensaries remain subject to setbacks. - Kennels: New definitions and permit/operational standards for pet shops, hobby kennels and commercial kennels; setback and welfare rules added. - Short‑term rentals: Permitted up to 28 days with zoning clearance and business license.
Votes at a glance: Motion to waive second reading and adopt Title 25 amendments — Roll call: Supervisor Zanger: yes; Supervisor Cosmiki: yes; Supervisor Satello: yes; Supervisor Curo: yes. Motion passed 4–0.
Next steps: The amendments become effective per the county's ordinance timeline; staff will implement clarified procedures and update web resources.
Sources: Staff presentation by Stephanie Rex and public hearing record at the June 23, 2026 meeting of the San Benito County Board of Supervisors.
