Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Benito County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in development with medium priority
Allium Solar and Storage project permitting delay
Longroad Energy says its Allium project application, deemed complete in August 2025, has gone 14 months without progress due in part to the BESS moratorium. The developer asked the county to allow the CEQA process to continue while approvals stay frozen — but the commission couldn't act because the topic wasn't on the agenda.
Unpermitted dwellings in flood-prone Lovers Lane area
Planning Director Prado said the county is working on a compassionate approach to unpermitted structures and RVs in flood zones — encouraging owners to legalize units rather than forcing displacement before the storms.
Two-hearing requirement for CFD annexations
An engineering consultant argued the county's requirement that annexations come before the board twice, 60 days apart, needlessly delays small lot splits and costs applicants over $5,000 and six months. Supervisors asked staff to investigate why the 2017 change exists.
HOA vs. CSA/CFD model for new development
Several supervisors said the county should get out of the business of managing subdivision services, favoring HOAs for large new developments — though Curro cautioned some buyers refuse to live in HOAs. The board wants options brought back for future policy.
Bolado Road farmland subdivision
A 36-acre ag parcel gets split into three lots with a five-year limit on selling them, except to the owner's sons. Some commissioners worry it chips away at farmland.