San Benito County - Planning Commission - Regular Meeting - August 19, 2026

The San Benito County Planning Commission held a regular meeting on August 19, 2026, where key procurement-related discussions focused on land use and development projects, including a significant agenda item concerning the San Benito High School District's proposed property disposition and acquisition for a new high school campus. The commission reviewed statutory requirements, general plan conformity, and environmental considerations, ultimately recommending approval of the disposition of an agricultural parcel back to farming use and disapproval of the acquisition of a new agricultural parcel for school use due to conflicts with agricultural preservation policies. The commission also discussed the draft ordinance regulating battery energy storage systems (BESS), including safety standards, land use restrictions, and exclusion zones, and directed staff to form an ad hoc committee to further study and refine the ordinance with a report due by October 21, 2026. Public comments addressed concerns about traffic, environmental impacts, and site suitability for the high school and BESS projects. The commission voted to continue the BESS ordinance item to allow for further study and to continue the discussion on wireless telecommunication code standards to a future meeting.