Overview
San Benito County’s Low Impact Camping Ordinance aims to support rural economic development, offer affordable outdoor experiences, and assist landowners in generating sustainable revenue while conserving their land. This ordinance addresses the growing demand for camping spaces and ensures that camping activities are environmentally sustainable and community-friendly.

What is Low Impact Camping?
Low Impact Camping refers to minimal infrastructure camping activities that cause little disruption to the natural environment and neighboring properties. It includes activities such as tent camping, glamping, dry RV camping, and staying in yurts. This type of camping is different from traditional commercial campgrounds as it requires fewer resources and has less impact on the surrounding area.

Why Choose Low Impact Camping?
Low impact camping provides a balanced approach to outdoor recreation, offering economic benefits while preserving the natural environment. It disperses camping activities across private lands, reducing the pressure on public lands and creating unique and memorable experiences for visitors.

Benefits of Low Impact Camping

• Economic Development: Provides a new revenue stream for local landowners and supports rural tourism.
• Affordable Outdoor Experiences: Offers a cost-effective way for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of San Benito County.
• Environmental Stewardship: Encourages landowners to protect and conserve their properties while sharing them with responsible campers.
• Intuitive and Accessible: The simple and straightforward regulations make it easy for landowners to host campers without the need for complex registration processes.

Key Regulations

1. Location and Site Requirements:
• Zoning: Permitted in Agricultural (AR), Agricultural Productive (AP), Rural (R), Rural Residential (RR), and Rural Transition (RT) zones.
• Density: One campsite per acre, with a maximum of nine campsites per property.
• Setbacks: Campsites must be set back at least 100 feet from property lines.
• Sanitation: Facilities must be fully self-contained or connected to a permitted sewage disposal system, with at least one ADA-compliant restroom required.
• Waste Management: All solid waste must be removed after each occupancy, and trash receptacles must follow animal-protection best practices.
• Parking: No on-street parking is allowed.
2. Operational Regulations:
• Temporary Accommodation: Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights per camper; no temporary accommodation for permanent occupancy.
• Noise Control: No amplified sound or live music allowed between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., in compliance with local noise regulations.
• On-Site Management: A designated on-site manager must be available 24/7.
• Fire Safety: Communal and recreational fires are limited to one wood-burning fire pit per property, operated by the site manager or property owner, and must follow fire safety guidelines.

How to Get Started

1. Understanding the Ordinance: Review the full text of the Low Impact Camping Ordinance to understand all requirements and regulations.
2. Planning Your Site: Ensure your property meets the location and site requirements outlined in the ordinance.
3. Preparing for Operation: Set up sanitation facilities, waste management, and fire safety measures as per the operational regulations.
4. Partnering with Hipcamp: Consider listing your property on Hipcamp, a platform that connects landowners with campers looking for unique outdoor experiences. Hipcamp simplifies the process of hosting campers and provides an additional revenue stream. For more information, visit Hipcamp's website.

For more information on the Low Impact Camping Ordinance, please contact the San Benito County Planning Department at 831-637-5313 or visit our office at 2301 Technology Pkwy, Hollister, CA 95023