San Benancio Road Planning Case Weighs New Home on Steep Lot and Removal of a Coast Live Oak

SAN BENANCIO, Monterey County — October 29, 2026. An earlier Monterey County Planning Commission case shows how new residential construction is evaluated in the rural San Benancio corridor. At its April 29, 2026 hearing, the commission considered plans for a home at 146 San Benancio Road, with associated work on slopes steeper than 25% and the removal of one coast live oak.

What would be built?

Planning file PLN240355, listed on the county agenda as PC 26-046, describes a 1,000-square-foot, two-story single-family residence, a 630-square-foot attached lower-level garage, a 592-square-foot uncovered deck and a 720-square-foot covered balcony. The building sizes are from the public project description and should not be confused with a new subdivision or a multifamily development.

What was the environmental review?

County staff proposed finding the project eligible for a Class 3 categorical exemption for small new construction. The record lists an arborist report and minutes from the Toro Land Use Advisory Committee. The request also required attention to steep-slope development and a protected coast live oak. These details explain the specific approvals sought, not a blanket exemption for all tree clearing in the area.

What did the Planning Commission decide?

Update, October 29, 2026: Although the legislation-detail page does not display a final-action value, the county’s approved April 29 meeting minutes record a motion to approve this project, passed by eight votes in favor, zero opposed, with two commissioners absent. That establishes the commission vote. It does not establish that building permits have been issued or construction or tree removal completed. The recorded minutes were approved June 10, 2026. County Planning Commission April 29 agenda and minutes.

Why local property owners may care

The corridor includes steep terrain, protected trees and rural access roads. This case is a practical example of how a proposed dwelling may be analyzed against building size, driveway access, slope constraints and vegetation rules. It is not evidence that any other San Benancio property is authorized to remove trees or build to the same dimensions.

Primary source: Monterey County Planning Commission, PC 26-046 / PLN240355, April 29, 2026. Historical public proceedings are clearly identified; no new October hearing is implied.

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