Guide to Zoning and Property Information

What is the process?

Is the Parcel in the Inland Area or Coastal Zone?

Check to see if the parcel is in the Inland Area or the Coastal Zone by search for the parcel on this Coastal Zone & Inland Area Map.

What is the Zoning (i.e. Land Use) of a Parcel?

Next, check to see the zoning of a parcel on this Land Use Map.

Table of Allowable Land Uses & Permit Requirements

Then, look at the table of allowable land uses and permit requirements specific for the Inland Area (Title 22) or Coastal Zone (Title 23).  If the field is blank, the land use is not allowed in that zoning (i.e. land use category).

If the parcel is in the Inland Area, the table is Table 2-2

If the parcel is in the Coastal Zone, the table is Table 0

 

Standards for Specific Land Uses

Also, look at the standards of specific land uses for the Inland Area (Title 22) or Coastal Zone (Title 23) to help determine if the property meets the minimum requirements for the land use.

If the parcel is in the Inland Area, use ARTICLE 4 - STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USES

If the parcel is in the Coastal Zone, use Chapter 23.08 - SPECIAL (S) USES

Check Planning Area Standards

Check the Planning Area Standards for the particular community and zoning of the parcel. These standards are mandatory requirements, intended to address the local planning issues of each planning area. Where these standards conflict with other provisions of Title 22 and Title 23, these standards control.

For the Inland Area, look here for the specific Planning Area Standards (Article 9) for specific communities

For the Coastal Zone, look here for the specific Planning Area Stanards for specific communities

 

Check Combining Designations

Check if the parcel has a combining designation. Combining designations are used to identify and highlight areas of the county having natural or built features which are sensitive, hazardous, fragile, of cultural or educational value, or of economic value as extractable natural resources. The purpose of combining designation standards is to require project design that will give careful consideration to the land features, structures and activities identified by the combining designations. These standards provide for more detailed project review where necessary to support public safety or proper use of public resources, or to satisfy the requirements of the California Coastal Act and the Local Coastal Plan, the certified Land Use Plan of the San Luis Obispo County Local Coastal Program.

Look at the parcel's information on the Land Use View Map to see if there is a combining designation.  Please follow the Land Use View Instructions for how to use the Land Use View Map.

Check Recorded Maps

Check the Recorded Map Index if the parcel is in a Tract or Parcel Map.  The Additional Map Sheet, found on the last page of Tract and Parcel Maps, may have conditions that would exclude the parcel from certain uses or add additional constraints to the parcel.

Look at the parcel's legal description on the Land Use View Map to see if the parcel is in a Tract or Parcel Map. Please follow the Land Use View Instructions for how to use the Land Use View Map.

 

Talk with a Planner

Properties have different zoning requirements which are explained in Steps 1 - 7 above. These requirements vary depending on several elements. Due to the complexity of the land use ordinances, you may want to speak with a Planner to obtain accurate zoning requirements and setbacks for your proposed building or addition is to speak with Planning staff. You will need the property address or Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) and a proposed scope of work. A site plan of the proposed work is also very helpful. The APN is usually included on your property tax records or in the deed for that individual property. Submit these items to the Planning Division by emailing [email protected] and staff will check the County land use ordinances and provide you with the correct information. This will safeguard you from unnecessary problems and expense.

It is important to note that some projects require a Land Use Permit before applying for a Building Permit. When you speak with Planning staff, ask to confirm if your proposed project requires a Land Use Permit first.

Who can use this service?

Anyone can use this service.

Is there a charge for this service?

This service is provided free of charge.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.

PermitSLO Portal

 

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