Growth Management Ordinance Administration

The County of San Luis Obispo has adopted a Growth Management Ordinance that meters the number of residential dwelling units that can be built in the unincorporated areas of the county during any one fiscal year (July 1st - June 30th). Based on a growth rate of 2.3%, a total of 1,107 dwelling units can be built in in the unincorporated areas of the county during fiscal year 2017-2018. In order to secure the opportunity to build one of these units, a request called an "allocation" is required.

What is the process?

Determine Requirements

Typically, allocation requests are processed concurrently with a construction permit. However, some areas of the County have additional requirements and two areas - Cambria and Los Osos - have waiting lists. An allocation request can be processed without a construction permit to secure a place on a waiting list. PLEASE NOTE: allocation requests are not currently being accepted for placement on the Cambria allocation waiting list.

Allocation Requirements by Area
Area Waiting List Requirements
Cambria YES

The maximum annual allocation rate in Cambria is set at 0% through June 30, 2018. This means that no new allocation requests can be approved other than those accompanied by an intent-to-serve letter from the Cambria Community Services District for replacements, transfers, and grandfathered water meters.

Click here to see the Cambria waitlist
Cayucos NO Allocation requests must be submitted concurrently with a construction permit application. The Cayucos Water District will authorize a limited number of new units each year, based on an annual review of the community's remaining water supply (Paso Robles Beach Water Association and Morro Rock Mutual Water Company areas).
Los Osos YES

Building restrictions are currently in effect for vacant lots within the Los Osos community. New allocation requests are placed on a waiting list with an assigned order based on the date and time of the application.

Click here to see the Los Osos waitlist
Nipomo Mesa NO The maximum annual allocation rate on the Nipomo mesa is set at 1.8%, which equates to 129 allocations for fiscal year 2017-2018. Normally, a single applicant can obtain no more than 10% of the annual allocations on the Nipomo mesa; however, a single applicant can obtain 20% of the annual allocations on the Nipomo mesa for multi-family/residential unit ownership projects that have received intent-to-serve letters from the applicable water district and meet any one of the following:
  1. the project is located in Nipomo Olde Towne Design Plan area and is smart growth, green build, mixed use, or senior housing;
  2. the project includes guaranteed long-term affordability for at least 35% of the units; or
  3. the project will result in the construction of sections of road improvements that substantially improve traffic issues including those improvements identified on the South County Circulation Study Road Improvement list.

Submit Request

The applicant submits a completed application package and pays all applicable fees.

Receive Allocation

The applicant receives their allocation, either concurrent with their construction permit or as an assigned place on a waiting list.

Who can use this service?

Anyone wishing to build a new residential dwelling unit may use this service.

Is there a charge for this service?

Please refer to the Department of Planning & Building Fee Schedule for application fees.

When and where is this service offered?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

PermitSLO Portal

 

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