Pre-Application Meetings

What is this service?

Pre-application meetings are intended to aid prospective applicants in understanding the required rules and regulations that apply to their project and to reveal potential problems. The goal of providing a pre-application meeting is to make the permitting process as efficient and understandable as possible.

Who can use this service?

Anyone can use this service.

Is there a charge for this service?

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

Please note: Final costs are determined by which departments and agencies might be required to attend your Pre-Application Meeting, and will be calculated from the above fee schedule.

What is the process?

Step 1: Speak with Planner (Optional)

Call (805) 781-5600 and ask to speak with a planner about your proposed project, OR if you have previously spoken with a planner and know you would like a Pre-Application Meeting, Proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Submit Meeting Request

If the planner recommends a pre-application meeting, complete a Request for Pre-Application Meeting Form online. 

Please complete this with as much detail and information as possible.

PLEASE NOTE: an address or an APN is required; requests not including either of these will be deemed incomplete.

Requests are reviewed weekly by the appropriate staff and a planner or planners will be assigned to your meeting and scheduled accordingly.

 

Step 3: Pay Fee

The pre-application meeting fee must be paid in advance of the meeting, no later than one week before the date of the meeting 

PLEASE NOTE: Pre-Application Meeting cannot be held without fee payment having been received.

If an application is submitted within six months of the meeting, the Department of Planning & Building portion of the pre-application meeting fee will be applied to the application fee.

Step 4: Attend Meeting

Attend the pre-application meeting and discuss your proposed project and any questions you have about the approval process with county staff.

When and where is this service offered?

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

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

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Old County Courthouse Building

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

976 Osos Street Room 200 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

Tel: (805) 781-5600

Permits/Inspections: (805) 788-2076

Fax: (805) 781-1242

Frequently Asked Questions

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How can a pre-application meeting help me?

A pre-application meeting will provide Department of Planning & Building staff with sufficient information about a proposed project, enabling them to inform the applicant of approval requirements. Additionally, this meeting is to acquaint the applicant with the land use regulations that are applicable to the proposed project. Further, the meeting will provide an opportunity for other county department and agency staff to become acquainted with the proposed project.

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What information do I need to provide when scheduling a pre-application meeting?

Please be prepared to provide the following information when scheduling a pre-application meeting:

  1. A description of the proposed project;
  2. The Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) and address of the proposed project site; and
  3. Whether or not there are any existing agricultural uses on the proposed project site.
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When should I consider scheduling a pre-application meeting?

A pre-application meeting is required for some projects and recommended for others. If a project type is not shown below, a pre-application meeting is considered optional.

Pre-Application Meeting Requirements for Selected Project Types
Project Type Required Recommended
Conditional Use Permit/Development Plan   X
General Plan Amendment X  
Ordinance Amendment X  
Tract Map   X

Interactive Maps (Land Use View)

Our interactive Land Use View mapping application can be used to look up property information by assessor parcel number (APN), plan or permit number, or address.

Launch Land Use View Application

Online Services (CSS Portal)

The County of San Luis Obispo provides online services through Citizen Self Service (CSS) to request a building inspection, research construction permits and property information, and to pay fees.

Launch CSS Portal