Los Osos
Update as of 9/17/2026: All habitat mitigation credits that were available in 2026 have been reserved by project proponents participating for coverage under the County’s Community-wide Incidental Take Permit. The County is pursuing opportunities to generate additional credits which are expected to be available in early 2027.
Growth rate allocations are currently available to properties on the Los Osos Waitlist and, on October 1, will be available to all properties in the community sewer service area regardless of Waitlist position.
On August 13, 2026, the California Fish & Game Commission voted to list Morro manzanita as a "threatened" species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). Please visit the FAQ below to find out how this may impact development in Los Osos.
Major milestones to date:
On May 1st, 2026, the Department began accepting and processing requests for habitat mitigation credit and growth allocation.
On June 12th, 2026, the Department began issuing Credit Reservation Forms (CRFs) to reserve habitat mitigation credits for eligible projects. With the CRF, property owners can proceed to apply for a building permit.
As of September 2026, thirteen projects have applied for building permits as part of the LOHCP process. Projects include single family homes, guest houses, additions, water and telecom infrastructure, and emergency septic and electrical work. Of these, six projects have received a Certificate of Inclusion (COI) and been issued building permits.
As of September 17, 2026, five properties have received a growth rate allocation. All allocations are for single-family dwellings.
Upcoming dates to plan for:
Beginning October 1st: Any unused growth rate allocations for the calendar year will become available to the entire Los Osos sewer service area, regardless of Los Osos Waitlist position. It is anticipated that 15-20 growth rate allocations will be available. Los Osos Waitlist property owners who did not obtain an allocation in 2026 retain their position on the Waitlist in 2027.
For details on how to apply, please click on the Residential Growth Rate Allocation icon above, or visit Key Permitting Requirement for a New Dwelling Unit - Residential Growth Rate Allocation - County of San Luis Obispo
January 1st, 2027: After the Board of Supervisors establishes a 2027 growth rate for Los Osos, property owners on the Waitlist will be notified via a Notification Letter.
Early 2027: Habitat mitigation credits are expected to be available. For more details, please click on the Los Habitat Conservation Plan icon above or visit: Key Permitting Requirement for New Ground Disturbance - Los Osos Habitat Conservation Plan (LOHCP) - County of San Luis Obispo.
Key Permitting Requirements in Los Osos:
Figure 1-1 from the Los Osos Community Plan (LOCP), 2024 summarizes the key requirements for new development in Los Osos that address issues concerning habitat, wastewater, and water supply. Other site-specific requirements may apply.
Click the color-coordinated buttons at the top of the page to see how to meet key permitting requirements.
FAQs
On August 13, 2026, the California Fish & Game Commission voted to list Morro manzanita as a "threatened" species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). Morro manzanita is also listed as a "threatened" species under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA); and Morro manzanita and its habitat are protected by the Los Osos Habitat Conservation Plan (LOHCP). The County is pursuing an incidental take permit under CESA to cover incidental take of Morro manzanita through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
How this impacts development in Los Osos:
If Morro manzanita is present on the site of a proposed project, as evidenced by survey(s) performed by qualified biologist(s), it is required that the project applicant:
1) Avoid and minimize impacts to Morro manzanita through site design and construction activities planning (per LOHCP), and
2) Inform CDFW of the potential impact/take of Morro manzanita on the project site and satisfy all CDFW project mitigation requirements.
If Morro manzanita is present on the site of a proposed project, as evidenced by survey(s) performed by qualified biologist(s), and the project requires a discretionary land use permit, it is required that the project applicant:
1) Avoid and minimize impacts to Morro manzanita through site design and construction activities planning (per LOHCP) and
2) Obtain Morro manzanita take coverage under CESA through CDFW prior to conclusion of environmental review.
To contact CDFW's Central Region, email: [email protected]
Abbreviations:
DRF: Development Request Form CRF: Credit Reservation Form HCP: Habitat Conservation Plan COI: Certificate of Inclusion
GMO: Growth Management Ordinance LUP: Land Use Permit BP: Building Permit SFD: Single Family Dwelling
Abbreviations:
DRF: Development Request Form CRF: Credit Reservation Form HCP: Habitat Conservation Plan COI: Certificate of Inclusion
GMO: Growth Management Ordinance LUP: Land Use Permit BP: Building Permit SFD: Single Family Dwelling
Abbreviations:
DRF: Development Request Form CRF: Credit Reservation Form HCP: Habitat Conservation Plan COI: Certificate of Inclusion
GMO: Growth Management Ordinance LUP: Land Use Permit BP: Building Permit SFD: Single Family Dwelling
References
Project Contacts
Comments and questions regarding the Los Osos Habitat Conservation Plan or Growth Management Ordinance may be submitted via email to [email protected]