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 celendar year (January 1st - December 31st). In order to secure the opportunity to build one of these units, a request called an "allocation" is required and is granted during the building permit process once an application is accepted for processing. The Board of Supervisors reviews the growth of the unincorporated areas of the county annually for all communities.
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 and the Los Osos allocation waiting list.
| Area | Waiting List | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Cambria | YES |
The maximum annual allocation rate in Cambria is set at 0%. 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. |
| 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 |
The historic "building moratorium" on undeveloped parcels was lifted by the County Board of Supervisors (BOS). The residential growth rate in Los Osos may never exceed 1%, includes accessory dwelling units and deed-restricted affordable housing units, and must be based on review of the best available groundwater monitoring data. The BOS established a 0.4% growth rate for calendar year 2025 allowing for 25 new dwelling units in the community. Updated allocation data willl be made available here soon. |
| Nipomo Mesa | NO | The maximum annual allocation rate on the Nipomo mesa is set at 1.8%. |
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 is eligible?
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.
Location, directions and hours of operation
Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information
Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
976 Osos Street Room 200
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Tel: (805) 781-5600
Fax: (805) 781-1242
Permits/Inspections: (805) 788-6602
FAQS
Yes, certain types of residential development are exempt from the process. Replacing a legally established dwelling, low and moderate-income housing as defined by Government Code Section 50093, projects located within subdivisions created by the recordation of a vested map, secondary units (granny units) and farm support quarters located outside of the Nipomo mesa are all exempt from the allocation process.
If no dwelling units are available in a particular area, an allocation request is submitted to be placed on a waiting list. If dwelling units are available, an allocation request is submitted with a construction permit.
Anyone wishing to construct most types of new dwelling units must apply for an allocation.
