Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 16 — SUBDIVISIONS›Chapter 16.36 — SUBDIVISION DESIGN
Morro Bay Municipal Code Art. II Lots
Morro Bay Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Morro Bay
Cite as: Morro Bay Municipal Code Article II · Text as of 2026-10-04
16.36.020 - General requirements.¶
The design of lots should be based on intended use, topography and access requirements. Lots, which are impractical for, intended uses due to terrain, location of natural features, inadequate access, frontage, or buildable area, or other physical limitations will not be approved. All lots shall abut on an improved street unless approved as a deep lot subdivision by the planning commission, under standards adopted by the planning commission.
(Ord. No. 522, § 3, 3-12-2007)
16.36.030 - Lot lines.¶
A. Lot lines shall be at the top of slope banks unless otherwise approved by the planning commission.
B. Side lot lines should be perpendicular to the street on straight streets, or radial to the street on curved streets, unless another angle would provide better building orientation for solar exposure or more lot area to the south of the likely building site, or unless another lot configuration would better suit the site topography or planned design of the development unless otherwise approved by the planning commission.
(Ord. No. 522, § 3, 3-12-2007)
16.36.040 - Depth-width relationship.¶
Lots with a ratio of depth to width greater than 3:1 shall not be permitted unless there is adequate assurance that deep lot subdivision will not occur or that deep lot subdivision and subsequent development will be accomplished without detriment to adjacent properties. In no case shall the width of a lot be less than forty feet for a standard detached single-family lot. In addition, no lot for a standard single-family lot shall be less than sixty feet in depth.
(Ord. No. 522, § 3, 3-12-2007)
16.36.050 - Minimum lot sizes.¶
A. In general, subdivisions shall be designed to be compatible with existing lots, residences, and zoning in their vicinity. Subdivisions are to be built, to the extent possible, to foster the appearance of neighborhoods with houses facing one another across public streets, cottage designs and garden courts. Except as otherwise allowed pursuant to state law or any other part of this code, minimum lot sizes shall be as established in the tables below for the underlying zoning district for which a subdivision or other action pursuant to this title is proposed.
Minimum Lot Size by District
| Zoning | (Lot size - sq. ft.) |
|---|---|
| RL | 5,000 |
| AG | 20,000 |
| RS | 5,000 |
| RM | 5,000 |
| RH | 5,000 |
| All Commercial and Mixed-Use and Industrial Zones | 6,000 |
B. Where average slopes exceed fifteen percent in all zone districts.
| Topography | Min. Area | Min. Frontage | Average Depth | Ratio Max. Depth to Width | % of Ground Surface to remain in same topographic condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15—20% average slope | 10,000 S.F. | 80' | 110' | 3:1 | 30% |
| 20—30% average slope | 20,000 S.F. | 100' | 150' | 3:1 | 50% |
| >30% average slope | 1 Acre | 150' | 225' | 3:1 | 70% |
(Ord. No. 522, § 3, 3-12-2007; Ord. No. 539, § 3, 5-27-08; Ord. No. 654, § 18, 11-22-22)
16.36.060 - Lot slopes.¶
New lots shall not be permitted where the average slope is over thirty percent; unless there is a building envelope with an average slope of less than twenty percent or the creation of such a lot offers public dedications or easements beneficial to the community. All lots exceeding fifteen percent shall identify building envelope and any development limited to said envelope.
(Ord. No. 522, § 3, 3-12-2007)
16.36.070 - Flag lots (deep lot subdivisions).¶
A. Flag lots may be approved for subdividing deep lots subject to the following findings: (1) the subdivision is consistent with the character of the immediate neighborhood; (2) the installation of a standard street, either alone or in conjunction with neighboring properties is not feasible; and (3) the flag lot meets the topographical conditions. Such subdivisions shall conform to the following:
The accessway, or staff portion of the flag serving the flag lot(s) shall not be included in the determination of required lot area for any lot.
The original lot shall have frontage on a dedicated street.
The accessway to the rear shall be at least twenty feet wide (developed to city standards) for residential districts, except where the accessway is more than one hundred fifty feet long, it shall be at least twenty-four feet wide with twenty feet of pavement, unless otherwise approved by the planning commission.
Each lot shall have yards as required by the zoning regulations, including a ten foot setback along any accessway, whether easement or lot line.
A preference shall be given for the lot farthest from the street to own the accessway in fee. However, an easement is acceptable, as long as other lots using the accessway shall have an access and utility easement over it, unless otherwise approved by the planning commission.
Lots utilizing the accessway of a flag lot may be required to enter into a road maintenance and utility agreement to insure perpetual maintenance and repair of the accessway and utilities.
A visible house number master sign shall be located at the intersection of the street and accessway to all lots. Individually visible address signs shall be placed on the right-hand side of the driveway to each individual lot.
(Ord. No. 522, § 3, 3-12-2007)
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