Title 17 — ZONING REGULATIONS CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

Chapter 17.114 — VARIANCES

San Luis Obispo Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · San Luis Obispo

17.114.010 – Purpose and Applicability

  • A. Purpose. The Variance procedure is intended to allow minor relaxation of certain standards by the Director that would otherwise prevent a property from being used in the same manner as other, similar property, where the intent of these regulations is not compromised by such minor relaxation.

  • B. Applicability. Yards, height limits, lot coverage, floor area ratio, and parking space requirements may be relaxed. No Variance to land use regulations or density standards may be granted.

17.114.020 – Procedure

  • A. An application shall be in the form prescribed by the Director, shall state the precise nature of the grounds for the Variance sought, and shall be accompanied by any required fees.

  • B. Notification requirements and actions of the Director shall be as provided for Minor Use Permits in Section –

  • 17.58.030(A). 17.110.030 (Procedure Minor Use Permit).

17.114.030 – Burden of Proof

It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to provide evidence in support of the findings required in Section 17. xx.xxx 114.040 (Required Findings).

17.114.040 – Required Findings

In order to approve a Variance, the Director or, on appeal, the Planning Commission or Council, must make each of the following findings:

  • A. That there are circumstances applying to the site, such as size, shape, or topography, which do not apply generally to land in the vicinity with the same zoning;

  • B. That the Variance will not be in conflict with the purpose and intent of these Zoning Regulations, the General Plan, or any applicable specific plan;

  • C. That the Variance will not constitute a grant of special privilege—an entitlement inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity with the same zoning; and

  • D. That the Variance will not adversely affect the health, safety, or general welfare of persons residing or working on the site or in the vicinity.

6- 34

CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ZONING REGULATIONS – TITLE 17