Title 17 — ZONING REGULATIONS CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
Chapter 17.14 — CONSERVATION/OPEN SPACE (C/OS) ZONE
San Luis Obispo Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · San Luis Obispo
17.14.010 – Purpose and Application ¶
A. General Application. The C/OS zone generally will be applied to areas which are most suitable for open space uses because of topography, geology, vegetation, soils, wildlife habitat, scenic prominence, agricultural value, or flood hazards. Land and water areas in the C/OS zone remain in a predominantly natural or undeveloped state generally free of structures.
B. Natural Hazards. The C/OS zone is intended to prevent exposure of urban development to unacceptable risks posed by natural hazards and to protect natural resources from disruptive alterations. To these ends, it is further intended to prevent the subdivision of such lands.
C. Natural and Historic Resources. The C/OS zone provides for the protection and preservation of the community’s natural and historic resources, defines the urban boundary, and provides visual and physical relief from urban development.
17.14.020 – Development Standards ¶
The general property development standards for the C/OS zone shall be as set forth in Table 2-3: C/OS Zone Development Standards. See also Section 16.18.030 (Subdivisions; Lot Dimensions) for minimum lot dimensions.
| Table 2-3: C/OS Zone Development Standards | Table 2-3: C/OS Zone Development Standards | Table 2-3: C/OS Zone Development Standards | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Standard | C/OS Zone | Additional Regulations | |
| Maximum Residential Density |
1 unit per parcel | The maximum density may be decreased based on presence and extent of environmental resources and/or hazards. Such density will be as indicated by the zone designation. |
|
| Minimum Parcel Size | 5 acres | The minimum parcel size may be required to be larger than 5 acres as designated by the zone suffix. For example, C/OS- 40 requires a minimum parcel size of 40 acres. |
|
| Minimum Setback | |||
| Front | 20 feet | ||
| Side | 20 feet | ||
| Rear | 20 feet | ||
| Maximum Building Height | 35 feet | ||
| Maximum Impervious Surface Area |
>10 acres | 5% | |
| 10+acres | 3% |
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ZONING REGULATIONS – TITLE 17