Title 17 — ZONING REGULATIONS CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

Chapter 17.16 — LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONE

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

17.16.010 – Purpose and Application

The R-1 zone provides for low-density residential development and supporting compatible uses that have locations and development forms that provide a sense of both individual identity and neighborhood cohesion, and that provide private outdoor space for the households occupying individual units. The R-1 zone is intended to preserve existing single-unit neighborhoods, provide for compatible infill development in such areas, and prescribe the overall character of newly subdivided low-density areas.

17.16.020 – Development Standards

  • A. General Development Standards. The general property development standards for the R-1 zone shall be as set forth in Table 2-4: R-1 Zone Development Standards. See also Section 16.18.030 (Subdivisions; Lot Dimensions) for minimum lot dimensions.
Table 2-4: R-1 Zone Development Standards Table 2-4: R-1 Zone Development Standards Table 2-4: R-1 Zone Development Standards Table 2-4: R-1 Zone Development Standards
Development Standard R-1 Zone Additional Regulations
Maximum ResidentialDensity 7 units/net acre See also Section 17 .16.01070.040 (Density)
..
Maximum
FAR		 0.40.5
Maximum FAR may be increased up to 0.50 55if
consistent with Section 17~~.XX16.030.A (Requirements and
Findings for FAR Increase in R-1 Zone). See also Section
17.70.060XX ~~(FAR Measurementand Exceptions)
Minimum Setbacks
Front 20 feet See also Section
Paving)		 XX.XX.XXX17.76.03~~0:~~Front Yard
..
Interior Side and Rear See Section 17.16.020.B, Table 2-5: R-1 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear
Setbacks.
Corner Lot–Street Side 10 feet. See Figure 2-1: Street Side Setback on Corner Lots.
Maximum Building Height 25 feet Roof pitches with a slope of at least 30 degrees above a
horizontal plane,may extend beyond the maximum height
no more than 30 inches. See also Sections 17.16.020.B
(Interior Side and Rear Setback Standards)and
17.16.04070.080 (Height Measurement and Exceptions).

17
..
Maximum Lot Coverage 40%
See also Section 17
.16.03070.120 (Lot Coverage)
..

Minimum Lot Area		 6,000 square feet
See also Section 16.18.030 (Subdivisions; Lot
Dimensions)

Figure 2-1: Street Side Setback on Corner Lots

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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ZONING REGULATIONS – TITLE 17

  • B. Interior Side and Rear Setback Standards. The interior side and rear setback standards for the R-1 zone shall be as set forth in Table 2-5: R-1 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks. See also Figure 2-2: R-1 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks and Building Height.

Table 2-5: R-1 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks

Table 2-5: R-1 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks Table 2-5: R-1 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks
Maximum Building Height Minimum Required Setback
Apoint this high on the roof of a building: Must be at least this far from thepropertyline:
1 – 12 feet 5 feet(minimum setback)
13 – 15 feet 6 feet
16 – 17 feet 7 feet
18 – 19 feet 8 feet
20 – 22 feet 109 feet
23 – 24 feet 1210feet
25 feet 1411feet

Figure 2-2: R-1 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks and Building Height

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17.16.030 – Additional ~~ Standards ~~ Regulations

  • A. Requirements and Findings for FAR Increase in R-1 Zone. These regulations are established to encourage development and additions that are compatible with neighborhood character in the R-1 zone. The maximum FAR may be increased from 0.4 to 0.5 if the building design incorporates one of the following:

    1. Single-Story. Buildings limited to one story with a maximum height of 14 feet to top of a flat roof and 20 feet to the ridge or peak of a sloped roof (with otherwise permitted exceptions allowed). The allowed single story shall not include mezzanines or lofts.

    2. Greater Setbacks. A second-story step back of at least 5f ive feet along the front façade facing and provide second-story side setbacks that are at least 3 t hree feet greater than the minimum required setback.

    3. Garage Location. Provide a detached garage located behind the main dwelling.

  • B. High-Occupancy Residential Use. Refer to Chapter XX1 7.14 8: (High-Occupancy Residential Use Regulations).

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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ZONING REGULATIONS – TITLE 17