Title 17 — ZONING REGULATIONS CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

Chapter 17.26 — NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL (C-N) ZONE

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

17.26.010 – Purpose and Application

The C-N zone is intended to accommodate the establishment and operation of small-scale, pedestrian-oriented, and low-impact retail sales and personal services businesses primarily for the convenience of people in surrounding residential areas, to meet the frequent shopping needs of people living nearby.

17.26.020 – Development Standards

  • A. General Development Standards. The general property development standards for the C-N zone shall be as set forth in Table 2-14: C-N Zone Development Standards. See also Section 16.18.030 (Subdivisions; Lot Dimensions) for minimum lot dimensions.
Table 2-14: C-N Zone Development Standards Table 2-14: C-N Zone Development Standards Table 2-14: C-N Zone Development Standards Table 2-14: C-N Zone Development Standards
Development Standard C-N Zone Additional Regulations
MaximumResidentialDensity 12 units/net acre See also Section 17.16.01070.040 (Density).
the densit calculation at least two units shall
Minimum Setbacks
Front 10 feet
Interior Side and Rear See Section 17.26.020.B, TableX2-15:C-N Zone Minimum Side and Rear
Setbacks.
Corner Lot-Street Side 10 feet
Maximum Building Height 35 feet See also Sections17.26.020.B (Interior Side and Rear
Setback Standards) and 17.70.080 (Height Measurement
and Exceptions). 17.16.020 and 17.16.040

and Exceptions).
Maximum Lot Coverage 75%
See also Section
17.16.03017.70.120 (Lot Coverage)
..

Maximum Floor Area Ratio		 2.0 See also Section
17.70.060 (FAR Measurement and

Exceptions)
Minimum Lot Area 6,000 square feet See also Section 16.18.030 (Subdivisions; Lot Dimensions)
Edge Condition Requirements See SectionXXX17.70.050 (Edge Conditions)
  • B. Interior Side and Rear Setback Standards. The interior side and rear setback standards for the C-N zone shall be as set forth in Table 2-15: C-N Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks. See also Figure 2-8: C-N Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks and Building Height.

Table 2-15: C-N Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks in C-N Zones

Table 2-15:C-N ZoneMinimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacksin C-N Zones Table 2-15:C-N ZoneMinimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacksin C-N Zones Table 2-15:C-N ZoneMinimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacksin C-N Zones
Maximum Building Height Minimum Required Setback
Apoint this high on the roof of a building: Must be at least this far from thepropertyline:
1 – 13 feet 5 feet(minimum setback)
14 – 17 feet 6 feet
18 – 22 feet 7 feet
23 – 26 feet 8 feet
27 – 31 feet 9 feet
32 – 35 feet 10 feet
Note: See also Section XX.XXX.XX17.70.050.D.2(Edge Conditions).
..

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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ZONING REGULATIONS – TITLE 17

Figure 2-8: C-N Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks and Building Height

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17.26.030 – Additional Regulations

  • A. Maximum Retail Sales Building Size in the C-N Zone. A retail sales use in the C-N zone shall not exceed a gross floor area of 2,000 square feet for each establishment, or a combined floor area of 15,000 square feet for all retail sales establishments within a shopping center Exceptions to the floor area limitations above require Minor Use Permit approval to ensure consistency with policies of the General Plan Land Use Element and compatibility with surrounding uses.

B. Food and Beverage Sales in the C-N Zone.

1. General Markets and Convenience Stores. General Markets and Convenience Stores with a gross floor area under 3,000 square feet are allowed by right. Such uses with a gross floor area exceeding 3,000 square feet may be approved by a Minor Use Permit.

2. Liquor Stores. Liquor stores shall be limited to 3,000 square feet of gross floor area, subject to a Minor Use Permit.

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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ZONING REGULATIONS – TITLE 17