Title 17 — ZONING REGULATIONS CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

Chapter 17.36 — SERVICE COMMERCIAL (C-S) ZONE

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

17.36.010 – Purpose and Application

The C-S zone is intended to provide for a wide range of service and manufacturing uses to meet local needs and some demands of the region, including services, limited retail, and other business service uses that may be less appropriate in the City’s other commercial zones. The C-S zone is also intended to accommodate certain storage, transportation, wholesaling, and light manufacturing uses. The C-S zone is intended to be applied primarily to areas that have more public exposure on arterial streets than areas reserved for manufacturing uses.

17.36.020 – Development Standards

The general property development standards for the C-S zone shall be as set forth in Table 2-20: C-S Zone Development Standards. See also Section 16.18.030 (Subdivisions; Lot Dimensions) for minimum lot dimensions.

Table 2-20: C-S Zone Development Standards

Table 2-20: C-S Zone Development Standards Table 2-20: C-S Zone Development Standards Table 2-20: C-S Zone Development Standards Table 2-20: C-S Zone Development Standards Table 2-20: C-S Zone Development Standards Table 2-20: C-S Zone Development Standards Table 2-20: C-S Zone Development Standards Table 2-20: C-S Zone Development Standards
Development Standard C-S Zone Additional Regulations
Maximum
Density		 Residential 24 units/net acre Maximum density includes dwelling units in hotels and motels,
but not including other hotel or motel such as conference rooms
~~and dining facilities that are not considered dwelling units.~~See
also Section 17.70.040 (Density)17.16.010.Regardless of the
density calculation, at least three units shall be allowed on each
parcel that conforms with minimum lot size for the C-S zone.
Minimum Setbacks
Front Where no building adjoins, 5 feet (requirement for parking lots and signs)
Buildings ≤ 20 feet in height: 10 feet
Buildings>20 feet in height: 15 feet
Interior Side and Rear No setback unless adjacent to zone with minimum setback requirement, in which case the
adjoining setback shall be as provided in zone of adjacent lot. Lots separated by streets or
other rights-of-way are not considered adjacent. If more than one zone is adjacent, the
largest setback shall be required.
Corner Lot - Street Side Where no building adjoins, 5 feet (requirement for parking lots and signs)
Buildings ≤ 20 feet in height: 10 feet
Buildings>20 feet in height: 15 feet
Maximum Building Height 35 feet See also Section17.70.080 (Height Measurement and
Exceptions)17.16.020 and 17.16.040
Maximum Lot Coverage 75% See also Section 17.70.120 (Lot Coverage )17.16.030

Maximum Floor Area Ratio		 1.5 See also Section
17.70.060 (FAR Measurement and

Exceptions)
Minimum Lot Area 9,000 square feet See also Section 16.18.030 (Subdivisions; Lot Dimensions)
Edge Condition
Requirements		 See Section 17.70.050 (Edge Conditions)XXX

17.36.030 – Additional Regulations ~~ for Specific Uses in the C-S Zone ~~

  • A. Maximum Retail Building Size in the C-S zone. No retail establishment (commercial building) shall exceed 60,000 square feet of gross floor area, unless excepted by Section 17.16.035 for nonconforming structures per Chapter 17.92 (Nonconforming Structures).

  • B. Offices in the C-S Zone. The approval of an office facility in the C-S zone shall require that the review authority find that:

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1. The project will be compatible with existing and allowed land uses in the area; and

2. The project will not preclude industrial or service commercial uses in areas especially suited for these uses when compared with offices.

  • C. Medical Services in the C-S zone. In order to T he approval o fe a Medical Office, Dental Office, or Clinic in the C- S zone shall require that , t he review authority shall be required to make all of the following find that ings:

    1. The proposed medical service is compatible with surrounding land uses; .

    2. The proposed medical service is located along a street designated as an arterial or commercial collector in the circulation element; and

    3. The project will not preclude service commercial uses in areas especially suited for these uses when compared with medical services.

  • D. Commercial Recreational in the C-S zone. The approval of a commercial recreational facility in the C-S zone shall require that the review authority to find that:

    1. The proposed use will serve the community, in whole or in significant part;

    2. The project will be compatible with existing and allowed land uses in the area; and

    3. The project will not preclude other industrial or service commercial uses in areas especially suited for these uses when compared with recreational facilities.

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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ZONING REGULATIONS – TITLE 17