Title 17 — ZONING REGULATIONS CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

Chapter 17.74 — PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

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

17.74.010 – Purpose and Application

  • A. Purpose. This Chapter establishes performance standards intended to guard against the use of any property or structure in any zone in any manner which would create any dangerous, injurious, noxious, or otherwise objectionable condition or element that adversely affects the health and safety of residents, the community, and the surrounding area and adjoining premises.

  • B. Applicability. The minimum requirements in this Chapter apply to all land uses in all zoning districts, unless otherwise specified.

  • C. Exceptions. Compliance may be waived by the review authority if a condition created under prior Ordinances physically precludes the reasonable application of the standards. Additional categorical exemptions from compliance with the performance standards are as follows.

    1. Temporary Activity. Festivals and other special events with approved temporary use permits or other required permits, where such activities otherwise comply with other applicable provisions of these Zoning Regulations.

    2. Emergency Activities . Any emergency activity on the part of the City, any other government agency, or a private party.

    3. Construction Activity. Temporary construction activity is exempted except where such activity is explicitly regulated by other regulations of the Municipal Code.

17.74.020 – General Standard and Special Conditions

  • A. Land or buildings shall not be used or occupied in a manner creating any dangerous, injurious, or noxious fire, explosive, or other hazard that would adversely affect the surrounding area.

  • B. These performance standards are general requirements and shall not be construed to prevent the review authority from imposing, as part of project approval, specific conditions that may be more restrictive, in order to meet the intent of these Regulations.

17.74.030 – Air Contaminants

  • A. No use or activity shall be conducted without first obtaining any required permit from the County Air Pollution Control District.

  • B. Uses shall be conducted to prevent dust or other airborne material from crossing property lines.

17.74.040 – Discharges to Water or Public Sewer System

  • A. Discharges to groundwater or waterways, whether direct or indirect, shall conform with the requirements of the City’s Storm Water Quality Ordinance contained in Chapter 12.08 and City Standards, as well as requirements of the State and Regional Water Quality Control Boards, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and any other regulatory agency with jurisdiction over the activity.

  • B. Discharges to the City sewer system shall conform to Article II of Chapter 13.08 of this Code.

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17.74.050 – Energy Conservation

The use of conventional energy sources for space heating and cooling, water heating, and illumination shall be minimized by means of proper design and orientation, including provision and protection of solar exposure.

17.74.060 – Hazardous Materials

The use, handling, storage and transportation of hazardous and extremely hazardous materials shall require a Minor Use Permit and shall comply with the provisions of the California Hazardous Materials Regulations and the California Fire and Building Codes, as well as the laws and regulations of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and the County Environmental Health Agency. Activities, processes, and uses shall not generate or emit any fissionable or radioactive materials into the atmosphere, a sewage system, or onto the ground.

17.74.070 – Heat and Humidity

  • A. Heat. No activity shall be conducted which causes radiant heat or a stream of heated air resulting in a temperature increase of more than 20 degrees Fahrenheit at any property line or any public right-of-way.

  • B. Humidity. Every existing or proposed use, activity, or process or portion thereof producing humidity in the form of steam or moist air shall be carried on in such a manner that the humidity caused is not perceptible at or beyond any property line. The presence of humidity in the form of steam or moist air within the boundaries of a property shall not in itself constitute a violation of this Section.

17.74.080 – Light and Glare

  • A. Shielding. Every existing or proposed use, activity, or process or portion thereof producing glare shall be shielded in such a manner that the glare is not perceptible at or beyond any property line.

  • B. Reflective Materials. Highly reflective wall surface material and mirror glass is prohibited if located within view of vehicles in the public right-of-way.

17.74.090 – Noise

No use shall be established nor any activity conducted which violates the standards of the Noise Ordinance ( Chapter 9.12: Noise Contro l of this Code).

17.74.100 – Solid Waste

Solid wastes shall be handled and stored so as to prevent nuisances, health, and fire hazards, and to facilitate recycling. Suitable containers shall be provided to prevent blowing or scattering of trash by animals. Suitable space and containers shall be provided to encourage on-site sorting and collection of recyclables.

17.74.110 – Vibration

Subject to the exceptions in Section 17.18.010(C), 9.12.100 (Exceptions). no activity shall be conducted that causes ground vibrations perceptible without the aid of instruments by a reasonable person at the property line.

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