Earlier editions: 2026-09
San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.20.010 Purpose and application
San Luis Obispo Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-05 · San Luis Obispo
Cite as: San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.20.010 · Text as of 2026-10-05
17.20.010 Purpose and application.¶
The R-3 zone is intended primarily to provide housing opportunities for attached dwellings with common outdoor areas and compact private outdoor spaces. The R-3 zone is generally appropriate near employment centers and major public facilities, along transit corridors and nodes, and close to commercial and public facilities serving the whole community. (Ord. 1650 § 3 (Exh. B), 2018)
17.20.020 Development standards.¶
A. General Development Standards. The general property development standards for the R-3 zone shall be as set forth in Table 2-8: R-3 Zone Development Standards. See also Section 16.18.030 (Lot Dimensions) for minimum lot dimensions.
Table 2-8: R-3 Zone Development Standards
| Development Standard | R-3 Zone | Additional Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Residential Density | 20 units/ |
See also Section 17.70.040 (Density). Regardless of the density calculation, at least three density units shall be allowed on each parcel; except this shall not apply to common interest subdivisions |
| Minimum Setbacks | Minimum Setbacks | Minimum Setbacks |
| Front | 10 feet | See also Section 17.76.030 (Front yard paving) |
| Interior Side and Rear | See Section 17.20.020(B) , Table 2-9: R-3 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks | See Section 17.20.020(B) , Table 2-9: R-3 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks |
| Corner Lot—Street Side | 10 feet | |
| Parking Spaces | 20 feet | See Section 17.70.170(C)(10) (Enclosed and Unenclosed Parking Spaces in Front and Street Side Setback Prohibited) |
| Maximum Building Height | 35 feet | See also Sections 17.20.020(B) (Interior Side and Rear Setback Standards) and 17.70.080 (Height measurement and exceptions) |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 60% | See also Section 17.70.120 (Lot coverage) |
| Minimum Lot Area | 5,000 square feet | See also Section 16.18.030 (Lot dimensions) |
| Edge Condition Requirements | See Section 17.70.050 (Edge conditions) | See Section 17.70.050 (Edge conditions) |
B. Interior Side and Rear Setback Standards. The interior side and rear setback standards for the R-3 zone shall be as set forth in Table 2-9: R-3 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks. See also Figure 2-5: R-3 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks and Building Height.
Table 2-9: R-3 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks
| Maximum Building Height | Minimum Required Setback |
|---|---|
| A point this high on the roof of a building: | Must be at least this far from the property line: |
| 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 17.70.050(D)(2) (Edge Conditions—Standards—Setbacks) |
Figure 2-5. R-3 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks and Building Height
[Figure]
(Ord. 1705 § 11, 2021; Ord. 1657 § 6, 2019; Ord. 1650 § 3 (Exh. B), 2018)
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