Earlier editions: 2026-09
San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Ch. 17.14 Conservation/Open Space (c/Os) Zone
San Luis Obispo Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-05 · San Luis Obispo
Cite as: San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Chapter 17.14 · Text as of 2026-10-05
17.14.010 Purpose and application.¶
A. General Application. The C/OS zone generally will be applied to areas which are most suitable for open space uses because of topography, geology, vegetation, soils, wildlife habitat, scenic prominence, agricultural value, or flood hazards. Land and water areas in the C/OS zone remain in a predominantly natural or undeveloped state generally free of structures.
B. Natural Hazards. The C/OS zone is intended to prevent exposure of urban development to unacceptable risks posed by natural hazards and to protect natural resources from disruptive alterations. To these ends, it is further intended to prevent the subdivision of such lands.
C. Natural and Historic Resources. The C/OS zone provides for the protection and preservation of the community’s natural and historic resources, defines the urban boundary, and provides visual and physical relief from urban development. (Ord. 1650 § 3 (Exh. B), 2018)
17.14.020 Development standards.¶
The general property development standards for the C/OS zone shall be as set forth in Table 2-3: C/OS Zone Development Standards. See also Section 16.18.030 (Lot Dimensions) for minimum lot dimensions.
Table 2-3: C/OS Zone Development Standards
| Development Standard | C/OS Zone | C/OS Zone | Additional Regulations |
|---|
Table 2-3: C/OS Zone Development Standards
| Development Standard | C/OS Zone | C/OS Zone | Additional Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Residential Density | 1 unit per parcel | 1 unit per parcel | The maximum density may be decreased based on presence and extent of environmental resources and/ |
| Minimum Parcel Size | 5 acres | 5 acres | The minimum parcel size may be required to be larger than 5 acres as designated by the zone suffix. For example, C/ |
| Minimum Setback | |||
| Front | 20 feet | 20 feet | |
| Side | 20 feet | 20 feet | |
| Rear | 20 feet | 20 feet | |
| Maximum Building Height | 35 feet | 35 feet | |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Area | <10 acres | 5% | |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Area | 10+ acres | 3% |
(Ord. 1650 § 3 (Exh. B), 2018)
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