Earlier editions: 2026-09
San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Ch. 17.16 Low-Density Residential (r-1) Zone
San Luis Obispo Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-05 · San Luis Obispo
Cite as: San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Chapter 17.16 · Text as of 2026-10-05
17.16.010 Purpose and application.¶
The R-1 zone provides for low-density residential development and supporting compatible uses that have locations and development forms that provide a sense of both individual identity and neighborhood cohesion, and that provide private outdoor space for the households occupying individual units. The R-1 zone is intended to preserve existing single-unit neighborhoods, provide for compatible infill development in such areas, and prescribe the overall character of newly subdivided low-density areas. (Ord. 1650 § 3 (Exh. B), 2018)
17.16.020 Development standards.¶
A. General Development Standards. The general property development standards for the R-1 zone shall be as set forth in Table 2-4: R-1 Zone Development Standards. See also Section 16.18.030 (Lot Dimensions) for minimum lot dimensions.
Table 2-4: R-1 Zone Development Standards
| Development Standard | R-1 Zone | Additional Regulations |
|---|
Table 2-4: R-1 Zone Development Standards
| Development Standard | R-1 Zone | Additional Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Residential Density | 7 units/ |
See also Section 17.70.040 (Density) |
| Maximum FAR | 0.4 | Maximum FAR may be increased up to 0.50 if consistent with Section 17.16.030(A) (Requirements and Findings for FAR Increase in R-1 Zone). See also Section 17.70.060 (FAR measurement and exceptions) |
| Minimum Setbacks | Minimum Setbacks | Minimum Setbacks |
| Front | 20 feet | See also Section 17.76.030 (Front yard paving) |
| Interior Side and Rear | See Section 17.16.020(B) , Table 2-5: R-1 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks | See Section 17.16.020(B) , Table 2-5: R-1 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks |
| Corner Lot—Street Side | 10 feet | See Figure 2-1: Street Side Setback on Corner Lots |
| 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 | 25 feet | Roof pitches with a slope of at least 30 degrees above a horizontal plane may extend beyond the maximum height no more than 30 inches. See also Sections 17.16.020(B) (R-1 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks) and 17.70.080 (Height measurement and exceptions) |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 40% | See also Section 17.70.120 (Lot coverage) |
| Minimum Lot Area | 6,000 square feet | See also Section 16.18.030 (Lot dimensions) |
Figure 2-1. Street Side Setback on Corner Lots
[Figure]
B. Interior Side and Rear Setback Standards. The interior side and rear setback standards for the R-1 zone shall be as set forth in Table 2-5: R-1 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks. See also Figure 2-2: R-1 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks and Building Height.
Table 2-5: R-1 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks
| Maximum Building Height | Minimum Required Setback |
|---|
Table 2-5: R-1 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—12 feet | 5 feet (minimum setback) |
| 13—15 feet | 6 feet |
| 16—17 feet | 7 feet |
| 18—19 feet | 8 feet |
| 20—22 feet | 9 feet |
| 23—24 feet | 10 feet |
| 25 feet | 11 feet |
Figure 2-2. R-1 Zone Minimum Interior Side and Rear Setbacks and Building Height
[Figure]
(Ord. 1705 § 9, 2021; Ord. 1650 § 3 (Exh. B), 2018)
17.16.030 Additional regulations.¶
A. Requirements and Findings for FAR Increase in R-1 Zone. These regulations are established to encourage development and additions that are compatible with neighborhood character in the R-1 zone. The maximum FAR may be increased from 0.4 to 0.5 if the building design incorporates one of the following:
Single-Story. Buildings limited to one story with a maximum height of fourteen feet to top of a flat roof and twenty feet to the ridge or peak of a sloped roof (with otherwise permitted exceptions allowed). The allowed single story shall not include mezzanines or lofts.
Small Lots. The property is located on a small lot that is less than five thousand square feet in size.
Greater Setbacks. A second-story step back (upper story building setback) of at least five feet along the front façade and second-story side setbacks that are at least three feet greater than the minimum required setback.
Garage Location. Provide a detached garage located behind the main dwelling.
B. High-Occupancy Residential Use. Reserved.*
* Code reviser’s note: This subsection previously contained a cross-reference to Chapter 17.148, which was repealed by Ord. 1705.
(Ord. 1650 § 3 (Exh. B), 2018)
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