Note: Unless otherwise noted, phone numbers listed below are in the (805) area code.

Building Maintenance Program

Q: How do I get permission to use a City building?
A: You should call the Parks and Recreation Facilities Reservation Line at 781-7222.

Q: How can I make a suggestion or complaint about a City Building?
A: You should contact the Public Works Building Maintenance Supervisor or call Public Works at 781-7210 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: Is there a lost and found for City Buildings?
A: Not an official one but you can try contacting a Parks and Recreation Coordinator at 781-7222 to see if anyone has turned in unclaimed property. You may also want to try the San Luis Obispo City Police Department at 1042 Walnut or call them at 781-7312.

Q: How do I report a problem in a City Building?
A: You should contact the Public Works Building Maintenance Supervisor or call Public Works at 781-7210 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: How do I volunteer to do work in a City Building?
A: You should contact the Public Works Building Maintenance Supervisor or call Public Works at 781-7210 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: Is there a map showing all City Buildings?
A: No, but we hope to have one available at some point the future.

Q: How can I find out what construction work will be occurring in City Buildings?
A: You should contact the Public Works Building Maintenance Supervisor or call Public Works at 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program. You can also check out the "What's New" page of this web site.

Q: How does the City respond to graffiti?
A: If it is on City owned property, report graffiti to Public Works at 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program. If it is on private property, contact the Graffiti Hotline at 542-8233.

Q: Do I need a permit to work on my sidewalk/driveway ramp?
A: Yes, please see encroachment permit information.

Q: As a contractor, what do I need to obtain a sidewalk permit, or a permit to install water/sewer laterals?
A: You will need a valid Contractors License authorizing the type of work to be done. (e.g. - sidewalk work would require a C8 or A license; sewer lateral would require a C34, A, or a C36 in conjunction with a C12 license.) Refer to California Contractors State License Board. See also Encroachment Permits.

Q: Is there a special building and street setback line established for my property?
A: Certain major streets have been scheduled for future widening to accommodate anticipated traffic demands. Therefore, building “setback lines” have been established to preclude construction of new buildings “within the setback areas” and to secure the required dedications of right of way. You may contact the Public Works Department at 781-7200 or stop by the office at 919 Palm Street to find out if your property is affected. Many of the acquisitions and/or setbacks have already been accomplished with projects.

Click here for Street Setback Map

Q: What flood zone am I in?
A: You can visit our Get Ready SLO site or see Flood Plain Management for other details.

Q: Where in the street is my sewer lateral?
A: Sometimes we can tell you approximately where your sewer lateral is located within the street right-of-way. If we cannot provide you with an approximate location, we will help you make contact with someone who can. This will usually require a contractor or sewer lateral video service to field locate your lateral and you can usually expect to pay a fee for this service. Call us at 781-7200

Q: How deep is my sewer lateral?
A: Call us at 781-7200

Q: Where is my front property line (the right-of-way line)?
A: Call us at 781-7200

Q: Where are my property lines?
A: Call us at 781-7200

Q: Do you have a map of my lot?
A: Call us at 781-7200

Q: How wide is the street right-of-way?
A: Call us at 781-7200

Q: Who has to repair the sidewalk?
A: The adjacent property owner is responsible for maintenance of the public sidewalk and curb, per the Streets and Highways Code.

Q: If I dig in my parkway, should I call someone first?
A: Yes. Call Underground Service alert (USA) 1-(800)-227-2600

Q: What is the size of my water meter?
A: Call the Finance Department Utility Billing @ 781-7133.

Q: What is the water pressure in the public water main?
A: Call the Utilities Department Utilities Engineer @ 781-7215

Facilities and Landscape Maintenance Projects

Q: How can my group volunteer for a service project?
A: Contact the Parks Maintenance Supervisor at 781-7220.

Q: How do I report a hazardous sidewalk condition?
A: Use our internet Customer Service Request program or call 781-7200.

Q: Who pays for sidewalk installations?
A: Sidewalks in new development areas or for redeveloping properties are paid by the developer/owner.

Flood Preparedness Program

Q: What is Winter Weather Preparedness?
A: For more information on preparing for the winter storms and protecting your property visit our Get Ready SLO web site!

Q: How do I find out about flood information?
A: If you are interested in winter preparedness or protecting your property, visit our Get Ready SLO web page, email our Public Information Officer or call Public Works at 781-7220 for more information.

If you are interested in Flood Zones, Flood Insurance, or developing in a flood zone contact Development Review at 781-7200.

Q: Does the City have a map showing flood zones?
A: Yes, on our Get Ready SLO web page!

Q: What is the schedule for creek and storm drain maintenance?
A: The City inspects the major creeks and minor waterways each year before the rainy season. That way, work can be performed each year before the rains come down.

Q: Who is responsible for creek maintenance?
A: It depends. The creeks through the city are mostly on private property, so each individual owner has a responsibility to make sure the creek is not obstructed with growth or debris. The City has identified certain locations that regularly cause problems and has taken on the responsibility of cleaning and maintaining them.

Q: How can I get information on creeks in general?
A: You should contact Public Works Development Review by calling 781-7200.

Q: How can I find out what construction is planned?
A: You should contact the Public Works Engineering by calling 781-7200.  Also, check out the What's New page for some of the major projects planned or under way.

Q: How can I find out more on preparing for the winter storms?
A: Visit our Get Ready SLO site!

Measure Y, Your 1/2-cent Sales Tax

Q: What is Measure Y and where does the money it generates go?
A: Please visit our Measure Y info page for these answers and more!

Parks and Landscape Maintenance Program

Q: How do I get permission to use a City park?
A: You should contact Parks and Recreation at 781-7300 or call their reservation line at 781-7222. For further online information, clic here.

Q: How can I make a suggestion or complaint for a City Park?
A: You should contact the Parks Maintenance Supervisor at 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: How do you contact animal control?
A: The County of San Luis Obispo is in charge of Animal Regulations. You can contact them at 781-4400.

Q: Is there a lost and found for City Parks?
A: Not an official one but you should contact the Parks and Recreation at 781-7300 or 781-7222 to see if anyone has turned in anything. You may also want to try the San Luis Obispo City Police Department at 1042 Walnut or call them at 781-7312.

Q: How do I report a problem in a City Park?
A: You should call the Parks Maintenance Supervisor at 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: How do I report trash problems in a City Park?
A: You should call the Parks Maintenance Supervisor at 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: How do I volunteer to do work in a City Park?
A: You should call the Parks Maintenance Supervisor at 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: How do I contact the Joint Use Committee?
A: You should contact the Parks and Recreation at 781-7300 or call their reservation line at 781-7222. For further online information, click here.

Q: How do I contact the Friends of the Adobes?
A:  For more information call 544-3867 or 541-2003

Q: Is there a map showing all City Parks and their facilities?
A: Yes, click here.

Q: How can I find out what construction work will be occurring in City Parks?
A: You should contact the Parks Maintenance Supervisor at 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Parking Services

Q: Where can I park my over-sized vehicle or RV?
A: Over-sized vehicles should park in the outlying areas at curb-side. When parked in a metered area, you must feed both meters if you overlap into another space.

Q: Where can I park my motorcycle, moped, and bicycle?
A: There are 2 hour reduced rate motorcycle meters located through-out the city. Long-term motorcycle meters are located in front of the Palm Street Structure and in the parking lot beneath the Marsh Street Structure. Bicycle racks are located conveniently through-out the city. For safety reasons, motorcycles are not permitted in the structures.

Q: Are there any other options for parking other than the meters?
A: There are 3 parking structures. The first 60 minutes are free and $0.75/hr or fraction thereof.

Q: How soon after issuance must I pay a ticket?
A: A citation must be paid within 21 days to avoid delinquent penalties.

Q: I got a citation. How do I pay for it?
A: Send your check by mail in the envelope you received with the citation or bring it to the Parking Services office located at 1260 Chorro, Suite B. For credit card payment, phone 800-801-9046 or for on-line payments visit  www.paymycite.com/SLO

Q: How do I appeal a citation?
A: Complete a Request for Citation Review Form at the Parking Services office located at 1260 Chorro, Suite B or one can be mailed to you by calling 805-781-7230, or online.  Request for Citation Review Form

Q: What happens if I do not pay for a Parking Violation on time?
A: After 21 days, a $30 penalty may be imposed. If citation still remains unpaid, DMV will be notified.

Q: Where does the money go that is collected from the parking meters and citations?
A: Revenue gained from citations and parking meters is used to maintain current parking and for additional parking, such as new structures and lots.

Q: What types of parking permits are available for purchase?
A: Parking permits for the parking structures and 10-Hour meter permits.  Parking structure permits for use in the Marsh Street Structure and 919 Palm Street Structure ($225 a quarter) and the Palm Street Structure ($180 a quarter). Proxcards eliminate the need for payment when leaving a parking structure. 

A 10-hour meter permit is available for $40 a month or $120 quarterly. With the 10-hour meter permit, you are allowed to park at the 10-hour meters without paying the meter. All permits can be purchased at the Parking Services office located at 1260 Chorro Street, Suite B. For more information phone (805) 781-7230.

Q: What should I do if the meter I park at is broken?
A: The best thing to do is move to another meter and report the broken meter to Parking Services, 781-7230.

Q: If I receive a citation while parked at a broken meter, what can I do?
A: You can appeal a citation by submitting a Request for Citation Review form and the meter will be checked for accuracy. 

Q: What are the hours of meter operation?
A: Parking meters are enforced Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm. There are NO meter holidays.

Q: What is the Meter Cashkey?
A: The meter cashkey is a prepaid key that is inserted into the meter instead of change. The key may be purchased at the Parking Services Office in any full dollar amount up to $100. Each insertion of the key will purchase a 15 minutes of parking time at a meter. A $25 refundable deposit is required for each key purchased.

Q: Where is the Parking Services office located?
A: We are located at 1260 Chorro Street, Suite B.

Q: What are the Parking Services office hours?
A: Our hours are Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm.

Q: What is a Residential Parking Permit District?
A: For an Information Guide click here.

Sharrow (Shared Roadway Bicycle Marking)

Q: What is a Sharrow?
A: Sharrows, or Shared Roadway Bicycle Markings, are intended to show both motorists and bicyclists the minimum distance that cyclists should ride from parked cars to avoid being hit by a suddenly opened car door. Riding too close to parked cars, in the "door zone", is a common mistake by bicyclists and can lead to serious injury. The markings are only used on streets where there isn't room for a striped bike lane.

Q: Can I drive my car over these markings, or is this a bike lane only?
A: Unlike a bike lane that cars can only drive in when making a right hand turn, you may drive over these markings. They are meant to highlight that it is a shared roadway, instruct bicyclists the minimum distance to stay from parked cars, and to instruct motorists to expect to see bicyclists out in the lane.

Q: Bicyclists riding over these markings take up the lane, aren't they supposed to move to the right?
A: The move-to-the-right rule is part of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 21202. But it also allows a number of exceptions to the rule. One of those exceptions allows bicyclists to avoid conditions that make it unsafe to continue along the right side. It also provides the following list of examples for those conditions: "including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes". It then goes on to define a substandard width lane as "a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane".

Q: Why can't cyclists just look inside the parked cars and move out when they see somebody in a car?
A: Just like driving a car, a bicyclists must constantly scan the entire roadway for safety. Dividing their attention too also scan inside of parked cars compromises their attention to the roadway. Additionally, it is often impossible to see people sitting in parked cars due to tinted windows, headrests, other parked vehicles creating blind spots, etc. Although it is the auto driver's responsibility to open the door only when safe (CVC Section 22517), it is the bicyclist who ultimately pays the price.

Q: So if I don't see these markings, then it's not a shared lane and bikes can't be there?
A: No, bicyclists are allowed on all roadways, with the exception of Hwy. 101, within the City limits.

Q: Is the City going to start putting these on all streets that don't have a bike lane?
A: No. Streets selected for installation must meet a number of criteria. The lanes must be too narrow for motorists and cyclists to safely travel side by side within the lane, on-street parking is allowed, and the route is regularly used by bicyclists.

Q: I've never seen these markings before, why are they being used now and does anybody else use them?
A: These markings were approved for use and added to the state "Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devises" (MUTCD) in September 2006. This was done following an extensive San Francisco test, where they have experienced a high incidence rate of doorings (bicyclists hitting suddenly opened car doors). Use of these symbols is supported by the City of San Luis Obispo's Bicycle Transportation Plan (updated May, 2007), the City's 2008 biannual bike count that showed a 44% increase in riders, and the City's designation as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Some of the other communities in California that have installed sharrows include: San Francisco, Berkeley, Santa Barbara and Ventura.

Street and Pavement Maintenance Program

Q: How do I report a pot hole?
A: You should either call the Streets Maintenance Supervisor at 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: How do I report sidewalk damage or trip hazards?
A: You should either call the Streets Maintenance Supervisor 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: How do I find out about curb and gutter issues?
A: You should either call the Streets Maintenance Supervisor 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: Will the City provide sidewalk repair?
A: Yes. In certain situations where the damage has been caused by a city street tree. To find out more about this you should either call the Streets Maintenance Supervisor 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: How do I report graffiti?
A: You should call the Graffiti Hotline at 783-7867.

Q: How do I report a problem with a City Street?
A: You should either call the Street Maintenance Supervisor 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: How do I contact someone about a City sign?
A: You should either e-mail the Traffic Engineer, call 781-7707 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: Is there a map showing the city street cleaning schedule?
A: Yes, just click on map to see it.

Q: How do I find out what the repaving schedule is for city streets?
A: City Street rehabilitation is spread out over multiple years by breaking the City up into zones. Call 783-7715 for more information.

Q: How do I report a street light out for repair?
A: You can call the Street Light Problems Hotline at 783-7700.  Supply the address where pole is located, pole number and your name & phone for further clarification of site address. Another option would be to use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: How can I make a suggestion or complaint about traffic signals?
A: You should contact the Traffic Engineer at 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: How do I report a problem with a Traffic Signal?
A: You should contact the Maintenance Technician at 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: How do I report a problem with a City sign?
A: You should either e-mail the Traffic Engineer, call 781-7190 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: Is there a map showing the City signal locations?
A: Not at this time. We hope to make this a feature of our Land Use Inventory program in the near future. To find out more, you should either e-mail the Traffic Engineer, call 781-7707 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: How can I find out what construction is planned?
A: You should either call 781-7210 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Transit Program

Q: Where can I get details on the Double Deck bus?
A: Download the Double Deck FAQ pdf here, or contact the SLO Transit Manager at 781-7121.

Q: Where can I find route and fare information on taking the bus in SLO City?
A: Complete information on bus schedules, routes, and fares can be found at the City SLO Transit site.

Tree Maintenance Program

Q: How do I make a tree removal request?
A: You can download a removal application, call 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.

Q: Will the City trim trees on request?
A: The City has a program to trim and maintain city street trees. Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. To find out more, either e-mail the City Arborist, call 781-7220 or use our on-line Customer Service Request program.