City Administration

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The City Administration department is the home of the City Manager and is responsible for guiding the day-to-day operations of the City. The Deputy City Manager serves as the Department Head, working with department staff on the following programs.

CITY COUNCIL
Administration provides support to the City Council, including agenda management, policy implementation, and City Council Assistant.
CITY CLERK
The City Clerk facilitates the municipal election program, legislative services program, records management program, municipal code, and advisory body program.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The City's Economic Development Program works to implement the Economic Development Strategic Plan and is home to the City's Tourism and Community Promotions programs.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The IT program manages information technology tools that improveg organizational productivity, customer service, and access to City information.
OFFICE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The Office of DEI leads in supporting organizational initiatives rooted in advancing San Luis Obispo’s effort to be a more inclusive and equitable community.
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
The City's Office of Sustainability is home to the Natural Resources, Climate Action, Community Partnerships, and Creeks and Watersheds programs.

News and Updates

Get the latest information and news brought to you by the City Administration team.

News

City Celebrates 30th Anniversary of SLO Greenbelt Program
Community invited to celebrate 30 years of San Luis Obispo Greenbelt protection with several activities and events this summer.

06/01/2026 5:13 PM
Administrative Hearing
06/11/2026 9:45 AM
How to Have a Safe & Smooth Commencement Weekend in SLO
2026 Cal Poly Commencement Weekend Information & Citywide Updates

06/10/2026

More News

Staff	Title	Departments	Phone	Email
Armas, Sara	Deputy City Clerk	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7110	Email
Baesemann, Lucia	Sustainability and Natural Resources Analyst	Administration & IT	(805) 783-7869	Email
Clark-Charlesworth, Jacqui	Tourism & Community Promotions Manager	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7216	Email
Collins, Scott	Assistant City Manager	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7266	Email
Colunga-Lopez, Andrea	Deputy City Clerk	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7105	Email
Erquiaga, Josh	Information Technology Manager	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7526	Email
Fiedler, Laura	Economic Development & Tourism Manager	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7165	Email
Harnett, Natalie	Policy and Project Manager	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7282	Email
Hermann, Greg	Deputy City Manager	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7194	Email
Hill, Bob	Sustainability & Natural Resources Official	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7211	Email
Iriarte, Juanita	Communications Coordinator	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7446	Email
McDonald, Whitney	City Manager	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7114	Email
Otte, Freddy	Biologist	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7511	Email
Pennon, Matt	DEI Manager	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7073	Email
Purrington, Teresa	City Clerk	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7102	Email
Read, Chris	Sustainability Manager	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7151	Email
Szentesi, Whitney	Public Communications Manager	Administration & IT	(805) 783-7716	Email
Taffe, McKenzie	Economic Development Analyst	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7155	Email
Vethavanam, Samantha	DEI Admin Specialist	Administration & IT	(805) 781-7064	Email

Contact

Phone: (805)781-7114
Fax: (805)781-7109

City Hall
990 Palm Street, Room #1
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday-Thursday

Friday - By Appointment

Closed on National Holidays or as posted

FAQ Box

What are "Street Trees" and who maintains them?

Street Trees make up a large part of the City’s Urban Forest. The trees planted in the parkway area between the sidewalk and the street including neighborhood theme trees, are generally considered Street Trees. Our Urban Forest Services conducts zonal pruning on these trees approximately every 6 years.

In between that time, property owners are responsible for trees adjacent to their property and within the public right-of-way and shall at all times ensure that no tree, shrub or other plant for which the property owner bears responsibility is maintained so as to create a dangerous condition of public property. Hazards shall include, but not be limited to, branches hanging over sidewalks and shrubbery growing into the right-of-way, which interferes with passage or visibility. (M.C. 12.24.100)
Can a property owner apply to have a Street Tree removed?

Yes, a property owner can submit a Tree Removal Application including fee, to remove a Street Tree. If approved, removal of tree and replacement replanting will be at the property owner’s expense.
Can a tree be removed without paying for a tree removal permit?
Yes, but only when the tree is located on developed residential zoned private property R-1 and R-2 zones and under 20'' diameter at diameter standard height (DSH) or a native tree under 10'' in diameter at DSH. (see list below).
Any tree removals related to Development, Construction, Multi-Family and Commercial zoned property, or part of a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) will need a Tree Removal Application on file with the City of San Luis Obispo.

A permit is not required - Section 12.24.090 (C): if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The tree is a designated native species and the trunk is less than ten inches in diameter as measured by diameter standard height (DSH, four feet, six inches per International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) standards) (see Section 12.24.030, Definitions; native trees), or when the tree is nonnative and the trunk is less than twenty inches DSH; and
2. The tree is not located within a creek setback area (see Section 17.70.030); and
3. The tree is not a designated street tree, and is not located within ten feet of the back of the sidewalk; and
4. Planting or retention of the tree was not a condition of development; or
5. The tree is a palm and the trunk is less than twelve inches DSH.

Native Trees Under 10" Diameter:
Can anyone remove a tree in the City of San Luis Obispo?

Only a property owner or authorized agent acting on behalf of the property owner can submit a tree removal application for review by the City Arborist.
Can I blow my leaves into the gutter?

No. Leaves cannot be intentionally blown, left, or deposited in the gutter, stormdrain, or drainage system. In natural settings, only the leaves from trees and bushes next to the creek would fall into a creek. While a little amount of this natural material can be beneficial, the amount picked up by all the trees in the City is far more than the creek can tolerate.
Do I need a permit for my rainwater collection system?

Per City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, the following must be met to be exempt from a permit for rainwater collection:

"A water tank or a group of water tanks intended for storage of irrigation water only supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 600 gallons in total on a parcel, the height does not exceed seven feet, the ratio of height to width does not exceed 2:1 (provided that water tanks with minor ratio deviances may be allowed under this section in the discretion of the Chief Building Official, subject to review of the deviation by the Chief Building Official and verification that such minor deviations do not adversely impact structural stability), and it is not visible from the public right-of-way that abuts the front yard".
Does the City provide childcare and are au pairs offered as an option?

The City provides before and after childcare services to the community whether children attend on a regular basis or just drop in on an as needed basis, they will be welcomed into the program. Many other providers such as the YMCA and private providers also provide childcare. Meghan Burger at the City can provide more details about City programs, and she can be reached at Burger, Meghan mburger@slocity.org or at 805-781- 7070. An overview of programs can be found here. Au pars are a service that are provided by the private sector and there are commercially available websites that can provide references and links for those services. Referral services and other business referrals can be sought at the Chamber of Commerce. CAPSLO can aid those seeking general childcare here.
How can I find out what zone my property is in?

Use the GIS Parcel Map to find your zoning.
How can I get a reduced fee for childcare or swim classes?

We have limited fee reduction credits, based on need, available on a first-come, first-served basis. We start accepting applications for fee credits May 1 for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1 through June 30. Applications can be picked up at the Parks and Recreation Office.
How can I make a registration payment for classes or buy childcare hours?

Although we do not take payments over the phone, in most cases you have the option to pay online through our Active registration site or at the Parks and Recreation Office.

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News and Updates

News

Native Trees Under 10" Diameter: