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Services » How Do I? » Apply For... » Permits

Permits for Developers and Contractors

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CONTACT INFO

Planning
(805) 781-7170

Building and Safety
(805) 781-7180

Public Works
(805) 781-7220

Additional Contact Info >>

Hours and Locations >>

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Development projects require permits from the Building and Engineering Divisions.

Click the following links below to review information regarding these required permits/requirements:

  • Planning Application
  • Building Permits
  • Encroachment Permits
  • Stormwater Requirements

Please note: Medium to large-scale development projects commonly require the acquisition of a Planning Entitlement. Please click on the Entitlement types link for a detailed description.

Other Important links: 

Development Review:

  • Pre-Application Meeting
  • Conceptual*
  • Development Review - (Major)
  • Development Review (Moderate)
  • Development Review (Minor)
  • Guest Quarters
  • Signs*

Exceptions:

  • Creek Setback Exception*
  • Fence Height Exception
  • Infrastructure Design Exception

Historic Preservation:

  • Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC) Review*
  • Mills Act

Subdivision Services:

  • Lot Merger (Voluntary)
  • Lot Line Adjustment
  • Minor Subdivision
  • Tentative Tract Map - (5-10 Lots)
  • Tentative Tract Map - (11-20 Lots)
  • Tentative Tract Map - (21 or more Lots)
  • Street Abandonment
  • Annexation*
  • Certificate of Compliance
  • Condominium Conversion
  • Planned Development Rezoning*

Use Permits:

  • Pre-Application Review
  • Minor Use Permit*
  • Director’s Action
  • Tiny Homes on Wheels
  • Conditional Use Permit* 
  • Variance*
  • Night Work
  • Parklet Permit

Other Helpful links:

  • General Plan Amendment (map)
  • General Plan Amendment (text)
  • Specific Plan
  • Specific Plan Amendment
  • Rezoning (Text Amendment)
  • Public Art Proposal
  • Environmental Impact Determination

* Public Hearing is required

 

FAQ Box

  • Will a traffic impact study be required and if so what is the process?

    The determination for a traffic impact study will be made at the beginning of the application process. The following are example development sizes that would trigger a transportation impact study. These are just example scenarios, traffic impact studies may be required for smaller projects under special circumstances. 

    1. 100 Single Family Units
    2. 150 Multi Family Units
    3. 150 Room Hotel
    4. 10,000 SQFT Restaurant
    5. 25,000 SQFT Retail
    6. 65,000 SQFT Office
    7. 125,000 SQFT Manufacturing

    The City only accepts traffic studies that are prepared independent of the applicant. Studies are administered by the City and paid for by the applicant via a reimbursement agreement. The applicant may hire their own traffic consultant to help develop their project and review the traffic study, however that consultant would be conflicted out of preparing the actual traffic study.

    Once the applicant has finalized their project description the City will prepare a scope for the study and submit it to the applicant for review. Then the City will advertise the scope to a list of on-call traffic consultants and award based on the best proposal.

    Below is an example time table for traffic impact studies, actual schedules will vary depending on the size of the project and scope of the study. 

    1. Draft Scope & Applicant Review: 1 Week
    2. Advertise RFP & Select Consultant: 3 Weeks
    3. Complete Applicant Reimbursement Agreement: 1 Week
    4. Complete Traffic Study: 10 Weeks
  • How can I find out what zone my property is in?
    Use the GIS Parcel Map to find your zoning.
  • How many bedrooms/units can I have? Aka Density
    Reference Section 17.16.010 of the Zoning Regulations (p.35-37) to find information about the maximum density (density units per net acre) of development allowed in your zone. 
  • I want to build an accessory building on my property? What is the process? What can I build?
    This depends to the scope of the project and how existing buildings and lots are configured.  Check your zoning, look at the Zoning Regulations, and then contact the Planning Department if you still have questions.
  • What materials do I need to submit for an exception?
    Once you determine which exception you will need, submit a planning application along with the materials listed on the application checklist appropriate for the type of permit needed for your project. Bring the planning application, the checklist, and the requested materials to the counter when you submit your application. If an application is missing an item required by the checklist, your application will not be accepted.
  • How long will it take for my project to be approved?

    Many factors, such as the location or size of the project, can influence the amount of time it will take for your project to get reviewed by staff and taken to hearing for approval. 

    Once you have identified the type of approval you will need for your project refer to the below table for cycle-times.  Click on the each approval type to view a flowchart noting major milestones in the project approval process.

    Approval Type

    Duration*‡

    Architectural Review Commission (ARC)

    8-12 weeks

    Administrative Use Permit/Variance/Parcel Map

    4-6 weeks

    Legislative Decision (Rezone, Annexation, General Plan Amendment, etc.)

    12-20 weeks

    Tract Maps

    12-26 weeks

    Planning Commission Use Permit

    8-12 weeks

    NOTE:

    *   Cycle times begin at the time an application has been deemed complete.

    ‡  If an initial study of environmental review is required, a minimum of 4 weeks is added to the cycle time. If an EIR is required, project timelines will be substantially increased.

More FAQs

Events

  • ARC - Architectural Review Commission - CANCELLED

    06/15/2026 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

  • TC - Tree Committee

    06/22/2026 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

  • CHC - Cultural Heritage Committee

    06/22/2026 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

  • PC - Planning Commission

    06/24/2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

  • ARC - Architectural Review Commission

    07/06/2026 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

More Events

News

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San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

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