Allowable Uses

Accessory Structures

Structures that are accessory to dwellings (such as a garage, shed, or guesthouse).

Agricultural Exempt Building

Regulations contained in Title 19 of the San Luis Obispo County Code exempt certain agricultural accessory buildings from the necessity of having a building permit. In order to qualify for the exemption, a proposed agricultural accessory building must meet the definition of such buildings contained in Section 202 of the 2016 California Building Code, as well as the specific criteria in Section 19.02.020(f)1.19:a-q of the County’s Building and Construction Ordinance. Approval of an exempt agricultural building only entitles the use itself; separate permits may also be required for any construction or grading activities.  Please following the steps to apply for an agricultural exempt building.

Animal Keeping

The raising or keeping of animals as either an incidental or principal use shall comply with the requirements of the Inland Ordinance or Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance below.

Cannabis Permitting Guide

The County of San Luis Obispo, through adoption of various ordinances, has determined that certain commercial cannabis activities may have an impact on the area in which they are located. These types of uses require the approval of a land use permit, which sets conditions for the use's establishment and operation. Approval of a land use permit only entitles the use itself; separate permits or licenses may also be required including any proposed construction or grading activities.

It is recommended that applicants contact the following agencies during the application process:

Guide to Zoning and Property Information

This page is to guide you through the process of figuring out the Zoning (i.e. Land Use Category) of a parcel and the possible allowable land uses and permit requirements.

A parcel has an Assessor Parcel Number (APN), and this is how the County identifies the location of a property.  A property can have multiple parcels, and therefore, multiple parcel numbers.

The steps provide an overview on how to discover the Zoning of a parcel and possible allowable land uses and land use permit requirements.

Senate Bill No. 9 (SB-9) Lot Split

On September 16, 2021, the Governor approved Senate Bill No. 9 (SB-9) (ATKINS 2021-2022). The goal of this bill is to help combat the housing crisis by encouraging small-scale residential development on eligible lots (see "Eligible Lot Determination“ below) through streamlining the process for construction of up to two primary dwellings and/or subdivision of an existing lot.