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Projects &
Referrals

2020-2028 Housing Element Implementation Framework

Project Description: On March 12, 2024, the Board of Supervisors considered a board-requested housing policy review conducted by the Department of Planning and Building, which included a recommended Housing Element implementation framework for the next four years. The Board provided input and directed staff to implement the Housing Element in accordance with the modified framework. Implementation is targeted to begin July 2024. All items will return to the Board of Supervisors for final action.

Please contact Planner Tristan Roach at troach@co.slo.ca.us with any questions or to be added to an interested parties contact list for specific framework actions.

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Commercial Algae Farm In Development By Global Algae

Project Description: Global Algae is developing a 160-acre commercial algae farm in Shandon, San Luis Obispo County, that uses algae to capture carbon dioxide from the air and produce products like polymers and biofuels. The project aims to demonstrate that direct air capture of carbon can be integrated with algae cultivation to produce sustainable biofuels more cost-effectively and with a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Project location: Shandon, in the northern part of San Luis Obispo County.
Project size: 160 acres.
Technology: The farm uses a direct air capture (DAC) system to pull carbon dioxide (CO2cap C cap O sub 2 𝐶𝑂2) from the air, which then feeds the algae.
Purpose: To capture CO2cap C cap O sub 2 𝐶𝑂2 and produce high-value products, such as biofuels and polymer products.

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Accessory Dwelling Units
(ADUs)

Project Description: An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a residential unit that can be added to a lot with an existing single-family dwelling or multi-family dwellings.

The County offers a Pre-Reviewed ADU Program where Residential Single-Family customers choose from County-reviewed plans, allowing a more cost-effective and streamlined process. Though these plans are free, customers will still need to hire an engineer or architect for additional site-specific items.

To apply for an ADU, complete the ADU Pre-Screening Checklist and then the Building (Construction) Permit Application process.

**The regulations outlined in the ADU Pre-Screening Checklist may impact allowed number of ADU's and site design.**

Updated Regulations

On June 3, 2025, the Board of Supervisors adopted updated regulations relating to ADUs.

Inland Area - Updated regulations take effect July 3, 2025.
Coastal Zone - Updated regulations are pending certifications by the California Coastal Commission to take effect; in the meantime, existing regulations remain in effect.

Updated regulations include:

ADU Pre-Screening Checklist (click to download pdf). An ADU application is required to include a checklist certifying the proposed project complies with regulations that may impact the allowed number of ADUs and site design.
Number of ADUs. The number of allowed ADUs per parcel increased from 2 to 3 for single-family parcels and from 2 to 8 for multi-family parcels, if compliant with public health and safety regulations. Parcels that use an urban lot split are limited to 4 total dwelling units per parcel, including single-family dwellings, urban dwellings, and ADUs.
Front Setback. Non-attached ADUs over 800 square-feet are subject to the same front setback requirements as the primary residence; no minimum front setback for ADUs 800 square-feet or below.
Guesthouse. Parcels with a single-family dwelling are allowed accessory dwellings and one guesthouse.

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Public Works

Project Description: SLO County Public Works Department, with free help from the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC), is preparing a grant application with the goal of receiving Proposition 1 funds to do all preliminary engineering associated with needed water system improvement projects. The Proposition 1 funds are via the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).

Anticipated Draft Schedule, as follows:

December 2020 - Submit Planning Grant Application
January 2023 - Award Decision Announcement
If Awarded, return to Board to execute financial assistance agreement*
March 2023 - Preliminary Planning and Engineering Begins
Return to Board for certification of Environmental Document
September 2023 - Identify and apply for Implementation Grant Opportunities
If Awarded Implementation funds, Return to Board to execute future funding agreement
June 2024 - Projects Enter Construction

*If unsuccessful in obtaining the planning grant, other grant opportunities will be pursued.

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Permit Center Hours

Walk-in Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, 7:30 AM - 11:45 AM.

• Appointments: Monday and Wednesday afternoons, Tuesday and Thursday all day.

• Friday: Closed at 12:00 PM.

*CLOSED FROM 12 PM TO 1:30 PM MONDAY-THURSDAY FOR LUNCH

Walk-in appointments will be limited to 30 minutes to accommodate customers. If you have questions about as-built permits, code enforcement projects, or want to submit new structure and/or grading permit submittals, they encourage scheduling appointments through their website or via No Wait Inside to allow for additional time.

Permit Center Hours

Projects & Referrals

2020-2028 Housing Element Implementation Framework

Permit Center Hours

Projects &
Referrals