San Luis Obispo City Council
October 7, 2025

Item 6h
Background
On July 2, 2024, the City Council held a public hearing to review recommended fee changes and receive community input. During that meeting, the City Council adopted an updated User and Regulatory Fee Schedule which included changes to existing fees, the addition of new fees, deletion of fees that were no longer relevant, and general clean up to ensure that the fee schedule was more transparent and intuitive for users. On July 1, 2025, fees were adjusted by the annual change to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) consistent with Section 2 – User Fee Cost Recovery Goals and the ResolutionError! Bookmark not defined. adopted by the City Council on July 2, 2024 to amend the Comprehensive Fee Schedule.

Since the July 2, 2024 public hearing and adoption of the revised fee schedule, staff have identified a handful of recommended revisions to the fee schedule to clarify or, in some cases, reduce specific fees to address issues that have come up during the implementation of the new fee schedule.

Recommended Changes
The recommended amendments to the fee schedule are summarized above, but a more detailed description of each recommended change are noted below:
 Planning Fee #41- Historic Property Listing/Delisting: Retitle fee to ‘Historic Property Delisting’ and add a footnote clarifying that there is no charge for Historic Listings.

The ‘Historic Property Listing/Delisting’ fee was newly approved on July 2, 2024, to cover the direct cost associated with staff time in the evaluation of properties for their eligibility for historic property listing/delisting including review of historic consultant reports, site visits, staff report preparation, hearing presentations for Cultural Heritage Committee review and final approval by City Council. The fee also covers the costs of noticing, property posting, agenda packet publishing, and communications with interested citizens, committee and Council Members.

Staff recommends retitling the fee to ‘Historic Property Delisting’ and adding a footnote to clarify that there is no charge for Historic Property Listing, which clarifies staff’s recommendation from when the fee was added in July 2024. No fee is recommended for historic listing because adding a property in the City’s Inventory of Historic Resources confers a substantial community benefit for long-term preservation, consistent with General Plan Conservation and Open Space (COSE) Chapter 3, Goals, Policies, and Programs-pages 6-14 through 6-18.
 Fire Fixed Fees- Hazardous Occupancy Permits: Addition of a footnote to clarify how fees are charged for multiple required permits.

The Hazardous Occupancy Permits are a requirement of the Fire Code to account for special hazards associated with specific occupancy types. The permit costs account for a review and inspection of each facility on an annual basis, with costs based on the most recent fee study.

Item 6h
The Comprehensive Fee Schedule that was adopted by Council on July 2, 2024, did not include a footnote to describe how fees are charged when multiple hazardous occupancy permits are required. This footnote was included in prior versions of the Comprehensive Fee Schedule and staff is recommending to restore and revise the footnote to provide clarity to customers and staff about how fees are charged when a property requires multiple hazardous occupancy permits. The recommended footnote clarifies that when multiple permits are required, the fee for the most expensive required use permit is charged, and each additional permitted use is charged the ‘Additional Permitted Use (per permit)’ fee.
 Fire Fixed Fees # 81- Outdoor Assembly Event > 1,000 participants: Revision to fee structure to create a base fee for two hours of work and additional fees for each hour of staff time thereafter up to 5.25 hours; and addition of a footnote to clarify the types of events that the fee will not be applied to.

The ‘Outdoor Assembly Event > 1,000 participants’ fee provides a mechanism for the Fire Department to recover costs associated with the review of Public Safety Plans in accordance with California Fire Code (CFC) Chapters 1 and 4. According to the CFC, all events exceeding 1,000 attendees require the organizing group to account for the safety of the public and integrity of the host entity through an articulated plan. Public Safety Plans are reviewed by staff for both completeness and compliance. As a part of the fee study performed by MGT Consulting during the user fee study in 2023/2024, staff determined that the average time to review Public Safety Plans is 5.25 hours and a fixed fee recovers the cost of this average review time was created, resulting in a current fee amount of $956.87.

This fee was a new fee authorized with adoption of the Comprehensive Fee Schedule on July 2, 2024. Since that time, staff has determined the fixed fee amount to be cost prohibitive for groups that sponsor events for more than 1,000 participants. In the interest of public health and safety, and to incentivize groups to comply with CFC requirements, staff is recommending a restructuring of this fee which will reduce the fee for simple plan reviews. Instead of charging a flat fee for all plan reviews, staff recommends restructuring the fee to charge a base amount for two hours of plan review, and 50% of the base fee for each additional hour or portion thereof, to a maximum of 5.25 hours. Based on the current fee amount of $956.87, the fee would be charged as follows:

Base fee (two hours of plan review) $364.52
Hourly fee (after initial two hours of plan review) $182.26 In addition, staff recommends that the Council authorize staff to not apply this fee for events where the applicant/organizer is a designated 501c(3) non-profit organization, in order to support the cultural vibrancy and economic vitality of the City.  Parking Fees: Incorporation of Parking Rates adopted by the City Council on May 14, 2024 into the Comprehensive Fee Schedule, and addition of a footnote to clarify the types of events that The Reserved Parking Space Program – Daily Per Space Rate fee will not be applied to.

Item 6h
Staff is making two recommendations related to parking fees as part of this item. The first is the addition of the currently adopted parking rates into the City’s Comprehensive Fee Schedule and the second is clarification on how the Reserved Parking Space Program – Daily Per Space Rate is applied for special events.

The Parking Services program offers a variety of hourly and daily rates and permits to provide access to on-street, surface lot, and structured parking facilities for use by employees, businesses, and visitors of the Downtown area. The current Parking rates were adopted outside the fee schedule process (on May 14, 2024), as part of the 2024 Parking Rate Study as the timing of the parking rate update process did not align with the City fee schedule update. This item provides an opportunity to add the parking rates into the City’s Comprehensive Fee Schedule to improve clarity for users by keeping all adopted fees together in one document. Staff is not recommending any changes to Parking rates at this time.

The second recommendation on Parking fees is related to the fee charged for parking space(s) that would otherwise be available for general public use, when used for special events or construction activities. Construction activities or events that require the use of a parking space are typically required to pay a fee of $20 per day per paid parking space.

This fee was put on hold for events during the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage utilization of outdoor spaces in the Downtown area but remained in place for construction activities. Staff is preparing to reintroduce that fee for public events but recommends that the ‘Reserved Parking Space Program - Daily Per Space Rate’ fee not be applied to events where the applicant/organizer is a designated 501c(3) nonprofit organization in order to support the cultural vibrancy and economic vitality of the City. Contractors performing work in the Downtown area and non-501c(3) designated event applicant/organizers would continue to pay the $20 per day per paid parking space used for an event.  Authority to Round Parks and Recreation Fees
Council has previously delegated authority to the City Manager to adjust user fees by changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in years between formal fee studies. In addition to that delegation of authority, staff is recommending that the City Council delegate authority to the City Manager to make certain adjustments to Parks and Recreation Fees:
o A significant number of the Parks and Recreation user fees require transactions and registrations directly with the public. Fees associated with facility rentals, youth and adult program registrations, and daily activities such as swim center entries and passes, golf fees, and camp fees have historically been rounded down to the nearest twenty-five cents ($0.25) for both cash handling administrative efficiency, and enhanced customer experience. The Parks and Recreation Department’s historic practice has been to review adjustments to fees by the annual change in CPI and then round the fees down to the nearest $0.25 (e.g., if CPI adjustments result in a daily fee of $3.33, the Department typically rounds the fee down to $3.25). Parks and Recreation staff tracks that adjustment for future years to

Item 6h
ensure that cumulative changes in CPI are captured and fees are adjusted accordingly (e.g., if the current charged fee is $3.25 but the previous CPI adjustment was $3.33, then the original CPI fee of $3.33 is used to calculate the next year CPI adjustment that may result as $3.52, then the new implemented fee would result as $3.50). Staff is recommending formalizing this historic practice by seeking Council’s adoption of resolution included as Attachment B to clearly articulate the authority of the City Manager related to rounding. o The City provides a school year childcare program that participants pay for on an hourly basis using the ‘School Year - hourly option’ fee. The program enables participants to pay for the care that they use, in half-hour increments. To simplify the administration of the fee charged for this program and ability for staff to appropriately charge for the fee in half hour increments, the ‘School Year – hourly option’ fee has historically been rounded down to the nearest $0.10. Staff is recommending formalizing this historic practice by seeking Council’s adoption of a resolution included as Attachment B to clearly articulate the authority of the City Manager related to rounding.

Previous Council or Advisory Body Action
The most recent user and regulatory fee study and FY 2024-25 Comprehensive Fee Schedule was reviewed and approved by the City Council on July 2, 2024. The City Council adopted Parking Rates on May 14, 2024.

Public Engagement
This item is on the agenda for the October 7, 2025 Council Meeting and will follow all required postings and notifications. The public may have an opportunity to comment on this item at or before the meeting. Minimal public engagement was undertaken for this item as the proposed changes are relatively minor and generally administrative in nature and will result in reduced fees for the public. Extensive public engagement efforts were conducted prior to the initial Council action in July 2024 as documented in that report.

Next Steps
The updated user and regulatory fees can become effective immediately upon Council’s adoption of the resolution. If approved, staff will update the FY 2025-26 Comprehensive Fee Schedule at www.slocity.org/fees and will do targeted outreach to key stakeholders to inform them of the changes and effective date.

CONCURRENCE
The departments recommending amendments to the fee schedule or delegation of authority (Administration, Community Development, Fire, Public Works- Parking, and Parks and Recreation) have all contributed to this report and concur with the recommendations included.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

Item 6h
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply to the recommended action in this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines Sec. 15378.

FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: N/A Budget Year: 2025-26
Funding Identified: N/A
Fiscal Analysis:

Funding Sources Total Budget
Available
Current Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $0 $0 $0 $0
State
Federal
Fees
Other
Total $0 $0 $0 $0
There are no costs directly associated with this item. The FY 2025-26 budget assumes that the City will recover just under $10 million in costs in the General Fund via the adopted user fees.

The recommended reductions to some fees may reduce actual fee revenue collected compared to budget, but it is difficult to estimate potential budgetary impacts because fee revenues are based upon the fee amounts and the units of service provided each year.

As a part of this item, staff is seeking Council authorization to issue refunds to customers who paid fees since October 1, 2024 (when the FY 2024-25 Comprehensive Fee Schedule went into effect) where the fee is now recommended to be reduced. To date, the ‘Outdoor Assembly Event > 1,000 participants’ fee, the ‘Historic Listing/Delisting’ fee, and the ‘Reserved Parking Space Program - Daily Per Space Rate’ fee have not been charged since October 1, 2024. As noted above, staff has not charged the ‘Reserved Parking Space Program – Daily Per Space Rate’ fee since the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is estimated that this fee would have generated $1,500 annually, based on revenue generated by this fee prior to the pandemic.

The only fee that is recommended to be changed and has been charged since the FY 2024-25 Comprehensive Fee Schedule went into effect are the Hazardous Occupancy Permit fees, where fees for multiple permits were charged based on individual permit fees, rather than charging the fee for the most expensive required permit and then the ‘Additional Permitted Use’ fee for each additional permit. Staff is in the process of reviewing the fees charged for FY 2024-25 Hazardous Occupancy Permits and comparing it to what would have been charged with the footnote in place, and expects to issue refunds in a total estimated amount of $8,000 to approximately 40 operators who were overbilled.

ALTERNATIVES

Item 6h

1. The City Council could elect to not adopt recommended changes to the FY 2025-26 Comprehensive Fee Schedule. The recommended changes to the Comprehensive Fee Schedule make administrative corrections to the fee amounts adopted on July 2, 2024, add footnotes to provide clarity to customers and staff about how certain fees are charged, reduce the fee for outdoor assemblies for more than 1,000 to incentivize event organizers/sponsors to comply with California Fire Code requirements, and identify the types of events that certain fees will not be charged for in order to support the cultural vibrancy and economic vitality of the City.

2. The City Council could elect to not adopt some of the recommended changes to the FY 2025-26 Comprehensive Fee Schedule. If the City Council does not wish to adopt all changes recommended as a part of this item, it is recommended that Council provide staff with direction on the changes to be implemented and the fees that should remain as adopted on July 2, 2024, and adjusted by the annual change to CPI on July 1, 2025.

3. The City Council could elect to not authorize staff to issue refunds to customers who paid fees for Hazardous Occupancy Permits in FY 2024-25 in amounts that exceed what would have been charged if the recommended footnote was in place. Under this alternative, changes to the Hazardous Occupancy Permit fees charged would be made prospectively and no refunds would be issued to customers who paid additional permit fees last year.

ATTACHMENTS
A- Draft Resolution amending the FY 2025-26 Comprehensive Fee Schedule and Exhibit 1 to the Draft Resolution- Fee Schedule
B- Draft Resolution delegating authority round certain Parks and Recreation Fees

RESOLUTION NO. _____ (2025 SERIES)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CITY’S COMPREHENSIVE

FEE SCHEDULE WITH UPDATES TO CERTAIN USER AND

REGULATORY FEES PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
ON JULY 2, 2024 AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO ISSUE REFUNDS TO CUSTOMERS FOR FEES PAID SINCE OCTOBER 1, 2024, WHERE THE FEE IS RECOMMENDED TO BE REDUCED.

WHEREAS, it is the City’ s policy (City’s User Fee Cost Recovery Goals - Financial Plan Section 2) to review and update service charges approximately every three years to adjust to changes in the cost- of-living and changes in methods/ levels of service delivery; and
WHEREAS, on June 23, 2015, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 10640 (2015 Series) authorizing the City Manager to update the City’s Comprehensive Fee Schedule to reflect increases based on the annual change in the Consumer Price Index; and
WHEREAS, a User and Regulatory Fee Study was prepared by MGT Consulting Group dated May 17, 2024; and
WHEREAS, public outreach was conducted throughout the months of February through June 2024 pursuant to the City’s Public Engagement and Noticing Manual, which included several engagement meetings and an Open City Hall web page; and WHEREAS, on July 2, 2024, the City Council held a public hearing to review the Fee study and adopted Resolution No. 11507 to adopt the revised Citywide User and Regulatory Fees; and
WHEREAS, the FY 2024-25 Comprehensive Fee Schedule went into effect on October 1, 2024; and
WHEREAS, staff adjusted the Comprehensive Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2025, based on the annual change in the Consumer Price Index, consistent with the authority delegated to the City Manager in the City’s fiscal policy related to User Fee Cost Recovery, Resolution No. 10640, and Resolution No. 11507; and
WHEREAS, staff has identified a need to amend the current Comprehensive Fee Schedule; and

WHEREAS, staff has identified a need to not apply the ‘Outdoor Assembly Event > 1,000 participants’ fee and the ‘Reserved Parking Space Program - Daily Per Space Rate’ fee for events where the applicant/organizer is a designated 501c(3) nonprofit organization in order to support the cultural vibrancy and economic vitality of the City, staff; and
WHEREAS, staff has determined that refunds for overbillings due to administrative errors on the Comprehensive Fee Schedule should be made to customers who paid fees beginning on October 1, 2024, where fees are recommended to decrease.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOVLED by the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows:

SECTION 1. Findings. The City Council makes the following findings:

1. That the above recitals are true and correct.

2. That the updated user and regulatory fees set forth in Exhibit 1 do not exceed the estimated actual, reasonable cost of providing the service or performing the activity for which the fee is imposed.

3. That the changes to the fees set forth in Exhibit 1 do not reflect an increase to existing fees.

4. That the ‘Outdoor Assembly Event > 1,000 participants’ fee and the ‘Reserved Parking Space Program – Daily Per Space Rate’ fee should not be applied to events where the applicant/organizer is a designated 501c(3) nonprofit organization in order to support the cultural vibrancy and economic vitality of the City.

5. That refunds for overbillings due to administrative errors on the Comprehensive Fee Schedule should be made to customers who paid fees beginning on October 1, 2024, where fees are recommended to decrease.

SECTION 2. Action. The City Council amends the City’s Comprehensive Fee Schedule to include changes to user and regulatory fees as provided in Exhibit 1 attached hereto. All prior resolutions inconsistent herewith are hereby superseded.

The updated fees shall take effect October 8, 2025.

Upon motion of Council Member ____________, seconded by Council Member ______________, and on the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of __________ 2025. ___________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart
ATTEST:
______________________________
Teresa Purrington, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
J. Christine Dietrick, City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________. __________________________
Teresa Purrington, City Clerk

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate
Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
Agreements
1 Affordable Housing/MOUs Fixed Fee $ 3,343.97 $ 101.99 $ 3,445.96 2 Agreements/Bonds/Guarantees Fixed Fee $ 1,839.44 $ 56.10 $ 1,895.54 3 Development Agreement Deposit $ 59,620.61 $ 1,818.43 $ 61,439.04 4 Reimbursement Agreement Deposit $ 40,793.37 $ 1,244.20 $ 42,037.57 Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC)
5 Reviews Requiring ALUC Hearing Fixed Fee $ 2,777.91 $ 84.73 $ 2,862.64 Amendments / Annexation
6 Annexation, Deposit Deposit $ 56,934.09 $ 1,736.49 $ 58,670.58 1 7 General Plan Amendment - Map (includes rezoning), Deposit Deposit $ 40,562.54 $ 1,237.16 $ 41,799.70 1 8 General Plan Amendment - Text Fixed Fee $ 35,757.32 $ 1,090.60 $ 36,847.92 Appeals
9 Tier 1: e.g. Appeals to the City Council Fixed Fee $ 2,583.46 $ 78.80 $ 2,662.26 10 Tier 2: e.g. Minor/Incidental Arch Review, Administrative Use Permit, Variance, Subdivisions <5 lots Fixed Fee $ 1,626.13 $ 49.60 $ 1,675.73 11 Tier 3: e.g. Fence Height Exception, Administrative Approval Application Fixed Fee $ 795.55 $ 24.26 $ 819.81 12 Tier 4: e.g. Home Occupation permit, Non-Profit Special Event Fixed Fee $ 417.35 $ 12.73 $ 430.08 Building Permit Review - Planning
Residential
13 Minor Fixed Fee $ 226.82 $ 6.92 $ 233.73
14 Moderate Fixed Fee $ 453.63 $ 13.84 $ 467.47
15 Major Deposit $ 1,134.08 $ 34.59 $ 1,168.67
Commercial
16 Minor Fixed Fee $ 340.22 $ 10.38 $ 350.60
17 Moderate Fixed Fee $ 567.04 $ 17.29 $ 584.34
18 Major Deposit $ 1,134.08 $ 34.59 $ 1,168.67
Business Related Fees
19 Business License Zoning Clearance Fixed Fee $ 276.17 $ 8.42 $ 284.59 20 Business License Change of Location Only Fixed Fee $ 276.17 $ 8.42 $ 284.59 21 Home Occupation Permit Fixed Fee $ 301.79 $ 9.20 $ 310.99 Cannabis Related Fees
22 Application Fee Fixed Fee $ 25,752.06 $ 785.44 $ 26,537.50 23 Annual License Fee Fixed Fee $ 50,666.73 $ 1,545.34 $ 52,212.07 2 24 Cannabis Transfer of Ownership Transfer Fee - All Types Fixed Fee $ 14,397.34 $ 439.12 $ 14,836.46 City of San Luis Obispo
Planning Fees

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate
Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Planning Fees
Development Review
25 Pre-Application Fixed Fee $ 1,372.99 $ 41.88 $ 1,414.87 26 With site visit Fixed Fee $ 1,684.05 $ 51.36 $ 1,735.41 27 With site visit + ARC Review Fixed Fee $ 3,723.45 $ 113.57 $ 3,837.02 28 Development Projects - Minor Fixed Fee $ 8,645.90 $ 263.70 $ 8,909.60 29 Development Projects - Moderate Fixed Fee $ 24,938.10 $ 760.61 $ 25,698.71 30 Development Projects - Major Fixed Fee $ 41,894.98 $ 1,277.80 $ 43,172.78 Director's Action
31 Christmas Tree/Pumpkin Lot Permit Fixed Fee $ 454.23 $ 13.85 $ 468.08 32 Creek Setback Exception (Director's Hearing) Fixed Fee $ 3,575.13 $ 109.04 $ 3,684.17 33 Director's Action - General Fixed Fee $ 2,961.66 $ 90.33 $ 3,051.99 34 Sidewalk Café User and Parklet Application Fee Fixed Fee $ 3,729.38 $ 113.75 $ 3,843.13 35 Parklet Use Fee per sq foot per month Per month $ 3.63 N/A $ 3.63 36 Sidewalk Café Use Fee per sq foot per month Per month $ 1.03 N/A $ 1.03 37 Tables & Chairs Use Fee per sq foot per month Per month $ 1.03 N/A $ 1.03 Environmental Services Review
38 Initial Study/Environmental Impact Report 30% plus contract costs 3 Historic Resources
39 CHC Development Review Fixed Fee $ 3,975.80 $ 121.26 $ 4,097.06 40 CHC Staff Referral Review Fixed Fee $ 907.43 $ 27.68 $ 935.11 41 Historic Property Delisting Fixed Fee $ 3,756.41 $ 114.57 $ 3,870.98 4 42 Mills Act Participation Application Fixed Fee $ 1,941.55 $ 59.22 $ 2,000.77 Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu Fees (Per square foot)
Residential Unit Type
43 New for-sale housing Per sq ft $ 26.73 N/A $ 26.73
44 New rental housing Per sq ft $ 21.42 N/A $ 21.42
Commercial Linkage Fee
Non-Residential Use
45 Office, Service, Retail, Hotel Per sq ft $ 6.42 N/A $ 6.42 46 Industrial, Manufacturing Per sq ft $ 5.35 N/A $ 5.35 Planned Development
47 Rezoning Deposit $ 37,098.00 $ 1,131.49 $ 38,229.49 1 Rezoning Amendment
48 Map Amendment Deposit $ 29,718.59 $ 906.42 $ 30,625.01 1 49 Text Amendment Deposit $ 22,631.84 $ 690.27 $ 23,322.11 1 Specific Plan
50 New Specific Plan Deposit $ 33,489.19 $ 1,021.42 $ 34,510.61 51 Specific Plan Amendment Deposit $ 26,998.59 $ 823.46 $ 27,822.05 Subdivision Services
52 Certificate of Compliance Fixed Fee $ 3,428.87 $ 104.58 $ 3,533.45 53 Condominium Conversion Fixed Fee $ 29,197.16 $ 890.51 $ 30,087.67 54 Lot Line Adjustment Fixed Fee $ 4,173.56 $ 127.29 $ 4,300.85 55 S.B. 9 Urban Lot Split Fixed Fee $ 8,965.12 $ 273.44 $ 9,238.56 56 Tentative parcel map Fixed Fee $ 11,594.71 $ 353.64 $ 11,948.35 57 Tentative Tract map Fixed Fee $ 33,510.02 $ 1,022.06 $ 34,532.08 58 Voluntary Merger Fixed Fee $ 1,024.85 $ 31.26 $ 1,056.11

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate
Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Planning Fees
Trees
59 Tree Committee Recommendation Fixed Fee $ 330.50 N/A $ 330.50 60 Tree Removal Permit
Fixed Fee $ 330.50 N/A $ 330.50
Miscellaneous Fees
61 Affordable Housing Incentive Request Fixed Fee $ 2,065.17 $ 62.99 $ 2,128.16 62 Conditional Use Permit (Planning Commission) Fixed Fee $ 10,927.27 $ 333.28 $ 11,260.55 63 Final Inspection Approval Fixed Fee $ 339.90 $ 10.37 $ 350.27 64 Land Use Documentation Request Fixed Fee $ 680.83 $ 20.77 $ 701.60 65 Minor Use Permit (Admin) Fixed Fee $ 3,611.18 $ 110.14 $ 3,721.32 66 Modification 25% of filing fee
67 Non-profit Special Event Fee Fixed Fee $ 206.00 $ 6.28 $ 212.28 68 Planning Consultation Per hour $ 226.60 $ 6.91 $ 233.51 69 Street Abandonment (Right of Way Abandonment) Fixed Fee $ 14,798.01 $ 451.34 $ 15,249.35 70 Time Extension 25% of filing fee
71 Variance Fixed Fee $ 4,010.82 $ 122.33 $ 4,133.15

2. Prorated on Fiscal Year

3. Separate Fish and Game fees may apply, as set by the State of California

4. No fee is required to add a property to the City's Inventory of Historic Resources

1. Fee will be set on a deposit basis and debited by the amount of staff time and other materials required to provide service or Consultant Fee plus 30% administration fee

Fee # Service Name
Rate
Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
1 Access Board of Appeals - BLDG - Minor $ 636.54 $ 19.41 $ 655.95 2 Access Board of Appeals - BLDG Moderate $ 1,139.18 $ 34.74 $ 1,173.92 3 Access Board of Appeals - BLDG -Major $ 2,011.59 $ 61.35 $ 2,072.94 4 A/C Residential - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72
5 After Hours Call Out (Building) (2 hour min plus per
addtl hour) - BLDG $ 801.34 $ 24.44 $ 825.78
6 Air Handler - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72
7 Alternative Means and Methods Request (AMMR) $ 534.57 $ 16.30 $ 550.87 8 Annual Stormwater Review $ 333.72 $ 10.18 $ 343.90
9 Antenna/Tower w/ Equipment Shelter - BLDG $ 1,157.72 $ 35.31 $ 1,193.03 10 Appeal of Building Official Decision - BLDG Minor $ 636.54 $ 19.41 $ 655.95 11 Appeal of Building Official Decision - BLDG Moderate $ 1,139.18 $ 34.74 $ 1,173.92 12 Appeal of Building Official Decision - BLDG Major $ 2,011.59 $ 61.35 $ 2,072.94 13 Awning/Canopy - BLDG - Base Fee for 1 $ 555.17 $ 16.93 $ 572.10 14 Awning/Canopy - BLDG - Each Addtl (Up to 10 max) $ 265.74 $ 8.11 $ 273.85 15 Boiler - BLDG $ 312.09 $ 9.52 $ 321.61
16 Building Sewer - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72
17 Balcony/Porch/Deck - BLDG (up to 500 sq ft) $ 1,022.79 $ 31.20 $ 1,053.99 18 Balcony/Porch/Deck - BLDG Each Addtl 500 sq ft or
portion thereof $ 266.77 $ 8.14 $ 274.91
19 Cell Tower/Antenna Only - BLDG - Base Fee $ 889.92 $ 27.14 $ 917.06 20 Cell Tower/Antenna - BLDG - add on - Each Addtl (Up to 20) $ 265.87 $ 8.11 $ 273.98
21 Chiller - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72
22 Code Enforcement Fee $ 534.57 $ 16.30 $ 550.87
23 Commercial Access Upgrade - Site work - BLDG $ 1,290.59 $ 39.36 $ 1,329.95 24 Commercial Access Upgrade - Upgrades - BLDG $ 1,423.46 $ 43.42 $ 1,466.88 25 Commercial Coach Installation - BLDG $ 2,671.82 $ 81.49 $ 2,753.31 26 Construction Tax - BLDG $ 182.31 $ 5.56 $ 187.87
27 Demolition - Interior or Garage/Utility Build - BLDG $ 756.02 $ 23.06 $ 779.08 28 Demolition - Entire Building - BLDG $ 1,022.79 $ 31.20 $ 1,053.99 29 Doors/Windows- Box Structural - Base Fee (up to 10) $ 311.06 $ 9.49 $ 320.55 30 Doors/Windows- Box Structural - Each Addtl group of
10 $ 44.81 $ 1.37 $ 46.17
31 Doors/Windows- Box Non-Structural - Base Fee (up to
10) $ 311.06 $ 9.49 $ 320.55
32 Doors/Windows- Box Non-Structural - Each Addtl group of 10 $ 44.81 $ 1.37 $ 46.17
City of San Luis Obispo
Building Fixed Fees

Fee # Service Name
Rate
Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Building Fixed Fees
33 Drain Vent Repair/Replace - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72 34 Dry Rot / Termite Repair - BLDG $ 489.49 $ 14.93 $ 504.42 35 Duct Work Only - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72
36 Duplicate Single Family Plan (35% of plan review) $ - 37 Duplicate Multi Family Plan (35% of plan review) $ - 38 Electric Car Charging System -BLDG $ 244.74 $ 7.46 $ 252.20 39 Electric Service Upgrade (up to 200 amp) -BLDG $ 166.94 $ 5.09 $ 172.03 40 Evaporative Cooler - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72
41 Exhaust Hood - Type I - BLDG $ 689.40 $ 21.03 $ 710.43 42 Exhaust Hood - Type II - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72 43 Exhaust Hood & Duct - Residential - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72 44 Expired permit/application extension fee $ 133.90 $ 4.08 $ 137.98 45 Fence or Non-Engineered Wall - BLDG $ 622.12 $ 18.97 $ 641.09 46 Fire Permit Handling Fee - BLDG $ 200.85 $ 6.13 $ 206.98 47 Fireplace Insert Upgrade -BLDG $ 644.42 $ 19.65 $ 664.07 48 Fireplace Retrofit / Chimney Repair - BLDG $ 1,022.79 $ 31.20 $ 1,053.99 49 Fireplace: Masonry $ 1,022.79 $ 31.20 $ 1,053.99
50 Fixtures, Plumbing - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72
51 Flag, Light, or Sign Pole - BLDG $ 889.92 $ 27.14 $ 917.06 52 Foundation New/Replace - BLDG - Base (3000 sqft) $ 1,557.36 $ 47.50 $ 1,604.86 53 Foundation New/Replace - BLDG - Each addtl 500 sq ft or portion thereof $ 200.85 $ 6.13 $ 206.98
54 Foundation Repair Only - BLDG $ 889.92 $ 27.14 $ 917.06 55 Furnace/Heater Replacement Only -BLDG $ 489.49 $ 14.93 $ 504.42 56 Furnaces - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72
57 Gas System Repair/Replace/Extend - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72 58 Generator Installation - BLDG $ 622.42 $ 18.98 $ 641.40 59 Graywater Systems - BLDG $ 311.21 $ 9.49 $ 320.70
60 Graywater/Rainwater Harvesting System -BLDG $ 89.14 $ 2.72 $ 91.86 61 Grease Trap - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72
62 Heat Pump - BLDG $ 89.14 $ 2.72 $ 91.86
63 Heater - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72
64 Heater - Wall - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72
65 Inert Gas Systems $ 1,869.45 $ 57.02 $ 1,926.47
66 Insulation/Energy Upgrade -BLDG $ 244.74 $ 7.46 $ 252.20 67 Make-Up Air System - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72
68 Minor Code Corrections - BLDG $ 489.49 $ 14.93 $ 504.42 69 Minor Repairs - up to 2 inspections - BLDG $ 622.42 $ 18.98 $ 641.40 70 New/Altered Circuits - Per Circuit - BLDG $ 156.05 $ 4.76 $ 160.80 71 New/Altered Circuits - Per Duplex Circuit - BLDG $ 356.38 $ 10.87 $ 367.25 72 Paint Booth - BLDG $ 1,557.36 $ 47.50 $ 1,604.86
73 Paper Plan Disposal Fee + Disposal Actual Cost $ 42.23 $ 1.29 $ 43.52 74 Partition- BLDG (Per Project) $ 889.92 $ 27.14 $ 917.06

Fee # Service Name
Rate
Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Building Fixed Fees
75 Patio - Enclosed - BLDG - Base Fee (500 sq ft) $ 1,557.36 $ 47.50 $ 1,604.86 76 Patio - Enclosed - BLDG - Each Addtl 500 sq ft or portion thereof $ 266.77 $ 8.14 $ 274.91
77 Patio Cover - Open - BLDG - Base Fee (500 sq ft) $ 1,022.79 $ 31.20 $ 1,053.99 78 Patio Cover - Open - BLDG - Each Addtl 500 sq ft or
portion thereof $ 266.77 $ 8.14 $ 274.91
79 Permit Issuance - BLDG (Minimum permit fee) $ 445.99 $ 13.60 $ 459.59 80 Permit Reissuance - Hourly $ 176.13 $ 5.37 $ 181.50
81 Perspective Design Wall - Base Fee - BLDG - 1-100 ln ft $ 756.02 $ 23.06 $ 779.08 82 Perspective Design Wall - Each addtl ln ft - BLDG $ 1.03 $ 0.03 $ 1.06 83 Phased approval - Hourly $ 200.85 $ 6.13 $ 206.98
84 Photovoltaic Systems (residential roof mount) $ 311.21 $ 9.49 $ 320.70 85 Photovoltaic Unit Installation - Residential $ 133.45 $ 4.07 $ 137.52 86 Pool/Spa Commercial - BLDG $ 1,557.36 $ 47.50 $ 1,604.86 87 Preliminary Project Consult/Code Analysis - BLDG (per hour) $ 405.00 $ 12.35 $ 417.35
88 Refrigeration Compressor/Condenser - BLDG $ 400.86 $ 12.23 $ 413.09 89 Re-Roof Residential - BLDG $ 466.82 $ 14.24 $ 481.06 90 Re-roof with Added Ventilation -BLDG $ 400.86 $ 12.23 $ 413.09 91 Residential Photovoltaic System $ 311.21 $ 9.49 $ 320.70 92 Residential Pool/Spa - Site Built - BLDG $ 1,423.46 $ 43.42 $ 1,466.88 93 Retaining Wall Engineered 1-100 Linear Feet $ 1,290.59 $ 39.36 $ 1,329.95 93 Retaining Wall Engineered each additional linear
foot $ 1.61 $ 0.05 $ 1.66
94 Roof Structure Replacement - BLDG - Base Fee (500 sq ft) $ 1,022.79 $ 31.20 $ 1,053.99
95 Roof Structure Replacement - BLDG - Each addtl 250 sq ft or portion thereof $ 266.77 $ 8.14 $ 274.91
96 Seismic Strengthening of URM Bldg $ 312.24 $ 9.52 $ 321.76 97 Shear Wall / Steel Support Column - BLDG $ 1,290.59 $ 39.36 $ 1,329.95 98 Site Work- Grading 1-1,000 Cubic Yards $ 1,156.69 $ 35.28 $ 1,191.97 99 Each Additional 1,000 Cubic Yards or portion
thereof $ 489.25 $ 14.92 $ 504.17
100 Sign - Monument or free standing - BLDG $ 889.92 $ 27.14 $ 917.06 101 Sign - Wall - BLDG $ 622.12 $ 18.97 $ 641.09
102 Skylight - Base Fee (for 1 window) $ 489.25 $ 14.92 $ 504.17 103 Skylight - Each Addtl unit $ 65.92 $ 2.01 $ 67.93
104 SMIP (Commercial) $ 31.93 $ 0.97 $ 32.90
105 SMIP (Residential) $ 15.45 $ 0.47 $ 15.92
106 Solar/PV System - Commercial -BLDG $ 734.39 $ 22.40 $ 756.79 107 Solar/ PV System - Multifamily - BLDG $ 734.75 $ 22.41 $ 757.16 108 Solar Water System Fixtures - BLDG $ 59.23 $ 1.81 $ 61.03 109 Stairs - Repair/Replace - BLDG (1 story) $ 1,022.79 $ 31.20 $ 1,053.99

Fee # Service Name
Rate
Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Building Fixed Fees
110 Stairs - Repair/Replace - BLDG (each additional story) $ 266.77 $ 8.14 $ 274.91 111 Store Front / Facade Alterations: Minor - BLDG $ 1,557.36 $ 47.50 $ 1,604.86 112 Stormwater - Minor Project - BLDG $ 534.57 $ 16.30 $ 550.87 113 Stormwater - Moderate Project - BLDG $ 3,339.26 $ 101.85 $ 3,441.11 114 Stormwater - Major Project - BLDG $ 6,945.29 $ 211.83 $ 7,157.12 115 Stucco/Siding - BLDG (per building) $ 756.02 $ 23.06 $ 779.08 116 Supplemental Inspection (Building) - BLDG $ 266.77 $ 8.14 $ 274.91 117 Supplemental Plan Check (Building) - BLDG $ 266.77 $ 8.14 $ 274.91 118 T-Bar Ceiling - BLDG - Per Project $ 1,291.22 $ 39.38 $ 1,330.60 119 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy $ 1,250.42 $ 38.14 $ 1,288.56 120 Temporary Service - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72
121 Trash Enclosure - BLDG $ 1,290.59 $ 39.36 $ 1,329.95 122 Vapor Recovery - BLDG $ 1,022.79 $ 31.20 $ 1,053.99 123 Vent Fan (Single Duct) - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72 124 Walk-in Box/Refrigerator Coil - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72 125 Water Heater Replacement Only -BLDG $ 312.24 $ 9.52 $ 321.76 126 Water Pipe Repair/Replace - BLDG $ 178.28 $ 5.44 $ 183.72 127 Window Retrofits (non-structural) -BLDG - Base Fee (up to 10) $ 220.77 $ 6.73 $ 227.50
128 Window Retrofits (non-structural) -BLDG - Each addtl group of 10 $ 128.94 $ 3.93 $ 132.87

Fee # Construction Type
Plan Review
fee per square
foot
Inspection
fee per
square foot
IT Surcharge
(if applicable)
Total per
square foot Notes
1 Alt/Addition - ADU
per square foot (400 sq ft minimum) $ 5.40 $ 5.40 $ 0.33 $ 11.13 2 Alt/Addition - Commercial
per square foot (1500 sq ft minimum) $ 1.14 $ 1.19 $ 0.07 $ 2.41 3 Alt/Addition - Mixed Use or Multi Family
per square foot (2500 sq ft minimum) $ 1.33 $ 1.47 $ 0.09 $ 2.89 4 Alt/Addition Single Family
per square foot (400 sq ft minimum) $ 3.91 $ 3.63 $ 0.23 $ 7.77 5 New Accessory Building
per square foot (400 sq ft minimum) $ 2.22 $ 3.34 $ 0.17 $ 5.73 6 New ADU
per square foot (500 sq ft minimum) $ 4.01 $ 4.45 $ 0.26 $ 8.71 7 New Commercial Building
per square foot (5,000 sq ft minimum/50,000 sq ft
maximum) $ 0.66 $ 0.74 $ 0.04 $ 1.44
8 New Commercial Shell
per square foot (5,000 sq ft minimum/25,000 sq ft
maximum) $ 0.58 $ 0.49 $ 0.03 $ 1.10
9 New Mixed-Use
per square foot (5,000 sq ft minimum/25,000 sq ft
maximum) $ 1.34 $ 1.29 $ 0.08 $ 2.71
10 New Multi Family (R2)
per square foot (7,500 sq ft minimum/25,000 sq ft
maximum) $ 1.25 $ 1.11 $ 0.07 $ 2.43
11 New Multi Family (R3)
per square foot (5,000 sq ft minimum/25,000 sq ft
maximum) $ 1.17 $ 0.99 $ 0.07 $ 2.23
12 New Single Family
per square foot (1,000 sq ft minimum/3,000 sq ft
maximum) $ 2.67 $ 3.14 $ 0.18 $ 5.99
City of San Luis Obispo
Building Fees
Rate Effective 7/1/25

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
Improvement Plan Check
1 15% of Estimated Construction Costs for the first $100,000 plus 1.0% thereafter 3.05% Construction Inspection
2 8.4% of Estimated Construction Costs for the first $500,000 plus 3.3% thereafter 3.05% Certificates of Compliance and Lot Line Adjustments
3 Lot Line Adjustment Map or Agreement Fixed Fee $ 5,686.30 $ 173.43 $ 5,859.73 4 Certificates of Compliance Fixed Fee $ 1,378.81 $ 42.05 $ 1,420.86 5 Additional Document Review/Certificates of Correction Fixed Fee $ 517.06 $ 15.77 $ 532.83 Encroachment Permits- Concrete Flatwork
6 Curb and Gutter base fee Base Fee $ 1,128.88 $ 34.43 $ 1,163.31 7 Curb and Gutter per linear foot Per linear foot $ 12.63 $ 0.39 $ 13.01 8 Sidewalk base fee Base Fee $ 1,128.88 $ 34.43 $ 1,163.31 9 Sidewalk plus per linear foot Per linear foot $ 8.03 $ 0.25 $ 8.28 10 Driveway Approach/Curb Ramp base fee Base Fee $ 1,520.28 $ 46.37 $ 1,566.65 11 Driveway Approach/Curb Ramp plus per linear foot Per linear foot $ 12.63 $ 0.39 $ 13.01 Encroachment Permits- Excavation Trenched or Bored
12 Water Service/Recycled Service base fee Base Fee $ 889.92 $ 27.14 $ 917.06 13 Water Service/Recycled Service plus per linear foot Per linear foot $ 22.95 $ 0.70 $ 23.65 14 Sewer Service base fee Base Fee $ 803.40 $ 24.50 $ 827.90 15 Sewer Service plus per linear foot Per linear foot $ 9.18 $ 0.28 $ 9.46 16 Fire Lateral/Hydrant/Water and Recycled Main Extension base fee Base Fee $ 1,501.74 $ 45.80 $ 1,547.54 17 Fire Lateral/Hydrant/Water and Recycled Main Extension plus per linear foot Per linear foot $ 30.60 $ 0.93 $ 31.53 18 Other/Dry Utilities base fee Base Fee $ 1,109.31 $ 33.83 $ 1,143.14 19 Other/Dry Utilities plus per linear foot (Bore) Per linear foot $ 7.65 $ 0.23 $ 7.89 20 Other/Dry Utilities plus per linear foot (Trench) Per linear foot $ 12.24 $ 0.37 $ 12.61 21 Monitoring Well Fixed Fee $ 344.02 $ 10.49 $ 354.51
22 Other Minor Encroachment Permits not Listed (such as a rolloff dumpster or storage container) Fixed Fee $ 172.01 $ 5.25 $ 177.26 23 Other Moderate Encroachment Permits not Listed (such as staging for work in the right-of-way multiple days) Fixed Fee $ 344.02 $ 10.49 $ 354.51 24 Time Extension for Encroachment Permit Fixed Fee $ 172.01 $ 5.25 $ 177.26 25 Plan Review for Special Cases Fixed Fee $ 344.02 $ 10.49 $ 354.51 26 Annual Encroachment Permit for Utility Companies Fixed Fee $ 21,539.51 $ 656.96 $ 22,196.47 Final Inspections
Square Footage of Site Disturbance:

Non-Single Family Residential
27 Non-Single Family Residential 0-2499 Fixed Fee $ 258.53 $ 7.89 $ 266.42 28 Non-Single Family Residential 2500-4999 Fixed Fee $ 344.19 $ 10.50 $ 354.69 29 Non-Single Family Residential 5000-14999 Fixed Fee $ 430.75 $ 13.14 $ 443.89 30 Non-Single Family Residential 15000-21999 Fixed Fee $ 517.06 $ 15.77 $ 532.83 31 Non-Single Family Residential 22000-43559 (PW 3 Hours) Fixed Fee $ 602.55 $ 18.38 $ 620.93 32 Non-Single Family Residential 43560+ Fixed Fee $ 689.07 $ 21.02 $ 710.09 Single Family Residential $ - $ -
33 Single Family Residential 0-2499 Fixed Fee $ 258.53 $ 7.89 $ 266.42 34 Single Family Residential 2500+ Fixed Fee $ 344.02 $ 10.49 $ 354.51 Flood Zone Analysis $ - $ -
35 Minor - Verification only Fixed Fee $ 344.19 $ 10.50 $ 354.69 36 Major - New/Substantial Remodel Analysis/Documentation Fixed Fee $ 1,378.81 $ 42.05 $ 1,420.86 Subdivision Maps
37 Parcel Map - (up to 4 parcels) Fixed Fee $ 10,728.48 $ 327.22 $ 11,055.70 38 Parcel Map - Commercial or Condominium Base Fee $ 14,517.85 $ 442.79 $ 14,960.64 39 Plus per parcel or condominium unit per parcel/unit $ 86.52 $ 2.64 $ 89.16 40 Tract Map Base Fee $ 23,270.79 $ 709.76 $ 23,980.55
41 Plus per lot or condominium unit per lot/unit $ 258.53 $ 7.89 $ 266.42 Transportation Permit
42 Single Trip Permit Fixed Fee $ 16.48 N/A $ 16.48 1
43 Annual Permit Fixed Fee $ 92.70 N/A $ 92.70 1
Traffic Control Plan Review
44 Minor Traffic Control Plan Review (one location, one phase) Fixed Fee $ 315.18 $ 9.61 $ 324.79 45 Moderate Traffic Control Plan Review (multiple locations, one phase) Fixed Fee $ 885.20 $ 27.00 $ 912.20 46 Major Traffic Control Plan Review (one or more locations and multiple phases) Fixed Fee $ 2,397.97 $ 73.14 $ 2,471.11 Traffic Control Plan Inspection
47 Minor - first day (one location, one phase) Fixed Fee $ 377.16 $ 11.50 $ 388.66 48 Minor each additional day Fixed Fee $ 229.80 $ 7.01 $ 236.81 49 Moderate - first day (multiple locations, one phase) Fixed Fee $ 525.56 $ 16.03 $ 541.59 50 Moderate each additional day Fixed Fee $ 306.06 $ 9.33 $ 315.39 51 Major - first day (one or more locations and multiple phases) Fixed Fee $ 1,314.92 $ 40.11 $ 1,355.03 52 Major each additional day Fixed Fee $ 382.32 $ 11.66 $ 393.98 (only the highest base fee is applied if there are multiple concrete flatwork scopes of work on a single encroachment permit)
(only the highest base fee is applied if there are multiple trenched or bored scopes of work on a single encroachment permit)
City of San Luis Obispo
Engineering Fees

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Engineering Fees
4th and subsequent plan review (per submittal)
53 Public Improvement Plans Fixed Fee $ 4,037.50 $ 123.14 $ 4,160.64 54 Building Plans Fixed Fee $ 1,319.04 $ 40.23 $ 1,359.27 55 Maps / Additional Documents Fixed Fee $ 2,407.25 $ 73.42 $ 2,480.67 56 Design Exception/Revision Fixed Fee $ 914.05 $ 27.88 $ 941.93 Site Improvements plan review (square feet) 2
57 Site Improvement 0-2499 Fixed Fee $ 1,033.59 $ 31.52 $ 1,065.11 58 Site Improvement 2500-4999 Fixed Fee $ 1,378.81 $ 42.05 $ 1,420.86 59 Site Improvement 5000-14999 Fixed Fee $ 1,723.00 $ 52.55 $ 1,775.55 60 Site Improvement 15000-21999 Fixed Fee $ 2,067.21 $ 63.05 $ 2,130.26 61 Site Improvement 22000-43559 Fixed Fee $ 2,411.23 $ 73.54 $ 2,484.77 62 Site Improvement 43560+ Fixed Fee $ 2,755.25 $ 84.04 $ 2,839.29 Single Family Residential plan review (square feet)
63 Single Family Residential 0-2499 Fixed Fee $ 689.40 $ 21.03 $ 710.43 64 Single Family Residential 2500+ Fixed Fee $ 1,378.14 $ 42.03 $ 1,420.17 Stormwater Post Construction Requirements
Non-Single Family Residential (Net Impervious Area per SCP) 65 Non-Single Family Residential (Net Impervious Area per SCP) 0-2499 square feet Fixed Fee $ 344.19 $ 10.50 $ 354.69 66 Non-Single Family Residential (Net Impervious Area per SCP) 2500-4999 Fixed Fee $ 517.06 $ 15.77 $ 532.83 67 Non-Single Family Residential (Net Impervious Area per SCP) 5000-14999 Fixed Fee $ 689.07 $ 21.02 $ 710.09 68 Non-Single Family Residential (Net Impervious Area per SCP) 15000-24999 Fixed Fee $ 861.08 $ 26.26 $ 887.34 69 Non-Single Family Residential (Net Impervious Area per SCP) 25000+ Fixed Fee $ 1,033.09 $ 31.51 $ 1,064.60 70 Stormwater Control Plan Fixed Fee $ 344.02 $ 10.49 $ 354.51 71 Private Stormwater Conveyance System Agreement Fixed Fee $ 344.02 $ 10.49 $ 354.51

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Engineering Fees
Single Family Residential (Net Impervious Area per SCP) 72 Single Family Residential (Net Impervious Area per SCP) 0-2499 square feet Fixed Fee $ 344.19 $ 10.50 $ 354.69 73 Single Family Residential (Net Impervious Area per SCP) 2500+ Fixed Fee $ 689.07 $ 21.02 $ 710.09 Drainage Report/Flood Study Review
74 Minor (under an acre) Fixed Fee $ 1,723.00 $ 52.55 $ 1,775.55 75 Major (over an acre) Fixed Fee $ 3,445.99 $ 105.10 $ 3,551.09

1. Set by the State of California Department of Transportation and is not subject to CPI increases.

2. This includes substantial development of private parking lots which are processed separate of the structure and include any combination of the following: underground utilities, parking lot lighting, accessible path of travel analysis, grading, drainage and compliance with the City's parking and driveway standards.

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes

FIRE DEVELOPMENT FIXED FEES
Fire Sprinkler and Suppression Systems -(Issued by Building and Safety) Fire Sprinkler Systems (New Installation) - Plan Review Residential Fire Sprinkler Plan Review
Private Underground Fire Line Installation
1 1-25 Heads Fixed fee $ 774.56 $ 23.62 $ 798.18
2 26-50 Heads Fixed fee $ 956.87 $ 29.18 $ 986.05
3 51-100 Heads Fixed fee $ 1,230.85 $ 37.54 $ 1,268.39
4 101-200 Heads Fixed fee $ 1,503.80 $ 45.87 $ 1,549.67 5 Every 200 Heads above 200 Fixed fee $ 456.29 $ 13.92 $ 470.21 Fire Sprinkler Systems (New Installation) - Inspection
Residential Fire Sprinkler Plan Review
Private Underground Fire Line Installation
6 1-25 Heads Fixed fee $ 546.93 $ 16.68 $ 563.61
7 26-50 Heads Fixed fee $ 729.24 $ 22.24 $ 751.48
8 51-100 Heads Fixed fee $ 729.24 $ 22.24 $ 751.48
9 101-200 Heads Fixed fee $ 911.55 $ 27.80 $ 939.35
10 Every 200 Heads above 200 Fixed fee $ 364.62 $ 11.12 $ 375.74 Fire Alarm System (New Installation) - Plan Review
11 1-50 Devices Fixed fee $ 866.23 $ 26.42 $ 892.65
12 51-100 Devices Fixed fee $ 1,276.17 $ 38.92 $ 1,315.09 13 Every 50 Devices above 100 Fixed fee $ 409.94 $ 12.50 $ 422.44 14 Sprinkler Monitoring System Fixed fee $ 273.98 $ 8.36 $ 282.34 Fire Alarm System (New Installation) - Inspection $ -
15 1-50 Devices Fixed fee $ 364.62 $ 11.12 $ 375.74
16 51-100 Devices Fixed fee $ 729.24 $ 22.24 $ 751.48
17 Every 50 Devices above 100 Fixed fee $ 364.62 $ 11.12 $ 375.74 18 Sprinkler Monitoring System Fixed fee $ 182.31 $ 5.56 $ 187.87 Fire Sprinkler Systems (Tenant Improvement) - Plan Review 19 1-25 Heads Fixed fee $ 319.30 $ 9.74 $ 329.04
20 26-50 Heads Fixed fee $ 501.61 $ 15.30 $ 516.91
21 51-100 Heads Fixed fee $ 729.24 $ 22.24 $ 751.48
22 101-200 Heads Fixed fee $ 956.87 $ 29.18 $ 986.05
23 Every 200 Heads above 200 Fixed fee $ 456.29 $ 13.92 $ 470.21 Fire Sprinkler Systems (Tenant Improvement) - Inspection $ - 24 1-25 Heads Fixed fee $ 273.98 $ 8.36 $ 282.34
25 26-50 Heads Fixed fee $ 364.62 $ 11.12 $ 375.74
26 51-100 Heads Fixed fee $ 456.29 $ 13.92 $ 470.21
27 101-200 Heads Fixed fee $ 546.93 $ 16.68 $ 563.61
28 Every 200 Heads above 200 Fixed fee $ 364.62 $ 11.12 $ 375.74 Fire Alarm System (Tenant Improvement) - Plan Review
29 Minor modification (Panel replacement etc) $ 273.98 $ 8.36 $ 282.34 30 1-50 Devices Fixed fee $ 866.23 $ 26.42 $ 892.65
31 51-100 Devices Fixed fee $ 1,276.17 $ 38.92 $ 1,315.09 32 Every 50 Devices above 100 Fixed fee $ 409.94 $ 12.50 $ 422.44 33 Sprinkler Monitoring System Fixed fee $ 273.98 $ 8.36 $ 282.34 Fire Alarm System (Tenant Improvement) - Inspection $ - 34 Minor modification $ 91.67 $ 2.80 $ 94.47
35 1-50 Devices Fixed fee $ 364.62 $ 11.12 $ 375.74
36 51-100 Devices Fixed fee $ 729.24 $ 22.24 $ 751.48
37 Every 50 Devices above 100 Fixed fee $ 364.62 $ 11.12 $ 375.74 38 Sprinkler Monitoring System Fixed fee $ 182.31 $ 5.56 $ 187.87 City of San Luis Obispo
Fire Fixed Fees

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Fire Fixed Fees
Other Suppression Systems
39 Insert Gas Systems Fixed fee $ 1,321.49 $ 40.31 $ 1,361.80 40 Dry Chemical Systems Fixed fee $ 729.24 $ 22.24 $ 751.48 41 Wet Chemical/Kitchen Hood Fixed fee $ 546.93 $ 16.68 $ 563.61 42 Foam Systems Fixed fee $ 2,324.71 $ 70.90 $ 2,395.61 43 Paint Spray Booth Fixed fee $ 820.91 $ 25.04 $ 845.95

OTHER MISCELLANEOUS FEES
44 Supplemental Fire Plan Review Fixed fee $ 319.30 $ 9.74 $ 329.04 45 Supplemental Fire Inspection Fixed fee $ 273.98 $ 8.36 $ 282.34 46 Alternative Method and Material Review Fixed fee $ 729.24 $ 22.24 $ 751.48 47 Expedited Plan Review Fee Fixed fee $ 409.94 $ 12.50 $ 422.44 48 Commercial Solar/Energy Storage System (new category) Fixed fee $ 456.29 $ 13.92 $ 470.21

FIRE NON-DEVELOPMENT FIXED FEES
Hazardous Occupancy Permits
49 Additive Manufacturing Fixed fee $ 227.63 N/A $ 227.63 50 Aircraft Refueling Vehicles Fixed fee $ 310.00 N/A $ 310.00 51 Aircraft Repair Hangar Fixed fee $ 501.61 N/A $ 501.61 52 Automobile Wrecking Yard Fixed fee $ 592.25 N/A $ 592.25 53 Bonfire or Rubbish Fires Fixed fee $ 227.63 N/A $ 227.63 54 Burning in Public Place Fixed fee $ 227.63 N/A $ 227.63 55 Candles or Open-Flames in Assembly Areas Fixed fee $ 227.63 N/A $ 227.63 56 Combustible Fiber Storage (handle/store over 100 cu ft) Fixed fee $ 501.61 N/A $ 501.61 57 Compressed Gases (Unless in the CUPA Program) Fixed fee $ 310.00 N/A $ 310.00 58 Cryogens (Unless in the CUPA Program) Fixed fee $ 319.30 N/A $ 319.30 59 Dry Cleaning Plant Fixed fee $ 319.30 N/A $ 319.30
60 Dust Producing Operation Fixed fee $ 409.94 N/A $ 409.94 61 Energy Storage Systems Fixed fee $ 319.30 N/A $ 319.30 62 Explosives or Blasting Agents Fixed fee $ 592.25 N/A $ 592.25 63 Fireworks Fixed fee $ 956.87 N/A $ 956.87
64 Flammable or Combustible Liquids (Unless in the CUPA Program) Fixed fee $ 319.30 N/A $ 319.30 65 Fruit Ripening - Ethylene Gas Fogging Fixed fee $ 319.30 N/A $ 319.30 66 Garages - Repair Fixed fee $ 501.61 N/A $ 501.61
66-a High-Piled Combustible Stock - exceeding 2500 sq ft Fixed fee $ 592.25 N/A $ 592.25 67 Hazardous Chemicals (Unless in the CUPA Program): Fixed fee $ 501.61 N/A $ 501.61 68 Junk Yards Fixed fee $ 592.25 N/A $ 592.25
69 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Fixed fee $ 319.30 N/A $ 319.30 70 Lithium Battery Storage > 15 Cubic Feet - New Category Fixed fee $ 409.94 N/A $ 409.94 71 Lumberyard - Storage in excess of 100,000 board feet Fixed fee $ 501.61 N/A $ 501.61 72 Magnesium Working - Process more than 10 lbs daily Fixed fee $ 319.30 N/A $ 319.30 73 Mall (covered) Fixed fee $ 501.61 N/A $ 501.61
74 Motor Fuel Dispensing Fixed fee $ 319.30 N/A $ 319.30 75 On-Demand Fueling Operations Fixed fee $ 273.98 N/A $ 273.98 76 Organic Coatings - manufacture over 1 gallon a day Fixed fee $ 319.30 N/A $ 319.30 77 Ovens - Industrial, Baking and Drying Fixed fee $ 310.00 N/A $ 310.00 78 Places of Assembly Fixed fee $ 409.94 N/A $ 409.94
79 Plan Extraction Fixed fee $ 319.30 N/A $ 319.30
80 Refrigeration Equipment - Mechanical refrigeration (see UFC for most common refrigerants) Fixed fee $ 501.61 N/A $ 501.61 81 Outdoor Assembly Event > 1,000 participants (base fee) Fixed fee $ 364.52 N/A $ 364.52 5 82 Spraying or Dipping Fixed fee $ 409.94 N/A $ 409.94
83 Tents and Air-supported Structures - excess of 200 sq ft Fixed fee $ 409.94 N/A $ 409.94 84 Tire Re-capping Fixed fee $ 319.30 N/A $ 319.30
85 Waste Material Plant Fixed fee $ 592.25 N/A $ 592.25 86 Welding and Cutting Operations - Any Occupancy Fixed fee $ 227.63 N/A $ 227.63 87 Additional Permitted Use (per permit) Fixed fee $ 136.99 N/A $ 136.99 6

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Fire Fixed Fees

MANDATED / REQUIRED INSPECTIONS
88 Public/Private Schools (K-8) Waived by policy $ -
89 Public/Private Schools (High Schools) Waived by policy $ - 90 Commercial Day Care (Group E and I4) Waived by policy $ - 91 Assisted Living (Group R2.1, R4, I3) <26 Residents Waived by policy $ - 92 Assisted Living (Group R2.1, R4, I3) 26 residents or more Waived by policy $ -

NON-MANDATED / REQUIRED INSPECTIONS
Commercial Business Inspections (Up to 3 stories)
93 0 – 5,000 sq. ft. Fixed fee $ 136.99 N/A $ 136.99
94 5,001 – 40,000 sq. ft. Fixed fee $ 227.63 N/A $ 227.63 95 40,001 – 120,000 sq. ft. Fixed fee $ 409.94 N/A $ 409.94 96 120,001 – 150,000 sq. ft. Fixed fee $ 592.25 N/A $ 592.25 97 150,001 – or more sq. ft. Fixed fee $ 774.56 N/A $ 774.56 98 Mid Rise Inspections (4 -6 stories) Fixed fee $ 456.29 N/A $ 456.29 99 Self-Inspection Non-Compliance Fixed fee $ 182.31 N/A $ 182.31 100 New Business Inspection (Baseline) Fixed fee $ 182.31 N/A $ 182.31

FIRE FALSE ALARM FEES
Initial Permit and Renewal Registrations - see Police
101 Excessive false alarm fee Per occurrence $ 675.68 N/A $ 675.68 1

CERTIFIED UNIFIED PARTICIPATING AGENCY FEES
Hazardous Materials Handlers
102 Remote utility (1-time fee) Fixed fee $ 638.60 N/A $ 638.60 103 1 - 4 Materials handled Fixed fee $ 364.62 N/A $ 364.62 104 5 - 10 Materials handled Fixed fee $ 409.94 N/A $ 409.94 105 11+ Materials handled Fixed fee $ 592.25 N/A $ 592.25 Waste Generators
106 1 Waste stream (professional or medical) Fixed fee $ 227.63 N/A $ 227.63 107 1 - 5 Waste streams (all others) Fixed fee $ 364.62 N/A $ 364.62 108 6+ Waste streams Fixed fee $ 592.25 N/A $ 592.25
109 Waste Stream (DeMinimus) Fixed fee $ 227.63 N/A $ 227.63 Tiered Permitting
110 Conditionally Exempt (CE) Fixed fee $ 546.93 N/A $ 546.93 111 Conditionally Authorized (CA) Fixed fee $ 1,093.86 N/A $ 1,093.86 112 Permit by Rule (PBR) Fixed fee $ 2,370.03 N/A $ 2,370.03 Underground Storage Tanks (general model)
113 First tank Fixed fee $ 2,005.41 N/A $ 2,005.41
114 Tank installation Fixed fee $ 6,198.54 N/A $ 6,198.54 115 Tank removal Fixed fee $ 4,922.37 N/A $ 4,922.37
116 Minor Modification Fixed fee $ 2,005.41 N/A $ 2,005.41 117 Major Modification Fixed fee $ 5,104.68 N/A $ 5,104.68 Above Ground Storage Tanks
118 One Tank Fixed fee $ 443.00 N/A $ 443.00
119 Two Tanks Fixed fee $ 638.60 N/A $ 638.60
120 Three Tanks Fixed fee $ 820.91 N/A $ 820.91
California Accidental Release Prevention Program (CalARP) 121 New Stationary Source Facility Fixed fee $ 2,916.96 N/A $ 2,916.96 122 Existing Annual Facility Inspection Fixed fee $ 729.24 N/A $ 729.24 123 Site Remediation Oversight Fixed fee $ 708.00 N/A $ 708.00 124 Soil Remediation Fixed fee $ 708.00 N/A $ 708.00
125 Temporary Closure Permit Fixed fee $ 1,823.10 N/A $ 1,823.10 Closures
126 Temporary Closure Fixed fee $ 1,823.10 N/A $ 1,823.10 127 Closure in Place Fixed fee $ 2,187.72 N/A $ 2,187.72 Late Fee
128 Annual permit fees received 31-60 days after original invoice day N/A 129 Annual permit fees received 61 + days after original invoice day N/A

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Fire Fixed Fees

FIRE EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL STAND-BY FEES
130 Fire Ladder Truck Standby (4 person) Per hour one (1) hour min. $ 885.04 N/A $ 885.04 131 Fire Engine/Truck Standby (3 person) Per hour one (1) hour min. $ 683.69 N/A $ 683.69 132 Squad or Light Rescue Equipment Standby (2 person) Per hour one (1) hour min. $ 455.80 N/A $ 455.80 133 Fire Investigation/Fire Prevention Standby Per hour one (1) hour min. $ 182.31 N/A $ 182.31 134 Fire Suppression Standby Per hour one (1) hour min. $ 227.90 N/A $ 227.90 135 Administrative/Clerical Standby Per hour one (1) hour min. $ 172.41 N/A $ 172.41 136 Additional Site Inspection Fee (one hour min.) Per hour one (1) hour min. $ 182.31 N/A $ 182.31 137 Third & Subsequent Fire Inspection Fee Per inspection $ 233.81 N/A $ 233.81 Multi-Dwelling Fire and Life Safety Inspection Fee Schedule 2, 3 Administrative Fee Fixed fee 4
138 Processing per facility Fixed fee $ 91.67 N/A $ 91.67 139 Each Additional Owner Fixed fee $ 29.07 N/A $ 29.07 140 Re-inspection Fee Fixed fee $ 227.63 N/A $ 227.63
141
Re-inspection Fee, 2nd reinspection and all subsequent
reinspections Base fee + increment $ 279.13 N/A
Apartment Houses
142 Up to 10 units Fixed fee $ 364.62 N/A $ 364.62
143 11 - 20 Units Fixed fee $ 546.93 N/A $ 546.93
144 21 - 50 Units Fixed fee $ 729.24 N/A $ 729.24
145 51 - 100 Units Fixed fee $ 911.55 N/A $ 911.55
146 101 - 200 Units Fixed fee $ 1,640.79 N/A $ 1,640.79 147 Every additional 100 Units over 200 Fixed fee $ 546.93 N/A $ 546.93 Hotel, Motel, Bed & Breakfast
148 1 - 20 Units Fixed fee $ 364.62 N/A $ 364.62
149 21 - 50 Units Fixed fee $ 546.93 N/A $ 546.93
150 51 - 100 Units Fixed fee $ 911.55 N/A $ 911.55
151 101 - 200 Units Fixed fee $ 1,367.84 N/A $ 1,367.84 152 Sorority and Fraternity Fixed fee $ 729.24 N/A $ 729.24 Condominiums
153 Up to 10 Units Fixed fee $ 364.62 N/A $ 364.62
154 11 - 20 Units Fixed fee $ 546.93 N/A $ 546.93
155 21 - 50 Units Fixed fee $ 729.24 N/A $ 729.24
156 51 - 500 Units Fixed fee $ 1,093.86 N/A $ 1,093.86

OTHER FIRE FEES
157 Hydrant Flow Test (First Hydrant) Fixed fee $ 182.31 N/A $ 182.31 158 Hydrant Flow Test (Each Additional Hydrant) Fixed fee $ 91.67 N/A $ 91.67 159 Reinspection Fee (construction) Fixed fee $ 227.63 N/A $ 227.63 160 Board of Appeals Fixed fee $ 375.95 N/A $ 375.95
161 Emergency Call-Out (Non-Scheduled) Per hour four (4) hour min. $ 910.52 N/A $ 910.52 162 After Hours Call-Out (Scheduled) Per hour one (1) hour min. $ 227.63 N/A $ 227.63 Hotels, Motels, Lodging Houses, Bed & Breakfast Facilities, Youth Hostel Facilities, Senior Facilities, Sororities, Fraternities and Other Congregate Residences
Fees are waived for units that are built, owned and managed by the San Luis Obispo Housing Authority, other government agencies or not-for-profit housing organizations

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Fire Fixed Fees

1. Excessive false alarms are defined as: two or more false alarms in any thirty-day period or three false alarms in any three-hundred-sixty day period

6. Where multiple permits are required, the fee for the most expensive required use permit is charged and each additional permitted use is charged this reduced fee.

2. Fees are waived for units that are built, owned and managed by the San Luis Obispo Housing Authority, other government agencies or not-for-profit housing organizations

3. These fees are applicable to all multi-dwelling units in the City based on the definitions set forth in the 2007 California Building Code

4. Administrative fee applies to both Apartment Houses and Hotels, Motels, etc. Total processing fee calculated will be divided equally amongst all owners

5. Outdoor Assembly Event > 1,000 participants will be charged the base fee for the first two hours of review. If additional review is required, 50% of the base fee will be charged for each additional hour or portion thereof, up to a maximum of 5.25 hours. This fee is not applied to events where the applicant/organizer is a designated 501c(3) nonprofit organization, in order to support the cultural vibrancy and economic vitality of the City.

Fee # Construction Type
Plan Review
fee per square
foot
Inspection
fee per square
foot
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
1 New Accessory Building $ 0.33 $ 0.33 $ 0.02 $ 0.68
2 New Commercial $ 0.11 $ 0.18 $ 0.01 $ 0.30
3 Alt/Addition-Commercial $ 0.14 $ 0.19 $ 0.01 $ 0.34
4 Alt/Addition-Mixed Use $ 0.20 $ 0.26 $ 0.01 $ 0.47
5 New Mixed Use $ 0.16 $ 0.27 $ 0.01 $ 0.45
6 Alt/Addition ADU $ 0.95 $ 0.95 $ 0.06 $ 1.95
7 Alt/Addition- Single Family $ 0.53 $ 0.53 $ 0.03 $ 1.08 8 Alt/Addition-Multi Family $ 0.20 $ 0.26 $ 0.01 $ 0.47 9 New Multi Family $ 0.12 $ 0.08 $ 0.01 $ 0.21
10 New Single Family $ 0.43 $ 0.29 $ 0.02 $ 0.74
City of San Luis Obispo
Fire Fees - Construction Plan Review and Inspection
Rate Effective 7/1/25

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25
(Resident)
Rate Effective
7/1/25 (NonResident) Notes
Youth Services
Sun-N-Fun
1 Registration Fee Fixed fee $ 92.50 $ 92.50
2 School Year - hourly option Per hour $ 6.10 $ 6.10
Teacher Work Day
3 Teacher Work Day Per day $ 70.00 $ 80.00
Spring Break Camp
4 Weekly Option Per week $ 206.00 $ 236.75
Summer Camp
5 Registration Fee Fixed fee $ 6.40 $ 7.40
6 Full week Care Option Per week $ 206.00 $ 236.00
7 Summer School Package Varies 1
8 Field Trip Sign Ups Varies 2
9 Late Registration Fee $ 11.25 $ 13.00
Youth Sports
10 Sport Camp Weekly $ 161.00 $ 186.00
11 Sport Clinic Per clinic $ 82.00 $ 94.00
Aquatics 3
Lap Swim
12 Adult per use Fixed fee $ 4.75 $ 4.75
13 Adult Monthly Fixed fee $ 73.25 $ 73.25
14 Youth/Senior per use Fixed fee $ 4.25 $ 4.25
15 Youth/Senior monthly Fixed fee $ 65.50 $ 65.50
Recreational Swim
16 Adult per use Fixed fee $ 5.25 $ 5.25
17 Youth/Senior per use Fixed fee $ 4.75 $ 4.75
Swim Script
18 Adult per use Fixed fee $ 42.75 $ 42.75
19 Youth/Senior per use Fixed fee $ 38.25 $ 38.25
Recreational Swim Script
20 Adult per use Fixed fee $ 47.25 $ 47.25
21 Youth/Senior per use Fixed fee $ 42.75 $ 42.75
Lessons
22 Lessons Fixed fee $ 123.00 $ 142.00
23 Private Lessons Fixed fee $ 216.00 $ 248.50
Special Classes
24 Lifeguard Fixed fee $ 267.75 $ 307.75
25 Warm Water Exercise Fixed fee $ 61.75 $ 61.75
26 Facility Use Fixed fee
$77.25/day +
$24.50/Lifeguard
$89.50/day +
$28.75/Lifeguard
27 Junior Lifeguard Program Fixed fee $ 257.50 $ 298.50 Recreational Sports
Adult Softball
28 Teams (15 per team) Fixed fee $ 731.00 $ 731.00
Instructional Classes 4
29 Adult/Senior Varies by class $8.55 - $170.75 + 15%
30 Youth Varies by class $4.25 - $453.00 + 15%
Special Events
City of San Luis Obispo
Parks & Recreation

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25
(Resident)
Rate Effective
7/1/25 (NonResident) Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Parks & Recreation
Parks & Recreation Events
31 Parks and Recreation Sponsored Events Varies by event $0 - $77.25 $0 - $77.25 Special Application Fees
32 Special Event Application - Park Use Fixed fee $ 144.00 $ 144.00 33 Special Event Application - Encroachment Fixed fee $ 231.75 $ 231.75 34 Banner Permit Application/Installation Fixed fee $ 334.75 $ 334.75 Film Application Fee
35 Still Photography Fixed fee $ 144.00 $ 144.00
36 Commercial Fixed fee $ 185.25 $ 185.25
37 Non-Profit Fixed fee $ 61.75 $ 61.75
38 Destination Marketing Waived by policy
Permit Fee
39 Permit Processing Fee Fixed fee $ 25.75 $ 25.75
40 Tournament/Long-Term Rental Allocation Fee Fixed fee $ 128.75 $ 128.75 41 Full Park Use Fixed fee $ 824.00 $ 824.00
42 Half Park Use Fixed fee $ 412.00 $ 412.00
Mission Plaza
43 Full Plaza Fixed fee $ 824.00 $ 824.00
44 Full Plaza (Non-Profit/Community Event) Fixed fee $ 659.00 $ 659.00 45 Security Deposit Fixed fee $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00
Indoor Facilities
Ludwick Community Center
46 Assembly Room (Non-Profit) Per day $ 46.25 $ 46.25
47 Assembly Room (For-Profit) Per day $ 87.50 $ 87.50
48 Assembly Room (Municipality) Per day $ 36.00 $ 36.00 49 Gymnasium (Non-Profit) Per day $ 61.75 $ 61.75
50 Gymnasium (For-Profit) Per day $ 97.75 $ 97.75
51 Kitchen (Non-Profit) Per day $ 18.50 $ 18.50
52 Kitchen (For-Profit) Per day $ 22.50 $ 22.50
53 Floor Covers Per day $ 113.00 $ 113.00
54 Full Facility Use (14 Hours) Per day $ 1,957.00 $ 1,957.00 Senior Center
55 Main Room (Non-Profit) Per day $ 46.25 $ 46.25
56 Main Room (For-Profit) Per day $ 87.50 $ 87.50
57 Conference Room (Non-Profit) Per day $ 20.50 $ 20.50 58 Conference Room (For-Profit) Per day $ 36.00 $ 36.00 Meadow Park Building
59 Non-Profit Per day $ 20.50 $ 20.50
60 For-Profit Per day $ 36.00 $ 36.00
61 Community Room (Non-Profit) Per day $ 46.25 $ 46.25
62 Community Room (For-Profit) Per day $ 87.50 $ 87.50
63 Community Room (Municipality) Per day $ 36.00 $ 36.00 64 Conference Room (Non-Profit) Per day $ 20.50 $ 20.50 65 Conference Room (For-Profit) Per day $ 36.00 $ 36.00 66 Conference Room (Municipality) Per day $ 15.25 $ 15.25 Outdoor Facilities
67 Outdoor Seating Areas Fixed fee $ 97.75 $ 97.75
Jack House Gardens
Wedding and Reception
68 Full Day WEEKEND (Resident) Per day $ 4,120.00
69 Full Day WEEKEND (non-resident) Per day $ 4,738.00

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25
(Resident)
Rate Effective
7/1/25 (NonResident) Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Parks & Recreation
70 Full Day WEEKDAY (Resident) Per day $ 3,914.00
71 Full Day WEEKDAY (non-resident) Per day $ 4,506.25
Party by Attendance (4 hour)
72 Under 50 Attendees Per hour $ 154.50 $ 154.50
73 Under 50 Attendees (Non-Profit) Per hour $ 77.25 $ 77.25 74 50-100 Attendees Per hour $ 257.50 $ 257.50
75 50-100 Attendees (Non-Profit) Per hour $ 128.75 $ 128.75 76 100+ Attendees Per hour $ 391.25 $ 391.25
77 100+ Attendees (Non-Profit) Per hour $ 195.50 $ 195.50 78 Security Deposit Fixed fee $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25
(Resident)
Rate Effective
7/1/25 (NonResident) Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Parks & Recreation
Softball Fields (3 total of these)
79 Hourly Field Use Per hour $ 30.75 $ 30.75
80 Youth Recreational Fee (Non-Profit) Per hour $ 12.25 $ 12.25 81 Local School District Field Use Per hour $ 15.25 $ 15.25 82 Light Fee Per hour $ 28.75 $ 28.75
Multi-Use Courts
83 Hourly Use Per hour $ 12.00 $ 12.00
84 Light Fee Per hour $ 15.25 $ 15.25
Pickleball (Single) Court
85 Hourly Use Per hour $ 4.50 $ 4.50
86 Light Fee Per hour $ 15.25 $ 15.25
Tennis & Volleyball Courts
87 Full Use Facility (Hour) Per hour $ 12.25 $ 12.25
88 Local School District Field Use Per hour $ 7.00 $ 7.00 Damon-Garcia (full use = 4 lower fields, 1 upper field) 89 Full Use Facility (Day) Per day $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 90 Full Use Facility (Hour) Per hour $ 123.50 $ 123.50
91 Full Use Light Fee (Hour) Per hour $ 84.00 $ 84.00
92 Field Preparation Fee Fixed fee $ 30.75 $ 30.75
93 Concession Stand Rental Fixed fee $ 180.25 $ 180.25
94 Lower Fields Facility Use (Day) Per day $ 800.00 $ 800.00 95 Lower Fields Facility Use (Hour) Per hour $ 110.00 $ 110.00 96 Lower Fields Light Fee Per hour $ 56.00 $ 56.00
97 Single Field Facility Use (Day) Per day $ 226.50 $ 226.50 98 Single Field Facility Use (Hour) Per hour $ 30.75 $ 30.75 99 Single Field Light Fee Per hour $ 28.75 $ 28.75
100 Youth Recreational Fee (Non-Profit) Per hour $ 12.25 $ 12.25 101 Local School District Field Use Per hour $ 15.25 $ 15.25 102 Overflow Parking Fee - weekday Per day $ 154.50 $ 154.50 103 Overflow Parking Fee - weekend Per day $ 309.00 $ 309.00 Baseball Stadium
104 Hourly Field Use Per hour $ 30.75 $ 30.75
105 Local School District Field Use Per hour $ 15.25 $ 15.25 106 Lights Per hour $ 28.75 $ 28.75
107 Press box Rental Fixed fee $ 25.75 $ 25.75
108 Field Preparation Fee Fixed fee $ 61.50 $ 61.50
109 Concession Stand Rental (daily) Per day $ 159.50 $ 159.50 110 Concession Stand Rental (hourly) Per hour $ 30.75 $ 30.75

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25
(Resident)
Rate Effective
7/1/25 (NonResident) Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Parks & Recreation
Other
111 Bounce House Fixed fee $ 51.50 $ 51.50
112 Portable BBQ Fixed fee $ 42.00 $ 42.00
Community Gardens
113 Community Gardens (base) Per year $ 37.00 $ 37.00
114 Community Gardens (per square foot) Per sq ft $ 0.03 $ 0.03 Ranger Service
Junior Ranger Camp
115 Junior Ranger Camp Fixed fee $ 195.50 $ 226.50
Laguna Lake Golf Course 5
116 Cart Rental Per person $ 12.25 $ 12.25
117 Pull Carts Per cart $ 5.25 $ 5.25
118 Club Rentals (Regular) Fixed fee $ 10.25 $ 10.25
119 Club Rentals (Snr/Yth/Stu/Mil) Fixed fee $ 5.00 $ 5.00 120 Alternative Programming Uses Fixed fee $ 12.25 $ 12.25 121 Spectator Fee Fixed fee $ 6.00 $ 6.00
Tournament Use
122 Shotgun Fee Fixed fee $ 309.00 $ 309.00
123 Daily Use for 39 or Under Fixed fee $ 15.25 $ 15.25 124 Daily Use for 40 or Over Fixed fee $ 12.25 $ 12.25
Rounds
125 Monday-Thursday (Regular) Fixed fee $ 16.25 $ 16.25 126 Monday-Thursday (Snr/Yth/Stu/Mil) Fixed fee $ 12.25 $ 12.25 127 Friday-Sunday (Regular) Fixed fee $ 17.50 $ 17.50
128 Friday-Sunday (Snr/Yth/Stu/Mil) Fixed fee $ 13.25 $ 13.25 129 Replay Fixed fee $ 9.25 $ 9.25
130 Off Peak (M-Th 12-3 PM) (Regular) Fixed fee $ 13.25 $ 13.25 131 Off Peak (M-Th 12-3 PM) (Snr/Yth/Stu/Mil) Fixed fee $ 12.25 $ 12.25 132 Twilight (after 3 PM) Fixed fee $ 12.25 $ 12.25
133 Family Rate (4 people) Fixed fee $ 35.00 $ 35.00
134 Super Twilight Fixed fee $ 9.25 $ 9.25
135 10-Play Cards (Regular) Fixed fee $ 144.00 $ 144.00 136 10-Play Cards (Snr/Yth/Stu/Mil) Fixed fee $ 108.00 $ 108.00 Public Art in Lieu 5
137 Public Art in Lieu Fixed fee 6
Footnotes:

1. Fluctutes per school district schedule.

2. Fee varies by field trip.

3. Aquatics fees to increase following summer session, effective 8/25/2025. Rate remains the same as previous Fiscal Year prior to this date.

4. Fees vary depending on class and frequency.

5. Golf course fees to increse following summer session, effective 8/25/2025. Rate remains the same as prevous Fiscal Year prior to this date.

6. Privately-funded non-residential development with a total construction cost in excess of $100,000 must include public art with a value of one-half percent (0.5%) of the construction cost. As a voluntary option, the developer may pay an in-lieu fee. The fee amount is authorized by MC 17.70.140.

0.5% of construction costs

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25 Notes
1 Administrative Investigations
2 Clearance Letters $ 25.00 2
3 Civil SDT $ 15.00 3
4 Criminal SDT $ - 4
5 Civil Subpoena $ 275.00 5
Concealed Weapons Permit 6, 7
6 New Permit: Investigative costs and permit processing Fixed fee $ 269.00 7 New Permit: Livescan Fee each $ 93.00 8
8 New Permit: Social Media Check each $ 33.00 8
9 Renewal - Concealed Weapons Permit: No new firearms Fixed fee $ 131.00 10 Renewal - Concealed Weapons Permit: Adding new or replacing firearms Fixed fee $ 187.00
11 Amendment - Concealed Weapons Permit: Adding new firearm Fixed fee $ 162.00 12 Amendment - Concealed Weapons Permit: Change in Address Fixed fee $ 72.00 13 DUI Cost recovery
False Alarms and Alarm Permits
14 Permit Fixed fee $ 32.96
15 Renewal Fixed fee $ 32.96
1st and 2nd False Alarm Response
16 3rd False Alarm Response (cost recovery flat fee) each $ 175.00 17 4th False Alarm Response (flat fee + penalty $50) each $ 225.00 18 5th False Alarm Response (flat fee + penalty $175) each $ 350.00 19 6th or more (flat fee + penalty $325) each $ 500.00
20 Impound Vehicle Release (30-day impound) Fixed fee $ 203.94 21 Local Record Information $ 25.00 9
22 Massage Facility Permit Fixed fee $ 375.95
23 Massage Technician Initial Permit Fixed fee $ 200.85 24 Massage Technician Permit Renewal Fixed fee $ 200.85 25 Nuisance abatement
Planning Support
26 Administrative Use Permit (bars/nightclubs) $ 350.20 City of San Luis Obispo
Police Department

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25 Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Police Department
Property Damage-Only Collisions Investigations
27 Per party per non-injury traffic collision investigation report Fixed fee $ 116.39 28 Record sealing
29 Second Response Cost Recovery
Taxi Permit
30 Permit fee Fixed fee $ 200.85
31 Permit Renewal fee Fixed fee $ 200.85
32 Pedicab Fee Fixed fee $ 100.43
33 Pedicab Renewal Fee Fixed fee $ 100.43
34 Vehicle Tow Release Fee Fixed fee $ 125.66
Miscellaneous Permits
35 Electronic Game Center Permit Fixed fee $ 416.12
36 Public Dance Permit Fixed fee $ 127.72
37 Tobacco License Fee - per location Fixed fee $ 887.86 38 Mobile Food Vendor License Fixed fee $ 193.64

1. Fee set by Municipal Code

2. Fee set by Penal Code 13322

3. Fee set by California Evidence Code 1563

4. Access through discovery

5. Fee set by statute GC 68097.2

6. Set by Penal Code 26190

7. Concealed Weapons Permit Fees reflect recommended cost recovery level of 50%

8. Fees passed through to third parties. Reflect actual cost charged by third parties. No automatic CPI adjustment.

9. Fee limited by Penal Code 13322

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
Final Inspection Approval / Department Final Signoff
Square Footage of Site Disturbance:

Non-Single Family Residential
1 Non-Single Family Residential: 0-2499 Fixed fee $ 305.91 $ 9.33 $ 315.24 2 Non-Single Family Residential: 2500-4999 Fixed fee $ 305.91 $ 9.33 $ 315.24 3 Non-Single Family Residential: 5000-14999 Fixed fee $ 305.91 $ 9.33 $ 315.24 4 Non-Single Family Residential: 15000-21999 Fixed fee $ 459.38 $ 14.01 $ 473.39 5 Non-Single Family Residential: 22000-43559 Fixed fee $ 459.38 $ 14.01 $ 473.39 6 Non-Single Family Residential: 43560+ Fixed fee $ 459.38 $ 14.01 $ 473.39 Single Family Residential
7 Single Family Residential: 0-2500 Fixed fee $ 305.91 $ 9.33 $ 315.24 8 Single Family Residential: 2501+ Fixed fee $ 305.91 $ 9.33 $ 315.24 9 Review of Mitigation Measures and Conditions of
Approval Fixed fee $ 356.38 $ 10.87 $ 367.25
Abandoned Shopping Carts
10 Failure to Submit Abandoned Shopping Cart Prevention & Retrieval Plan Per Month $ 100.00 N/A $ 100.00
Failure to Reclaim Abandoned Shopping Carts
11 After 3rd occurrence in a 6-month period Per occurrence $ 50.00 N/A $ 50.00 1 12 Retrieval/impoundment costs Actual cost N/A Actual cost Parking in-Lieu Fees 2
New Construction:
13 Standard (Fee Per Space) Per space $ 31,718.20 N/A $ 31,718.20 14 Community Partners (50% Reduction) Per space $ 15,856.81 N/A $ 15,856.81 Additions to Existing Buildings:
15 Standard (Fee Per Space) Per space $ 31,718.20 N/A $ 31,718.20 16 Community Partners (50% Reduction) Per space $ 15,856.81 N/A $ 15,856.81 Change in Occupancy Requiring Additional Parking: 2
17 Standard (Fee Per Space) Per space $ 7,929.17 N/A $ 7,929.17 18 Community Partners (50% Reduction) Per space $ 3,966.12 N/A $ 3,966.12 Tree Related Fees
19 Tree/Shrub Hazardous Abatement N/A Actual cost
20 Commemorative Tree PlantingFixed Fee $ 661.00 N/A $ 661.00 City of San Luis Obispo
Public Works

1. Pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 22435.7(f), any owner that fails to retrieve the owner’s shopping cart or shopping carts within

2. Per vehicle space required by zoning regulations and not otherwise provided. The number of spaces required by the change shall be the difference between the number required by the new use and the number required by the previous occupancy.

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Current
Fee Notes
Parking Fees
1 10-Hour Meter Permit - Monthly Rate Fixed Fee $ 60.00 2 Residential 10-Hour Meter Permit - Annual Rate Fixed Fee $ 20.00 3 Residential Parking District Permit - Annual Rate Fixed Fee $ 20.00 4 Residential Parking District Permit - Replacement, Initial Fixed Fee $ 20.00 5 Residential Parking District Permit - Replacement, Subsequent Fixed Fee $ 30.00 6 Commercial Loading Zone Permit - Annual Rate Fixed Fee $ 60.00 7 Parking Garage Parking Permit - Monthly Rate Fixed Fee $ 45.00 8 Parking Garage Parking Permit - Replacement Fixed Fee $ 10.00 9 Parking Garage - Hourly Rate Fixed Fee $ 2.00
10 Parking Garage - Max Daily Rate Fixed Fee $ 8.00
11 Parking Garage - Lost Ticket Rate Fixed Fee $ 8.00
12 Parking Garage Validation - Hourly Rate Fixed Fee $ 1.00 13 Reserved Parking Space Program Rate - Daily Per Space Rate Fixed Fee $ 20.00 1 City of San Luis Obispo
Public Works- Parking

1. The Reserved Parking Space Program Rate is not applied to events where the applicant/organizer is a designated 501c(3) nonprofit organization in order to support the cultural vibrancy and economic vitality of the City.

Fee # Service Name Fee Type
Rate
Effective
7/1/25 Notes
Appeals to Advisory Bodies Following Administrative (non-Planning) Decisions 1 Administrative Review Board Fixed Fee $ 652.00
2 Hearing Officer Review or 25% of fine, whichever is less $ 109.18 3 All Other Appeals Fixed Fee $ 532.00
Business Related Fees
4 Business License Application Fixed Fee $ 100.83
5 Business License Zoning Fee Fixed Fee $ 209.07 1
6 Annual Business License Renewal Processing Fee Fixed Fee $ 44.58 1 7 Annual Business Minimum Tax or 0.5%, whichever is greater $ 25.00 8 Annual Downtown Assessment -for locations within Downtown or 0.5%, whichever is greater $ 150.00 9 SB1186 State Fee - Disability Access Set by the State $ 4.00 2 Creek & Flood Protection
Stormwater Connection Fee Fixed Fee
10 Single Property Fixed Fee $ 26.78
11 Larger Developments Fixed Fee $ 70.04
Late Fees
12 Minimum or 1.5%, whichever is greater $ 15.00
Reproduction/Photo Copies
13 Standard or legal Per page $ 0.48 3
14 11" x 17" Per page $ 0.84
15 Photographs Each $ 6.93
16 All other reproduction services will be charged at actual cost incurred Actual cost Returned Check Fees
17 Initial returned check Fixed Fee $ 25.00
18 Each subsequent returned check Fixed Fee $ 35.00

1. Businesses located within the City of San Luis Obispo.

2. Added to new licenses and renewals. Fee is fixed and set by the State of California.

3. Two sided copies should be charged as two pages.

City of San Luis Obispo
General Government

Fee # Service Name
Fee
Description
Rate Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
Meter Services
1 Water Meter Cost (.75") Materials Only $ 204.97 $ 6.25 $ 211.22 2 Water Meter Cost (1") Materials Only $ 241.02 $ 7.35 $ 248.37 3 Water Meter Cost (1.5") Materials Only $ 566.50 $ 17.28 $ 583.78 4 Water Meter Cost (2") Materials Only $ 761.17 $ 23.22 $ 784.39 5 Water Meter: Cellular Data transmitter cost (All Sizes) Materials Only $ 131.84 $ 4.02 $ 135.86 6 Water Meter: Cellular Data transmitter installation(All Sizes) Fixed Fee $ 86.52 $ 2.64 $ 89.16 7 Install Water Meter (3/4" - 1") Fixed Fee $ 174.07 $ 5.31 $ 179.38 8 Install Water Meter (1.5" - 2") Fixed Fee $ 348.14 $ 10.62 $ 358.76 9 Install Water Meter (larger than 2") Deposit Time & Materials 3.05% TBD 10 Remove Water Meter (5/8" - 1") Fixed Fee $ 174.07 $ 5.31 $ 179.38 11 Remove Water Meter (1.5" - 2") Fixed Fee $ 348.14 $ 10.62 $ 358.76 12 Remove Water Meter (larger than 2") Deposit Time & Materials 3.05% TBD 13 Adapter Cost (1" Service/.58"x.75" Meter) Materials Only $ 72.00 $ 2.20 $ 74.20 14 Adapter Cost (1" Service/.75" Meter) Materials Only $ 72.00 $ 2.20 $ 74.20 15 Adapter Cost (1.5" Service/1" Meter) Materials Only $ 324.45 $ 9.90 $ 334.35 16 Adapter Cost (2" Service/1" Meter) Materials Only $ 328.00 $ 10.00 $ 338.00 17 Adapter Cost (2" Service/1.5" Meter) Materials Only $ 427.00 $ 13.02 $ 440.02 18 Adapter Cost (2" /1" + 1"/.75" Combo Meter) Materials Only $ 400.00 $ 12.20 $ 412.20 19 Retirement of Service (2" or smaller) Deposit Time & Materials 3.05% TBD 20 Retirement of Service (larger than 2") Deposit Time & Materials 3.05% TBD 21 Account Set-up Fixed Fee $ 43.26 N/A $ 43.26
22 Account Set-up After Hours/Weekends Hourly Rate $ 522.21 N/A $ 522.21 23 Disconnect Service for Non-Payment (SB-998) Fixed Fee $ 57.00 N/A $ 57.00 1 24 Sewer Lateral Installation Fixed Fee $ 695.25 $ 21.21 $ 716.46 25 Sewer Lateral Abandonment Fixed Fee $ 695.25 $ 21.21 $ 716.46 Per Plan Review Submittal
26 Plan check review water service Fixed Fee $ 695.25 $ 21.21 $ 716.46 27 Plan check review irrigation water Fixed Fee $ 695.25 $ 21.21 $ 716.46 28 Plan check review sewer service Fixed Fee $ 695.25 $ 21.21 $ 716.46 29 Recycled water cross connection test Fixed Fee $ 869.32 $ 26.51 $ 895.83 30 Construction & Demolition Recycling Fixed Fee $ 86.52 $ 2.64 $ 89.16 Industrial Users
31 Class I Industrial User Annual Permit Fee (ex: Automotive Repair) Fixed Fee $ 417.15 N/A $ 417.15
32 Class II Industrial User Annual Permit Fee (Ex: Restaurant, Bakery) Fixed Fee $ 313.12 N/A $ 313.12
33 Significant Industrial User (ex: Chemical Manufacturing, Electroplating) Fixed Fee $ 2,086.78 N/A $ 2,086.78 34 Industrial User Re-Inspection Fixed Fee $ 253.00 N/A $ 253.00 City of San Luis Obispo
Utilities

Fee # Service Name
Fee
Description
Rate Effective
7/1/25
IT Surcharge
(if applicable) Total Notes
City of San Luis Obispo
Utilities
Recycled Water - Construction Water Permit
Permit Fee - includes one vehicle Fixed Fee
35 Full Year Fixed Fee $ 2,012.62 N/A $ 2,012.62
36 Half Year Fixed Fee $ 1,157.72 N/A $ 1,157.72
37 Quarterly Fixed Fee $ 711.73 N/A $ 711.73
Each Additional Vehicle Fixed Fee
38 Full Year Fixed Fee $ 1,489.38 N/A $ 1,489.38
39 Half Year Fixed Fee $ 744.69 N/A $ 744.69
40 Quarterly Fixed Fee $ 371.83 N/A $ 371.83
Miscellaneous Utilities Fees
41 Non-compliance Water Restoration Fee Fixed Fee $ 174.07 N/A $ 174.07 42 Temporary Wastewater Discharge Application Fixed Fee $ 260.59 N/A $ 260.59 43 Sewer Lateral CCTV Review Fixed Fee $ 86.52 N/A $ 86.52 44 Sewer WYE Installation Fixed Fee $ 545.90 $ 16.65 $ 562.55

1. Fixed Fee set by SB-998 not subject to CPI increase

All Projects
Outside of San
Luis Ranch, LOVR,
Orcutt Specific
Plan Subareas
San Luis Ranch
Subarea LOVR Subarea OASP (Vested Prior to 7/1/2018)
OASP
(Vested After
7/1/2018)
Avila Ranch
All Projects
Outside of Avila
Ranch [4]
Projects Vested
Prior to 7/1/2018
Projects Vested
After 7/1/2018
Residential
Single Family
≥ 1,400 sq. ft. (fees are per unit) $ 16,231.24 $ 12,615.08 $ 14,720.48 $ 5,947.50 $ 13,189.88 $ 3,449.08 $ 3,291.88 $ 26,894.00 $ 25,363.46 700 to 1,399 sq. ft. (fees are per sq. ft.) [3] $ 11.60 $ 9.01 $ 10.51 N/A $ 8.50 N/A N/A N/A N/A 700 to 1,399 sq. ft. (fees are per unit) [3] N/A N/A N/A $ 5,947.50 N/A $ 3,449.08 $ 3,291.88 $ 26,894.00 $ 25,363.46 ≤ 699 sq. ft. (fees are per unit) $ 8,115.63 $ 6,307.54 $ 7,360.24 $ 5,947.50 $ 6,594.95 $ 3,449.08 $ 3,291.88 $ 26,894.00 $ 25,363.46 Multifamily
≥ 1,100 sq. ft. (fees are per unit) $ 12,610.73 $ 9,801.20 $ 11,436.96 $ 5,283.44 $ 12,760.54 $ 1,619.23 $ 2,220.53 $ 18,787.46 $ 17,718.59 550 to 1,099 sq. ft. (fees are per sq. ft.) [3] $ 11.46 $ 8.92 $ 10.40 N/A $ 8.41 N/A N/A N/A N/A 550 to 1,099 sq. ft. (fees are per unit) [3] N/A N/A N/A $ 5,283.43 N/A $ 1,619.24 $ 2,220.53 $ 18,787.46 $ 17,718.59 ≤ 549 sq. ft. (fees are per unit) $ 6,305.36 $ 4,900.58 $ 5,718.46 $ 5,283.44 $ 6,380.27 $ 1,619.23 $ 2,220.54 $ 18,787.46 $ 17,718.59 Non-Residential
Office (fees are per sq. ft.) $ 15.66 $ 12.18 $ 14.21 $ 11.94 $ 12.73 $ 4.67 $ 4.67 N/A N/A Service (fees are per sq. ft.) $ 15.66 $ 12.18 $ 14.21 $ 4.67 $ 12.73 $ 4.67 $ 4.67 N/A N/A Retail (fees are per sq. ft.) $ 22.76 $ 16.76 $ 20.64 $ 12.53 $ 18.49 $ 36.87 $ 29.30 N/A N/A Industrial (fees are per sq. ft.) $ 9.11 $ 7.48 $ 8.73 N/A N/A $ 2.60 $ 2.60 N/A N/A Institutional (fees are per sq. ft.) $ 18.44 $ 14.33 $ 16.71 N/A N/A $ 2.01 $ 2.01 N/A N/A Lodging (fees are per room) $ 6,548.61 $ 5,089.62 $ 5,939.06 N/A N/A $ 2,008.40 $ 2,008.40 N/A N/A Specialty (fees are per ADT) [4] $ 998.38 $ 775.48 $ 905.07 $ 554.16 $ 811.31 $ 3,291.88 $ 3,291.88 $ 2,958.62 $ 2,790.24 Per Daily Trip Per Daily Trip Per Daily Trip Per Daily Trip Per Daily Trip Per PM Trip Per PM Trip Per PM Trip Per PM Trip [1] The Los Osos Valley Road (LOVR) and Orcutt Area Specific Plan (OASP) Subarea Fees are additional "add-on" fees to the Citywide Base Transportation Impact Fees. See Council Agenda Reports dated 7-2-2019 and 10-16-2018. [2] There are no Orcutt Area Specific Plan (OASP) Subarea "add on" fees for non-residential uses, as these fees are captured within the residential land use fees. However, retail/service/office uses within the Orcutt Area Specific Plan are responsible for paying Citywide Base Transportation Impact Fees as well as Public Safety Impact fees (Police and Fire). [3] Citywide Base Transportation Impact Fees (excluding projects in OASP vested prior to 7/1/2018) are calculated on a square footage basis for single-family units in the 700 to 1,399 sq. ft. range and multifamily units in the 550 to 1,099 sq. ft. range. LOVR Subarea Fees, Orcutt Specific Plan Subarea Fees, and Citywide Base Transportation Impact Fees for OASP projects vested before 7/1/2018 and for residential units outside of the abovementioned sq. ft. ranges are calculated on a per unit basis, regardless of square footage. [4] Land uses that are not consistent with the typical traffic generating characteristics of the above listed residential and non-residential use types shall use the "Specialty" trip-based rates to calculate applicable transportation impact fees. Citywide Base Transportation Impact Fees for "Specialty" uses are calculated on a Average Daily Trip (ADT) basis, while LOVR and Orcutt Area Specific Plan Subarea "Specialty" fees are calculated based on PM peak hour trips. All fees shown are subject to an additional 1.75% administrative charge when special calculations are required.

City of San Luis Obispo
Transportation Impact Fees
Rates Effective 7/1/2025
Citywide Base Fees LOVR Subarea Add-On Fee [1] OASP Subarea Add-On Fee[1] [2]

Parkland In-Lieu
Fee (Quimby)
Parkland Impact
Fee (Citywide)
Park
Improvement
Impact Fee
(Citywide)
Parkland
Development
Fees (OASP)[1]
Residential
Single Family and Multifamily
Single Family - Subdivision (fees are per unit) $ 4,934.17 N/A $ 4,509.81 $ 10,818.99 Single Family - No Subdivision (fees are per unit) N/A $ 4,934.17 $ 4,509.81 N/A Multifamily Condominium (fees are per unit) $ 3,553.05 N/A $ 3,247.70 $ 8,048.60 Multifamily Apartment (fees are per unit) N/A $ 2,281.52 $ 3,247.70 $ 8,048.60 City of San Luis Obispo
Parkland Fees
Rates Effective 7/1/2025
[1] Orcutt Area Parkland Development Fees apply in addition to Parkland Dedication Requirements, Parkland Impact Fee (Citywide) and Park Improvement Impact Fee (Citywide).

Water
Development
Impact Fee
(Citywide)
Wastewater
Development
Impact Fee
(Citywide)
Residential
Single Family and Multifamily
≥ 1,201 sq. ft. (fees are per unit) $ 18,504.56 $ 17,185.91 801 to 1,200 sq. ft. (fees are per unit) $ 14,803.65 $ 13,829.45 451 to 800 sq. ft. (fees are per unit) $ 12,953.19 $ 12,101.74 ≤ 450 sq. ft. (fees are per unit) $ 5,583.84 $ 5,154.53 Mobile/Manufactured Home
Mobile/Manufactured Home $ 11,167.65 $ 10,312.18
Non-Residential

0.75" meter (fees are per meter size) $ 18,612.75 $ 17,185.91 1" meter (fees are per meter size) $ 31,641.07 $ 29,215.73

1.5" meter (fees are per meter size) $ 63,283.71 $ 58,431.48 2" meter (fees are per meter size) $ 100,509.24 $ 92,803.31 3" meter (fees are per meter size) $ 197,998.05 $ 183,888.96 4" meter (fees are per meter size) $ 309,025.35 $ 287,004.43 6" meter (fees are per meter size) $ 618,052.26 $ 574,008.88 City of San Luis Obispo
Water & Wastewater Impact Fees
Rates Effective 7/1/2025

Police (Citywide)
Fire
(Citywide)
Residential
Single Family and Multifamily
Single Family (fees are per unit) $ 1,068.09 $ 909.79
Multifamily (fees are per unit) $ 769.08 $ 655.56
Non-Residential
Office (fees are per sq. ft.) $ 0.70 $ 0.61
Service (fees are per sq. ft.) $ 0.38 $ 0.33
Retail (fees are per sq. ft.) $ 0.38 $ 0.33
Industrial (fees are per sq. ft.) $ 0.29 $ 0.24
Institutional (fees are per sq. ft.) $ 0.37 $ 0.36
Lodging (fees are per room) $ 212.65 $ 180.69
Specialty (fees are per ADT) [1] Requires Calculation Requires Calculation City of San Luis Obispo
Emergency Services Impact Fees
Rates Effective 7/1/2025
[1] The Average Cost per Average Daily Trip (ADT) rate may be applied to non-residential development uses that are not identified in the land use category, but are identified in the City of San Luis Obispo Parcel Data SIC Correspondence table.

R ______
RESOLUTION NO. _____ (2025 SERIES)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS

OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, DELEGATING AUTHORITY TO THE CITY

MANAGER TO ROUND PARKS AND RECREATION USER FEES DOWN
FOR PURPOSES OF OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY.

WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo provides a wide variety of Parks and Recreation programs, services, and facilities to the public, many of which require the collection of user fees to recover a portion of the City’s costs for providing these services; and
WHEREAS, in 2015, the City Council adopted Resolution 10640, delegating authority to the City Manager to adjust fees on the Master Fee Schedule by annual changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to ensure cost recovery and financial sustainability; and
WHEREAS, CPI-based fee adjustments often result in user fee amounts that are not easily divisible into common denominations, resulting in amounts that are inconvenient for staff and the public (e.g., $2.03 or $4.17); and WHEREAS, rounding Parks and Recreation fees down to the nearest $0.25 enhances operational efficiency, simplifies fee collection, reduces potential customer service issues, and aligns with standard cash handling practices; and WHEREAS, an hourly fee is charged to participants of City-provided school year childcare programs, but the programs enable participants to pay for the care that they use in half-hour increments, resulting in the need to round down the ‘School Year – hourly option’ fee to the nearest $0.10 to enhance operational efficiency, simplify fee collection, reduce potential customer service issues, and align with standard cash handling practices; and
WHEREAS, the administrative burden of implementing exact CPI-derived fee increases may outweigh the minimal fiscal impact of rounding down by a few cents; and WHEREAS, staff tracks the annual effect of cumulative CPI increases to ensure rounding of fees remains appropriate, and to ensure that fees are recovering costs in compliance with the City Council adopted fiscal policy related to User Fee Cost Recovery Goals.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, as follows:

SECTION 1. Delegation of Authority. The City Council hereby delegates to the City Manager the authority to:

1. Round Parks & Recreation user fees that are adjusted by annual changes to the CPI down to the nearest twenty-five cent ($0.25) increment when the calculated CPI adjustment does not result in a fee amount evenly divisible by $0.25;

2. Round the ‘School Year – hourly option’ fee that is adjusted by annual changes to the CPI down to the nearest ten cent ($0.10) increment when the calculated CIP adjustment does not result in a fee amount evenly divisible by $0.10.

SECTION 2. Limitations. This delegation does not authorize the City Manager to:

1. Increase fees beyond what is authorized by the CPI adjustment or City Council action;

2. Apply rounding in cases where it would result in significant revenue loss or create inequities among users;

3. Modify fees outside of the Parks & Recreation category without separate Council authorization.

SECTION 3. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.

Upon motion of Council Member ______________, seconded by Council Member ________________, and on the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of ___________ 2025. ____________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Teresa Purrington, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________________
J. Christine Dietrick, City Attorney

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ____________________. ________________________________
Teresa Purrington, City Clerk

City of San Luis Obispo, Council Memorandum
City of San Luis Obispo
Council Agenda Correspondence
DATE: October 7, 2025
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Prepared By: Laura Fiedler, Economic Development & Tourism Manager VIA: Whitney McDonald, City Manager
SUBJECT: ITEM 7a - 2024-25 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TOURISM BUSINESS

IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (TBID) AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION

OF INTENTION TO CONTINUE THE TBID
Staff received the following question, regarding the 2024-25 Annual Report of the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) and Adoption of a Resolution of Intention to Continue the TBID.
1) It appears that TBID revenue, unaudited, is about $63k more than we budgeted in 25-26. What happens to the extra funds that were not budgeted for expenses?
As of the publishing of the 2024-25 TBID Annual Report, TBID revenue collection for FY 2024-25 is $2,283,578 and there is a projected surplus of $109,121. In accordance with the City’s Municipal Code, 12.42.080 any funds remaining at the end of any TBID term may be used in subsequent years:
“The improvements and activities to be provided by the TBID will be funded by the levy of the assessments. The revenue from the levy of assessments within the TBID shall not be used to provide improvements or activities outside the TBID or for any purpose other than the purposes specified in the resolution of intention. All funds shall be expended consistent with the purposes of this act. Funds remaining at the end of any TBID term may be used in subsequent years in which TBID assessments are levied as long as they are used consistent with the requirements of this section. The city council shall consider recommendations made by the city advisory body created by Section 12.42.100 as to the use of assessment revenue.”

ITEM 7a - 2024-25 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (TBID) AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO CONTINUE THE TBID Page 2 In the 2025-27 Financial Plan, TBID revenue was budgeted to be $2,219,941 for FY 2025-26 based on the most recent forecasts available at that time. This is approximately $63k lower than what was collected in FY 2024-25. In the event there is another surplus, the funds may be used in subsequent years, as noted in Municipal Code 12.42.080 above. Historically, the TBID Board has on occasion recommended the use of available fund balance for timely, strategic investments in marketing activities during the year that are outside of the normal budget process. In 2024-25, this included $55,020 for the summer paid media campaign and an additional $145,000 investment to support the creation and launch of the new SLO Life Coach brand campaign.

Item 7a
Department: Administration
Cost Center: 208-1006
For Agenda of: 10/7/2025
Placement: Business
Estimated Time: 20 minutes
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Prepared By: Laura Fiedler, Economic Development & Tourism Manager SUBJECT: 2024-25 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TOURISM BUSINESS

IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (TBID) AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION

OF INTENTION TO CONTINUE THE TBID

RECOMMENDATION

1. As recommended by the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Board, receive and approve the TBID Board’s annual report for FY 2024-25; and

2. Adopt a Resolution of Intention entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, declaring its intention to continue the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District, to continue the basis for and to levy the assessment for the district, and to set a date for the Public Hearing on the district and the assessment for 2025-26.”

POLICY CONTEXT
As referenced in the City’s Municipal Code Section 12.42.060 and Sections 36530 and 36533 of the State’s Parking and Business Improvement Law, the appointed TBID Advisory Board is to submit an annual report that outlines the past year’s efforts and how the funding was used and to what effect.

DISCUSSION
In June 2008, the Council adopted Ordinance No. 1517 establishing a tourism business improvement district as requested by the local lodging industry. The district was formed under the State’s Parking and Business Improvement Law of 1989, sections 36500 et seq. of the Streets and Highways Code, and codified into the City’s Municipal Code under Chapter 12.42.

Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 12.42.060 and Sections 36530 and 36533 of the State’s Parking and Business Improvement Law, the appointed TBID Advisory Board is to submit an annual report (Attachment A) that outlines the past year’s efforts and how the funding was used and to what effect.

Section 36534 further requires that, after the approval of the annual report, if the TBID is

Item 7a
intended to continue, the Council shall adopt a resolution of intention (Attachment B) to levy an annual assessment for that fiscal year. The resolution also sets a public hearing to receive any written or oral protests against the continuation of the TBID as required by the applicable statute.

Annual Report
On September 10, 2025, the TBID Board met in a regular monthly meeting to finalize the 2024-25 annual report for recommendation to the Council. Public noticing for the TBID Advisory Board meeting was performed through the posting of the agenda on the City’s website by 5:00 p.m. on September 5, 2025. For convenience, the agenda was also distributed to TBID constituents and stakeholders via email. The annual report reiterates the use of the TBID funds within the defined marketing platform that guides the strategy used to deliver on the TBID’s objective and goals.

The annual report’s contents include:

1. TBID Background and Advisory Body

2. 2024-25 Year by the Numbers

3. Strategic Plan Implementation and Program Approach

4. 2024-25 Summary of Activities

5. 2024-25 Financial Analysis

6. Looking Ahead to 2025-26

7. Charts and Graphs showing various results
Next Steps
Should the City Council approve the annual report and adopt the resolution of intention, a public hearing will be noticed for October 21, 2025. The public hearing will allow hoteliers to submit comments, voice concerns, and protest the assessment.

As set forth in Sections 36524 and 36525 of the California Streets and Highways Code, the Council has the ability to continue the proposed citywide TBID at the noticed public hearing, unless oral or written protests are received from City hoteliers that pay 50% or more of the proposed assessments. In that event, the Council cannot consider continuation of the TBID in the City for at least one year.

Noticing Schedule
Legal notices regarding the Council’s review and consideration of the TBID annual report were published in the New Times and mailed to TBID properties on September 25, 2025.

For convenience, the notice was also distributed to TBID constituents and stakeholders via email.

Previous Council or Advisory Body Action
On September 10, 2025, the TBID Board approved the 2024-25 annual report for submission to Council and recommended the continuation of the TBID for fiscal year 2025-26 (Attachment C).

Item 7a
Public Engagement
This item is on the agenda for the October 7, 2025 Council Meeting and will follow all required postings and notifications. The public may have an opportunity to comment on this item at or before the meeting. All Advisory Body Meetings for the TBID were noticed in accordance with Brown Act standards.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines Sec. 15378.

FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2025-26
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:

Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $ $ $ $
State
Federal
Fees
Other: TBID $2,219,941 $0 $2,219,941 N/A
Total $2,219,941 $0 $2,219,941 $N/A
The current unaudited year-end TBID Assessment Revenue for 2024-25 is $2,283,578, which is approximately $166,327 more than the budgeted amount, based on the calculation of 20% of the projected Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) reflected in the FY 2024-25 Supplemental Budget (page 16).

In 2025-26, the TBID projected revenue is $2,219,941 and is budgeted for program costs including staffing. Additionally, the City will retain approximately $44,399 of the assessment revenue - roughly 2% of 2025-26 TBID Assessment Revenue - to cover the City’s administrative costs associated with collecting and disbursing the assessment.

ALTERNATIVES
The Council may choose to not approve the report or levy the assessment. The TBID Board has fully reviewed the report and recommended the approval to Council to move forward with the Public Hearing, but the Council has full discretion on approving the report and choosing to move forward with the notice of intent to levy the assessment.

Item 7a

ATTACHMENTS
A – SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-25
B – Resolution of Intention to continue the SLO TBID
C – TBID Draft Minutes from September 10, 2025

SLO TBID
ANNUAL
REPORT
2024-2025

Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Advisory Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Advisory Body Bylaws.......................................................................4 2024-2025 Year By The Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Strategic Plan Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Constituent Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Sustainability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Partnering for Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Marketing Activities........................................................................ 11 Brand Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Brand Platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Brand Campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Brand Promotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 SEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Digital Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Email Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Print Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Social Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Public Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Guest Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Strategic Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Industry Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 2024-2025 Awards & Accolades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Financial Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Looking Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Transient Occupancy Tax FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Transient Occupancy Tax Distribution 2024-2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Transient Occupancy Tax Month To Month 2024-2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Occupancy Month To Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Average Daily Rate Month To Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Revenue Per Available Room Month To Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 TBID 2025-2030 Strategic Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

CONTENTS

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 3
In June 2008, the City Council adopted Ordinance 1517, establishing the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) in the City of San Luis Obispo as requested by the local lodging industry. The assessment of 2% of gross receipts for the district became effective on October 1, 2008, and the use of funds as defined in Section 12.42.030 of the Municipal Code states:
“This ordinance is made and enacted pursuant to the provisions of the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989 (Sections 36500 et seq. of the California Streets and Highways Code). The purpose of forming the district as a business improvement area under the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989 is to provide revenue to defray the costs of services, activities and programs promoting tourism which will benefit the operators of hotels in the district through the promotion of scenic, recreational, cultural and other attractions in the district as a tourist destination.”
The use of the assessment fund is based on the recommendation of the Tourism Business Improvement District advisory board (TBID Board) which is staffed by City of San Luis Obispo hotel owners, operators and/or managers.

The board members are appointed by the City Council and serve for an initial term of four years with the opportunity to serve a second term for a maximum of eight years.
2024-2025 TBID Board Members

BACKGROUND

ADVISORY BODY
*Lydia Bates served as Chair for a portion of FY 2024-25. **Clint Pearce served as Vice Chair and also served as acting Chair for a portion of FY2024-25 following Lydia Bates’ resignation.

NAME PROPERTY STATUS TERM CONCLUDES
Clint Pearce** Madonna Inn Appointed May 2022 3/31/2026 Lydia Bates* Hotel San Luis Obispo Appointed September 2022 Resigned 5/14/2025 Winston Newland Quality Suites Appointed April 2022 Resigned 2/28/2025 Lori Keller Apple Farm Inn Appointed June 2022 3/31/2026 Prashant Patel Vagabond Appointed September 2022 3/31/2029 Nipool Patel Lamplighter Inn & Suites Appointed October 2023 3/31/2028 Christine Nelson TownePlace Suites and
Hampton Inn & Suites Appointed April 2025 3/31/2027
Dante Specchierla Petit Soleil Appointed April 2025 3/31/2029

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 4
In addition to the governing City ordinance, the TBID Board established its advisory body bylaws and further defined its role and functions as:

The functions and duties of the TBID Board shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

A. Planning a comprehensive program to promote tourism to the City of San Luis Obispo and prepare an annual marketing program consistent with industry goals and objectives.

B. Develop advertising and promotional programs and projects to benefit the lodging industry in San Luis Obispo.

C. Present an annual assessment report to the City Council regarding the implemented promotional programs and projects.

D. Perform any other lawful tasks as directed by the Council.

The TBID Board meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 10 a.m. for its regular board meeting. In fiscal year 2024‑25 the board approved the formation of marketing and management subcommittees in lieu of a second monthly special meeting. The marketing subcommittee meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday while the management subcommittee meets monthly on the fourth Thursday of every month. In total, the Board met 15 times for regularly scheduled monthly board meetings and special meetings during the fiscal year and held 7 subcommittee meetings and one member event—representing an average of 45 volunteer hours annually per each of the seven board members.

ADVISORY BODY BYLAWS

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 5
In the 2024‑25 fiscal year, the City of San Luis Obispo again collected a record‑breaking figure of transient occupancy tax (TOT) totaling more than $11.4 million. This number represents a 4.6% increase over the forecast for the year in the FY 2023-25 Financial Plan adopted in June 2023 and a 7.9% increase over the forecast in the FY 2024-25 Supplemental Budget adopted in June 2024. San Luis Obispo saw five $1 million revenue‑collection months in July, August, April, May and June. This incredible contribution of TOT revenue to the City’s General Fund is one of the direct benefits of tourism for the City, as the full collection of TOT revenue is retained by the City. Separately, the TBID retains the revenue collected through its special assessment of 2%, which in FY 2024-25 resulted in nearly $2.3 million.

The fiscal year 2024‑25 occupancy level in the City slightly increased by nearly 3% compared to the 2023‑24 fiscal year, with an average annual occupancy rate of 70% for the year. This growth reflects a continued recovery in overnight travel, with the average occupancy rate now approaching the pre-pandemic level of just below 71% seen in the 2018-19 fiscal year.

The growth of the Average Daily Rate (ADR) in the City has stabilized. In fiscal year 2024-25, the annual ADR was approximately $177. This rate is relatively flat compared to the previous year (a 0.2% increase) but remains $24 higher than the pre-pandemic year of 2018-19. However, the current ADR is below the peak of $195 achieved in fiscal year 2021-22.

The last key indicator used by the TBID to gauge impact is RevPAR, defined as Revenue Per Available Room. In the 2024‑25 fiscal year, the annual average RevPAR was up nearly 3% from the prior year at the rate of $125 on average.

While these numbers present a snapshot status of lodging properties, the TBID Board also tracks visitation to the downtown Visitor Center to represent the foot traffic. In fiscal year 2024‑25, the Visitor Center served approximately 74,000 guests.
2024‑25 YEAR BY THE NUMBERS

CHECK THE APPENDIX FOR COMPLETE GRAPHS (GRAPHS FOR TOT/ADR/REVPAR/OCC) MEASUREMENT FY 2024-25 RESULT % CHANGE FROM FY 2023-24
TOT $11,417,888.00 +3.2%
TBID Revenue $2,283,578.00 +3.2%
Occupancy 70.05% +2.9%
Average Daily Rate (ADR) $177.18 +0.2%
Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) $125.31 +2.9%

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 6
In the fall of 2024, the TBID Board undertook a significant effort to establish a refreshed Strategic Plan that will guide efforts from 2025 through 2030. This foundational work included a dedicated workshop led by Whereabout, a destination consultancy specializing in stewardship, which facilitated a comprehensive session to align the TBID Board around a shared vision and strategic direction.

The resulting 5-year Strategic Plan provides a clear and unified framework for the Board’s priorities and decisionmaking. It outlines the TBID’s key roles in stewarding the Visit San Luis Obispo brand, representing its lodging partners and driving overnight visitation through targeted marketing strategies, strategic partnerships and destination advocacy.

Central to the plan are four newly defined Strategic Objectives that will shape the TBID’s focus over the 2025-2030 period:
• Ensure Organizational Excellence
• Deliver Smart Growth
• Build Meaningful Partnerships
• Activate the SLO Life
Each Strategic Objective is supported by specific strategies and measurable indicators of success, ensuring accountability and progress over time. Throughout this annual report, examples of accomplishments aligned with these objectives are highlighted, demonstrating the TBID Board’s commitment to implementing the Strategic Plan and advancing the long-term vitality of San Luis Obispo’s tourism economy.

CHECK THE APPENDIX TO VIEW THE FULL TBID 2025-2030 STRATEGIC PLAN MATRIX

STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 7
As a commitment to the Strategic Objective to “Ensure Organizational Excellence” the TBID Board continued to support constituent‑relations efforts in 2024‑25. To keep the lodging constituency abreast of all TBID business, the TBID Board was assigned properties to liaise. Each board member was responsible for communication with their respective group of hotels and then asked to report their findings during the “Hotelier Update” portion of each Board meeting.

The TBID also leveraged the outreach support of the SLO Chamber’s contracted services to perform weekly lodging call‑arounds and quarterly hotel visits. This resulted in 2,927 touchpoints with San Luis Obispo hotels through phone calls, emails and property visits to distribute important visitor‑serving collateral.

In addition, the TBID hosted a partner reception in February 2025 to encourage networking and share updates on TBID projects and programs, including a sneak peek of the new SLO Life Coach brand campaign. In post‑event surveys, constituents rated the presentation and updates from the TBID and partners—as well as the ability to network—as most valuable.

In addition to creating opportunities for networking and education, the TBID also created marketing resources to support the lodging properties’ connection to promotional efforts. Visit San Luis Obispo’s MidWeekend promotion to support off‑peak, shoulder‑season travel was once again turned into a toolkit that was shared with lodging properties to utilize across their own channels. In addition to the marketing efforts of the TBID, the toolkit allowed individual properties to utilize draft messaging and promotional creative to more easily speak to their audiences, incentivizing travel to their property and San Luis Obispo.

CONSTITUENT RELATIONS

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 8

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The TBID is proud to stand with the global movement to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and it prioritizes these values through thoughtful marketing and business strategies. In partnership with destination organizations such as Visit SLO CAL, the TBID is committed to reinforcing San Luis Obispo’s identity as a welcoming and inclusive destination for all.

As an active ally, the TBID listens, learns and evolves to meet the growing call for more intentional and authentic engagement. At the heart of the organization’s mission is a deep-rooted belief in the dignity and worth of all individuals—across race and ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, language, age, abilities, veteran status, pregnancy status and spiritual or religious beliefs.

As part of its commitment to DEI, the TBID welcomed a new public relations partner in 2024: Uniquely Driven, a firm recognized for its expertise in multicultural marketing. This partnership has played a vital role in expanding the TBID’s reach to more diverse audiences, ensuring inclusive storytelling and broader representation in media and PR efforts.

The TBID’s commitment to DEI is reflected through tourism marketing initiatives such as:
• Creating content that resonates with and reflects diverse audiences • Showcasing the authentic diversity of San Luis Obispo through inclusive imagery, narratives and community partnerships
• Leveraging paid, earned and owned media channels to engage wider, more representative audiences • Offering destination materials in Spanish to foster accessibility and inclusion • Amplifying the voices and visibility of diverse-owned businesses • Building and maintaining strategic relationships, including the partnership with the Gala Pride & Diversity Center
Through these efforts, the TBID continues to foster a tourism environment that reflects the full richness of San Luis Obispo—and ensures all who visit or live here feel welcomed, respected and celebrated.

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 9

SUSTAINABILITY
Visit San Luis Obispo’s brand vision is to be known as a tourism organization that balances business and sustainability.

In doing so, the TBID supports the City’s ambitious 2035 carbon neutrality goal while striving to serve as a model for sustainable tourism leadership. San Luis Obispo is more than just a beautiful place to visit—it’s a destination deeply committed to preserving its natural beauty for generations to come.

Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of the community and is a key differentiator in attracting conscientious travelers. Through its initiatives, partnerships and marketing strategies, Visit San Luis Obispo works to embed sustainability into every aspect of the tourism experience—ensuring that the destination remains vibrant, responsible and resilient.

A central pillar of this work is the Sustainable SLO sub-brand, developed to create a consistent visual and messaging identity that resonates with both visitors and locals. From this foundation emerged the Keys for Trees program, a meaningful initiative that brings visibility to the City’s climate goals while facilitating real-world impact through tree planting and education.

In FY 2024–25, the TBID significantly amplified its sustainability efforts through several key initiatives:
• Partnering with Kind Traveler, a responsible travel platform, to engage their sustainability-focused audience and expand the reach of San Luis Obispo’s eco-conscious offerings. • Continuing the Keys for Trees program, developed to help offset the carbon impact of travel; 1% of the TBID’s projected revenue supported local tree planting in partnership with the City’s Office of Sustainability and Natural Resources and EcoSLO.
• Launching a short-form educational video to raise awareness of the Keys for Trees program. • Integrating sustainability messaging into the new SLO Life Coach campaign. • Supporting citywide collaborations, including efforts with Solid Waste and Parks & Recreation to co-brand Big Belly trash receptacles and enhance signage at trailheads. • Promoting off-season and mid-week travel through the Midweekend campaign and messaging tactics, which encourages lower-impact visitation and helps distribute tourism more evenly throughout the year. • Hosting a sustainability-themed familiarization trip with Kind Traveler featuring four Southern California-based content creators, which generated strong social reach and culminated in a hands-on community tree-planting experience.

These efforts not only elevated the visibility of Sustainable SLO, but also reinforced Visit San Luis Obispo’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. While the initiative serves as a cornerstone of this commitment, it is just the beginning. The TBID will continue to support the City’s sustainability objectives through intentional programming, passionate partnerships and a long-term vision for a thriving, sustainable destination.

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 10

PARTNERING FOR IMPACT
CONTRACTED AGENCY PARTNERS:

Noble Studios Uniquely Driven SLO Chamber of
Commerce
Badger Branding
Executing a year-round marketing strategy requires not only expertise, but close collaboration. The TBID works alongside City Staff and a dedicated team of contracted partners to ensure cohesive, creative and performancedriven marketing across all efforts. Each agency brings specialized capabilities that, together, create a fully integrated marketing ecosystem.

Regular coordination, shared strategic planning and cross-functional execution between the TBID and its partners ensure that all tourism marketing elements—from media buying to public relations to social content—are aligned in tone, message and purpose.

Agency-of-record
leading integrated
marketing strategy, brand
development, creative
direction, campaign
execution and media
planning/buying.

National public relations
agency focused on
multicultural marketing
and audience-specific
storytelling.

PR and guest services
partner, supporting media
relations and in-market
visitor experience.

Content marketing partner
responsible for developing
and managing organic
social media content across
Share SLO channels.

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 11

MARKETING ACTIVITIES
To effectively influence travel decisions, the TBID’s marketing strategy is intentionally mapped to the traveler journey— from the earliest stages of dreaming to the final step of sharing. By leveraging a multi-channel approach, the TBID ensures that Visit San Luis Obispo messaging reaches audiences at the right time, with the right content, through the right platforms.

This integrated strategy spans a wide mix of tactics, including paid media, public relations, social media, content marketing and website engagement—each tailored to key touchpoints in the traveler’s experience. • Aim to create
brand awareness
& connection
• Create shareable
content that
inspires travel
• Bring prospects
to the website
to encourage
research and
discovery about
what makes the
destination special
and unique
• Help prospective
travelers plan
with destinationspecific content
• Encourage
travelers to visit
key stakeholder
pages to book &
plan their trip

SERVICES
• Organic Social
• Paid Social
• Display Ads
• Email
• PR
• Influencers

SERVICES
•Website Experience
• Organic Search
• Paid Search
• Organic Social
• Paid Social
• Display Ads
• 3rd Party Ads
• Email
• Public Relations
• Print

SERVICES
• Organic Search
• Paid Search
• Paid Social
• 3rd Party Ads
•Website
Experience
• Email

SERVICES
• Website
Experience
• Email
• Organic Social
• Visitor Center

SERVICES
• Organic Social
• Keep the
conversation
going to amplify
our message
• Utilize website to
plan in-destination
moments and
activities
• Find up-to-date
travel information

DREAMING PLANNING BOOKING EXPERIENCING SHARING
MARKETING ACTIVITIES BY STAGE OF TRAVELER’S JOURNEY

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 12

POSITION
(Distinctly stand out
among competition)

PROMISE
(Clear messaging and
identity that connects)
PURPOSE + PERSONALITY + PRINCIPLES
(United brand & culture)

BRAND STRATEGY
Visit San Luis Obispo is the official tourism brand for the destination. The inclusion of “Visit” is an intentional choice, clearly signaling the brand’s purpose as a tourism entity and inviting travelers to experience and explore San Luis Obispo. The Visit San Luis Obispo brand supports the TBID’s mission to share the abundance of SLO, drive prosperity to the lodging economy and serve as the voice of all stakeholders.

In FY 2024–25, Visit San Luis Obispo branding was consistently applied across all marketing initiatives to ensure a cohesive and unified brand presence. The brand book outlines what the destination marketing organization stands for, how it benefits travelers and locals and why it stands out. It captures the brand’s essence and spirit, and outlines how the brand comes to life visually, verbally and culturally. It includes everything from messaging, logo usage and color palettes to brand philosophies, values and partnership examples.

At its core, the brand book reinforces a powerful distinction: while putting heads in beds is Visit San Luis Obispo’s business purpose, putting hearts in beds is its brand purpose. The organization exists to share everything San Luis Obispo stands for—so that visitors connect emotionally, care for the community as their own and return time and time again.

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 13

PURPOSE

HEARTS IN BEDS
If putting “heads in beds” is our business purpose, putting “hearts in beds” is our brand purpose. We live to share all that San Luis Obispo stands for so we can emotionally connect with and welcome people who will fall in love
with our community in such a way that they actually
become part of it, caring for it like they live here and returning time and time again.

PROMISE

A CHANCE TO LIVE THE SLO LIFE
The “SLO Life” is a deep breath that releases life’s
pressures. It’s a change of pace. It’s a fresh take. It’s a warm embrace. It’s a feeling of comfort and calm in a welcoming place filled with a special energy, connection, creativity and a wholehearted spirit. You can feel the “SLO Life” wrap its arms around you and pull you close. It’s tangible. And you’ll never want to let that feeling go, so you live the “SLO Life” to its fullest while you’re here and take a piece of it with you when you head back home.

POSITION

HOMEBASE AWAY FROM HOME
You don’t just visit SLO on vacation, you become part
of our community and culture, an honorary local. The
welcoming waves hello, neighborly nods and small-town
California charm instantly make you feel comfortable and allow you to start living the “SLO Life.” As you immerse yourself in our city, you bond with it and start to feel a sense of belonging that blends with the beauty of life’s stresses being released because you’re away–it truly feels like a home away from home. And with the beaches,
iconic sites and stunning beauty of the world-class Central Coast nearby, it’s also an incredible homebase during your vacation. SLO is the ideal homebase away from home.

BRAND PLATFORM

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 14

BRAND CAMPAIGN
In FY 2024–25, Visit San Luis Obispo took a bold step forward in evolving its core brand message with the development and launch of the SLO Life Coach campaign. This creative platform builds on the success of the established brand line, “Live the SLO Life,” which has served as a powerful anchor for the destination’s messaging over the past few years.

The SLO Life Coach campaign marked a significant investment in creative storytelling and brand amplification. It introduced a fresh, personified expression of the Visit San Luis Obispo brand—embodied by a charismatic, laidback and witty character who shares “SLO Life Tips” with charm and a touch of bold energy. As a personality-driven approach, the SLO Life Coach brings the brand to life in a way that’s relatable, engaging and distinctly San Luis Obispo.

Launched at the tail end of FY 2024–25, the campaign represented a major milestone. It was seamlessly integrated across Visit San Luis Obispo’s owned, earned and paid media channels, supported by refreshed brand visuals and optimized landing pages tailored to target audiences. This cross-channel execution helped ensure brand consistency and impact at every stage of the traveler journey.

The SLO Life Coach is more than a campaign—it’s an invitation to experience San Luis Obispo in a deeper, more personal way. As the campaign continues to roll out in the year ahead, it will remain a key tool in showcasing the destination’s welcoming spirit and reinforcing what it truly means to “Live the SLO Life.”

DISPLAY ADS

META ADS

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 15

PROMOTIONS
Encouraging midweek travel continues to be a strategic priority for the TBID to support their Strategic Objective and commitment to Deliver Smart Growth and sustainable tourism practices. By driving visitation outside of peak periods, the MidWeekend initiative helps support lodging businesses while easing pressure during high-demand times. 1 | Summer MidWeekend Promotion
(July–August 2024)
In the summer of 2024, the MidWeekend promotional
campaign returned to help drive midweek stays in San
Luis Obispo. From July 1 to August 31, visitors who booked a qualifying two-night midweek stay (Sunday–Thursday)
at participating TBID properties received a $100 cash
incentive. The promotional campaign was integrated
across owned, earned and paid marketing initiatives.

Key results from the promotional campaign included:
• 462 Midweek Room Nights Booked
• $90,288 Booking Revenue Across SLO’s Lodging
Properties
3 | Mayoral Declaration & Middle Name Giveaway (April 2025) To support this strategic evolution and help drive shoulder-season visitation, Mayor Erica A. Stewart officially declared San Luis Obispo the MidWeekend Vacation Capital of the World. To mark the occasion and generate awareness, Visit San Luis Obispo launched the Middle Name Giveaway in April 2025, inviting travelers whose middle name (or a variation of “Luis”) matched the city's namesake to enter for a chance to win a midweek vacation. The promotion was supported through dedicated paid media placements, PR outreach, social amplification and featured on VisitSLO.com.

Key results included:
• 781 Newsletter Sign-Ups (Giveaway Entries)
• 191,136 Page Views
• 78 Lodging Partner Referrals on VisitSLO.com
2 | Strategic MidWeekend Evolution
Following the success of the summer promotion and
in recognition of the need for a year-round approach to midweek travel, the TBID made a strategic decision in the latter half of FY 2024–25 to evolve MidWeekend into an
evergreen campaign. This pivot moved away from shortterm cash incentives in favor of sustained, brand-forward messaging integrated into the broader brand campaign.

The shift supports an “always-on” strategy designed to
build long-term travel habits and align with Visit San Luis Obispo’s broader brand values.

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 16

WEBSITE
SEO
VisitSLO.com serves as the City’s official tourism website and is the primary digital platform for promoting the destination. While designed primarily for consumers, it also provides valuable resources for travel trade professionals, meeting planners, TBID members and media. As the central hub of Visit San Luis Obispo’s marketing efforts, all campaigns and communications are strategically connected to and supported by the website—making it the cornerstone of the organization’s digital presence.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) remains essential to driving visibility, authority and engagement for VisitSLO. com. By deepening content and optimizing key pages, SEO efforts support the site’s discoverability and the broader effectiveness of Visit San Luis Obispo’s digital strategy.

In FY 2024–25, SEO performance was challenged by rapid shifts in the search landscape—particularly the rise of AI-generated results and evolving formats on Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs).

Despite these changes, a proactive and comprehensive SEO strategy continued to deliver results. Strengthened technical foundations and content authority ensured Visit San Luis Obispo remained discoverable by the right audiences at the right time.
25%
Increase in Overall
Traffic
13%
Increase in Average
Session Duration
33%
Increase Things To Do Partner
Referrals (39,179 vs 29,439)
26%
Increase in Hotel Partner
Referrals (43,923 vs 34,758)
26%
Increase in New
Users
2%
Increase in Newsletter
Sign Ups (1,006 vs 804)

WEBSITE PERFORMANCE YOY
2%
Increase in Organic
Traffic
11%
Increase in Pages per
Session
8%
Increase in Organic Hotel
Partner Referrals (10,168 vs
9,427)
19%
Increase in Average Session
Duration

SEO PERFORMANCE YOY

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 17

DIGITAL MEDIA
Visit San Luis Obispo significantly expanded its digital media strategy, supported by a 24% increase in paid media budget compared to the previous year. This investment allowed for greater emphasis on upper-funnel awarenessbuilding tactics while continuing to balance performance-driven, lower-funnel strategies aimed at driving bookings and measurable conversions. This approach directly supports the TBID’s Strategic Objective to Deliver Smart Growth, ensuring both long-term brand health and near-term economic impact.

Our digital media efforts employed an integrated, cross-channel strategy designed to connect with travelers at all stages of their journey. Campaigns were informed by performance data and market insights to optimize reach, relevance and return on investment.

EMAIL MARKETING
Visit San Luis Obispo continued to deepen subscriber engagement by integrating branded content like SLO Life Tips, exclusive promotions and introducing the SLO Life Coach. Email remained a key channel for delivering personalized travel inspiration to key audience segments, guided by performance insights. Tactics such as gated content, giveaways and prominent sign-up opportunities across VisitSLO.com supported steady list growth while fostering strong connections with both new and existing subscribers.
57%
Increase in Paid Traffic
38%
Increase in Paid Social ClickThrough Rate

56.7 Million
Total Paid Impressions

10.2%
Paid Search Click-Through Rate
(Benchmark 8.7%)
54%
Increase in Google Ads Partner Referrals
42%
Increase in Google Ads and Facebook
Clicks
50%
Average Newsletter Open Rate
(45.2% Industry Benchmark)
11,645
Sessions Driven to VisitSLO.com
16 Total Emails Sent
48%
Growth in Newsletter Subscribers
Email Marketing Performance YOY
Digital Media Performance YOY

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 18

PRINT ADVERTISING
Visit San Luis Obispo continued to include limited print placements within its media mix. While digital remains the primary focus, strategic print advertising served as a valuable tool to reach niche and mature market segments, reinforcing travel inspiration and supporting broader brand awareness efforts.

Print Placements Included:
• Cal Poly Program Ad & Visiting Teams Guide
• Central Coast Tourism Council Map (cover & listing)
• Certified Folder destination‑brochure distribution
• Visit California Visitors Guide
• Visit SLO CAL Visitors Guide
• SLO International Film Festival Program Guide
Certified Folder
destination‑brochure
distribution
SLO International Film Festival
Program Guide

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 19

SOCIAL MEDIA
@ShareSLO—Visit San Luis Obispo’s official social media presence—continued to be a powerful platform for engaging locals and inspiring visitors through dynamic, trend-driven and brand-aligned content. In FY 2024–25, efforts expanded reach and engagement across platforms, introduced new content formats and integrated key brand campaigns including SLO Life Coach, MidWeekend and SLO Restaurant Month.

Social Media Highlights:
• Nearly 7,000 new organic followers across all
platforms
• Produced 170 original Reels, executed 26
giveaways and facilitated 88 collaborations
• Maintained a cohesive visual aesthetic across
Reels covers, Linktree, banners and Highlights
• Established successful content series including
Generational To-Dos and SLO Fine Dining
• Increased community engagement through
Ticket Tuesday giveaways and campaign support
Top Performing Content:
• Cozy Cafes in SLO
154k IG views | 40.7k TikTok views
• Reservoir Canyon Waterfall
122k IG views | 57.4k TikTok views
Visit San Luis Obispo Social Media Channels:

Cozy Cafes in
SLO Reel
Sunset DriveIn Reel
Reservoir Canyon
Waterfall Reel
Demure
Trend Reel

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 20

PUBLIC RELATIONS
Visit San Luis Obispo maintained its shared public relations model through a joint contract between the TBID and the Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC) with the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. This collaborative approach was strengthened by the addition of Uniquely Driven, a national PR agency specializing in multicultural marketing. The SLO Chamber focused on regional outreach, while Uniquely Driven led national efforts—working together to implement an integrated PR strategy.

Together, these partners executed a comprehensive program aimed at building awareness, securing high-quality media coverage and amplifying the Visit San Luis Obispo brand by highlighting the community’s unique character and vitality.

Our PR strategy this year included 19 individual media visits and the coordination of two group familiarization (FAM) trips. One of these, a sustainability-themed FAM in partnership with Kind Traveler, brought four Southern Californiabased content creators to San Luis Obispo. The trip delivered strong social media reach and concluded with a community tree-planting event aligned with the Keys for Trees initiative. The second group FAM welcomed five journalists and showcased the "Essence of SLO(w) Travel," spotlighting the destination's unique, mindful pace and immersive local experiences.

Collectively, these PR efforts resulted in 84 media placements, generating over 6.7 billion impressions. Coverage appeared in prominent national and regional outlets such as National Geographic, Forbes, Thrillist, USA Today, NBC Los Angeles, La Opinión, Travel + Leisure, Sacramento Bee and AARP.

With the PR landscape continuing to evolve—marked by newsroom reductions and a growing reliance on freelancers— Visit San Luis Obispo is exploring new media formats such as satellite interviews, advertorials and pay-to-play opportunities to ensure sustained visibility and reach. 6,717,238,130
Circulation

6.7 Billion Media Impressions
84 Total Number of Placements
PR Performance
Travel & Leisure Feature
USA Today 10Best Feature
Men's Journal Feature

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 21

GUEST SERVICES
Through a dedicated contract with the TBID, the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce continues to provide a comprehensive suite of guest services that support Visit San Luis Obispo’s mission to create welcoming experiences for travelers.

In FY 2024–25, the Visitor Center served as a key resource for prospective and in-destination visitors, providing personalized guidance and hospitality across multiple touchpoints. The center welcomed 73,999 walk-in visitors, responded to 16,066 digital inquiries (via email and web chat) and fielded 2,592 phone calls throughout the year.

Included in this service offering is the 1-877-SLO-TOWN line—a dedicated phone number tied directly to Visit San Luis Obispo’s marketing efforts. This line, managed by Chamber staff, provides live assistance to travelers planning their trips and is used exclusively to promote San Luis Obispo lodging properties and experiences. In FY 2024–25, the line handled 411 calls, offering friendly, real-time support to visitors looking for tailored trip planning.

These guest services play an essential role in extending the Visit San Luis Obispo brand, ensuring travelers receive personalized attention and up-to-date destination information.

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 22
EVENTS
Destination events continued to play a key role in attracting visitors to San Luis Obispo. The TBID Board reviewed funding requests on a case-by-case basis, using the established application process.

Events Sponsored:
• VINEYARD TEAM, SUSTAINABLE AG EXPO — NOVEMBER 11-13, 2024 The Sustainable Ag Expo was a three-day, mid-week, off-season educational symposium and tradeshow attracting over 500 wine industry professionals to San Luis Obispo. The Expo in 2024 marked the 19th year of the event. Visit San Luis Obispo sponsored lodging for event speakers and presenters and was featured in event promotions.
• MISSION COLLEGE PREP HIGH SCHOOL, MISSION PREP CHRISTMAS CLASSIC — DECEMBER 19-23, 2024 The Mission Prep Christmas Classic is a four-day premier California High School Basketball tournament featuring some of the best high school basketball players from the state and beyond. The event draws a majority of out-of-area attendees and livestreams to thousands more. Visit San Luis Obispo was the exclusive lodging partner, providing hotel accommodations for visiting teams in exchange for inclusion in event advertising.
• SLO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, 31ST FESTIVAL — APRIL 24-29, 2025 The 31st edition of the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival hosted a six-day event and screened over 100 films throughout the week. The event featured a VIP Festival Lounge, Red Carpet events, live music, educational conversations with filmmakers and industry leaders and capstone events each night that brought the community together to celebrate the arts and expose our audience to important topics around the world.

Visit San Luis Obispo supported the festival in various promotional ways including funding and managing the out-of-area paid media campaign, funding to provide lodging for filmmakers, media and industry professionals and promoting a complimentary See + Stay film fest package in exchange for overnight reservations. • GALA PRIDE & DIVERSITY CENTER, PRIDE AND CULTURAL PROGRAM — YEAR ROUND The TBID maintained its legacy partnership with the Gala Pride & Diversity Center in FY 2024–25, supporting both the annual Central Coast Pride celebration and year-round Pride & Cultural programming. Visit San Luis Obispo remained committed to amplifying authentic, community-rooted storytelling—collaborating with Gala to help develop LGBTQIA+ content for VisitSLO.com. The partnership also included promotion of Central Coast Pride through owned channels and select paid media tactics, reinforcing the destination’s inclusive values and welcoming spirit.

In addition, Visit San Luis Obispo continued its participation in the Events & Festivals Working Group (EFWG)—a multijurisdictional working group of 18 destination partners, event organizers and community leaders convened by Visit SLO CAL. The group played an ongoing role in the development and implementation of the SLO CAL Events & Festivals Strategy, aimed at increasing countywide overnight visitation, supporting economic growth and enhancing quality of life for residents. Key focus areas included strategic planning for existing and future events, optimizing off-peak periods, fostering event collaboration and guiding the process for regional event support and investment.

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 23

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
In FY 2024–25, Visit San Luis Obispo continued to strengthen its collaboration with numerous community partners and industry nonprofit organizations to amplify destination marketing efforts. These collaborations increase the efficiency and impact of promotional activities by providing new platforms, audiences and alignment with shared values.

Now in its second year, the TBID’s partnership with Kind Traveler—a responsible travel platform—continues to serve as a meaningful channel for engaging sustainability-minded travelers. Through Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back program, Visit San Luis Obispo showcased its Keys for Trees initiative via a dedicated destination landing page and annual community impact report. The collaboration also extended to influencer engagement, supporting a sustainability-themed media FAM that helped bring San Luis Obispo’s story to life through content creators aligned with environmental values.

Partnerships with Cal Poly remained a cornerstone of outreach efforts. Through ongoing collaborations with the Office of Student Affairs, Visit San Luis Obispo participated in SLO Days, Mustang Family Weekend and Open House, providing direct access to thousands of students, parents and supporters. The partnership with Cal Poly Athletics also continued, including destination sponsorship, marketing exposure and lodging coordination with TBID properties.

Key partnerships in FY 2024–25 included:
• Cal Poly’s Office of Student Affairs (New Student & Transition Programs and Parent Program) • Cal Poly Athletics (Mustang Sports)
• Kind Traveler
• ECOSLO (in support of Keys for Trees)
• Gala Pride & Diversity Center

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 24

INDUSTRY RELATIONS

CALIFORNIA HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION (CHLA)
The California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA) protects the rights and interests of the California lodging industry.

Legislative advocacy, educational training, communication and cost-saving programs are provided for all segments of the industry. Through the TBID, all lodging properties in the City of SLO are members of CHLA and can utilize the services offered.

VISIT CALIFORNIA
The Visit California partnership has been critical in the growth of Visit San Luis Obispo’s brand within the California Tourism product. SLO has received coverage through the marketing activities performed by Visit California including travel trade, press and industry outreach. Monthly submissions are uploaded to Visit California for media leads, trade contacts and newsletter content.

CENTRAL COAST TOURISM COUNCIL (CCTC)
The Central Coast Tourism Council (CCTC) is an organization of tourism and hospitality professionals whose marketing efforts accomplish collectively what no single tourism entity can do alone: promote the entire California Central Coast as a destination and maximize our members’ tourism revenue. The CCTC serves as the Central Coast's voice in Sacramento and partners with California Tourism's global marketing and advertising campaigns. The TBID is actively involved in CCTC with a seat on the board from staff and the SLO Chamber public relations representative on the PR committee.

VISIT SLO CAL
The TBID maintains participation with Visit SLO CAL by having a representative on the Board of Directors and the Tourism and Community Promotions Manager on the Marketing Committee. The TBID Board leverages the partnership with Visit SLO CAL to promote San Luis Obispo on a national and international level—beyond the local and state reach the TBID’s marketing plan focuses to achieve. The TBID’s participation in Visit SLO CAL also encompasses group sales, film commission, countywide public relations and countywide strategic planning like the SLO CAL Events & Festivals Strategy.

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 25
2024-25 AWARDS & ACCOLADES

AAF RENO ADDY
Silver - Specialty Advertising / Merchandise
W3
Silver - General Websites – Tourism (VisitSLO.com)

AAF RENO ADDY
Silver - User Experience (VisitSLO.com)

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 26
2024-25 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
INCOME SOURCE 2024-25
FY 2024-25 TOT Revenue Assumption, per FY 2023-25 Financial Plan $10,918,080 FY 2024-25 TOT Revenue Assumption, per FY 2024-25 Supplemental Budget $10,586,256 FY 2024-25 TOT Revenue Collection $11,417,888
FY 2024-25 TBID Revenue Assumption, per FY 2023-25 Financial Plan $2,183,616 FY 2024-25 TBID Revenue Assumption, per FY 2024-25 Supplemental Budget $2,117,251 FY 2024-25 TBID Revenue Collection $2,283,578
FY 2024-25 TBID Projected Expenditures* $2,174,457
FY 2024-25 TBID Projected Surplus* $109,121

TBID PROGRAM BUDGET ALLOCATED
Operations/Staffing
Administration Overhead (2% of TBID Assessment) $43,672 Staffing
Staffing Contingency
$275,084
$85,000
Contracts & Marketing Services
Marketing Contract - Noble Studios/DCI $1,250,000
Chamber of Commerce - PR $50,000
Chamber of Commerce - Guest Services $51,975
Chamber of Commerce - Media Monitoring Service Fee $3,713 Co-op Marketing Program Funding $30,000
Content Marketing Services - Badger Branding $87,800
Partnerships
Cal Poly Athletics $65,000
EcoSLO - Sustainability Initiative $21,836
Kind Traveler $12,495
SLO Coast Wine Collective Membership $5,000
Events & Promotions
General Events Promotion $50,000
Event Activation + Collateral $5,000
Seasonal Promotion $25,000
Tradeshows
Tradeshows $19,500
Tourism Conferences $9,500
Tourism Organizations
CCTC Dues $1,000
Smith Travel Report $3,500
CalTravel Membership $1,000
California Hotel & Lodging Association $30,000
Research + Program
Research + Program Development $30,000
Support / Meetings
Tourism Program Expenses $7,500
FAM Trip Hosting $12,500
Services/Online Tools/ Fulfillment (Dropbox, Crowdiff, Survey Monkey) $15,000 Contingency
Contingency Fund $7,550
Totals Commited $2,198,625
*Actuals will be reported to City Council at the Year End Budget Report in November 2025. Audited financials will be available in February 2026.

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 27

LOOKING AHEAD
As Visit San Luis Obispo enters FY 2025–26, the TBID remains committed to advancing the goals outlined in the newly established 2025–2030 Strategic Plan while ensuring the continued execution of the amended 2024–2026 Strategic Marketing & Business Plan. This two-year Strategic Marketing & Business Plan serves as a comprehensive guide for Visit San Luis Obispo’s overarching marketing direction, as well as the tactical efforts that support destination stewardship, overnight stays and represent the voice of stakeholders.

The following priorities will guide the work ahead:
• Deploying a Fall 2025 brand tracker and local sentiment study to measure progress in brand perception and inform ongoing tourism program development
• Ongoing amplification and integration of the SLO Life Coach campaign to strengthen destination storytelling and deepen audience engagement
• Securing impactful partnerships to broaden reach and elevate Visit San Luis Obispo’s marketing efforts • Continuing to evolve MidWeekend messaging as part of the SLO Life Coach brand to promote year-round midweek travel through an evergreen, always-on approach • Developing a comprehensive influencer strategy, including hosting a micro-influencer midweek FAM, to authentically showcase San Luis Obispo and connect with niche travel audiences • Advancing business meetings and trade travel efforts, including a test-and-learn sponsorship of the California Main Street Conference to explore a multi-venue conference model • Optimizing paid and organic search efforts to keep VisitSLO.com discoverable amidst the rise of AIgenerated search results • Embedding sustainability and DEI authentically across all programs, reinforcing the brand’s core values and long-term vision
While these are not the only areas of focus for the TBID, they represent key priorities requiring significant attention as Visit San Luis Obispo works toward meaningful, measurable implementation in the year ahead.

LOOKING AHEAD (FY 2025‑26 PRIORITIES)

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 28

APPENDIX
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX FY 2014-15 TO FY 2024-25
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX DISTRIBUTION 2024‑25
$12,000,000
$8,000,000
$4,000,000
$6,000,000
$10,000,000
20% Homestay
80% Hotel
0 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 Homestay Hotel
2022-23 2023-24 2024-25

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 29
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX MONTH TO MONTH 2024-25
$1,500,000
$1,000,000
$750,000
$1,250,000
$500,000
0 July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June 50%
45%
55%
65%
75%
85%
60%
70%
80%

OCCUPANCY MONTH TO MONTH
90%
40%
2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June

30 AVERAGE DAILY RATE MONTH TO MONTH
SLO TBID Annual Report 2023-24

REVENUE PER AVAILABLE ROOM MONTH TO MONTH
(Revenue $)
$140
$220
$160
$180
$200
$240
$120
2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June 80 70
90 110
130
150
160
170
180
190
100
120
140
200
60 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 31
TBID 2025-2030 STRATEGIC PLAN
Vision
A welcoming community
with a vibrant economy that
enriches the lives of visitors
and residents alike.

Values
We believe in:
• Service
• Leadership
• Adaptability
• Collaboration Mission
We share the abundance
of SLO, driving the lodging
economy and serving as the
voice of our stakeholders
Position
The SLO TBID stewards the brand of Visit San Luis
Obispo and represents its lodging partners, driving
overnight stays by:
• Telling the San Luis Obispo story via targeted
marketing content and activities.
• Serving as a convener and subject matter expert for
tourism conversations impacting the destination.
• Advancing strategic partnerships that extend the
reach and influence of Visit San Luis Obispo.

NORTH STAR

STRATEGIC ACTION
• Grow organizational capacity.
• Invest in internal relationship building.
• Develop an innovation process.
• Communicate successes.
• Invest in stakeholder connections.
• Perform an audit of our partnership landscape.
• Develop partnerships to address key gaps.
• Develop an events strategy to complement
Visit SLO CAL’s approach.
• Foster ongoing positive resident sentiment.
• Develop remote work messages as part of SLO Life.
• Advocate for conference center development.
• Partner with Visit California and Visit SLO CAL to
bolster targeted segments of travel.
• Further enhance the use of data to inform marketing
programs.
• Maintain focus on social awareness & environmental
responsibility.
• Maximize the evolution of the “Live the SLO Life”
brand.
• Differentiate Visit San Luis Obispo while building off Visit SLO CAL’s success.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Ensure
Organizational
Excellence
Objectives Indicators Objectives Indicators
Build
Meaningful
Partnerships
Activate the
SLO Life
• Maintain stakeholder
sentiment of Visit San Luis
Obispo performance.
• Increased engagement and
participation with Visit San
Luis Obispo’s Brand Book and
promotional toolkits.
• Create one net new signature
brand partnership
• Partnerships balanced across
identified key sectors
• Lift in brand sentiment against
baseline.
• Increase RevPAR.
• Increase awareness of SLO as a
sustainable destination
Deliver Smart
Growth
• Increase in resident sentiment.
• Increase mid-week occupancy.
• Increase length of stay.

SLO TBID Annual Report 2024-2025 32 Page 608 of 658
R _____
RESOLUTION NO. ______ (2025 SERIES)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS

OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO CONTINUE

THE SAN LUIS OBISPO TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT

DISTRICT, TO CONTINUE THE BASIS FOR AND TO LEVY THE

ASSESSMENT FOR THE DISTRICT, AND TO SET A DATE FOR THE

PUBLIC HEARING ON THE DISTRICT AND THE ASSESSMENT FOR
2025-26
WHEREAS, the Parking and Business Improvement Law of 1989, sections 36500 et seq. of the Streets and Highways Code, authorizes cities to establish business improvement districts for several purposes, one of which is promotion of tourism; and WHEREAS, the lodging businesses within the proposed City of San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District had requested the City of San Luis Obispo establish such a self-assessment improvement district in 2008; and WHEREAS, the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District was established in July 2008 and incorporated into the Municipal Code under Chapter 12.42; and
WHEREAS, the assessment went into effect on October 1, 2008; and WHEREAS, the City Council appointed an advisory board to provide oversight, guidance, and recommendations regarding the use of the assessment funds; and WHEREAS, the City Municipal Code and the Parking and Business Improvement Law require the advisory board to prepare and submit an annual report stating proposed changes, improvements and activities for the fiscal year; and WHEREAS, an annual report was prepared pursuant to Section 36533 of the Streets and Highway Code; and
WHEREAS, notices regarding the approval of the annual report were sent on September 25, 2025 to all assessed properties.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows:
a) That the Tourism Business Improvement District Annual Report for fiscal year 2024-25 as filed by the advisory body is hereby approved.

Resolution No. _____ (2025 Series) Page 2
R ______
b) The San Luis Obispo City Council proposes to continue the established Tourism Business Improvement District in the City of San Luis Obispo in accordance with City Municipal Code Chapter 12.42 and the California Streets and Highways Code, sections 36500 et seq. (Parking and Business Improvement Law of 1989).
c) The assessment levied by the Tourism Business Improvement District shall be used to promote lodging at the hotels within the district and administer a marketing program that increases overnight hotel stays pursuant to the set goals.
d) The assessment will be levied and allocated by the City of San Luis Obispo. e) The assessment is proposed to be levied on all “hotels”, as that term is defined in San Luis Obispo Municipal Code section 3.04.020, to wit: any structure, or any portion of any structure, which is occupied or intended or designed for occupancy by transients for dwelling, lodging or sleeping purposes, and includes any hotel, inn, tourist home or house, motel, studio hotel, bachelor hotel, lodging house, rooming house, apartment house, dormitory, public or private club, mobile home or house trailer at a fixed location, or other similar structure or portion thereof.
f) The assessment shall be based on two percent (2%) of gross room rent. g) New hotels shall not be exempt from immediate assessment. h) The public hearing, held pursuant to the City Municipal Code Chapter 12.42 and the Parking and Business Improvement Law of 1989, section 36535 of the Streets and Highways Code, is to allow for comments on the District and proposed assessment, and is hereby set for 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, October 21, 2025, before the City Council of San Luis Obispo.
i) At the public hearing, the testimony of all interested persons for or against the continuation of the District, the boundaries of the District, or the furnishing of specified types of improvements or activities will be heard. j) Any protest against the continuation of the City of San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District and the levying of the assessment, or any aspect thereof, may be made in writing. A protest may be withdrawn at any time before the conclusion of the public hearing. Any written protest shall contain a description of the business. If the person signing the protest is not shown on the official records of the City of San Luis Obispo as the owner of the business, then the protest shall contain or be accompanied by the written evidence from the owner that the person is the authorized representative of the business. Any protest as to the regularity or evidence of the proceedings shall be in writing and clearly state the irregularity or defect to the City of San Luis Obispo at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

Resolution No. _____ (2025 Series) Page 3
R ______
k) If, at the conclusion of the public hearing, there are of record, written protests by the owners of businesses within the proposed San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District that will pay fifty percent (50%) or more of the total assessments of the entire San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District, no further proceedings to continue the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District shall occur. New proceedings to form the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District shall not be undertaken again for a period of at least one (1) year from the date of the finding. If the majority of written protests are only as to an improvement or activity proposed, then that type of improvement or activity shall not be included in the San Luis Obispo Tourism Improvement District.

Resolution No. _____ (2025 Series) Page 4
R ______
BE IT FURTHER THEREFORE RESOLVED, the City Clerk is instructed to provide notice as required by the City Municipal Code Chapter 12.42 and the Parking and Business Improvement Law of 1989, section 36534, subpart (a)(7) of the Streets and Highways Code, to wit: the City Clerk shall give notice of the public hearing by causing the resolution of intention to be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City no less than seven days before the public hearing.

Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by
_______________________, and on the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _____________________ 2025. ___________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart
ATTEST:
____________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________. ___________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk

1 Tourism Business Improvement District Board Minutes
September 10, 2025, 10:00 a.m.

Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
_____________________________________________________________________

1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District Board was called to order on September 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Pearce.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment:

None
--End of Public Comment--

3. CONSENT
Motion By Member N. Patel
Second By Vice Chair Keller
To approve Consent Items 3a. to 3g.

Ayes (5): Member N. Patel, Vice Chair Keller, Member Specchierla, Member Eads, and Chair Pearce.

Absent (2): Member Nelson, Member P. Patel
TBID Board Present: Member Mark Eads, Member Christine Nelson, Member Nipool Patel, Member Dante Specchierla, Vice Chair Lori Keller, and Chair Clint Pearce
TBID Board Absent: Member Prashant Patel
City Staff Present: Economic Development & Tourism Manager Laura Fiedler

2 CARRIED (5 to 0)

3.a MINUTES OF TBID REGULAR MEETING ON AUGUST 19, 2025

3.b SMITH TRAVEL REPORT (STR)

3.c TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX (TOT) REPORT

3.d SLO CHAMBER PUBLIC RELATIONS MONTHLY REPORT

3.e SLO CHAMBER GUEST SERVICES MONTHLY REPORT

3.f NOBLE STUDIOS & UNIQUELY DRIVEN MARKETING MONTHLY
REPORT

3.g BADGER BRANDING ORGANIC SOCIAL REPORT

4. BUSINESS ITEMS

4.a FY 2024-25 TBID ANNUAL REPORT APPROVAL (15 MINUTES) Laura Fiedler, Economic Development & Tourism Manager, presented the draft FY 2024-25 TBID annual report for recommendation to City Council on October 7, 2025. Pending the City Council’s approval of the report, the annual public hearing for the TBID will be scheduled for October 21, 2025 Public Comment:

None
--End of Public Comment--
Motion By Vice Chair Keller
Second By Member Specchierla
To approve recommending the draft FY 2024-25 TBID annual report to the City Council for meeting on October 7, 2025.

Ayes (5): Vice Chair Keller, Member Specchierla, Member Eads, Member N.

Patel, and Chair Pearce.

Absent (2): Member Nelson, Member P. Patel
CARRIED (5 to 0)
Member Nelson joined the meeting at 10:09 a.m.

3 4.b FY 2024-25 TBID ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHT VIDEO (5 MINUTES) Laura Fiedler, Economic Development & Tourism Manager presented for review the draft FY 2024-25 TBID Annual Report Highlight Video to be shown at the October 7, 2025, City Council meeting.

Public Comment:

None
--End of Public Comment--
Action: No action taken on this item.

4.c SLO LIFE COACH CAMPAIGN INVESTMENT (15 MINUTES)
Laura Fiedler, Economic Development & Tourism Manager, and Gabbi Hall and Hayley Corbett from Noble Studios, presented an opportunity for additional investment in short-form videos for the SLO Life Coach campaign, on the recommendation of the Marketing Subcommittee.

Public Comment:

None
--End of Public Comment--
Motion By Member Eads
Second By Member N. Patel
To approve up to $45,100 from TBID’s fund balance for additional investment into short-form videos for the SLO Life Coach campaign (4 video cutdowns of existing SLO Life Coach videos and 30 SLO Life Tips videos, plus creative direction and project oversight).

4 Ayes (6): Member Eads, Member N. Patel, Member Specchierla, Member Nelson, Vice Chair Keller and Chair Pearce
Absent (1): Member P. Patel

CARRIED (6 to 0)

5. TBID LIAISON REPORTS & COMMUNICATION

5.a HOTELIER UPDATE
No update at this time.

5.b MARKETING COMMITTEE UPDATE
At the Marketing Committee meeting on August 27, 2025, the committee voted to move forward for recommendation to the full TBID Board the opportunity for additional investment in the SLO Life Coach Campaign (item 4c on this agenda). The committee also reviewed the performance of the SLO Life Coach Campaign since its launch and the long-form videos.

5.c MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Management Committee did not meet in August but was provided by email a copy of the draft Annual TBID report for review.

5.d PCC UPDATE
Member Specchierla provided a brief update on PCC activities.

5 5.e VISIT SLO CAL UPDATE
Molly Cano, Vice President of Marketing from VISIT SLO CAL provided a brief update on Visit SLO CAL activities, including on the upcoming filming and production for the Turns Well Taken campaign, the Visit SLO CAL Summit in November, and a strategic plan update.

5.f TOURISM PROGRAM UPDATE
Laura Fiedler, Economic Development & Tourism Manager, provided an update on the tourism program, including on sponsorships and partnerships with Hotel Beds, the Spartan Race, Cal Poly Athletics, the California Main Street Conference in San Luis Obispo, and support local promotions.

6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:53 a.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Tourism Business Improvement District Board is scheduled for October 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
_________________________
APPROVED BY TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD:

XX/XX/202X

City of San Luis Obispo, Council Memorandum
City of San Luis Obispo
Council Agenda Correspondence
DATE: October 7th, 2025
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Todd Tuggle, Fire Chief
VIA: Whitney McDonald, City Manager
SUBJECT: ITEM 8a - WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) CODE, BUILDING

HARDENING, AND DEFENSIBLE SPACE REGULATIONS
Staff received the following questions, regarding Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code, Building Hardening, and Defensible Space Regulations. The questions are below with staff’s response shown in italics:

1. Can we obtain from CAL FIRE the individual model layers of the FHSZ maps as shown in the video "Methods for Creating Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps" at this website? The individual GIS layers used in the model to develop the zones are available in the “Science and Method” section of the CAL FIRE FHSZ website. This section includes a document outlining the various model input data sources, with hyperlinks directing users to the authoritative data providers. An important note is that model layers are not readily accessible and the specific model settings are not disclosed. As a result, City GIS staff cannot replicate the methodology CAL FIRE applied to produce the final zones. Here is the direct link to the FHSZ Model Input Data Sources document.

2. Have the new FHSZ maps been put into the City GIS system? Can they be added as a layer in the parcel viewer?
City staff have included the FHSZ layers on the City of San Luis Obispo web site parcel viewer. The Fire Hazard Severity Zones are viewable via this link. Please note that the FHSZ layers are turned off in the application by default, but can be turned on by clicking the “eye” icon in the map layers column. A screenshot has been provided for reference.

Item 8a.WUI Code, Building Hardening, and Defensible Space Regulations Page 2

3. Since upgrades to existing homes, like the removal of flammable trees in close proximity to residences, will be costly, are there any reimbursements (state or local) or recommendations for lower-cost contractors?
The WUI Code does not include a specific code requirement for the removal of existing trees (including Non-Fire Smart trees), only the requirement for maintenance thereof.

The City is NOT advocating for or advising to remove otherwise healthy trees.

Property owners are required to maintain the trees currently on their properties.

Should property owners choose to remove Non-Fire Smart trees (such as Junipers or fibrous palms), there is currently no General Fund budget to reimburse property owners for defensible space work on their properties. Staff will continue to seek external resources to support defensible space work in the community, and as recently as September 2025, the City applied for a grant to support a pilot project wherein a community-based organization/s could perform defensible space work for low-income and otherwise vulnerable community members.

4. How can the City advocate to the state for financial support to help offset costs borne by residents and the local community?
The City has and will continue to advocate for its residents at the state level. In anticipation of the new FHSZ maps, Council expanded the City’s 2025 Legislative Advocacy Platform to include new sections supporting funding for wildfire-mitigation and defensible-space efforts. Through its partnership with the League of California Cities (Cal Cities), the City continues to engage with legislators and state agencies to promote policies that reduce local cost burdens, enhance program flexibility, and ensure new wildfire-resilience requirements are practical and equitable.

Consistent with these priorities, the City submitted letters of support for bills including AB 1 and AB 888, which strengthen insurance fairness and provide funding for defensible-space and home-hardening projects. Cal Cities has also helped advance related legislation (AB 1143, SB 326, SB 616) to improve statewide wildfire-risk mapping and community-level resilience standards, all of which are now on the Governor’s desk for final action. As the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection finalizes new Zone Zero regulations, Cal Cities is closely monitoring the rulemaking process, alongside fire chiefs and local government partners. Their advocacy focuses on ensuring that defensible-space regulations are practical, science-based, and coordinated with local inspection capacity. Should Council direct staff to do so, the City could also submit feedback directly to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to provide our local perspective during the final rulemaking process.

Item 8a.WUI Code, Building Hardening, and Defensible Space Regulations Page 3

5. What deadlines for existing homes in the new high-severity zone are you contemplating for the commencement of ordinances & fines, so we have time to plan and pay for?
The only part of the 2025 WUI code that applies to existing buildings is defensible space requirements, which only apply in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

Defensible space requirements under Government Code §51182 have applied to properties in the VHFHSZ since adoption of the new FHSZ maps in July. The WUI code will become effective on January 2, 2026. These regulations will impose vegetation maintenance requirements upon the areas within 30 feet of an existing building (“Zone 1”) and within 30-100ft from the building (“Zone 2.”) Staff recommend leading with education and using a complaint-based approach to enforcement. This means that if the Fire Department receives a complaint that vegetation is not compliant with state code on a particular property, a Fire Department inspector would visit the property. Staff recommend starting the enforcement process with education and a warning.

The forthcoming Zone 0 requirements, which are currently in draft form on the state level, are anticipated to take effect on January 2, 2029. Zone 0 requirements, which focus on creating an ember resistant zone in the five feet closest to a structure, would go into effect immediately for new construction and new plantings, but existing buildings would have 3 years to come into compliance (expected date is currently January 2, 2029). Staff recommend enforcing Zone 0 like other defensible space requirements. Existing trees within Zone 0 shall be maintained so that there are no dead or dying branches. All live tree branches shall be maintained five feet above the adjacent building or structure’s roof, ten feet away from chimneys and stovepipes and five feet away from the sides of any building or structure. There is also an exception for single species of trees that are well pruned and maintained so as to effectively manage fuels and fuel ladders.

The Fire Department will work with community members to understand the importance of defensible space and help prioritize actions property owners can take before Zone 0 defensible space requirements come into effect for existing buildings in early 2029.

The Fire Department will not seek to penalize property owners, but to help people better understand their risks and help property owners implement critical mitigations that will reduce the impacts of future wildfire exposures. These actions also help improve the potential for fire response personnel to safely fight a wildfire on the property and take defensive fire actions. Making a home safe for fire response is a critical action that can help protect the home, family, and community.

Item 8a.WUI Code, Building Hardening, and Defensible Space Regulations Page 4

6. Are we to assume that when San Luis Obispo develops its own defensible space requirements, all existing properties in addition to new buildings and remodels within very high and high fire severity zones must conform to the new defensible space requirements?
Staff are not currently recommending adoption of a local defensible space ordinance.

Chapter 6 of the WUI Code, effective January 2, 2026, requires compliance with defensible space standards within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones only.

Staff is recommending taking an “as-is" approach to the adoption of the WUI Code, meaning that staff is not recommending additional measures added to the WUI Code specific to SLO.

7. The staff reports says that no particular inspection protocol is required per Government Code. What does the Government Code require in terms of enforcement? What triggers the requirement for the City to enforce the defensible space provisions?
The enforcement approach by local agencies is largely discretionary. If defensible space violations exist on a property within a VHFHSZ, the Government Code requires that the City notify the owner of the property to correct the conditions. The Government Code allows (but does not require) cities to then correct the violation(s) if the property owner fails to do so, at the owner’s expense (see Govt. Code 51186). The penalties prescribed by the Government Code for defensible space violations are criminal (infractions and misdemeanors; see Govt. Code 51185). Staff’s intention is to clarify that, upon adoption of the WUI Code, defensible space violations will be enforced administratively (i.e. through notices to correct and, if necessary, administrative citations and fines) rather than criminally.

8. What is the status of the local hazard mitigation plan update? Is the update being coordinated with the proposed changes to the WUI code?
Currently the County of San Luis Obispo Mitigation Plan is awaiting approval from FEMA and upon that approval will be adopted by the County. Once that adoption is completed, the City's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (annex G of the County MultiJurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan) will be sent to Council for adoption.

The new Local Mitigation Plan does not reflect any WUI code changes due to it being submitted prior to the publication of the new Fire Code and WUI Code. If there are substantial changes needed to the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, those changes can be made after adoption of the Local Mitigation Plan. Due to the current status of the County’s plan, no changes can be made at this time and will have to be amended after the current plan is adopted.

Item 8a.WUI Code, Building Hardening, and Defensible Space Regulations Page 5 The CalFire Fire Severity Zone Map is mentioned in the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (G.3.311 Wildfire) and acknowledges the increase in properties and critical facilities in the updated hazard severity zones.

9. Will the City update the 2019 Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)? Has the effectiveness of the CWPP been evaluated since adoption? Has the CWPP lowered insurance rates in the City?
The CWPP published in 2019 was a broad strategic level document that tied the City of SLO into the larger Countywide CWPP. The 2019 CWPP, however, did not have any prescriptive treatments elucidated in it. Recognizing this shortcoming, staff focused on a Citywide Vegetation Management Plan which was funded in the Spring of 2025 through the Coastal Conservancy. The kick-off meeting was held Friday October 3rd, with estimated completion by summer of 2026. Staff intend to update the 2019 CWPP when the Vegetation Management Plan is completed. Incorporation of the Vegetation Management Plan into the CWPP will provide for a more relevant and holistic document applicable specifically to SLO.

It is unclear if the CWPP has any impacts on insurance rates. The Safer from Wildfires initiative states that Firewise Communities and the Fire Risk Reduction Community List are the two community level mitigation factors that have an impact on insurance rates, but each insurance company will factor them separately. The City of San Luis Obispo is on the current Fire Risk Reduction Community List with the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.

10.Can you provide additional details on how the City will incentivize and support the creation of Firewise communities?
Currently the Fire Department works with neighborhood groups/HOAs to meet and discuss the requirements for establishing a Firewise Community. Neighborhood walks to discuss defensible space, vegetation management, and how to establish a Firewise board for the neighborhood are conducted with the Emergency Manager and Fire Marshal. Upon establishing a Firewise Community, the City will provide signage indicating the neighborhood’s status as meeting the requirements and being in compliance with Firewise regulation.

11.For the new fire-safe tree requirement with a minimum dripline of 30 feet from residences, does this effectively mean no new trees in developments with typical urban lot sizes? Additionally, the guideline for maintaining 10 feet around all outbuildings down to bare soil seems particularly challenging in residential settings.

Item 8a.WUI Code, Building Hardening, and Defensible Space Regulations Page 6 Per Section 603.4.2, new trees that are planted within 30 feet of a structure in the VHFSZ shall be planted and maintained so that the tree’s dripline (the outer edge of the canopy) is located 10 feet away from the structure. In addition, new trees that are planted adjacent to other trees are to be planted where the crowns of the trees are at least 10 feet from one another. Residentially zoned parcels, for example, require between a 10-20-foot front yard setback. Based on these setback requirements, at least one tree could be planted in the front yard. Additionally, existing healthy trees that are maintained and free of dead and dying material are supported in with Zones 0,1, and 2. Trees within the zones may not extend over the roof and must be at least 10 feet from a stovepipe or chimney.

In addition, the public right-of-way provides additional space away from structures that can support street trees. The City requires that a minimum of one street tree be installed and established for any commercial building permit or residential building permit that adds a dwelling unit to a site, unless the City Arborist determines that the site cannot accommodate a new tree. In an effort to continue to support planting new trees, the City Arborist has put together a list of fire smart trees that have smooth bark, narrower and more vertical canopies that can be easily maintained to the minimum 10-foot clearance from structures and while drought tolerant, can benefit from additional irrigation. The list can be accessed here..

An outbuilding per the code is a structure that is less than one hundred-twenty (120) square feet in size and not used for human habitation. As noted in the question, a minimum clearance of 10-feet down to bare soil is required around the outbuilding.

This is because the outbuilding is not required to comply with the same standards as a structure and is likely more combustible. A property owner has the option to remove vegetation 10 feet from the structure (and replace removed vegetation with noncombustible materials like DG or gravel) or consider removing the structure.

12.For properties in the VHFHSZ, does this imply that homeowners will need to remove all trees within the 30-foot range to comply? Since that's 30' to drip line, does that effectively mean some trees 50'+ away may need to be removed to be compliant? The defensible space diagrams also raise some concerns, as they don’t appear to align well with the realities of lot sizes within the city.

Homeowners do not have to remove all trees within the 30-foot range of an applicable building. The different zones—Zone 0 (forthcoming), Zone 1, and Zone 2—are intended to reduce the amount of combustible vegetation around homes. Trees are allowed in the different zones, as long as they are well maintained and the presence of ladder fuels (ground level vegetation) is managed to prevent fire from entering the tree canopy, and more broadly to prevent fire moving from open spaces into the built environment.

Item 8a.WUI Code, Building Hardening, and Defensible Space Regulations Page 7 Zone 1 (5’-30’), Modifying Zone, is designed to reduce the likelihood of fire burning directly to the structure. Modifying fuels in this zone creates discontinuity between plant groups, which limits pathways for fire to burn to the structure. An existing tree that is nonfire-smart may exist within the 30-foot modifying zone as long as the limbs are well pruned and maintained. A new tree would need to be planted and maintained so that, at maturity, it remains at least 10 feet from a combustible structure. In addition to the maintenance of the tree, dead and dying surface fuels, such as fallen leaves or needles, would need to be reduced or removed to prevent a fire path from the tree to the structure.

13.Is there an opportunity to adopt a "yes, and" approach to these regulations? While we must and should meet legal obligations, could we advocate against an "all plants burn" stance that might exacerbate urban heat concerns and diminish shade in neighborhoods?
Urban extreme heat, biodiversity, and neighborhood aesthetics are all concerns that must be balanced with defensible space measures for communities in fire prone areas, such as SLO. Staff acknowledges that an “all plants burn” viewpoint is counterproductive to longstanding tree planting efforts and the City’s larger goals for climate action and resilience.

Staff are always seeking better suited arboreal choices when interacting with private property owners and when making management decisions related to City-owned property. The WUI code requires that new plantings use species and location placements that reduce the risk of combustion. Not all trees are ideal for urban and open space environments, and certain species can have deleterious environmental impacts while also posing a serious fire threat. Where existing trees pose significant risks, they must be maintained to protect community safety, as required by the WUI code.

There is ample evidence, however, that many trees are locally adapted to fire conditions in their native environments. The WUI code further encourages these fireadapted plants and trees in SLO. For instance, in the Board of Forestry guide to defensible space, there is language describing maintenance of continuous canopies on WUI properties. In these configurations, there are recommendations for maintaining continuous canopy while reducing the ladder fuels below the canopy to prevent potential “crown” fires. Continuous tree canopies of fire smart species can cool urban heat islands and improve the aesthetics of our neighborhoods, as long as the ground level growth below the canopies is properly maintained to remove ladder fuel potential.

Item 8a.WUI Code, Building Hardening, and Defensible Space Regulations Page 8

14.Why wouldn’t we consider recommending inspections upon sale as an alternative compliance mechanism? Is this mostly to stay in the voluntary compliance realm? The High and Very High FHSZs have expanded greatly within the City with adoption of the new maps this summer. The City could require inspections upon sale of properties within the Very High and/or High FHSZs. However, it is staff’s recommendation to approach the expanded applicability of defensible space requirements with outreach and education, rather than mandatory inspections, until our community and staff become more familiar with the regulations. Requiring inspections upon sale would trigger the documentation requirements of AB 38, which may serve as a barrier to home sales, so close consultation with property owners and real estate professionals would be essential before moving toward an inspectionupon-sale/AB38 program. In terms of staffing resources involved with an inspectionupon-sale program, inspections would require a signature from a “badged” member of the Fire Department (a full-time employee), rather than an intern, as the Fire Department intends to utilize for voluntary inspections. Whereas a voluntary inspection form would be designed to provide recommendations, an official inspectionupon-sale inspection would identify violations, and a seller would remain out of compliance with AB38 until they fixed any outstanding defensible space violations on the property, which again may delay home sales.

15.Given increasing fire hazards in San Luis Obispo, what is the City planning to do to manage hazardous fuels on City Open Space properties, as well as streets and evacuation routes? Could you share a plain-English summary of the work, a simple map of where it will happen, how it’s funded, and when it starts? The City has maintained City open space properties to reduce hazardous fuels for decades and will continue to dedicate City resources to reduce wildfire risks in the WUI. These maintenance activities include routine mowing and grazing, invasive species removal, fuel break creation and maintenance, and strategic thinning. These activities are accomplished through Ranger Service and Open Space Technicians and in partnership with CAL Fire and the SLO Fire Safe Council. Though not required, per Government Code 51184, these activities are consistent with adopted propertyspecific conservation plans, general plan policy, and the forthcoming Open Space Vegetation Management Plan expected in 2026.

However, in light of increasing wildfire risks and the related need to build additional capacity, staff are actively seeking external resources to expand hazardous fuel treatments in the WUI. As of the time of this correspondence, staff have submitted four grant applications with state and federal agencies to accomplish various aspects of planned fuel treatments:
a. Community Wildfire Defense Grant with U.S. Forest Service b. Wildfire Prevention Grant with CAL FIRE
c. Wildfire Resilience Grant with State Coastal Conservancy d. Grazing Infrastructure Grant with Wildlife Conservation Board

Item 8a.WUI Code, Building Hardening, and Defensible Space Regulations Page 9 Furthermore, to maintain clearance on roadways and evacuation routes, the City’s Public Works Urban Forestry Maintenance staff prunes trees to maintain clearance.

The City targets a pruning cycle of approximately every 5-years. Some areas (like downtown) or other specific trees are pruned more often (every 3 years). It is important to note that, at locations outside of City jurisdiction that are not City-owned properties, the City relies on private property owners and partnerships with CAL FIRE and the SLO Fire Safe Council to accomplish fuel treatments and evacuation route maintenance.

The City will continue to communicate with the public about planned vegetation management activities, including physical signage, digital notices, community workshops, and in-person neighborhood meetings by request.

16.Would any of the alternatives listed on pages 20-22 reduce costs and/or enhance livability for City residents?
The alternatives to adopting the WUI code as-is listed on pages 20-22 include:
adopting more restrictive building standards (Alternative 1), expanding designated WUI areas (Alternative 2), and adopting supplemental appendices regarding Fire Protection Methods (Alternative 3) and/or Vegetation Management Plan Requirements (Alternative 4). None of these requirements are anticipated to reduce costs or enhance livability for City residents. Conversely, adopting more restrictive building standards or expanding designated WUI areas would likely lead to increased costs for property owners and greater regulatory burdens.

17.How would these code changes affect development of housing, especially affordable housing on San Luis Ranch Lot 7?
All new housing in the City will have to comply with the building construction and hardening standards in Chapter 5 of the WUI Code. This Chapter addresses things like building materials, roof type, deck construction, requirement for dual-pane windows, etc. New development of housing in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone will also need to comply with the Defensible Space requirements outlined in Chapter 6 of the WUI. These regulations have the potential to make construction more expensive. According to a study by Headwaters Economics, a nonpartisan research nonprofit, in northern and southern California, building a wildfire-resistant home in 2022 with Chapter 7A requirements and a noncombustible zone around the home (0 to 5 feet) increased construction costs by approximately $2,800 over the Baseline home. Compliance with all chapters of the WUI will take place during plan review and inspection of a project. San Luis Ranch Lot 7 is not located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so the Chapter 6 regulations would not apply, however, the building construction and hardening standards of Chapter 5 would apply, as they will apply citywide.

Item 8a.WUI Code, Building Hardening, and Defensible Space Regulations Page 10

18.When will the draft Zone 0 requirements be finalized? How would they apply to very dense housing developments with wooden fencing closer than 5 feet to homes, such as in San Luis Ranch?
The latest draft regulations to implement Government Code section 51182, published by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection on September 22, 2025, introduces an additional zone—Zone 014. As the WUI Code references and requires compliance with Section 1299.03, by adopting the WUI Code, the City will also adopt, by reference, the Zone 0 requirements as issued by the state (including any future amendments).

The Zone 0 requirements are anticipated to take effect on January 1, 2026, for new structures, and on January 1, 2029, for existing structures.

It is important to keep in mind that Zone 0 regulations, along with all defensible space requirements, only apply to parcels within the VHFHSZ. No homes within San Luis Ranch are within a VHFHSZ.

For parcels that are within the VHFHSZ, all defensible space requirements (including Zone 0 regulations) will extend to the zone boundary (5 feet [Zone 0], 30 feet [Zone 1], or 100 feet [Zone 2]), or the property line, whichever is closer. Based on the draft Zone 0 regulations, no new wood/combustible fencing can be constructed within 5 feet of a structure within a VHFHSZ. However, existing fencing touching a structure within a VHFHSZ will need to be replaced within the three year “grace period” for existing structures.

Following the study session, the City will launch a public information effort based on the City’s Public Engagement and Noticing Manual to help property owners understand and comply with new and existing statewide requirements for defensible space and home hardening in recently adopted FHSZs, based on the new WUI Code.

The public information plan will focus on ensuring that homeowners, business owners, and community partners clearly understand their responsibilities under the State’s WUI Code, including the new Zone Zero regulations once they are finalized by the state. Public outreach tools will include digital communications, direct mail, print materials, events and informational meetings, media and advertising, and outreach through trusted communitybased organizations and industry partners.

19.Could evaluation of Potential Local Amendments to the State WUI code be postponed and later considered at the same time as the General Plan Safety Element update? Staff are not recommending local amendments to the State WUI Code at this time.

Staff must amend the General Plan Climate Adaptation and Safety Element (CASE) to reflect the new fire hazard maps, as required by Government Code §65302.

Separately, staff have proposed, as a Strategic Next Step, to agendize a study session to re-evaluate the CASE’s current prohibition on subdivisions within the VHFHSZ. If directed by Council, staff will return with a discussion of potential local amendments to the state WUI Code for Council’s consideration during this subsequent study session.

Item 8a
Department: Fire
Cost Center: 8503
For Agenda of: 10/7/2025
Placement: Study Session
Estimated Time: 120
FROM: Todd Tuggle, Fire Chief
Prepared By: Sadie Symens, Deputy City Attorney
SUBJECT: WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) CODE, BUILDING HARDENING,

AND DEFENSIBLE SPACE REGULATIONS STUDY SESSION

RECOMMENDATION

1. Receive a presentation on the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code, including defensible space requirements;

2. Direct staff to return to City Council to adopt the WUI code as-is, and provide direction on strategic next steps pertaining to WUI code implementation; and

3. Provide direction on strategic next steps on the City’s approach to community education, inspections, and enforcement of the WUI Code and other considerations, including real estate disclosures, risk mitigation, and the effects of the 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps and statewide codes on existing City policies.

REPORT-IN-BRIEF
The purpose of this study session is to brief the City Council on the requirements of the WUI Code and how they apply within Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) and to confirm staff’s recommendations and seek direction on certain implementation measures.

Because of the breadth and impact of the new standards included in the WUI Code, this study session is intended to provide an opportunity to discuss the requirements in detail and to better prepare for the code adoption process that will occur in November and December 2025 and will be implemented in 2026. Staff have provided recommendations for (1) adoption of the WUI Code, (2) implementation of the code’s requirements including enforcement, and (3) community outreach and education. The goal of this item is to confirm or obtain direction to modify these recommendations as next steps are carried out to adopt and implement the WUI Code requirements.

This report outlines the minimum mandatory requirements in the WUI Code, which the City must enforce, including emergency access, water supply, building construction and hardening, and defensible space. While many of these requirements align with existing local regulations, the updated 2025 CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps have significantly expanded the number of parcels in Very High FHSZs in the City, thereby applying regulations to a larger subset of the community. In addition, new state defensible space requirements—including forthcoming Zone Zero regulations1for the area

1 As will be further discussed below, “Zone Zero regulations” refer to requirements for the first five feet around a structure (also known as the “Ember-resistant defensible zone.”)

Item 8a
2 immediately surrounding buildings—will add further obligations for property owners. One of the main areas of discussion in the study session will be on implementation of the WUI Code, and City Council will be requested to provide strategic guidance on topics including inspections and compliance.

This report will also discuss what individual property owners and communities within the City can do to prepare for the risk of wildfire and put themselves in the best position to retain or receive discounts on fire insurance, as well as disclosures that must be made by certain property owners upon transfer of real property. Finally, the report will discuss the impact of the WUI Code and updated FHSZ designations on existing City policies.

Given the increase in regulatory burden presented by the WUI code, both on community members and City staffing resources, alongside the quantifiable risk reduction expected from implementing the WUI Code, staff are not recommending adoption of substantive modifications to the state codes or the adoption of a separate, local defensible space ordinance2. By adopting and implementing the WUI code, as published by the state, the City will be taking a big step forward toward wildfire resilience and long-term community safety.

Each section of the report that discusses the provisions of the WUI Code will include at least one Key Finding in support of Strategic Next Steps. The Strategic Next Steps identify staff’s recommendations for that portion of the WUI Code. The Strategic Next Steps recommended in the report associated with adoption of the WUI Code are:

1. Revise the definition of “Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area” within Chapter

15.04 of the City’s municipal code to conform to the definitions provided by state law to include all FHSZs.

2. Include any necessary updates related to Chapter 4 of the WUI code in the City’s upcoming engineering standards update.

3. Adopt Chapter 5 of the WUI Code as-is, carry over any local amendments to the building code that have previously been adopted by the City, and make necessary conforming amendments to existing provisions of Title 15 (e.g., references to Chapter 7A of the building code and clarifying that all building hardening requirements of Chapter 5 are applicable Citywide.)

4. Include an amendment to WUI Code Chapter 6 that clarifies that its provisions only apply to parcels in VHFHSZs.

5. Require new subdivision and large developments to provide Fire Protection Plans as described in Section 602 of the WUI Code as part of the building permit process.

6. Require a Landscape Plan for all new landscaping associated with a project that requires a building permit within a VHFHSZ.

Similarly, the report’s discussions of the implementation of the WUI Code and its impacts on existing City policies identifies staff’s recommendations as a number of Strategic Next

2 As described in the body of this report, state law allows the City to adopt certain local codes that are more stringent than the state code.

Item 8a
3 Steps. The Strategic Next Steps related to implementation of the WUI Code and the impacts of the code and the FHSZs on existing City policies are:

7. Include an amendment clarifying that the City will enforce Chapter 6 of the WUI Code (including referenced defensible space requirements) administratively pursuant to Administrative Code Enforcement Procedures of the City’s Municipal Code (Chapter 1.24).

8. Enforce state-adopted defensible space requirements in the VHFHSZ using a complaint-based/reactive method, with an initial objective of education.

9. The Fire Department will offer a fee-based voluntary inspection program and will continue to seek external funding that would allow the City to subsidize the cost of voluntary inspections for property owners.

10.Do not perform AB 38 inspections upon the sale of real property in Very High or High FHSZs at this time.

11.Adopt the WUI Code without substantive local amendments to its requirements.

12.Develop guidance and requirements for vegetation management plans as part of the building permit application process, to be available by January 1, 2026.

13.Amend the Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan as required by Government Code Section 65302 to reflect the updated FHSZ maps.

14.Agendize a study session to reevaluate the prohibition in current City policies on subdivisions within the VHFHSZ and discuss possible amendments to the Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan.

15.Amend the Tree Ordinance to clarify the tree removal process for trees that must be removed under the WUI code.

The Strategic Next Steps reflect staff’s recommendations and intended actions absent contrary direction from Council are set forth below. Council may direct staff to modify a Strategic Next Step.

POLICY CONTEXT
 Ordinance 1748 (2025 Series) adopted CAL FIRE’s Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps, as required by California Government Code 51179.

The new designations, compared to the prior map revisions from 2007, increase the number of parcels within Very High FHSZs in the City by over a hundred-fold, add over 6,000 additional parcels to High and Moderate FHSZs, and bring 64% of the City's total parcels within a FHSZ.
 2025-27 Financial Plan Housing and Neighborhood Livability Major City Goal:
o Action 4.1.c directs staff to “Conduct a study session on implications and implementation of State Fire Hazard Severity maps for local responsibility areas.”
o Action 4.1.d directs staff to “Implement actions and requirements of the State Hazard Fire Hazard Severity Maps.”
 Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan:
o Policy FI-5.1: Reduce Wildfire Risk - The City shall reduce the risk of wildfires in city open spaces and in the wildland urban interface through

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4 timely implementation of the City's Community Wildfire Protection Plan and the Vegetation Management Plan (VMP).
 Program FI-5.15: Wildland-Urban-Interface Defensible Space and Home Hardening Program - Implement a program to assist
homeowners, landlords, and business owners in improving the defensible space for structures in or near the very high fire hazard severity zones. […]3
 Program FI-5.19: Fire Protection Plans Related to New Development - Develop standards for new development in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones or Wildland- Urban Interface Zones requiring preparation of project-specific fire protection plans, in addition to complying with all applicable state and local building and fire code regulations. […]
o Policy FI-5.2: City-Wide Fire-Smart Land-Use Planning - The City shall minimize fire risk in land-use planning decisions including updates to zoning, subdivision codes and design criteria to mitigate wildfire hazards and reduce risks to new development. […]
o Policy FI-5.3: City-Wide Fire -Smart New Development - The City shall only approve development when adequate fire suppression services and facilities are available or will be made available concurrent with development, considering the setting, type, intensity, and form of the proposed development. […] Fire protection plans should address wildland fuel transition zones surrounding the development and include the following components:
 Provisions for the maintenance of vegetation within the subdivision to reduce wildfire risk
 Requirements for hardening of structures to mitigate fire risk that meets or exceed the California Building Code
 Landscaping and defensible space design around a proposed structure that reduces wildfire risk
o Policy FI-5.4: Fire-Smart Buildings and High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone - The City shall reduce wildfire risk associated with new development by requiring all new development located within any CAL FIRE designated High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone to:
 Meet or exceed the State's Fire Safe Regulations (title 14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 2, articles 1-5 commencing with section 1270) and Fire Hazard Reduction Around Buildings and Structures Regulations (title 14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 3, article 3 commencing with section 1299.01).  Include designs to minimize pockets or peninsulas or islands of flammable vegetation within a development.
 Include additional access roads, where feasible, to ensure adequate access for emergency equipment and civilian evacuation

3 “[…]” indicates that the policy or program has additional text omitted from this section for brevity. The full text is available in the linked Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan. Any text omitted from this section that is important for a particular component of the study session is included and referenced in the body of this Council Agenda Report.

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5 concurrently. More than one evacuation route is required for substantial development (as defined in policy OP-7.3 Emergency Access and Evacuation) in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

All requirements and any deviations will be at the discretion of the Fire Code Official.
 Meet or exceed the California Building Code for Materials and Construction
 Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure (Title 24, part 2, Chapter 7A).  For all remodeled or rebuilt structures, require projects to meet current ignition resistance construction codes included in the State's Fire Safe Regulations.

DISCUSSION
Background
As described in the City’s Climate Adaptation and Safety Element (CASE) of the General Plan, “[…] a wildfire is defined as an uncontrolled fire spreading through vegetative fuels that poses a threat to life and/or property. Wildfires can be ignited by natural events, such as lightning strikes, or can be caused by damaged infrastructure (e.g., downed power lines) or human activities (e.g., campfires, arson). Wildfires can move quickly, casting embers into downwind areas and spreading to developed areas, putting human lives and properties at risk.”
Although the City has experienced wildfires in the past, climate change has intensified key drivers—higher temperatures, shifting precipitation, and reduced humidity—raising both the overall risk of wildfire and the likelihood that fires could spread into developed areas of the City. Recent catastrophic fires that have destroyed entire communities illustrate that this trend extends statewide, with consequences not only for public safety but also for the cost and availability of property insurance.

Statewide Hazard Mapping - Fire Hazard Severity Zones
California has a long history of mitigating the risks posed by natural disasters. The primary way that California assesses statewide and local wildfire risk is through the mapping of FHSZs. California state law requires the State Fire Marshal to identify areas throughout the state as Moderate, High, and Very High FHSZs based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors (Govt. Code 51178).

On March 10th, 2025, the State Fire Marshall released an updated FHSZ map for San Luis Obispo. On June 17, 2025, the Council adopted Ordinance No. 1748 (2025 Series), which codified the updated wildfire maps and designated Moderate, High, and Very High FHSZs within the City as required under state law. In the 2025 update, the State Fire Marshal included wind as a contributing risk factor when modeling the fire hazard risks and potential for ember cast. Additionally, the 2025 update included, for the first time, Moderate FHSZs within the Local Responsibility Area (areas within the state for which local fire agencies, such as city and county fire departments, are responsible).

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6 Prior to 2025, the FHSZ maps were last updated in 2009. The 2009 FHSZ maps designated 38 parcels in FHSZs across the City, all of which were located in Very High FHSZs. Upon adoption of the new maps, the City now contains Moderate and High FHSZs as well, and the total number of parcels located in a FHSZ is now 8,782, including 2,845 parcels within a Very High FHSZ.

Mitigating Wildfire Risk through Statewide Building Standards Development in California is regulated by the California Building Standards Code (Building Code). Updated every three years, the Building Code includes chapters that regulate construction projects ranging from a building’s structural integrity to energy use.

The Building Code is updated every three years by a wide range of state agencies and is formally adopted by the State Building Standards Commission. State law requires local governments to adopt each triennial Building Code into local law in its entirety, and in some cases, allows for amendments to the state code so long as they are more restrictive.

Historically, fire related regulations have been held in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Chapter 7A (California Building Code, Chapter 3 Section R337 (California Residential Code), and Chapter 49 (California Fire Code), as well as Title 14, Natural Resources Code and Title 19, Public Safety Code. Fire regulations were also codified in California statutes including the Public Resources Code, Government Code, and Health and Safety Code. For the first time in state history, the 2025 Building Code brings all of these fire-related and wildland-urban interface laws and regulations into a single code book, known as the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (WUI Code).

In July 2025, the State published the new WUI Code as Part 7 of Title 24 of the California Building Standards Code
4 . Every parcel within the City is affected by some or all components of the WUI Code. The WUI Code addresses fire spread, fire suppression accessibility, defensible space, water supply, and other fire resilience factors for buildings in designated FHSZs (Moderate, High, or Very High) or Wildland Urban Interface areas.

This report provides a high level summary of information about the WUI Code and a deeper analysis of regulations related to combustible materials adjacent to a building, also known as “Defensible Space”. For each topic, this report describes the minimum statewide regulations the City will be required to adopt and how staff intend to educate the public about the standards and the enforcement thereof. Each section concludes with key findings and staff’s recommendations, identified as strategic next steps.

The City Council’s deliberations and direction in this study session will inform the adoption and implementation of the WUI code. Staff will be returning to Council on November 18, 2025, to introduce an ordinance to adopt the 2025 Building, Fire, and WUI codes which will be effective January 1, 2026.

4 The WUI Code in its entirety is available at: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CAWUIC2025P1.

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7 The California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
As described above, the WUI Code is intended to establish requirements to reduce the likelihood of life and property loss due to wildfire. Table 1 summarizes the substantive components of the WUI Code.
5 Table 1: WUI Code Applicability Matrix
Chapter 3
WUI Areas
Chapter 4
Fire Access and
Water Supply
Standards
Chapter 5
Building Construction
and Hardening
Standards
Chapter 6
Fire Protection Plans,
Landscape Plans, and
Defensible Space
Applicable
Zones
All Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
(FHSZs)
All Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
(FHSZs)
Citywide
Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
(VHFHSZs)
Applicable
Scope
Fire service access to
subdivisions and new
development
New Construction
+ remodels on
buildings built after
July 1, 2008
New landscaping +
existing landscaping
within 100 feet of
buildings
The remainder of this section provides an overview of each substantive chapter of the WUI Code, including a summary of the major changes that will result from adopting and implementing code, with a focus on changes that will directly impact residents and property owners in the City. Each WUI code chapter is hyperlinked in the body of this report.

The requirements outlined below would be the result of adopting the WUI code as-is.

Alternatives to the statewide WUI Code, such as expanding the area designated as “wildland urban interface” or adopting optional appendices of the Code, are discussed later in this report.

WUI Code - Chapter 3: Designation of Wildland-Urban Interface Areas Chapter 3 provides that Wildland-Urban Interface Areas in Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs) are to be mapped by the State Fire Marshall as FHSZs in accordance with Government Code 51175 through 51189. Chapter 3 further states the code official (in the City’s case, the Fire Chief) shall reevaluate and recommend modification to the wildlandurban interface areas on a 5-year basis or more frequently as deemed necessary.

Chapter 3 - Local Code Consistency
The City will need to update its definition of “Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area” within the municipal code to conform with the definitions provided by state law. Section

15.04.090 currently defines the wildland-urban interface as “areas designated as Local Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones,” since, prior to 2025, there were no areas in the City designated as High or Moderate FHSZs. While the definition is outdated, the City is compliant with this part of the code because the State FHSZ maps were adopted per

5 Chapter 1 covers administration of the code, and Chapter 2 provides applicable definitions.

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8 state law (Ordinance No. 1748.) Under the WUI Code, the wildland-urban interface area must include, at least, all areas designated by the State Fire Marshal and adopted by the City (as required by Government Code 51187) as a Moderate, High, or Very High FHSZ.

Staff will recommend a revision to the Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area definition to conform with the state law as part of the 2025 Building Code update.

Key Finding: With the identification and adoption of High and Moderate fire hazard severity zones within the City, the City’s definition of “Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area” is outdated because it only includes Very High FHSZs.

Strategic Next Step #1: Upon adoption of the Building Code in November, revise the definition of “Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area” within Chapter 15.04 of the City’s municipal code to conform to the definitions provided by state law to include all FHSZs.

WUI Code - Chapter 4: Fire Access and Water Supply Standards Chapter 4 Applicability
The Fire Access Standards of Chapter 4 apply to subdivisions, development, and roads within all FHSZs. Although most of Chapter 4, applies to new development and construction, existing buildings and roadways within a FHSZ must now adhere to the Section 403 requirement to display address and road markers, respectively, that sufficiently support fire suppression efforts and access. These requirements for existing buildings and roadways formerly existed in the Fire Code and are not new requirements.

Fire Access (Section 403)
Chapter 4, Section 403 states that public and private roads and driveways shall provide for safe access for emergency wildfire equipment and civilian evacuation concurrently, and shall provide unobstructed traffic circulation during a wildfire emergency. Section 403 sets forth specific requirements for minimum turn radius on streets, inclusion of turnarounds on long driveways, design standards to accommodate the weight of fire apparatuses on fire access roads, and minimum standards for horizontal and vertical curvature of roadways.

Water Supply Requirements (Section 404)
Section 404 sets forth requirements for water supply, including that the City’s water system must be capable of supplying the required fire flow for structural fire protection and wildland fire exposure.

Chapter 4 - Local Implementation
Generally, the requirements of Chapter 4 are aligned with the City’s existing engineering standards that are required citywide. There are some minor instances where requirements set forth in Section 403 exceed the City’s existing engineering standards.

An example includes the WUI code requirement that driveways have a minimum width of 24-feet in WUI areas, whereas the City’s existing engineering standard 2120 allows for residential driveway widths between 10 and 16-feet.

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9 The City’s water system complies with the Fire Code, and consists of water storage reservoirs, tanks, booster stations, and mains capable of providing the required fire flow.

The City also continues to review private development projects to ensure the project’s engineered design incorporates the necessary infrastructure (such as fire riser rooms and fire pumps) to provide fire suppression consistent with Code requirements. No modifications to the City’s water storage and distribution system are required.

To ensure local code consistency, in advance of the WUI code going into effect on January 1, 2026, staff will include targeted updates that reference the requirements of Section 403 for inclusion in the City’s upcoming 2025 engineering standards update, which will be recommended for Council’s adoption in Fall 2025. This ensures that the City’s engineering standards meet the requirements of Chapter 4 in WUI areas (or exceed it where the City’s standards are already more restrictive). Once the City’s engineering standards are updated, the requirements of Chapter 4 will be enforced through the building permit and subdivision process.

Key Finding: The requirements of Chapter 4 related to water supply are fully met by the City’s systems and standards. Minor updates to the City’s engineering standards related to fire access are needed.

Strategic Next Step #2: Include any necessary updates related to Chapter 4 of the WUI code in the City’s upcoming engineering standards update.

WUI Code - Chapter 5: Special Construction Regulations: Building Hardening Standards Ignition-Resistant Construction (Section 504)
Section 504 of the WUI Code sets forth additional new requirements for new buildings and additions and remodels to buildings constructed after July 1, 20086. The requirements address materials used in construction, roof standards, eave standards, underfloor enclosure standards, and door and window standards. The requirements include, but are not limited to:
 Specific underlayment for tile roofs: a requirement for use of specific underlayment for tile roofs that create a void between tile and substrate (roof base), which helps with fire safety
 Gutter protection: requirement for protection such as screens to prevent debris accumulation in gutters
 Underfloor enclosure or underside protection: requirement to cover or seal the open space beneath a building, porch or deck to increase fire safety  Heavy timber or fire-resistant construction for unenclosed accessory structures: a requirement to use specific materials for things attached to buildings, such as trellises, patio covers, decks, bay windows, porches, or other projections

6 As a result of a devastating fire season in 2008, the building code was amended in 2028 to include WUI standards including stricter construction requirements. All subsequent Building Code cycles have included a provision that remodels and additions to homes built after July 1, 2008, are required to be constructed to current Chapter 7A/ R337 standards, which are now reflected in Chapter 5 of the WUI code.

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10  Deck materials: requirement to use State Fire Marshall approved materials for decks
 Vents: requirement that ventilation openings for attics, gable ends, ridge ends, eaves, etc. Shall be covered with ember resistant vents  Windows: requirement that exterior windows be tempered glass or equivalent  Exterior doors and garage doors: requirement that exterior doors and garage doors comply with certain standards for fire safety
Chapter 5 Applicability
The Building Standards in Chapter 5 (formerly found in Chapter 7A of the CA Building Code) apply throughout the City, regardless of the FHSZ of a property, to all new construction and to remodels/renovations of buildings built after July 1, 2008. Chapter 5 will apply throughout the City because San Luis Obispo has, since at least 2012, been designated as a “Community at Risk from Wild Fires” by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection7(see Health & Safety Code §13108.5(d).).

The provisions of Chapter 5 will not impact existing structures in the City, unless a building permit is sought for a renovation/remodel to a building constructed after July 1, 2008. At that time, the area of renovation/remodel would then need to comply with the new regulations, but there would not be a requirement to bring other parts of the building into compliance. If a renovation/remodel does not trigger the need for a building permit, then the project does not need to comply with these standards, but applicants are encouraged to meet these standards for enhanced fire safety (meaning, the City will not enforce the standards for these projects, but property owners are encouraged and welcome to meet the standards voluntarily for enhanced fire protection). Additionally, small (maximum 120 square feet) accessory structures not used for habitation (e.g., sheds or carports) and Group U agricultural buildings8located at least 50 feet away from applicable (non-exempt) buildings, are exempt from the construction requirements of Chapter 5.

Chapter 5 Compliance
Compliance with Chapter 5 requirements will be verified through the building permit process, including providing information to property owners at the counter, checking for compliance during building plan check, and verifying compliance during inspections.

Key Finding: Compliance with requirements of Chapter 5 related to ignition-resistant building materials and construction will be verified through the City’s building permit process upon adoption of the WUI code, starting January 1, 2026. No further action is needed. To support permit applicants and City plan reviewers, in the fall of 2025, the City

7 Following that designation, in 2012 City Council adopted an ordinance amending Title 15 of the Municipal Code to “require a limited application of the Chapter 7A building codes new construction Citywide” and thus increased the fire resistance of new structures citywide. The “limited application of Chapter 7A” included only those requirements specified in the municipal code (Ignition resistant exterior wall coverings; Fire sprinkler protection in attic areas (at least one “pilot head”); Ember resistant vent systems for attics and under floor areas, protected eaves, and Class ‘A’ roof coverings as identified in the California Building Code Chapter 7A), not all Chapter 7A building requirements that applied to structures within the VHFHSZ. In 2012, the City’s VHFHSZ (the only FHSZ designated in the City at the time) contained 38 parcels.
8 Group U agricultural buildings are classified by the following uses: livestock and poultry shelters or buildings, barns, equipment storage facilities, horticultural structures including greenhouses, sheds, grain silos, and stables.

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11 will begin training internal staff on the WUI code and will continue to support ongoing external stakeholder education as described in the public engagement section of this report.

Strategic Next Step #3: Adopt Chapter 5 of the WUI Code as-is, carry over any local amendments to the building code that have previously been adopted by the City, and make necessary conforming amendments to existing provisions of Title 15 (e.g., references to Chapter 7A of the building code and clarifying that all building hardening requirements of Chapter 5 are applicable Citywide.)
WUI Code - Chapter 6: Fire Protection Requirements: Vegetation Management, Landscape Plans, and Defensible Space
Chapter 6, Section 602 and 603 define how the City, as the local jurisdiction, will inspect and verify that private property owners have adequately mitigated fire hazards for new construction on parcels in VHFHSZs. Section 604 sets forth specific defensible space requirements in VHFHSZs. Maintaining defensible space consists of managing or removing vegetation and combustible materials in a buffer around a structure, which can slow or stop a wildfire approaching a structure and can provide a safe place for firefighters to defend the structure.

Chapter 6 Applicability
Staff would recommend clarifying in the adopting ordinance for the WUI code that Chapter 6 only applies to the VHFHSZ. The language of Chapter 6 could be construed as internally inconsistent otherwise.
9 However, staff’s position is that Chapter 6 only applies to the VHFHSZ because 1) Chapter 6 expressly imposes maintenance responsibilities only on properties within the VHFHSZ (see section 604.3), unless the local agency designates by ordinance some other area as a wildland-urban interface area, and 2) the defensible space regulations found in Government Code Section 51182 and Chapter 7 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations only apply to the VHFHSZ (see 14 C.C.R. 1270.02 et seq.).

Key Finding: Chapter 6 only applies to the VHFHSZ as described in the user notes in the beginning of the chapter, and as supported by other existing law such as Government Code 51182 and Section 1299.03 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.

Strategic Next Step #4: Include an amendment to WUI Code Chapter 6 that clarifies that its provisions only apply to parcels in VHFHSZs.

Fire Protection Plans (Section 602)
Chapter 6, Section 602 authorizes the code official to require a Fire Protection Plan for

9 For example, the User Notes state that “this chapter contains requirements for development and construction in Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as Very High Fire Hazard severity Zones…,” but section 601 of that Chapter states that “the provisions of this chapter establish general requirements for new and existing buildings, structures and premises located within wild-land-urban interface (WUI) areas,” where WUI areas are defined as all areas within a FHSZ.

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12 new construction projects in VHFHSZs. If required by the code official, a Final Fire Protection Plan must include the following information:
 Total size of the project, information on the adjoining properties, current land use, existing structures and densities, planned construction, natural vegetation, environmental restoration plans, roads, and parks.
 A map with all project boundary lines, slope contour lines, proposed structure footprints, roads and driveways. The map shall identify project fuel modification zones10, identification of irrigated and non-irrigated zones, and all proposed plants with specific information including the plant life-form; scientific and common name; and the expected height and width for mature growth.
 Requirements for vegetation reduction around emergency access and evacuation routes, and identification of access for equipment and personnel to maintain vegetation in common areas.
 Legally binding statements regarding community responsibility for maintenance of fuel modification zones, as well as legally binding statements to be included in covenants, conditions and restrictions regarding property owner responsibilities for vegetation maintenance.

Section 602 Applicability
Section 602 is applicable to new construction in VHFHSZs. As the code official, the Fire Chief has discretion to require a Fire Protection Plan for new construction projects in VHFHSZs. Because the required elements of a Fire Protection Plan are most applicable to subdivisions and larger scale developments (e.g. providing information about current land use, existing structures and densities, identifying and maintaining emergency access and evacuation routes, and identification of vegetation maintenance responsibilities related to covenants, conditions and restrictions (CCRs)), staff recommends only requiring Fire Protection Plans for large scale developments, such as subdivisions, seeking building permits in VHFHSZs.

Section 602 – Local Implementation
The City does not currently require a separate Fire Protection Plan as a building permit condition. However, nearly all of the mandatory elements of a Fire Protection Plan established by Section 602 are already required as part of the City’s plan review process for subdivisions and large-scale developments. By requiring Fire Protection Plans as described in Section 602 for future larger scale developments, the City would improve on its existing building permit process by bringing all of the information related to fire hazard mitigation into a single package, facilitating a more streamlined review.

Key Finding: Fire Protection Plans are an optional requirement, but if they are required by the code official, must include a prescriptive list of mandatory items. A majority of the mandatory Fire Protection Plan items set forth by Section 602 are only applicable to larger scale developments. In the City, these items are already required for subdivisions and larger developments during the plan review process.

10 Fuel modification, as defined by the WUI Code, is a method of modifying fuel load by reducing the amount of nonfire-smart vegetation or altering the type of vegetation to reduce the fuel load. The methods and requirements are different depending on the Defensible Space Zones.

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13 Strategic Next Step #5: Require new subdivisions and large developments11 to provide Fire Protection Plans as described in Section 602 of the WUI Code as part of the building permit process.

Vegetation Plan (Section 603)
Chapter 6, Section 603 states that all new plantings of vegetation in a VHFHSZ shall comply with the conditions set forth in Section 603, and that landscape plans shall be provided when required by the code official.

Landscape (vegetation) plans must show that new shrubs and new and existing trees comply with Section 603 regarding location and spacing, as summarized below:
 New fire-safe shrubs shall not exceed 6 feet in height, and if planted in groupings shall be limited to a combined diameter of 10-feet and be separated from other groupings by a minimum of 15 feet. Shrub groupings shall be separated from structures a minimum of 30 feet. Lastly, where shrubs are located below or within a tree’s drip line, the lowest tree branch shall be a minimum of three times the height of the understory shrubs or 10 feet, whichever is greater.  New fire-safe or existing trees located within 30-feet of a structure shall be planted and maintained so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 10-feet from a structure, so that the horizontal distance between crowns of new trees and crowns of adjacent trees shall not be less than 10-feet, and that existing trees maintain a minimum separation of 10-feet from chimney and stovepipe outlets.  New non-fire-smart trees shall be permitted, provided the tree is planted so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 30 feet from an applicable (nonexempt) structure and that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 10 feet from any combustible12 structure, and is well pruned and maintained.

Section 603 defines fire-smart vegetation13 as plants that have high moisture content and low resin or oil content, which makes them less likely to ignite and spread fire. Nonfiresmart vegetation has characteristics opposite to fire-safe vegetation and includes plants and trees such as conifers, palms, pepper trees, and eucalyptus species. These types of plants are not prohibited, but Chapter 6 provides strict standards as to how nonfire-smart vegetation is maintained and where it is located relate to structures.

Section 603 Applicability
Section 603 applies to new construction and new plantings of vegetation in VHFHSZs.

11 In this case, “large developments” refer to projects that may not require a subdivision, but would benefit from a Fire Protection Plan, such as a large commercial development, apartment complex, hotel, or business park development. 12 “Combustible” does not have a single fixed definition within the WUI Code or the Building Code. It is context-specific but “combustible” materials are generally materials that are readily ignitable by a spark or flame. 13 The code states that to be considered fire-smart vegetation, vegetation must meet one of the following: (a) be identified as fire-smart vegetation in an approved book, journal, or listing from an approved organization; (b) be identified as fire-smart vegetation by a licensed landscape architect with supporting justification; (c) plants considered fire-smart vegetation and approved by the local enforcing agency. Appendix F of the 2025 WUI Code provides further information on characteristics of fire-smart vegetation.

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14 Section 603 – Local Implementation
Per Chapter 6, the code official may specifically require a Vegetation Plan, also more commonly known as a Landscape Plan, for new landscaping within a VHFHSZ. While all building permits are currently required to show the location of existing trees on the site, the City does not currently require landscape plans for new structures that only require a building permit. However, under the City’s current regulations, a new structure that receives discretionary approval is required to provide a landscape plan.

Under the 2025 WUI code as published by the state, a landscape plan will be required for both discretionary and non-discretionary projects and will need to include both the proposed new vegetation and existing vegetation. Staff recommends adjusting the City’s current building permit process to require a landscape/vegetation plan for projects that include new landscaping in VHFHSZs, including information about vegetation maintenance, as having this information during the building permit review process allows for any changes to be made on paper rather than after construction or landscaping is initiated. Staff do not recommend requiring a Vegetation Plan for all new landscape plantings on properties within a VHFHSZ unless it would otherwise be required as part of a discretionary or non-discretionary permit process, such as a building permit.

Key Finding: Section 603 sets forth detailed requirements for Vegetation Plans, which can be used by the City to verify compliance with Section 603 and the WUI code more broadly. As verification of the defensible space elements described above will be required for final sign-off of a building permit in a VHFHSZ, requiring landscape/vegetation plans as a condition of a building permit in a VHFHSZ will likely make development (and final occupancy) in these areas more efficient for both City staff and permit applicants/developers by ensuring compliance with the state’s requirements under the WUI Code.

Key Finding: All new plantings in the VHFHSZ will need to comply with the conditions outlined in Section 603, regardless of whether the new plantings are associated with a development and required to be reviewed by the City or not. If new plantings are installed that do not need review by the City prior to installation and do not comply with the conditions in Section 603, the property owner may be subject to enforcement for noncompliance on a complaint basis. Additional detail about the staff’s recommendation for inspection and compliance of the WUI code can be found later in the report under the header “Section 604 – Local Implementation”.

Strategic Next Step #6: Require a Landscape Plan for all new landscaping associated with a project that requires a building permit within a VHFHSZ.

Maintenance of Defensible Space (Section 604)
Chapter 6, Section 604 states that hazardous vegetation and fuels shall be managed to reduce the severity of potential exterior wildfire exposure to buildings and structures, and to reduce the risk of fire spreading to buildings. Section 604 requires that defensible space—defined as “the buffer that landowners are required to create on their property between a “Building or Structure” and the plants, brush and trees or other items

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15 surrounding the “Building or Structure” that could ignite in the event of a fire”—be managed around all buildings and structures located in VHFHSZs.

Section 604.3 requires that defensible space be maintained in accordance with state codes and regulations, including Government Code Section 51182 and Section 1299.03 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, which provide zone-specific guidance for areas surrounding a structure. The latest draft regulations to implement Government Code section 51182, published by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection on September 22, 2025, introduces an additional zone—Zone 014. As the WUI Code references and requires compliance with Section 1299.03, by adopting the WUI Code, the City will also adopt, by reference, the Zone 0 requirements as issued by the state (including any future amendments). The Zone 0 requirements are anticipated to take effect on January 1, 2026, for new structures, and on January 1, 2029, for existing structures.

The draft Zone 0 defensible space requirements are summarized as follows:
 Zone 0 (0 - 5 feet from structure):

1. Remove all grass, ornamental or native plants, shrubs, fallen leaves and tree needles, weeds, and combustible mulches including bark and woodchips, with the exception of potted plants under certain conditions15.

2. Maintain trees so there are no dead or dying branches, and all live branches are 5 feet above the building’s roof, 10 feet away from chimneys and stovepipe outlets, and 5 feet away from the sides of any building.

3. Remove combustible items (e.g. combustible boards, timbers, firewood, synthetic lawn, attached window boxes, trellises).

4. Remove all dead and dying plants, weeds, and debris from the roof, gutter, deck, porch, stairways, and under any areas of the building.

5. Replace combustible fencing, gates, and arbors attached to the home with noncombustible alternatives within 5-feet of the building.

6. Outbuildings are not permitted.

Zone 1 and 2 requirements already exist (as codified in Section 1299.03 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations) and apply to properties located within the VHFHSZ.

These requirements, as proposed for amendment by the Board of Foresty along with adoption of the new Zone Zero requirements, are as follows:

14 In 2021, the California legislature introduced the idea of a “Zone 0,” which refers specifically to the area between zero and five feet around a structure, also referred to as the “ember resistant zone.” In 2021, the legislature directed the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (the “Board”) to issue “Zone 0” regulations. In 2025, the Board released draft Zone 0 regulations. These regulations are expected to take effect for new structures on January 1, 2026, and, for existing structures, on January 1, 2029 (Govt. Code 51182(c)(2), 51186(b)(2)). Until 2021, defensible space requirements only included two “zones,” Zone 1 and Zone 2, which referred to the first 30 feet around a structure, and the area between 30 and 100 feet from a structure, respectively. 15 Plants in pots are allowable if they are in areas that are not directly beneath, above, or in front of a window, glass door, or vent; are kept in an unaffixed, not combustible pot or container that is no larger than five (5) gallon capacity; and set apart by one and a half (1.5) times the height of the plant or twelve inches (12”), whichever is greater, from the structure and each other. These plants shall be no greater than 18 inches in height. Dead or dying material on the plants shall be removed.

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16  Zone 1 (5 - 30 feet from structure and deck, or to property line)

1. Clear all dead or dying plants, grass, shrubs, trees, branches, and weeds.

2. Move all firewood and wood piles to Zone 2.

3. Ensure outbuildings and LPG tanks have 10 feet of clear space to bare soil and no flammable vegetation within an additional 10 feet around them.  Zone 2 (30 - 100 feet from structure, or to property line)

1. Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of four inches.

2. Create horizontal space between shrubs and trees. (See Figure 2)

3. Create vertical space between grass, shrubs and trees. (See Figure 2)

4. Remove fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches.

However, they may be permitted to a depth of three inches.

5. Keep 10 feet of clearance around exposed wood piles, down to bare mineral soil, in all directions.

6. Clear areas around outbuildings and propane tanks. Keep 10 feet of clearance to bare mineral soil and no flammable vegetation for an additional 10 feet around their exterior.

Below, Figure 1 visually displays Defensible Space Zones 0, 1, and 2. The houses displayed in Figure 1 are compliant with the forthcoming Zone 0 regulations. Figure 2 shows the horizontal and vertical space clearance requirements for vegetation in Zone 2.

Figure 1: Defensible Space Zones
Source: California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection

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17 Figure 2: Zone 2 Vertical and Horizontal Vegetation Spacing Source: California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Section 604 Applicability
Defensible space requirements set forth by Chapter 6 Section 604, including forthcoming “Zone Zero” requirements from the State Board of Forestry, will apply to all parcels including both new and existing structures in VHFHSZs16. In the City of San Luis Obispo

16 Government Code § 51183 and 51184 clarify that certain building types and areas within a VHFHSZ are exempt from the defensible space requirements. Under Section 51183, the City may exempt from the defensible space requirements structures with exteriors constructed entirely of nonflammable materials. Section 51184 clarifies that certain open spaces preserved for environmental, habitat, or species protection are not subject to the defensible space requirements of Section 51182.

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18 this includes 2,520 acres and 2,845 parcels in VHFHSZs, as designated in the 2025 FHSZ maps.

Section 604 – Local Implementation
The City is required to notify property owners within the VHFHSZ of the requirements within Government Code 51182. In late September, staff sent out a postcard to all affected property owners with information on defensible space requirements, the new rules that are anticipated to become effective January 1, 2026, and emergency preparedness information. The City has also updated its wildfire preparedness website with requirements for each zone, as well as evacuation information, the community wildfire protection plan, and other critical information.

Fire Department staff also intend to host in-person workshops after implementation of the Zone Zero regulations designed to educate homeowners, general contractors, landscape contractors, arborists, and landscape architects on defensible space requirements. These sessions will be recorded and made available for virtual training as well. City staff have developed a comprehensive communications plan that includes key seasonal messages, such as spring preparation and red flag warnings. Staff’s outreach efforts will utilize social media, newsletters, town hall meetings, and local media, as well as flyers, checklists, and before-and-after visuals to promote fuel reduction. Fire Department staff also intend to assist communities within the City in obtaining a Firewise USA Community designation (discussed further below) and hold workshops for landscape contractors to train them in best practices.

Given the significant expansion of the VHFHSZ areas (and, therefore, of defensible space requirements) within the City, staff’s intention is to lead with education and support for voluntary compliance. Neither the WUI code nor the Government Code mandates any particular inspection protocol, but Government Code 51186 does require the City to notify property owners who are in violation of the defensible space requirements of Government Code 51182 and authorizes (but does not mandate) the City to correct the violations at the property owner’s expense.

Staff recommends pursuing administrative enforcement of the WUI code where enforcement steps become necessary. Chapter 6 of the WUI Code mandates compliance with the defensible space requirements of Government Code § 51182 and Section 1299.03 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (which includes [or will include] the specific requirements for each “Zone,” as discussed above). This covers all applicable defensible space requirements that a property owner within the VHFHSZ will be expected to comply with. The City will be authorized to administratively enforce violations of the Building, Fire, and WUI Code, once adopted and codified by reference in Title 15 of the SLO Municipal Code. The City can, in its adoption of the WUI Code, make explicit that violations thereof are citable as violations of the municipal code. Administrative enforcement involves issuing Notices of Violation/Notices to Correct and, if necessary, administrative citations and fines.

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19 Key Finding: Adoption of the WUI Code as-is will give property owners within the VHFHSZ sufficient clarity about what is required of them without additional amendments to or modification to the code language. Adoption of the WUI Code will also give the City the tools it needs to educate the community and, if necessary, enforce violations as the community adjusts to the drastically expanded applicability of these defensible space requirements.

Strategic Next Step #7: Include an amendment clarifying that the City will enforce Chapter 6 of the WUI Code (including referenced defensible space requirements) administratively pursuant to Administrative Code Enforcement Procedures of the City’s Municipal Code (Chapter 1.24).

As noted above, neither the Government Code nor the WUI Code mandate any particular type of defensible space inspection. However, the City is required to “notify” property owners in the VHFHSZ of violations of the defensible space requirements of Government Code 51182. The City may either proceed with this notification via a complaintbased/reactive inspection program (as is typical with other code enforcement activities), a proactive/mandatory inspection program, a voluntary/self-refer inspection program, and/or inspections upon sale of real property.
 Complaint-based (“reactive”): Under this system, the Fire Department would respond to complaints received by community members of violations of defensible space. Inspections could proceed under the existing administrative procedures of Chapter 1.24 and/or the Fire Code (as adopted by the City). The Fire Department would have the discretion to notify the property owner of the violation and educate them of the defensible space requirements, or to escalate enforcement (e.g., Notices of Violation and administrative citations) if necessary.  Mandatory (“proactive”): A proactive inspection program would require regular fire inspections for all properties within the VHFHSZ to ensure compliance with applicable defensible space requirements. Staff is not recommending a mandatory inspection program at this time.
 Voluntary: A voluntary inspection program would allow property owners to request inspections of their own properties. Each Defensible Space Inspection would be customized to meet the specific needs of the homeowner seeking guidance. At this time, the Fire Department is prepared to offer a fee-based voluntary inspection program. Staff have identified the Supplemental Fire Inspection fee (currently $282.34) as an applicable existing fee that can cover the staffing resources required for a Voluntary Inspection Program. Staff will monitor the cost of offering voluntary inspections and will recommend adjustments to the fee if and when necessary. The Fire Department was recently awarded a FEMA Fire Protection and Safety Grant to support these inspections by training current staff, supporting two additional interns, and providing necessary equipment to cover the initial stages of an inspection program (discussed further in the Fiscal Impact section below.) Staff will continue to pursue external funding to support, and hopefully subsidize the inspection costs for property owners.

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20  Inspections upon sale: California Assembly Bill 38 (2021) (“AB 38”) authorizes local jurisdictions to require sellers of single-family residential properties within a VHFHSZ to obtain documentation, upon sale, that the property is in compliance with the jurisdiction’s defensible space requirements. If the City required this documentation, the City would also likely need to offer the “AB 38 inspections” in order for sellers to provide this documentation. As the City does not, by ordinance, require this compliance documentation, the City does not need to conduct AB 38 inspections at this time. If the City chooses to adopt a local Vegetation Management Ordinance (commonly known as a Defensible Space Ordinance), then the City may need to provide AB 38 inspections. AB 38 does not directly address whether fire agencies may charge a fee to the property owner/seller to offset the cost of defensible space inspections. However, multiple agencies have adopted AB 38 defensible space inspection fees, including the City of Murrieta, Los Angeles County, Woodside Fire Protection District, and the City of Berkeley (reinspection only.) The City does not currently have an AB 38 inspection fee established.

Key Finding: Staff recommend pursuing a complaint-based or reactive inspection program, as is typical with other code enforcement activities in the City. This approach will enable staff to prioritize limited resources on community education in the near term, and on supporting a voluntary, fee-for-service based inspection program. Additionally, as the City does not currently have a Defensible Space Ordinance, the City is not currently obligated to provide AB 38 inspections at this time.

Strategic Next Step #8: Enforce state-adopted defensible space requirements in the VHFHSZ using a complaint-based/reactive method, with an initial objective of education.

Strategic Next Step #9: The Fire Department will offer a fee-based voluntary inspection program and will continue to seek external funding that would allow the City to subsidize the cost of voluntary inspections for property owners.

Strategic Next Step #10: Do not perform AB 38 inspections upon the sale of real property in Very High or High FHSZs at this time.

Other requirements of Chapter 6 (Sections 605 – 612)
Chapter 6 also includes various other fire protection requirements related to spark arrestors (Section 605)17, liquified petroleum gas (Section 606)18, storage of firewood and other combustible materials (Section 607)19, building siting and setbacks (Section 608)20,

17 Spark Arrestors are required for chimneys that utilize solid or liquid fuel. 18 Liquified Petroleum Gas containers and tanks shall be located within defensible space only in accordance with the California Fire Code and have a minimum clearance of 10 feet from fire-safe vegetation. 19 Storage of Firewood and other Combustible Materials either needs to be located within an enclosed structure or completely covered by fire-resistant material or located 30 feet from any structure. 20 Due to the urban nature of the City, most of the properties located within the VHFSZ qualify for reductions from Building Siting and Setbacks, as long as the property includes alternative methods to reduce structure-to-structure ignition by incorporating protective features such as, but not limited to: (1) Noncombustible block walls or fences; or (2) Noncombustible material extending 5 feet from the furthest extent of the building; or (3) Hardscape landscaping;

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21 ridgelines and fuel breaks (Section 609)21, Fire Safe Development Regulations (Section 610)22, Subdivision Review Surveys (Section 611)23, and General Plan Safety Elements (Section 612)24. These provisions do not represent new regulations but are carried over from Chapter 49 of the 2022 Fire Code. These sections apply only in the VHFHSZ.

Sections 605, 606, 607, 609 and 611 apply to both existing buildings and subdivisions and new construction in VHFHSZs. Sections 608 and 610 apply only to new construction in VHFHSZs. Section 612 applies to the General Plan for entire City.

Sections 605 - 612 – Local Implementation
As these sections of Chapter 6 are carried over by the 2022 Fire Code, no further action is needed at this time to implement them locally.

Potential Local Amendments to the State WUI Code
The above discussion describes how the substantive components of the WUI Code would apply if the City adopted it as-is; that is, without any amendments or adoption of optional appendices. The following section provides alternatives available to the City. Staff do not currently recommend proceeding with any of these alternatives. Alternatives include:
 Alternative 1: Adopt More Restrictive Building Standards. The City may adopt “more restrictive building standards reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.” The City has already evaluated and amended prior iterations of the California Building Code and adopted additional building standards as a “Community at Risk,” as discussed above.

Those standards will now apply throughout the City and staff believe this is sufficiently protective in light of the City’s climatic, geological, and topographical conditions.25

or (4) A reduction of exposed windows on the side of the structure with setback less than 30 feet; or (5) The most protective requirements in Chapter 5 of the WUI code.
21 The City is required to assess and enforce, if necessary, ridgelines and fuel breaks (as those terms are defined in the WUI Code)
22 Fire Safe Development Regulations shall be applied to all residential, commercial and industrial building construction located within the VHFSZ as specified in Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2. 23 The California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection shall complete a Subdivision Review Survey within the VHFSZ to identify existing subdivisions without a secondary egress route that are at significant fire risk and provide recommendations to the City to improve the subdivision’s fire safety. Currently, the State Fire Marshals' Office is working with SLO Fire Department inspectors to identify Subdivisions within the VHFHSZ with only one access route.

The State Fire Marshals' office is expected to have reviewed these subdivisions through their GIS program and then confer with SLO Fire in January 2026. Once all subdivisions are appropriately identified, another individual from the State Fire Marshals' office will do a site visit in the coming months to provide recommendations to the City. This process is expected to take approximately three to four months in total. 24 The General Plan Safety Element is to be reviewed and updated as necessary to address the risk of fire within VHFSZ and submitted to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and local fire agencies for review.

Recommendations from the Board or local agencies shall be considered by the City, prior to adoption of any updates / amendments to the Element.
25 State law allows the City to adopt standards more restrictive than the California Building Code across multiple code areas. As an example, the City has historically adopted more restrictive standards for building energy use. As discussed at the July 15, 2025 study session on this topic, staff anticipates proposing several energy efficiency standards that are more restrictive than the state code as part of the 2025 California Building Code update, which will be presented for Council’s consideration later this year.

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22  Alternative 2: Expand Designated WUI Areas. The City may designate additional areas as “WUI areas,” expanding the scope of the WUI Code’s substantive provisions. This is because “wildland-urban interface area” is defined in the WUI code as “a geographical area identified by the state as a ‘Fire Hazard Severity Zone’ in accordance with…Government Code Sections 51175 through 51189, and other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires.” The WUI area already includes all FHSZs but could include additional areas if identified and adopted by the City. Staff is not recommending the expansion of the WUI area at this time. The 2025 state fire maps exponentially expanded the FHSZ areas within the City covered by an FHSZ – as such, the WUI area now covers 64% of the total City acreage. However, because Chapter 5’s building hardening requirements apply throughout the City (because of the Community at Risk designation) and Chapter 6’s defensible space regulations apply to only the VHFHSZ, expanding the WUI area would only expand the applicability of fire access and water supply standards of Chapter 4.  Alternative 3: Adopt Supplemental Fire Protection Measures (Appendix A of the WUI Code). The City may adopt the optional Appendix A of the WUI Code to provide fire protection measures supplemental to those found in Chapter 6.

Appendix A includes detailed requirements for vegetation control; authority for the code official to close wildland-interface areas in times of high fire danger; control of outdoor fires, fireworks usage and other sources of ignition; storage of hazardous materials and combustibles, hazardous waste dumping; disposal of ashes and coals in wildland-urban interface areas; protection of pumps and water supplies; and prohibitions on temporary uses (e.g., fairs, carnivals, and temporary exhibitions) within the wildland-urban interface areas without a permit from the Fire Chief. Staff does not recommend adopting Appendix A at this time. In some cases, this is because the City’s current regulations cover the contents of Appendix A (e.g., the City’s Municipal Code allows for closing open space access during high fire hazard times). Additionally, the regulatory requirements set forth by the new FHSZ map and WUI Code already present significant financial burdens for community members and capacity constraints for the City. However, staff plan to reevaluate the potential value of Appendix A over time.  Alternative 4: Adopt State established Vegetation Management Plan Requirements (Appendix B of the WUI Code). The City may adopt the optional Appendix B to provide state established criteria for Vegetation Management Plans.

If Fire Protection Plans are required by a code official for large new developments in VHFHSZs (see Strategic Next Step #5), Vegetation Management Plans are a required component of Final Fire Protection Plans and would describe how a property owner will maintain proposed landscape in compliance with regulations over time. Staff do not recommend adopting Appendix B, which would unnecessarily create a “one size fits all” prescription for vegetation management plans for all types of buildings and projects, whether commercial or residential and regardless of other unique and relevant factors. Instead, Community Development and Fire Department staff recommend developing City-specific guidance for permit applicants on how to best demonstrate their plans for ongoing maintenance of defensible space when a vegetation management plan is required as part of the

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23 building permit process. This will allow requirements to be tailored to the unique needs of various types of properties and projects and ensure that the plans are effective but not overly burdensome. Community Development and Fire Department staff will develop this guidance prior to January 1, 2026, and it will be provided to applicants during the building permit process.

Key Finding: Each substantive chapter of the WUI Code will require adjustments to how City staff, applicants, and property owners evaluate and develop properties located within the applicable zones (or, in the case of building hardening requirements, citywide).

Complying with the “as-is” requirements of the WUI Code, without additional local amendments, will require significant changes that will help ensure that the community is taking the necessary steps to prepare for and mitigate the risks and effects of wildfires.

In order to ensure proper implementation of new requirements given current resources, the City should adopt the WUI Code without additional local amendments.

Strategic Next Step #11: Adopt the WUI Code without substantive local amendments to its requirements.

Strategic Next Step #12: Community Development Department and Fire Department staff will develop guidance and requirements for vegetation management plans as part of the building permit application process, to be available by January 1, 2026.

Other Considerations
The WUI Code and the FHSZ maps have wide reaching effects. This section identifies several topical areas that will be affected by adoption of these items, including risk mitigation, real estate disclosures, and city policies.

Risk Mitigation & Insurance
Much of the public inquiry received by the Fire Department has been related to what property owners can do to make sure they retain their fire insurance. There is no particular set of requirements the City could impose that would guarantee retention of fire protection coverage. Staff encourage property owners to contact their insurance companies directly, since wildfire coverage and/or discounts may require fire protection measures beyond those required under the WUI Code or Government Code § 51182.

According to the California Department of Insurance, there are certain actions under the Safer from Wildfires program that can qualify property owners for insurance discounts.

Property owners are encouraged to visit the CA Department of Insurance’s Safer from Wildfires webpage for a complete list of action items and more information. Some of these actions include:
 Class-A fire rated roof
 5-foot ember resistant zone, including fencing
 Ember- and fire-resistant vents
 Enclosed eaves

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24  Upgraded windows
 Defensible space compliance
Additionally, community-level mitigation designation (such as Firewise USA designation by the National Fire Protection Association or Fire Risk Reduction Community designation by the California Board of Forestry) is a mandatory factor insurers must consider in their wildfire risk models. Firewise communities learn about wildfire risks and are provided with additional resources to ensure their community is assessed adequately for vulnerabilities.

Firewise communities are self-sufficient and draw very few resources from City employees. Firewise communities also have special access and priority to funding and grant assistance programs for fuel mitigation and wildfire safety26. There are currently no Firewise USA communities within the City27.

The City of San Luis Obispo applied for and received recognition on the Fire Risk Reduction Community List in 2024 and will be reapplying this fall for designation in 2026.

This designation is given to cities with VHFHSZs that meet best practices for local fire planning. Fire Risk Reduction Communities are prioritized for Cal Fire wildfire prevention grants. Additionally, insurance companies are required to consider a community’s designation as a Fire Risk Reduction Community, which may result in maintained coverage or possible insurance discounts.

Real Estate Disclosures
As discussed above, the 2025 FHSZ maps dramatically increased the number of parcels within High and VHFHSZs. As a result, many additional property owners within the City will be required under existing state law to make certain disclosures upon transfer of real property. Persons selling property within a VHFHSZ are required to disclose to any prospective purchaser that the property is located within a VHFHSZ and subject to the requirements of Government Code section 51182 (Government Code § 51183.5.).

Persons selling single-family residential property with a High or VHFHSZ that was built before 2010 must disclose that the property is in a High or VHFHSZ (whichever applies), along with a list of low-cost home hardening retrofits and disclosure of features of the home (if any) that make the home particularly susceptible to wildfire. See Civil Code section 1102.6f for complete details of the required disclosure. These disclosure requirements apply as a result of existing state law and do not require any additional action from the City.

Other City Policy Implications
General Plan
Adoption of the updated FHSZ map and WUI Code will require amending the General Plan and also expands the applicability of existing General Plan policies as follows:

26 Firewise communities that are USAA members in California may also get discounts on homeowner insurance by being recognized as a Firewise USA site. For information on how to become a fire-wise community, residents should visit the CalFire Firewise Communities website.
27 The closest Firewise community is San Luis Bay Estates in Avila Beach. See all Firewise USA communities here.

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25  General Plan Amendment: Pursuant to Government Code 65302(g)(3), the City must update its Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan in light of the expanded designation of VHFHSZs. There is no mandated timeline for this update; however, the City must submit a draft update to the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection at least 90 days prior to adoption and to the California Geological Survey of the Department of Conservation (“Geological Survey”) at least 45 days prior to adoption. The Geological Survey and the Board of Forestry may recommend changes which the City Council must consider and respond to in accordance with Government Code 65302.5.
 Subdivision Policy: The Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the City’s General Plan, Policy FI-5.2 (summarized in the Policy Context above), currently prohibits subdivision within VHFHSZs. Under this policy, any project that includes a subdivision within a VHFHSZ would be required submit an application for a General Plan amendment for the City’s consideration. The adoption of the updated FHSZ map substantially increased the number of parcels that are subject to this policy.
 Specific Plan Impacts: With the adoption of the updated FHSZ map, the majority of the Froom Ranch Specific Plan area is now designated VHFHSZ, thereby prohibiting development as previously contemplated in the Plan. A Specific Plan amendment, and corresponding General Plan Climate Adaptation and Safety Element amendment, would be needed to allow previously contemplated development in the VHFHSZ areas of Froom Ranch Specific Plan. Staff is currently working with the applicant on this identified issue.28
Key Finding: The Climate Adaptation and Safety Element must be updated under state law to reflect the new FHSZs and will require revision if the City intends to allow subdivisions within the VHFHSZ. The Froom Ranch Specific Plan will require revision if the City intends to allow development within VHFHSZs in the Froom Ranch Specific Plan area.

Strategic Next Step #13: Amend the Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan as required by Government Code section 65302 to reflect the updated FHSZ maps.

28 The Froom Ranch Specific Plan, Policy 7.4.1, states that “Development will not occur in the Local Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.” In 2020, at the time of the Froom Ranch Specific Plan adoption, only 13 acres of the Froom Ranch site within the upper western terrace near the Irish Hills Natural Reserve were designated VHFHSZ, with the remaining 102 acres designated Moderate FHSZ. All development was designed to avoid higher elevation areas of VHFHSZ, as analyzed in the Froom Ranch Environmental Impact Report, and an Open Space Easement has since been recorded for this area. Upon adoption of the updated FHSZ Maps in June 2025 as discussed above, the majority of the Froom Ranch Specific Plan area is now designated VHFHSZ, thereby prohibiting development as previously contemplated. Future development in a VHFHSZ with the Froom Ranch Specific Plan area will require an application for a Specific Plan amendment for the City’s consideration.

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26 Strategic Next Step #14: Agendize a study session to reevaluate the prohibition on subdivisions within the VHFHSZ and discuss possible amendments to the Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan29.

Tree Ordinance
While staff have not identified any direct conflicts between the Tree Ordinance and the new WUI Code requirements, staff is assessing the Tree Ordinance in order to determine what changes may be necessary to address any policies, requirements, or provisions that may act as a barrier to encouraging fire safety. Staff intends to recommend to Council a code revision that clarifies the tree removal process that would apply if a tree must be removed in order to comply with the WUI code and Government Code § 51182. This may be a standalone amendment to the Tree Ordinance or part of a comprehensive update to that Ordinance. Staff have set a goal of completing the amendments by early 2026.

Key Finding: The City’s Tree Ordinance is not directly inconsistent with the WUI Code, but tree removals necessary for WUI Code compliance could be streamlined to reduce the burden on property owners.

Strategic Next Step #15. Amend the Tree Ordinance to clarify the tree removal process for trees that must be removed under the WUI code.

NEXT STEPS
Staff requests that the Council review the Strategic Next Steps (replicated below) and direct staff to move forward with those recommendations as presented or as modified by the Council. Staff will return to Council in November to introduce adoption of the California Building Code (including the WUI Code) for final adoption in December and implementation in January 2026. Once the state finalizes the “Zone Zero” regulations, those regulations will be codified into state law and incorporated as defensible space requirements enforceable through the WUI Code. Once finalized, the “Zone Zero” requirements will take effect immediately for new construction, but existing structures will have three years from the date of adoption to comply with the requirements. Staff will develop and implement a communication strategy to inform the public of the new Zone Zero regulations, once they are finalized by the state.

Strategic Next Steps:

1. Revise the definition of “Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area” within Chapter 15.04 of the City’s municipal code to conform to the definitions provided by state law to include all FHSZs.

2. Include any necessary updates related to Chapter 4 of the WUI code in the City’s upcoming engineering standards update.

29 While Specific Plan changes will be necessary to accommodate the development of the Froom Ranch Specific Plan area, staff recommends considering this item upon request of the property owner, consistent with the discussions that staff and the property owner have had thus far.

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27 3. Adopt Chapter 5 of the WUI Code as-is, carry over any local amendments to the building code that have previously been adopted by the City, and make necessary conforming amendments to existing provisions of Title 15 (e.g., references to Chapter 7A of the building code and clarifying that all building hardening requirements of Chapter 5 are applicable Citywide.)

4. Include an amendment to WUI Code Chapter 6 that clarifies that its provisions only apply to parcels in VHFHSZs.

5. Require new subdivision and large developments (as defined in Footnote 11) to provide Fire Protection Plans as described in Section 602 of the WUI Code as part of the building permit process.

6. Require a Landscape Plan for all new landscaping associated with a project that requires a building permit within a VHFHSZ.

7. Include an amendment clarifying that the City will enforce Chapter 6 of the WUI Code (including referenced defensible space requirements) administratively pursuant to Administrative Code Enforcement Procedures of the City’s Municipal Code (Chapter 1.24).

8. Enforce state-adopted defensible space requirements in the VHFHSZ using a complaint-based/reactive method, with an initial objective of education.

9. The Fire Department will offer a fee-based voluntary inspection program and will continue to seek external funding that would allow the City to subsidize the cost of voluntary inspections for property owners.

10.Do not perform AB 38 inspections upon the sale of real property in Very High or High FHSZs at this time.

11.Adopt the WUI Code without substantive local amendments to its requirements.

12.Develop guidance and requirements for vegetation management plans as part of the building permit application process, to be available by January 1, 2026.

13.Amend the Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan as required by Government Code Section 65302 to reflect the updated FHSZ maps.

14.Agendize a study session to reevaluate the prohibition on subdivisions within the VHFHSZ and discuss possible amendments to the Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan.

15.Amend the Tree Ordinance to clarify the tree removal process for trees that must be removed under the WUI code.

PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
 June 17, 2025 - Council adopted Ordinance No. 1748 (2025 Series), which codified the updated wildfire maps and designated Moderate, High, and Very High FHSZs within the City. Council also directed staff to return with a study session on the topic ahead of the 2025 Building Standards Code Update. This adoption date follows the first reading of the ordinance, which occurred on June 3, 2025.  January 17, 2023 – Council adopted the Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan, which established wildfire and WUI policies and programs as described in the report.
 March 6, 2012 – Council adopted Resolution No. 10337 (2012 Series), which updated the General Plan to include new wildfire related maps and policies, and

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28 introduced Ordinance No. 1575 (2012 Series), which applied certain fire prevention standards via the building code to structures not within the VHFHSZ.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
The City engaged the community in Spring 2025 when CALFIRE released the draft Fire Hazard Severity Zones. This included public information sessions, e-notifications, a topic on Open City Hall seeking public input, social media posts, a Study Session with Council, public hearings, and more. This resulted in a significant amount of community engagement. In fact, the e-notification announcing adoption had more opens than any other email communication sent to subscribers during the summer months, and the Open City Hall topic had 180 visitors and 44 responses, which equates to about 2.2 hours of public comment at 3 minutes per response. The input provided staff with a better understanding of community concerns about how the new Fire Hazard Severity Zones would affect everything from split parcels to future affordability, including insurance and the work required to comply with defensible space and home hardening regulations. The feedback also demonstrated that the community has high expectations for information around the state and local requirements and expectations of property owners.

Leading up to October 2025, the City of San Luis Obispo launched a public information effort to raise awareness of this study session discussion among interested and impacted community members. This included a postcard that was mailed directly to addresses located in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, dedicated information on the City’s website, mentions in various social media posts from the Fire Department and the main City Government accounts, a news release to encourage local media coverage, enotifications to interested community members, direct email communications from the Fire Department to interested and impacted community members, printed flyers, and more.

On September 24, 2025, the Fire Department was approved for award of a Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant through FEMA to support community-level wildfire preparedness outreach and education. Fire Department staff will return to Council on October 21, 2025, for authorization to accept the award in the amount of $57,671.42.

Following the study session, the City will launch a public information effort based on the City’s Public Engagement and Noticing Manual to help property owners understand and comply with new and existing statewide requirements for defensible space and home hardening in recently adopted FHSZs, based on the new WUI Code. The public information plan will focus on ensuring that homeowners, business owners, and community partners clearly understand their responsibilities under the State’s WUI Code, including the new Zone Zero regulations once they are finalized by the state. Public outreach tools will include digital communications, direct mail, print materials, events and informational meetings, media and advertising, and outreach through trusted communitybased organizations and industry partners.

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29 CONCURRENCE
This report has been prepared by staff from the Fire, Utilities, Community Development, Public Works, Administration, and City Attorney departments, and they concur with the information and recommendations presented in this report.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The recommended action (to receive a presentation and conduct a study session) is not subject to environmental review because it is not a “project” under CEQA Guidelines 15378. Adoption of the WUI Code, including permissible amendments, would be statutorily exempt from CEQA under Public Resources Code §21080.49 (wildlife risk reduction projects).

FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2025-26
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:

Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $0 $ $
State
Federal
Fees
Other:

Total $0 $ $ $
There is no net fiscal impact associated with receiving and filing the report. However, there will be costs associated with implementing the changes required by State law. The exact costs are unknown at this time but include staff time to develop and carry out new processes and procedures, complete training related to the new codes, and conduct outreach and education to the public about the changes.

The changes to the development review process (such as building permit review) may result in additional time required to review building permits to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Because staff are recommending that new construction projects in VHFHSZs that include landscaping (estimated at 25-40 applicable projects per year) include landscape plans, the City will need to allocate staff time and resources to review these plans and to evaluate compliance as part of the final inspection. Additionally, the Fire Department will provide final inspections on these permits, which would be subject to the City’s existing $329.04 fee for Supplemental Plan Review to recoup the cost of staff time. This fee is adjusted each July 1, by the annual change to CPI, in accordance with Section 2 – User Fee Cost Recovery Goals of the Council-adopted Fiscal Policies. By

Item 8a
30 policy, staff is to review all user and regulatory fees every three years as a part of Citywide fee studies, to ensure that fees are set at a level to recover the cost of providing various services.

Existing staffing resources are sufficient to provide complaint-based inspections. If noncompliant property owners do not comply with the law in the stipulated time frame, they would be cited and fined as per the administrative citation process.

For voluntary inspections, staff have identified the Supplemental Fire Inspection fee30 as an applicable existing fee that can cover the staffing resources required for a Voluntary Inspection Program. The Fire Department is also actively seeking outside funding to support such a program.

ALTERNATIVES
Council may choose to provide direction to staff to modify any of the Strategic Next Steps identified in the report. The Strategic Next Steps reflect staff’s recommendations as supported by the discussion and the Key Findings in the report. Council may choose to modify any of the recommendations related to adoption of the WUI Code. Staff will incorporate Council’s direction when returning in November to introduce an Ordinance adopting the Building Standards Code (including the WUI Code). Council may also modify any of the Strategic Next Steps related to the implementation of the WUI Code or to the impacts of the WUI Code on existing City policies, including the Climate Adaptation and Safety Element, the Safety Element, and the Tree Ordinance. The Safety Element of the General Plan must be updated to reflect the new FHSZ maps, but the Government Code does not require this to be done by any particular deadline.

Council may direct staff to adopt local amendments to the WUI Code and/or adopt optional appendices. These options are discussed on pages 20-22 of this report. Staff recommend that adoption of the WUI Code as-is would provide the community sufficiently clear and protective guidelines. However, if Council directs staff to adopt local amendments and/or optional WUI Code appendices, that direction will be reflected when staff returns in November to introduce an Ordinance adopting the Building Standards Code (including the WUI Code).

30 If staff finds that these inspections are consistently greater than the 1.5 hours contemplated by the Supplemental Fire Inspection fee, the fee may need to be revisited.