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Council introduces Title 17 amendment to allow public-safety features on city projects, clearing way for parking-structure netting
Summary
Council introduced an ordinance amending Title 17 to clarify the applicability of city zoning and to exempt certain public-safety features on city projects — such as overhead safety netting on parking structures — from otherwise applicable zoning restrictions; the measure passed unanimously on first reading.
The City Council on Oct. 21 introduced an ordinance to amend Title 17 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code to clarify how zoning regulations apply to public projects and to exempt specified "public safety features" from otherwise applicable zoning limitations for city-owned projects.
Why it matters: City staff said a narrow change is needed because some safety elements the city must add to its own facilities — for example, safety netting above parking-structure tops to prevent falls or to deter unsafe behavior — currently would exceed height or fence standards in the zoning code. Under the proposed amendment, specified safety features related to public health and safety for city projects would be exempt from select zoning restrictions so the city can add them without a lengthy re-review or variance process.
Staff presentation: Community Development staff explained the change will not exempt new buildings from zoning but will allow limited safety devices and attachments (a defined list) when essential to protect public health and safety. The amendment also clarifies that the zoning code applies to all properties in city limits and to properties subject to annexation/subdivision applications, removing ambiguity about the code’s applicability.
Council action: The council introduced the ordinance on first reading by unanimous vote and directed staff to return with the final ordinance for adoption. Public comment included remarks from the Jodrey family, who have advocated for parking-structure safety after a fatal fall that occurred in 2019; the family urged timely adoption of the safety tools the amendment would permit.
Next steps: The ordinance will return for formal adoption after required notice for a second reading. Individual projects will still require separate environmental review as applicable and all projects must still meet building, fire and other safety regulations; the zoning amendment only clarifies applicability and provides an exemption for narrowly defined public-safety features on city projects.
