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Board upholds planning approvals in two Los Osos coastal appeals, rejecting water‑supply objections
Summary
The Board of Supervisors denied two appeals from the Los Osos Sustainability Group challenging planning‑hearing approvals for residential remodel and new single‑family home projects, finding adequate documentation (will‑serve letters, retrofit requirements) and affirming the hearing officer decisions.
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday denied appeals by the Los Osos Sustainability Group challenging planning‑hearing approvals for two properties in the Los Osos coastal area. Appellants argued the projects should not proceed because of concerns about groundwater sustainability and the adequacy of 'will‑serve' letters; staff recommended affirming the hearing‑officer approvals with updated retrofit and indemnity conditions.
Patrick McGivney, representing the Los Osos Sustainability Group, raised concerns about chloride levels, seawater intrusion and whether retrofit programs and will‑serve letters provide sufficient assurance of a sustainable basin. "There is no data to show that we are not in overdraft and that we have a sustainable basin," he said in his appeal presentation.
Planning staff responded that both projects are within the Urban Service Line or otherwise served by existing infrastructure, have valid will‑serve letters from Golden State Water Company, and are consistent with Title 19 retrofit requirements. Staff also noted county and basin monitoring that shows groundwater production declines and conservation efforts; staff added updated retrofit language and a standard indemnification condition to the approvals. Neighbors who live adjacent to one property supported the applicant and said the work would remedy an unlawful as‑built unit and address safety and maintenance issues.
After public comment and deliberation the board voted to deny the appeals and uphold the hearing officer approvals, adopting staff's revised findings and conditions.
Why it matters: The decisions affect coastal development approvals and reflect the board's current interpretation of data about the Los Osos basin's water supply and the sufficiency of local retrofit and monitoring measures.
What happens next: Appellants signaled they may appeal to the Coastal Commission; staff will incorporate the updated retrofit/indemnity conditions into permit approvals.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 4369, topfinish SEG 5229.
