Council approves updated zoning code text to align with new state housing laws

The San Luis Obispo City Council approved a multi-part update to Titles 5, 16 and 17 of the municipal code to align local rules with recent state legislation and to clear long‑standing inconsistencies.

Senior planner David Amini and assistant planner Ethan Estrada told the council the package would clarify ADU and junior ADU rules (including height and setback clarifications and state-mandated exemptions from discretionary review), update minor urban lot-split language to reflect AB 1061, remove an outdated covenant requirement for accessory structures, and propose removing a mobile-home rent‑stabilization exemption in line with AB 2782. The staff report described the changes as largely housekeeping that would not alter existing project approvals in most cases.

Council members asked about implementation details. Staff said a new vendor-assisted compliance program helped reveal the homestay permit language gap and explained the proposed change would allow continued annual compliance checks. On mobile-home rent-stabilization, Assistant City Attorney Marky Kirsten clarified the draft amendment does not include retroactive rent-control language; the council asked staff to prepare a memo exploring retroactivity and legal risks before making any retroactive changes.

Vice Mayor Francis moved to approve the staff recommendations along with a request for a follow-up memo regarding retroactive effect on mobile-home tenants; the motion passed 5-0. Council directed staff to return with additional analysis if the council later chooses to pursue retroactive treatment.