San Luis Obispo is looking to make some big changes in the city which could include taller buildings, parking restrictions and tiny houses.
The San Luis Obispo City Council and a full house at City Hall discussed the zoning regulations update for almost five hours Tuesday, August 21st.
Many community members went before council members, some in favor of the developments and a denser population, but others wanting to preserve the city as they know it.
According to the city, the population is expected to grow to 60,000 people by 2035 at a measured 1% on average.
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It wants to create more housing and leaders are considering every option, big or small.
" The ability to build tiny homes may also provide for some people who aren’t able to afford to construct a tiny home on their property it may be a more feasible way to provide an accessory dwelling unit on that property," said Michael Codron, San Luis Obispo Community Development Director.
Tiny homes on wheels would be required to connect to city water, sewer and electricity connections. Size restrictions for dwelling accessories are continued to be discussed.
Some people were concerned that tiny homes would cause too much clutter in backyards.
The rezoning change also includes raising the maximum building height from 45 to 75 feet, but one person was worried that taller buildings would block the central coast’s world-famous views.
"The ability of people to enjoy the views of the mountains is something the city has long prized," said Stew Jenkins, San Luis Obispo resident.
Another man who spoke at the meeting thought a denser population would benefit the city in many ways.
"The more walkable and bikeable we can make the city, the less cars we will have on the streets, the more positives of having humans in close contact with each other will reap," said Ken Kienow, San Luis Obispo resident.
The city is also hoping people will transition to other modes of transportation specifically having only about half of the population to use personal cars and the rest to ride bikes, walk or use public transit. ?
